Things To Do
in Pekanbaru
Pekanbaru is the capital city of Riau province in Indonesia. It is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with traditional music and dance performances held regularly. The city is also a hub for the oil and gas industry, with many companies operating in the area.
Pekanbaru is home to beautiful parks and green spaces, offering residents and visitors a relaxing escape from city life.
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Apa kabar?" - How are you?
- "Sama-sama" - You're welcome
- "Selamat malam" - Good evening
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $2 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.30 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Great Mosque of An-Nur, a stunning example of modern Islamic architecture. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and capture beautiful photos.
Head to the Museum Sang Nila Utama to learn about the history and culture of Riau. The museum features various artifacts and exhibits that reflect local heritage.
Wrap up your day at Pasar Bawah, a bustling marketplace. Sample local street food and shop for traditional crafts and souvenirs.
Begin your morning at the botanical gardens in Taman Hutan Raya. Stroll through lush greenery and admire a variety of tropical plants.
Visit the nearby Riau Forest and enjoy a guided trek through its natural beauty. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife and take in the peaceful surroundings.
End your day at the local park, enjoying a picnic or watching the sunset. The park is an ideal spot to unwind after a day of exploration.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with diverse influences from various ethnic groups.
- Strategic location close to natural resources and major trade routes.
- Growing economy with opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, and services.
- Pleasant tropical climate suitable for agriculture and outdoor activities.
- Access to beautiful natural landscapes, including rivers and nearby forests.
- Traffic congestion and inadequate public transportation systems.
- Environmental issues such as air pollution and deforestation.
- Limited access to modern healthcare facilities compared to larger cities.
- Infrastructural challenges, including inconsistent electricity and water supply.
- Risk of natural disasters such as flooding during the rainy season.
Best Activities in Pekanbaru
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Nature park with walking trails, lakes, and a variety of flora and fauna
Elephant park offering elephant rides and educational shows
Recreational park with picnic areas, paddle boats, and mini zoo
Botanical garden featuring a diverse collection of flowers and plants
Tours
Uncover the best of Pekanbaru with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Pekanbaru
Visit one of these nice places.
A riverfront park with beautiful views and photo opportunities overlooking the Siak River.
A popular amusement park with various attractions and scenic spots for capturing memorable photos.
A serene natural park offering stunning views of greenery, flora, and fauna, ideal for nature photography.
Food in Pekanbaru
Pekanbaru Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A savory noodle soup with a rich and spicy coconut milk-based broth, often topped with prawns, eggs, and fresh herbs. Try it at the bustling Pasar Bawah market.
Must-Try!
A slow-cooked, flavorful beef dish rich in spices like galangal, ginger, and lemongrass. Look for this signature Minangkabau dish at Rumah Makan Padang Pariaman.
A vibrant salad of mixed vegetables with a peanut sauce dressing, offering a refreshing and flavorful option. Sample it at street food stalls along Jalan Diponegoro.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Pekanbaru better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market is a treasure trove of local delicacies including fresh produce, spices, and street food stalls offering an array of flavors and textures.
A lively night market where you can dive into a flavorful world of local street food, from grilled satay to sweet treats like martabak and es teler.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
When meeting someone in Pekanbaru, it is respectful to shake hands and offer a slight bow as a sign of respect.
In Pekanbaru, showing respect towards elders is highly valued. It is customary to use polite language and gestures when interacting with older individuals.
In Indonesian culture, the left hand is considered unclean. It's important to use the right hand for gestures such as giving and receiving objects, eating, and shaking hands.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Pekanbaru with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Pekanbaru
Ensure a smooth experience
In Pekanbaru, tipping is not a common practice. Some upscale restaurants and hotels may include a service charge, but tipping is not expected otherwise.
Cash is widely used for daily transactions in Pekanbaru. Credit and debit cards are accepted in larger establishments, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller vendors and local markets.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Pekanbaru.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Pekanbaru with lower humidity and less rainfall. Ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Expect higher humidity and frequent rainfall, making outdoor activities more challenging. However, this season is great for experiencing lush greenery and cultural events.
Pekanbaru at Night
Hiking in Pekanbaru
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking spot offering scenic views and a moderate trail that is suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers.
A beautiful nature park with various hiking trails, lush greenery, and the opportunity to see local wildlife.
A mountain hike known for its challenging trails and breathtaking panoramic views from the summit.
An urban park with walking paths and small hiking trails, ideal for casual hikes and family outings.
A protected forest area with trails that allow hikers to enjoy the rich biodiversity of the region.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Pekanbaru through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Pekanbaru by plane.
The main airport serving Pekanbaru, Indonesia.
Located in Medan, North Sumatra, this is the second largest airport near Pekanbaru.
The largest airport in Indonesia, located in Jakarta, approximately 1,000 km from Pekanbaru.
Located in Batam, Riau Islands, it serves as an international gateway and is approximately 1 hour from Pekanbaru by flight.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Pekanbaru, primarily consisting of descendants of migrants from Java Island.
An indigenous ethnic group known for their matrilineal culture, originally from West Sumatra.
A significant ethnic group in Pekanbaru, representing the local population with a distinct language and culture.
An ethnic group from North Sumatra, known for their unique customs and traditions.
A smaller yet influential community, involved in various sectors such as business and trade.
Migrants from West Java, contributing to the cultural diversity of the city.
Includes smaller groups such as Banjarese, Acehnese, and others who have settled in the area.
The Soul of Pekanbaru
Discover the essence of Pekanbaru through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A highly popular team sport played in Pekanbaru, with numerous local clubs and a strong following among the community.
Widely played across Indonesia, badminton is a favorite sport in Pekanbaru, with many facilities and clubs dedicated to training.
Basketball has gained popularity in Pekanbaru, especially among the youth, with various courts available in schools and community centers.
A common sport played in schools and local tournaments, volleyball is enjoyed by many in Pekanbaru.
Various forms of martial arts, including Pencak Silat, are practiced in Pekanbaru, reflecting the local culture and tradition.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Pekanbaru.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional dishes may contain meat, many restaurants and street food stalls offer vegetarian options, such as Gado-Gado, a vegetable salad with peanut sauce, and Sayur Lodeh, a coconut-based vegetable stew.
Though soy sauce and fried items are prevalent in Indonesian cuisine, some restaurants are accommodating to gluten-free dietary needs, and it's advisable to communicate your requirements clearly for tailored options.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Pekanbaru with these cultural adventures.
