Indonesia · 2026 itinerary
Singkawang 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Singkawang: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
A small central park by the Kapuas River, with shaded benches, a jogging track, and a children's playground. Good for a brief rest after the market. Free, no facilities.
🕐 Daily 06:00-22:00 (gate closes at 22:00)
Free entry💡 Best at sunset when the river breeze cools the air. Grab an es campur (shaved ice dessert) from the cart near the entrance—5,000 IDR.
Hotels near Taman Alun-Alun Kapuas →Singkawang's oldest Chinese Buddhist temple, built in 1884. Intricate carvings, incense-filled halls, and a courtyard with a Kwan Kong statue. Free entry, but donations appreciated.
🕐 Daily 06:00-18:00
Free entry💡 Come during the Cap Go Meh festival (February) for the spectacular lion dance parade—arrive by 8am to get a spot. Photographs allowed, but no flash inside.
Hotels near Vihara Tri Dharma Bumi Raya →MAITREYA · ££
Kopi Tiam Rusen · ££
Deeper Into Singkawang
A large, ornate mosque with striking golden domes and minarets, reflecting the city's multicultural character. Non-Muslims can enter the prayer hall outside prayer times.
🕐 Daily 07:00-21:00 (prayer breaks 30 mins)
💡 Dress modestly—long sleeves and sarongs are available at the entrance. Friday noon is busy, but weekday mornings are quiet for photos.
The main traditional market in central Singkawang. A chaotic, lively hub where Chinese-Indonesian and Dayak traders sell fresh produce, spices, and street food every morning.
🕐 Daily 5:00-12:00
💡 Go around 6-7am for the best selection of local snacks like 'kue lapis' and 'bika ambon'. Avoid midday heat—most stalls pack up by noon.
Bakso Sapi Bakmi Ayam 68
ShiFoods
Final Favourites & Departure
A long public beach about 6km west of town, with dark sand and calm waves. Locals come for sunset picnics and evening warung food stalls. Entry is free, but par
💡 Bring mosquito repellent at dusk. The best sate ayam (chicken satay) is at the warung near the main gate—try the peanut dipping sauce.
Choi Pan
Mixue
Getting Around Singkawang
Download Gojek before you arrive – Grab has fewer drivers here. Pay in cash if your card won't link. Short hops across town rarely exceed IDR 15,000.
Buses leave only when full. If you miss the 6am run, the next might idle until 8am. From the terminal, grab an ojek (motorbike taxi) to the hotel – about IDR 15,000 and 10 minutes.
Buy a fixed-price ticket at the official counter inside arrivals. Skip drivers who approach you outside – they often quote double.
Yellow angkot route covers Jalan Diponegoro. Wave it down anywhere along the route. Tell the driver 'My Room Hotel' – they know it. No fixed stops, just tap the roof when you want off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Singkawang?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Taman Alun-Alun Kapuas and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Singkawang?
See our full best time to visit Singkawang guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Hotel Hong Kong Inn, Home base skw, OYO 3098 Hotel Sahabat Baru. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.