Celebrate Lunar New Year in Singkawang, The City of a Thousand Temples

Nestled in West Kalimantan, Singkawang is a city that boasts not only a nickname of "City of a Thousand Temples", but also a diverse and tolerant community. As one of the largest Chinatowns in Indonesia, Singkawang is a melting pot of different ethnicities, cultures and traditions.

As Chinese New Year and the Cap Go Meh celebration approach, Singkawang City is poised to become a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers.

This small city 152 kilometers from Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan, has many stories. Here are some interesting facts about Singkawang city that you need to know before visiting there.

5 Facts About Singkawang as the Largest Chinatown in Indonesia

Named as the “Most Tolerant City”

Setara Institute named Singkawang City as the most tolerant city in 2021. In fact, this city has always been in the top ranks for a similar award for at least the last 5 years.

Ethnic of Chinese descent from the Hakka (Kek) and Tio Ciu sub-ethnicities, they coexist with residents from the Dayak and Malay ethnicities to give birth to the acronym ‘Tidayu’.

Apart from that, Singkawang is also home to thousands of immigrants from Java, Madura, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and several other areas in Indonesia, when the government launched the Transmigration program in the 1960s.

From a stopover village to a tourist destination

Singkawang may be a relatively young city, having only been officially formed on October 17, 2001, but its history dates back centuries.

As a coastal town, Singkawang was just once a small stopover village for miners traveling to the mining center in Monterado (now in Bengkayang Regency).

However, these miners and traders over time decided to settle down and establish new settlements, making Singkawang a bustling and growing community. In 1959, Singkawang became the unofficial “capital” of Sambas Regency

Home to endless natural beauty and tourism options

While Singkawang is known for its cultural tourism that is steeped in Chinese heritage, the city also boasts a diverse options of natural attractions.

Visitors can take a trip to Batu Burung Beach and Pasir Panjang Beach to experience the coastal regions of Singkawang.

Batu Burung Beach is perfect for those who enjoy fishing and exploring by boat, while reveling in the refreshing sea breeze. Pasir Panjang Beach, on the other hand, stretches up to 3 kilometers and offers a perfect spot for a day of beach activities.

However, a visit to Singkawang wouldn’t be complete without visiting famous landmarks like Rumah marga or taking a stroll through the bustling Hong Kong Market area.

A foodie’s paradise of all kinds

When it comes to food, Singkawang is a city that truly offers something for everyone. One of the iconic snacks in Singkawang and other Chinatown areas in Kalimantan is Choi Pan or Chai Kwe, a sheet of rice flour dough filled with yam and dried shrimp, a treat loved by many. There are also vegetarian options filled with chives and taro.

With a diverse population, the culinary scene in Singkawang is equally varied. You can easily find restaurants serving a wide range of dishes including fresh seafood, savory noodles, beef meatballs, rujak, porridge, and mooncakes. Singkawang is a foodie's paradise with a variety of flavors to explore

Hosts the biggest Cap Go Meh Festival in Southeast Asia

Cap Go Meh 2023 is set to take place on February 5, 2023 or 15 days after the Chinese New Year, making it the perfect time to visit Singkawang. The Cap Go Meh Festival is a major event that marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations and is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. 

Every year, the festival attracts thousands of visitors and is often referred to as the biggest of its kind in Southeast Asia. One of the highlights of the festival is the procession of dozens of Tatung, who are believed to be the medium for the gods to descend to Earth.

The Tatung procession is unique to the Cap Go Meh celebration in Singkawang and can’t be found in mainland China.

With its diverse range of attractions, Singkawang is a destination that should be on every traveler's bucket list. If you're planning to visit Singkawang, it's important to be carefully prepared, including securing accommodation and transportation arrangements, especially if you plan on visiting during the Cap Go Meh Festival.

For tourists from outside West Kalimantan, the journey to Singkawang starts from Supadio Airport, Pontianak by taking the land route as far as 152 kilometers.

It takes about 4 hours to travel along the west side of Kalimantan island through Mempawah and Bengkayang areas. With a long route and uncertain road conditions, it is best to use a car rental service with a driver to make the trip safer and more comfortable.

TRAC pals can book a car rental service with a driver from TRAC when getting off the plane in Pontianak city. Regarding the quality of the driver, don't worry, TRAC pals will be served by professional and experienced drivers.

Moreover, TRAC drivers have also been equipped with defensive driving certificates so that the trip to Singkawang will be much safer.

For ease of booking, TRAC pals can do it through the TRACtoGo application. Immediately install the TRACtoGo application on Google Playstore or Apple App Store. And get various attractive promos in it.

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