Pekanbaru

Pekanbaru is the capital of Riau province, located on the Siak River in central-eastern Sumatra. It is a major hub for Indonesia's oil and palm oil industries, one of the country's wealthiest cities outside Java. The city is an important trading center with a strong Malay cultural identity. While Pekanbaru has few major tourist attractions, it is a gateway to the Kampar River (one of the world's fastest-flowing rivers, famous for white-water rafting) and to Tanjung Buton and other Riau coastal areas.

By plane

Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport (PKU) serves flights from Jakarta, Medan, Batam, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and other cities. It is about 10 km south of the city center.

By bus

Bandar Raya Payung Sekaki Terminal is Pekanbaru's main bus terminal, with services to Padang (6 hours), Bukittinggi (5 hours), Medan (12 hours), Jambi (8 hours), and Batam.

By car

Pekanbaru is connected to the Trans-Sumatra Highway network. The drive to Bukittinggi takes about 5 hours, to Medan 12 hours.

By boat

Pekanbaru's Sungai Siak port has some river transport connections, though most travelers reach the city overland or by air.

Ride-hailing apps (Gojek, Grab) are commonly used. Taxis are available at the airport and main hotels. Angkot (public minivans) run fixed routes. The city is spread out; private transport is most convenient.

The An-Nur Great Mosque (Masjid Agung An-Nur), one of the largest mosques in Southeast Asia with a striking gold-tiled dome. The Siak Sri Indrapura Palace (Istana Siak Sri Indrapura) in nearby Siak (about 2 hours east), a magnificent 19th-century Malay sultan's palace blending Malay, Arabic, and European architecture. The Riau Main Stadium and its surroundings. Pasar Bawah, the traditional market. The Sang Nila Utama Museum, showcasing Riau Malay cultural and artistic heritage. The Muara Takus Buddhist temple complex (about 3 hours north), an 11th-century Srivijayan temple site.

White-water rafting on the Kampar River, known for Class II–IV rapids and a 480 km length making it one of the world's longest raftable rivers. Explore the Siak River and visit the Siak Palace district. Visit the Angso Duo Island on the coast of Dumai. Take a river cruise on the Siak River. Shop at the modern malls — Pekanbaru is a good shopping city with a large Chinese community.

Pekanbaru's cuisine is a mix of Malay, Minangkabau, and Javanese influences. Gulai ikan patin (catfish curry with pineapple and turmeric) is the signature dish. Mie sagu (sago noodles), mie goreng Riau, nasi uduk Melayu, gulai kambing (goat curry), and otak-otak (grilled fish cakes) are popular. Seafood is excellent in the coastal areas.

Es kacang merah (red bean iced drink), es campur, and fresh young coconut water are local favorites. Malay coffee culture is present but less intense than in Aceh or Sumatra's highlands.

Pekanbaru has many hotel options for business travelers. Budget options cost Rp 150,000–400,000. Mid-range hotels (Grand Suka, Novotel, Premier Pekanbaru) cost Rp 400,000–800,000. Luxury hotels (The Premiere, Four Points by Sheraton, Aryaduta Pekanbaru) cost USD 70–150.

Pekanbaru is a good place to buy Malay batik, traditional songket, and Riau handicrafts. Pasar Bawah is the traditional market. Pekanbaru malls (SKA Co. Ex, Mal Pekanbaru, Ciputra Seraya) offer modern retail. Local products include patin (fish), durian, and pineapple-based goods from Kampar.

From Pekanbaru, head to Bukittinggi (5 hours by bus) or to the Siak Palace (2 hours east). The Kampar River rafting trips start about 2 hours north. Fly to Jakarta, Medan, Batam, or Singapore. Continue north to Dumai (3 hours) for ferry connections to Malacca and Batam. East Sumatra's coastal areas offer traditional Malay fishing villages.