Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Pekanbaru, the capital of Indonesia’s Riau province, is a city rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty. Whether you’re an adventurer seeking unexplored caves or a foodie looking to savour authentic Indonesian cuisine, the things to do in Pekanbaru has something for everyone. Often overlooked by travellers, it offers a unique blend of traditional Malay culture, historical landmarks, and modern attractions. The city is also a gateway to natural attractions like Siak River and nearby islands. With its lively markets and local cuisine, Pekanbaru provides a unique and vibrant experience for travelers.
Top 11 Things To Do In Pekanbaru
These top 11 things to do in Pekanbaru, Indonesia, combine history, modernisation, and scenic beauty for a memorable experience during the trip:
1. Visit Masjid Agung An-Nur Pekanbaru
Photo: Konevi / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Pekanbaru, Masjid Agung An-Nur is a must-visit landmark. Known for its breathtaking architecture, this mosque is often compared to the Taj Mahal due to its grand design and reflecting pool. The mosque, built in 1968, serves as a central place for religious gatherings and events. It also houses several religious institutions, including the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI).
Location: Jl. Hangtuah, Sumahilang, Kec. Pekanbaru Kota, Kota Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia
Timings: 4 AM – 9 PM
Suggested Read: The Ultimate Guide To The Best Places To Visit In Indonesia
2. Go To Asian Heritage Pekanbaru
Photo: Dom J / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
If you dream of experiencing Japan, South Korea, and China in one place, Asian Heritage Pekanbaru is the perfect destination. Opened in 2021, this cultural park brings the beauty of East Asia to Indonesia with replicas of famous landmarks like the Great Wall of China, Jeju Village, and Little Tokyo. Visitors can stroll through beautifully themed streets, wear traditional costumes such as hanbok and kimono, and enjoy a variety of Asian delicacies at the floating market.
Location: Jl. Yos Sudarso No.KM.12, RW.05, Muara Fajar, Kec. Rumbai, Kota Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
3. Enjoy At Taman Wisata Alam Mayang
Photo: Chongkian / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Taman Wisata Alam Mayang is one of surreal things to see in Pekanbaru, one of the most famous recreational parks. Located in Tenayan Raya, this park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, horse riding, water biking, and even an adventure playground for kids. It’s a perfect spot for families, couples, and friends looking for a relaxing day out. The park also hosts festivals, live music performances, and yearly fishing competitions.
Location: Jl. Imam Munandar taman rekreasi alamayang No.depan, Tengkerang Tim., Kec. Tenayan Raya, Kota Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Suggested Read: Indonesian Islands You Should Visit For Breathtaking Views
4. Enjoy A Panoramic Hilltop View At Bukit Wisata Kelok Indah
Photo: Mikhail Nilov / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
For breathtaking panoramic views, head to Bukit Wisata Kelok Indah, one of the best things to do in Pekanbaru. Perched on a hilltop, this spot offers stunning sights of uncharted Indonesian islands and a serene lake. Some locals have built decorative photo platforms, including a plane-shaped one, perfect for unique pictures. The best time to visit is at sunrise or sunset when the sky transforms into a canvas of beautiful colours.
Location: 8V32+8XC, Jl. Bangkinang – Payakumbuh, Tj. Alai, Kec. XIII Koto Kampar, Kabupaten Kampar, Riau, Indonesia
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
5. Take A Splash At Riau Fantasi Waterpark
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
As Sumatra’s largest waterpark, Riau Fantasi offers a fun-filled day for all ages. With affordable entry prices, visitors can enjoy thrilling slides, a lazy river, and even a 15-meter vertical drop slide for adrenaline seekers. The park is well-maintained, with staff ensuring safety and smooth operations. Since it’s not as crowded as other major waterparks, you can enjoy the rides without long waiting times. Whether you’re racing down water slides with friends or simply floating in the lazy river.
Location: Jl. Labersa, Simpang Tiga, Kec. Siak Hulu, Kabupaten Kampar, Riau, Indonesia
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Suggested Read: Top Indonesia Beaches Where You Can Soak Up The Sun
6. Hang Around Perpustakaan Wilayah Soeman HS
Photo: Rafael Cosquiere / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
If you ever wonder about what to do in Pekanbaru, you can also visit the iconic public library, Perpustakaan Wilayah Soeman HS. This public library opened in 2020 and quickly became an attraction for locals, especially due to its unique architectural design, which is shaped like an open book, luxurious structure, and complete facilities. The library features multiple visitor rooms, including Bilik Tenas Effendy, Bilik Melayu, meeting rooms, seminar rooms, and a dedicated kids’ room.
