Mempawah is an interesting town on a small peninsula on the coast of West Kalimantan. It is the former capital of the Mempawah Malay Kingdom and is connected by highway to the provincial capital, Pontianak.
The town comes with many worthwhile attractions and is good for a daytrip from Pontianak. These include the Amantubillah Palace of Mempawah and the nearby Opu Daeng Manambon Grave, the resting place of the founder of the Mempawah Empire.
Kijing Beach and Temajoh Island are two nearby attractions. The beach has white sand and slopes gently. There is also some decent trekking in the area and boat trips along the coast are worthwhile.
Getting There & Away
The best way in is by bus along the coastal Pontianak to Singkawang highway - a journey of about 65kms taking 2 hours. Pontianak has the main airport in West Kalimantan with daily flights from Semarang’s airport on Java (90 minutes).
Things to Do
Mempawah Attractions
- Palace of King Melayu Mempawah
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The main attraction in mempawah was rebuilt after fire in 1922.
Side trips from Mempawah
- Temajoh Island
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Just a few kilometers offshore, this pretty island is perfect for recreation and has fantastic seafood.
- Kijing Beach
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Located within reach of mempawah, this beach has nice white sand, good swimming and is safe for kids.