There is a phrase you hear often when people talk about Singkawang: adem. It doesn’t just mean cool in temperature. It means peaceful, relaxed, and welcoming. Tucked away in West Kalimantan, this small city of about 250,000 people has long been a quiet symbol of Indonesian tolerance. But until recently, getting here required patience – a long drive from Pontianak or a winding bus ride.
That changed on November 23, 2024. That is the day Bandara Singkawang officially began commercial operations. For the first time, travelers can fly directly from Jakarta to the heart of this multicultural gem. And what they find upon landing is nothing short of surprising.
A Runway Built by Gotong Royong
Unlike most airports funded entirely by the central government, Bandara Singkawang tells a different story – one of community spirit. The current 2,000-meter runway (1,400 meters from state funds plus 600 meters from corporate social responsibility donations) is just the beginning. Even more impressive, over 50% of the airport’s 151-hectare land was donated by local residents as hibah (voluntary land grants).
Local entrepreneurs, some with no business interests in Singkawang at all, contributed simply out of a sense of love for their country and region. The terminal building itself was financed through CSR partnerships. When you walk through the gates, you are not entering a purely government project. You are stepping into a collective dream.
Currently, two airlines operate daily flights using Airbus 320 and Boeing 737-500 series. The route is simple: Jakarta–Singkawang–Jakarta. But the response has been overwhelming. According to local leaders, tickets are snapped up quickly, and there are already official requests to add new routes from Surabaya and Yogyakarta.
More Than Just an Airport: The Gateway to Harmony
Why the rush to fly here? Because Singkawang offers something rare in modern travel: authentic, daily multicultural harmony. This is a city where a mosque, a Catholic church, and a Buddhist vihara (temple) can stand on the same street without tension. Locals don’t just tolerate each other – they celebrate together.
The city is home to 17 different ethnic paguyuban (community associations). The three largest groups – Dayak, Malay, and Tionghoa – have lived side by side for generations. This is why Singkawang has been named Indonesia’s most tolerant city three years in a row.
For travelers, that means you can attend a Christmas celebration in December, join a Ramadan fair a few months later, and then witness the spectacle of Cap Go Meh – the largest tatung (spirit medium) festival in Southeast Asia – just weeks after that.
What to Do Once You Land
With Bandara Singkawang now operational, your itinerary can begin within 30 minutes of touchdown. Here are three experiences you should not miss:
1. The Vihara Tour (Yes, More Than 1,000)
Singkawang is nicknamed the “City of a Thousand Klenteng.” The oldest is Vihara Tridarma Bumi Raya in the city center. Here, you can try ciamsi (fortune sticks) to ask about health, business, or even love. For a more dramatic stop, visit the “Heaven and Hell” temple complex in Kolor – a unique Chinese-Indonesian religious site.
2. Beach Hopping Without the Crowds
Forget Bali’s traffic. At Pasir Panjang (Long Sand Beach), white sand meets clear blue water just 15 minutes from town. Unlike commercialized beaches, spots like Batu Belimbing remain natural – think coral, rocks, and local families swimming or fishing. No jet skis. No loud bars. Just peace.
3. Culinary Hunting: Chai Pan, Bak Chang, and Mooncake
You haven’t eaten in Singkawang until you’ve tried Chai Pan. These soft, translucent dumplings are filled with shredded turnip (bengkuang), chives, or bamboo shoots. No meat. Just flavor. For something heartier, order Bak Chang – glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves, sometimes dipped in palm sugar. And if you visit in September (the 15th day of the 8th lunar month), the city hosts a Mooncake Festival with fillings like red bean, mung bean, or salted egg yolk.
Festivals Every Month of the Year
The local government is actively turning Singkawang into a year-round event destination. Right now, the calendar includes:
- Cap Go Meh (January/February) – 16 days of parades, tatung performances, and thousands of visitors from across Asia.
- Bak Chang Festival (5th lunar month) – Celebrating the rice dumpling tradition.
- Mooncake Festival (8th lunar month, usually September) – A three-night street fair.
- Gawai Dayak Ngabayot – A Dayak harvest and gratitude ceremony.
- Singkawang Ramadan Fair & Christmas Day – Open to all, reflecting the city’s spirit.
The goal is to have at least one major festival every month, making any arrival date a good one.
What About Hotels and Infrastructure?
Early travelers often ask: Is Singkawang ready for tourists? The answer is yes, and improving daily. Two three-star hotels (Mahkota and Swiss-Belhotel) already operate, with a new Haris Hotel under discussion. Several smaller resorts and guesthouses are available, especially near Pasir Panjang.
Access roads to the airport are being widened, and a planned bypass will connect the “old city” to the “new city” areas. The master plan also includes extending the runway to 2,500 meters and widening it to 45 meters – a move that would allow international charter flights.
Why You Should Book That Flight Now
For years, Singkawang remained hidden because of transportation limits. Bandara Singkawang has removed that barrier. You can now leave Jakarta in the morning, eat Chai Pan for lunch, watch the sunset at Pasir Panjang, and be back in your hotel by dinner.
But the real reason to go is the feeling you get walking down streets where differences are not problems – they are decorations. In a world that often feels divided, Singkawang is proof that gotong royong (mutual cooperation) is not a museum piece. It is a working runway.
So pack light. Bring an open mind. And prepare to understand why locals smile when they say, “Singkawang itu adem.”
Final Tip for Travelers: Flight schedules can change seasonally. Always check with TransNusa or Super Air Jet for current departures from Jakarta (CGK) to Bandara Singkawang (SKJ). And if you hear about new routes to Surabaya or Yogyakarta – be the first to book.
