[2025 Pontianak Stay] Travel Guide for Aston Pontianak Hotel and Convention Center (Updated Apr)

🌍 Indonesia, a mystical country made up of numerous islands, is like a string of shimmering pearls scattered across the Indian Ocean. Each island boasts unique natural scenery and cultural heritage, attracting travelers from all over the globe. Whether it's dreamy beaches popular on social media, ancient ruins hidden deep in the jungle, or the wondrous experience of coexisting with rare Komodo dragons, Indonesia always captivates with its unparalleled charm. Now, let's embark on an in-depth exploration of Indonesia's popular attractions, unlocking these must-visit gems from east to west! ## Bali ### Must-See Attractions 🌴 **Jimbaran Beach**: One of Bali's iconic attractions, it features fine sand and crystal-clear waters, making it a perfect spot for sunset viewing and enjoying seaside leisure time. 🌋 **Ubud Palace**: Located in Ubud, Bali's cultural heart, this ancient palace is steeped in history and showcases Bali's unique traditional architectural style. ✨ **Sacred Monkey Forest**: Another popular spot in Ubud, this lush tropical rainforest is home to thousands of lively and adorable macaques. ## Lombok ### Must-See Attractions ⛰️ **Mount Rinjani**: One of Indonesia's most famous volcanoes, Mount Rinjani is an active volcano whose magnificent crater lake, Segara Anak Lake, resembles a dazzling sapphire embedded within the crater. 🏖️ **Kuta Lombok Beach**: Lombok's Kuta Beach shares a similar charm with Bali's Jimbaran Beach, boasting long stretches of white sand and clear blue waters. ## Komodo Island ### Must-See Attractions 🐉 **Komodo National Park**: This is the home of the world-renowned Komodo dragon, a rare species resembling a prehistoric creature, and a unique natural wonder of Indonesia. ## Sumatra ### Must-See Attractions 🌿 **Bukit Lawang**: Located in northern Sumatra, Bukit Lawang is a tourist destination brimming with pristine charm and ecological beauty. 🏞️ **Lake Toba**: One of the world's largest crater lakes, Lake Toba resembles a giant sapphire nestled in the heart of Sumatra. ## Pontianak ### Must-See Attractions 📍 **Equator Monument (Tugu Khatulistiwa)**: Pontianak's most iconic landmark. 🏞️ **Kapuas Square Park (Taman Alun Kapuas)**: Situated along the Kapuas River, it's a great place for Pontianak residents to relax and unwind. 🏛️ **Saint Joseph Cathedral**: Built in 1910, it is the largest Catholic church in Southeast Asia. 🕌 **Jami Mosque**: Built at the same time as the Kadriah Palace, it is the oldest mosque in Pontianak. 🏰 **Kadriah Palace (Keraton Kadriah)**: Built in 1771, it was the residence of the first sultan of the Pontianak Sultanate. ## Recommended Hotels in Pontianak 🏨 **Aston Pontianak Hotel & Convention Center**: A luxury hotel with complete facilities and excellent service. 🏨 **Mercure Pontianak**: An upscale hotel with a prime location, comfortable rooms, and exquisite dining services. 🏨 **ibis Pontianak City Center**: A comfortable hotel located in the city center, offering convenient transportation and numerous dining options nearby. ## Local Specialties in Pontianak 🍜 **Pengkang**: Made with glutinous rice, dried shrimp, and banana leaves, it has a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior. 🍹 **Aloe Vera Juice**: Pontianak is rich in aloe vera, and the aloe vera juice here is refreshing and nutritious. 🍤 **Seafood Feast**: As a coastal city, Pontianak is abundant in seafood. 🍲 **Traditional Indonesian Dishes**: Such as "soto banjar" and "sate kelapa." Wishing you a trip filled with joy and unforgettable memories in Indonesia! 🌟

