The Equator passes through twelve countries in the world, but only one city.
That one city, is Pontianak.
So, no matter why or how you found yourself in Indonesia, West Kalimantan province's capital city, do come to Pontianak's Equator Monument.
You are already here, why not?
来都来了.
The Equator is an imaginary line around the circumference of the globe that separates the northern and southern hemispheres.
So here, you can stand on one foot in the northern hemisphere and the other in the southern hemisphere.
As mentioned, while the 40,075km long Equator line runs through twelve countries around the world, the only city on the Equator is Pontianak.
The spot was first marked in 1928 by a team of geographers from the Netherlands. Indonesia was then part of the Dutch East Indies, part of the Dutch empire (1600 - 1949).
A single wooden pole with a north pointing arrow was put up to mark the spot.
The spot is near the Sungai Kapuas river, 3km from Pontianak city centre.
Ten years later in 1938, the marker was upgraded to its present form. The single pole was removed and in its place, four kayu belian or Borneo ironwood poles, two shorter ones at 3.05m and two taller ones at 4.4m tall were installed.
A globe and arrow were mounted on top of the taller poles.
Borneo ironwood is one of the strongest and hardest wood in the world. It is long lasting and termite proof. Widely used in building houses, furniture and even as foundation pillars for concrete structures like bridges.
In 1990, a dome was built over the original monument and a five times larger replica built over it, outside.
The dome serves as a visitor centre and museum where we can view the original monument.
The best times to visit the Equator Monument are during the Vernal Equinox (March 21st-23rd), and the Autumnal Equinox (September 21st-23rd). On these special days every year, for five minutes, Pontianak will be shadowless as the sun will be directly above the city.
Johor Kaki was here.
Double confirmed, chopped and certified. Will be back to this amazing city in the sun ☀️
On a side note, there is another Equator Monument replica at the Pontianak Waterfront along Sungai Kapuas river.
Equator Monument • Khatulistia Park
Address: Jl. Khatulistiwa No.Kel, Batu Layang, Kec. Pontianak Utara, Kota Pontianak, Kalimantan Barat 78244, Indonesia
Entrance fee: Indonesians Rp10k | Foreigners Rp20k
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