Pontianak Equator Park, an educational tourist attraction that offers interesting information about the equator and complete facilities for tourists.
Pontianak, known as the Equator City, has unique and educational tourist attractions, one of which is the Pontianak Equator Park.
Located on the equator, this park is not only a tourist destination, but also an educational center that displays various interesting information about the imaginary line that divides the earth into the northern and southern hemispheres.
Khatulistiwa Park offers many facilities that make your visit more enjoyable, from charming natural views to adequate facilities. Here is a complete review of this tourist spot.
History of Pontianak Equator Park
The development of the Pontianak Equator Park began with the establishment of the Equator Monument by the Dutch colonial government in 1928. This monument, along with other Things to do in Pontianak, was erected as a symbol of Pontianak’s location right on the equator.
Initially, this monument was on the banks of the Kapuas River but was later moved to a more strategic location on Jalan Tanjungpura. The construction of this monument was part of the Dutch effort to understand astronomical phenomena related to the equator.
In addition to being an astronomical marker, the Equator Monument also serves as a scientific symbol that marks the difference between the northern and southern hemispheres. Pontianak is one of 14 cities in the world that is crossed by the equator, and the only one that is directly above this line.
In the Equator Park area, there are two monuments marking the zero degree latitude line. The smaller original monument is inside the main building, while the larger duplicate monument stands outside the building. This uniqueness adds to the attraction of the park, both as a tourist attraction and an educational one.
Main Attractions & Charm of Khatulistiwa Park
Khatulistiwa Park is not only a place to see monuments, but also a park with various educational attractions. Some of them are:
1. Equator Museum
This museum houses various historical and scientific collections related to the equator. Visitors can see a replica of a VOC ship that stopped in Pontianak in the 18th century, as well as a world map showing the equator. This museum also exhibits photographs of Indonesian leaders who have visited this place.
2. Zero Kilometer Monument of Indonesia
The Zero Kilometer Monument in this park is the starting point for calculating distances between cities in Indonesia. This monument is circular with a pillar in the middle decorated with the Garuda Pancasila symbol. This monument is often a favorite photo spot for tourists, because of its uniqueness as a park icon .
3. Flower Garden
Khatulistiwa Park also has a flower garden planted with various types of tropical flowers. This spot is very beautiful and suitable for use as a photo background. The beauty of these flowers is a special attraction for visitors who want to rest or just enjoy the beauty of nature.
Activities and Attractions at Khatulistiwa Park
In addition to its main attractions, Khatulistiwa Park also offers various activities that visitors can enjoy:
1. Exploring Two Tugu Monuments
The park has two monuments as markers of the zero degree latitude line. The smaller original monument is inside the large monument complex, while the duplicate monument is five times larger and is located outside the building.
Inside the monument, there are four towering belian wooden pillars. On the rear pillar is a circle symbol that says “Evenaar,” which means equator in Dutch.
2. Culmination of the Equator Monument
One of the most unique attractions of the Equator Park is the culmination phenomenon, which is the moment when the sun is directly above the equator. For a few seconds, the shadows of the monument and surrounding objects, including the shadows of visitors, will disappear.
This phenomenon occurs twice a year, namely on March 21–23 and September 21–23. During the culmination moment, the park is crowded with local and foreign tourists who want to witness this rare event.
The park management also holds a culmination festival with various interesting events. Visitors who attend this event also receive the Equator Crossing Charter as a souvenir.
3. Educational Astronomy Tour
Equatorial Park is not only interesting from a historical perspective, but also from a scientific aspect. Visitors can learn various astronomical facts through the symbols on the monument.
For example, there is an arrow symbol indicating the north-south direction, as well as a plate that reads 109 degrees 20’0” OlvGR which indicates the position of the monument based on Greenwich Mean Time.
On certain events, the park also hosts a mini planetarium exhibition that allows visitors to learn more about astronomy and natural phenomena related to the equator.
4. Standing Upright Eggs
Another unique phenomenon at the Equator Monument is the ability to stand an egg without being held. Tourists can prove this gravitational force phenomenon by placing an egg on the floor, which will then stand upright naturally. This phenomenon can only occur around the equator, adding to the scientific appeal of this place.
Facilities at Khatulistiwa Park
As one of the popular tourist destinations in Pontianak, Khatulistiwa Park has adequate facilities to support visitor comfort. Some of the facilities available in this park include:
- Clean and well maintained toilets
- Prayer room for worship
- Food stalls that provide various local dishes
- Large parking area
- Interesting photo spots for taking fun photos
- Tourist boat on the Kapuas River to enjoy the river view
- Green and beautiful garden area
The Charm of Sunset at Khatulistiwa Park
Towards the evening, visitors can enjoy the charm of the sunset from the pier on the banks of the Kapuas River which is near the Equator Monument. The reflection of the evening sun on the calm surface of the river creates an extraordinarily beautiful panorama.
This moment is often used by tourists to take pictures or simply enjoy the tranquility of the afternoon atmosphere in Pontianak. Pontianak Equator Park is an educational tourist destination that offers more than just natural beauty.
With historical attractions, scientific phenomena, and exciting activities such as solar culmination and astronomy tours, this park is the perfect place to visit with family or friends.
Don’t miss the chance to witness the shadowless phenomenon, learn about the equator, and enjoy the complete facilities provided. Along with nearby Tourist Attractions in Singkawang, make sure Pontianak Equator Park is on your list of places to visit when you are in Pontianak!