Singkawang, Chinese temples in Singkawang, Indonesia
Singkawang is a city in West Kalimantan that covers an area between Sambas Regency, Bengkayang Regency, and the coastline. The neighborhoods spread from the port area to the forested hills inland, with the older streets running closer to the water.
The settlement began in 1771 as a resting place for Chinese gold seekers and traders in the Sambas Kingdom territory. Over time it grew from a transit point into a permanent community with its own temples and markets.
The name comes from the Hakka phrase for "mountain and sea", reflecting the geography settlers found when they arrived. Temples and shop houses line the older streets, where many residents still speak Hakka dialects in daily conversation.
Travelers reach the city via a road of roughly 151 kilometers from Pontianak, passing through rural areas and smaller towns. Accommodation ranges from simple guesthouses to larger hotels spread across several neighborhoods.
The Cap Go Meh Festival includes the Tiga Gunung celebration, when locals light the city with lanterns and perform traditional ceremonies. Some participants walk barefoot over hot coals in a ritual meant to symbolize purification and fortune.
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