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Equator Monument Pontianak

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Equator Monument (Tugu Khatulistiwa) in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, marks the exact location of the Earth's equator on the island of Borneo. The first version of the monument was built in 1928 by a Dutch geographer using simple tools, consisting of a wooden pole with an arrow. Over the decades, specifically in 1930, 1938, and 1990, the structure was enlarged and modernized, with the current large building acting as a protective shell for the original historical pillar inside. Twice a year, during the equinoxes in March and September, a unique solar phenomenon occurs here where objects do not cast shadows at noon because the sun is directly overhead. The monument is located about 3 kilometers north of Pontianak city center on the banks of the Kapuas River. It serves as a major tourist attraction and a scientific point of interest, symbolizing Pontianak's status as the only city in the world situated precisely on the equator.

Location: Indonesia
Top sights: Equator Monument · Masjid Al-Amin · MASJID NURUL HAMID

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	26	26	26	27	27	26	26	26	26	26	26	26
Rain mm	321	251	235	285	276	228	218	171	204	355	392	376

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Equator Monument in Pontianak is a public monument freely accessible at any time. It marks the exact line of the equator and is a popular photo spot. Entry is free; visitors can walk around the monument and read the inscriptions.

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Typical hours

As the monument is outdoors, it is accessible 24/7. The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon when the light is good and it is less hot. No lighting at night, so a daytime visit is recommended.

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Photography

Photography is allowed at any time; the monument and surrounding green space offer good subjects. For a fun photo, stand with one foot on each side of the equator line. Be mindful of traffic as the monument is by a road.

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Time needed

A visit takes about 10 to 15 minutes to view the monument and take photos. It makes a great short stop while exploring Pontianak.

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Combine with

The monument is in central Pontianak, near the Kadariah Palace and the Kapuas River. A walk along the river or a visit to the local market is recommended.

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Getting there

The monument is within walking distance from most hotels in Pontianak as it is in the city center. Taxis and local buses connect it to other parts of the city; renting a bicycle is also a good option.

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Insider tip

Visit the monument early in the morning to avoid crowds and get the best light. Bring a friend to take a photo of you balancing on the equator line.

Geography

Coordinates

-0.00100, 109.32400

Facts

First built in 1928
Zero shadow during equinox
Located on Kapuas River
Houses the original pillar
Only city directly on the equator
Modernized in 1990

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Pontianak2 km · NEExplore →

Kapuas River59 km · NExplore →

Mount Datu73 km · NWExplore →

Tanjung Datu National Park Coast85 km · NWExplore →

Lawas / Lake Tasik Biru (Bau)106 km · NWExplore →

Matang Wildlife Centre112 km · NWExplore →

Semenggoh Wildlife Centre124 km · NWExplore →

Kampung Pasir Pandak127 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Equator Monument Pontianak (7)

Equator Monument 🏺 historical

Equator Monument - A notable landmark in Pontianak marking the division between the northern and southern hemispheres on the equator.

Masjid Al-Amin 📍 landmark

Masjid Al-Amin - An Islamic mosque providing a spiritual center near the equator in Pontianak.

MASJID NURUL HAMID 📍 landmark

MASJID NURUL HAMID - A local mosque gathering the Muslim community in Pontianak for daily prayers.

Surau Trijaya ⛪ religious

Surau Trijaya - A modest Islamic prayer house situated in the Pontianak area.

Surau Nuruddin ⛪ religious

Surau Nuruddin - A community mosque and prayer hall serving residents of Pontianak.

Kelenteng Kam Thian Thai Tie 📍 landmark

Kelenteng Kam Thian Thai Tie - A Chinese folk religion temple showcasing traditional architecture in Pontianak.

Mushalla Al Mubarak ⛪ religious

Mushalla Al Mubarak - A neighborhood prayer room providing a quiet space for Muslims in Pontianak.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When do shadows disappear here?

During the equinoxes in March and September, the sun is directly overhead at noon.

Is the monument located exactly on the equator?

The original monument marked the equator, though the exact line has shifted slightly since.

Where exactly in Indonesia is this?

It is located in Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan on the island of Borneo.

Is there an entrance fee?

Entrance to the monument area is usually free or costs a very small symbolic fee.

What can you see there?

You can see the monument, a small museum, and the marking of the equatorial line.

Equator Monument Pontianak: where is it located?

Equator Monument Pontianak is located in Indonesia.

Equator Monument Pontianak: what is there to see?

Highlights include Equator Monument, Masjid Al-Amin, MASJID NURUL HAMID.

Equator Monument Pontianak: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Equator Monument Pontianak: why is it worth visiting?

The Equator Monument (Tugu Khatulistiwa) in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, marks the exact location of the Earth's equator on the island of Borneo.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Equator Monument Pontianak

Best time to visit & climate