Hey friends😜, I recently stayed at the Aston Pontianak Hotel & Convention Center in Pontianak, and the experience was simply amazing. I have to share it with you all~ 🌆 Prime Location, Ultimate Convenience The Aston Pontianak Hotel & Convention Center boasts an unbeatable location🌆. Situated in the bustling heart of Pontianak, it's surrounded by a vibrant commercial area, large shopping malls, and charming snack streets. Shopping sprees are just steps away, and authentic local flavors are readily available at every turn. Transportation is also super convenient, with public transport stations nearby, making it easy to explore every corner of the city. Exploring Pontianak becomes a breeze. 🏨 Exterior and Lobby: A Blend of Modern and Cozy The hotel's exterior exudes modern elegance with its clean lines and unique charm🏨. Stepping into the lobby, the warm lighting and comfortable furnishings instantly create a welcoming atmosphere. The front desk staff greets you with warm smiles, and the check-in process is quick and efficient. They also provide thoughtful information about the hotel's facilities and their usage, offering exceptional service. 🛏 Rooms: A Perfect Fusion of Comfort and Quality The comfort of the rooms is a delightful surprise🛏. The beds are as soft as clouds, with high-quality bedding that gently caresses your skin, ensuring a restful night's sleep. The rooms are spacious and well-designed, and the small sofa by the window is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the city views. Amenities such as TV and Internet access cater to all your entertainment needs. The bathrooms are clean and tidy, stocked with top-notch toiletries, and the showers offer a steady stream of water for a comfortable and relaxing experience. 🍱 Dining: A Diverse Culinary Feast The hotel's dining options are diverse and offer a true culinary feast🍱. The breakfast spread is so extensive that you'll be spoiled for choice, with Western-style bread and rich coffee to kickstart your day, as well as local specialties like flavorful Indonesian fried rice. Lunch and dinner menus feature exquisite dishes made with fresh ingredients and masterful culinary techniques. Whether you prefer meat or seafood, every dish is a feast for the senses. The elegant dining environment and attentive service elevate the dining experience to a new level. 🎯 Convention Center: A Model of Professionalism and Efficiency For business travelers, the convention center here is outstanding🎯. State-of-the-art conference facilities, including clear projectors and excellent sound systems, ensure smooth and successful meetings. The meeting spaces can be flexibly arranged to accommodate various needs, from large seminars to small business discussions. The professional and dedicated staff meticulously handles every detail, from pre-meeting preparations to on-site services. 💁 Service: Impeccable and Attentive Care The hotel staff's warmth and attentiveness are evident throughout your stay💁. They respond promptly to every request and go above and beyond to meet your needs. Once, I expressed interest in local attractions, and the staff not only provided detailed information about each spot but also helped me plan the best sightseeing route. This level of personalized service truly enhances the overall experience. Friends, if you're planning a trip to Pontianak, don't hesitate – the Aston Pontianak Hotel & Convention Center is a must-stay!

👍 Recommendation: Escape to a pristine wonderland and enjoy pure island time! 🏝️ Baturaja Island (Pulau Baturaja) is a hidden paradise tucked away in West Kalimantan. Compared to popular Indonesian islands like Bali or Lombok, Baturaja remains untouched by mass tourism, boasting pristine coastlines, untouched coral reefs, and azure waters. 📖 Online Rumors VS. Real Experience Many may not have heard of this place, and online information is scarce. However, it's a favorite getaway for Pontianak locals! If you're seeking true tranquility, an escape from commercialization, and a laid-back vacation on a pristine island, this is the perfect choice! 📌 Why Visit? ✅ Crystal-clear waters, soft sands, and abundant coral—spot turtles and colorful fish while snorkeling🐠! ✅ Uncrowded beauty, far from the hustle—unlike Bali's commercial scene, experience undisturbed island time🌿! ✅ Breathtaking sunset views—the setting sun paints the azure sea with stunning colors🌅! ⸻ 📅 Travel Guide: Best Time & Itinerary ⏳ Best Time to Visit ✔ April to October—Indonesia's dry season offers clear skies and crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and diving!🌊 ✔ November to March—The rainy season may bring occasional showers, but fewer crowds offer a more secluded experience! 📍 Recommended Visit Duration: 1 or 2 days/1 night 🚪 Must-See Highlights: ✅ Baturaja Island's main beach—stroll along the soft, white sand, feel the ocean breeze, and admire the blue sky and white clouds🌤️! ✅ Snorkeling & Diving—the well-preserved coral reefs are teeming with turtles, tropical fish, and vibrant coral🐢! ✅ Sunset at Sea—relax on the rocks and watch the sun dip below the horizon, the ultimate way to unwind🌅! ✅ Stargazing at Night—far from light pollution, Baturaja Island offers clear views of the Milky Way✨! 🚤 Classic Itinerary 🏨 Depart from Pontianak City (1.5-hour boat ride)🚤 📍 Arrive at Baturaja Island (beach stroll + photo ops📸) 🤿 Snorkeling/Diving (explore coral reefs, encounter turtles and tropical fish🐠) 🍽️ Enjoy Island BBQ (fresh seafood from local fishermen!🦐) 🌅 Watch the Sunset (wait for the afterglow on the rocks) 🏕️ Camp overnight or return to Pontianak (stay overnight on the island for the ultimate island experience🌙) ⸻ 🍽 Food Guide: Baturaja Island & Pontianak Specialties 🏝️ Island Recommendations • Grilled Fish & Grilled Squid (Ikan Bakar & Cumi Bakar)—freshly caught seafood grilled to perfection!🐟🔥 • Coconut Water (Es Kelapa Muda)—a must-try tropical refreshment🥥! • Indonesian Banana Fritters (Pisang Goreng)—crispy fried bananas with coconut palm sugar, a delicious treat🍌! 🍽️ Must-Eats in Pontianak City • Mie Kepiting (Crab Noodles)—delicious crab in rich broth, incredibly satisfying🦀! • Sate Pontianak (Pontianak Satay)—char-grilled skewers dipped in peanut sauce, a local delight😋! ⸻ 🏨 Accommodation Guide: Island & Pontianak Stays 🏝️ Island Accommodation (Camping Recommended) 📍 Island Camping Experience 🏕️—perfect for adventurous travelers, fall asleep to the sound of the waves🌊! 📍 Homestays with Fishermen 🏡—experience authentic Indonesian fishing village life, some fishermen offer basic accommodation! 🏨 Pontianak City Hotel Recommendations 🌟 Harris Hotel Pontianak—modern style, convenient location, ideal for city exploration! 🌟 Aston Pontianak Hotel & Convention Center—upscale hotel, perfect for vacations and relaxation! 🌟 Gajahmada Avara Boutique Hotel—stylish design, great value! 🚀 Tip: For sunrise and sunset views, stay overnight on the island and experience true pristine island life! ⸻ 💡 Other Tips ✔ Sunscreen: The Indonesian sun is strong, pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to avoid sunburn!🧴🕶️ ✔ Snorkeling Gear: Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them, rentals may not be hygienic!🤿 ✔ Cash: There are no ATMs on the island, exchange Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) in Pontianak City!💰 ✔ Eco-Friendly Travel: This is a pristine island, minimize plastic waste and protect the beautiful ocean🌿🌊! ⸻ ⏳ Summary: Is Baturaja Island Worth Visiting? ✅ Looking for a hidden gem? This is West Kalimantan's secret paradise! ✅ Want to see the clearest waters? The snorkeling here is amazing, rivaling the Maldives! ✅ Seeking true tranquility? Escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful island getaway! 🌊 Pack your sunscreen and dive into the azure waters for a true island escape!🏝️✨

This hotel reminds me so much of Surabaya Suites Hotel, at Plaza Surabaya. The interior and architecture, the warm lighting, they were probably built around the same era. The room was nice, and because it was an old style hotel, it was a large room (more than 30sqm). The latest hotels always have smaller rooms although with modern style. You can see the coffee shop from the glass-view of the elevator. They also had a chinese food restaurant, called Dynasty. The location was perfect, too. In Gajah Mada Street, at the city center. Price was surprisingly even cheaper than the budget hotel under the same Aston management, Neo Hotel.