Location: Jl. Jend. Sudirman No.462, Jadirejo, Kec. Sukajadi, Kota Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia
Timings: Monday–Friday until 15:00 WIB; weekends until 12:00 WIB
7. Try Pekanbaru’s Authentic Food
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Like many cities in Indonesia, Pekanbaru boasts a rich culinary heritage influenced by Sumatran and Malay flavours. These offer a variety of dishes packed with bold spices and unique tastes that define the region’s food culture. One of the must-try dishes is Nasi Lemak, a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and typically served with sambal, anchovies, and boiled eggs. For those with a sweet tooth, Dodol Kedondong, a chewy delicacy made from kedondong fruit, and Lempok Durian, a sticky treat similar to dodol but made with durian, are local favourites. Savouring these delicacies is one of the amazing things to do in Pekanbaru.
Location: Various street food stalls, traditional markets, and local restaurants
Suggested Read: Best Food In Indonesia
8. Wander Through Pasar Bawah
Photo: Tom Fisk / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Pasar Bawah is a living museum of Pekanbaru’s cultural heartbeat. Dating back to the 1700s, this riverside shopping haven blends heritage architecture with a vibrant mix of goods. From antique ceramics and imported snacks to batik textiles and local crafts, each stall tells a story. Anytime during the day is a great time to visit, with the revitalisation project nearing completion and energy in the air. Whether you’re hunting for souvenirs or soaking in the old-world charm, Pasar Bawah is a must for curious wanderers.
Location: Pasar bawah pasar wisata, Kampung Dalam, Senapelan, Pekanbaru City, Riau, Indonesia
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
9. Shop At SK Mall Pekanbaru
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
SKA Mall is Pekanbaru’s modern playground for retail therapy, entertainment, and family fun. With six floors packed with global brands like H&M, Nike, and Gramedia, a cinema, ice skating rink, and food courts, it’s a one-stop destination for all ages. The festive sales and cooler weather make mall-hopping even more enjoyable. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee or catching a movie among things to do in Pekanbaru at night, SKA Mall delivers a polished yet lively experience.
Location: Jl. Soekarno – Hatta No.114, Delima, Kec. Tampan, Kota Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
Suggested Read: Top Shopping Malls In Indonesia
10. Explore Art At Anjung Seni Idrus Tintin
Photo: D.W. Fisher-Freberg / Wikimedia Commons
Any Pekanbaru Travel Guide would have a mention of Anjung Seni Idrus Tintin, where Pekanbaru’s artistic soul takes center stage. This striking yellow building, rich in Malay motifs, hosts music, dance, and theater performances that celebrate Riau’s cultural legacy. Named after the legendary artist Idrus Tintin, the venue sits within the Bandar Seni Raja Ali Haji complex. It also boasts a 600-seat auditorium with international-standard acoustics. This place often brings cultural festivals and exhibitions, making it perfect to witness local creativity in full bloom.
Location: FFH4+59R, Tangkerang Selatan, Jalan Jenderal Sudirman, Simpang Tiga, Bukit Raya, Simpang Tiga, Kec. Bukit Raya, Kota Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM (Closed on Sundays)
11. Marvel At Rumah Singgah Tuan Kadi
Photo: Emre Can Acer / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Step back in time at Rumah Singgah Tuan Kadi, a beautifully preserved wooden house that once hosted visiting Sultans from the Siak Kingdom. Built in 1896 and perched beside the Siak River, this heritage site showcases traditional Malay architecture with its limas-style roof and raised platform. Inside, vintage photographs and classic furnishings evoke early 20th-century Pekanbaru. The soft sunlight during dawn and dusk make it an ideal moment to explore this quiet gem, one of the popular and historical places in Indonesia.
Location: GCRQ+5WC, Kampung Bandar, Senapelan, Pekanbaru City, Riau, Indonesia
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM
Suggested Read: Indonesia Nightlife
More Things To Do Around Pekanbaru
Here are some more things to do around Pekanbaru, adding on to your varied experiences during your trip to Indonesia.
1. Explore Tujuh Serangkai Caves
Photo: Jacub Gomez Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Hidden deep in Rambah Village, the Tujuh Serangkai Caves offer an exciting off-the-beaten-path adventure. Getting there requires trekking through dense vegetation and crossing rivers, making it a thrilling experience for explorers. These high-ceiling caves are home to colonies of bats, adding a mysterious and eerie atmosphere to the surroundings.
Distance From Pekanbaru: 190 km
Location: Rambah village, Kampar, Riau, Indonesia
2. Be A History Geek At Istana Kerajaan Siak
Photo: Wagino 20100516 / Wikimedia Commons
History enthusiasts will love visiting Istana Kerajaan Siak, the former royal palace of the Siak Sultanate. Located about two hours from Pekanbaru, this grand palace showcases a stunning blend of Malay, European, and Islamic architecture. Inside, visitors can explore the luxurious royal chambers and view fascinating artefacts such as antique mirrors, weapons, ceramics, and traditional clothing. The palace also holds the famous “black box,” a mysterious artefact said to contain historical secrets.
Distance From Pekanbaru: 106 km
Location: Sri indrapura, Kp. Dalam, Kec. Siak, Kabupaten Siak, Riau, Indonesia
Suggested Read: Explore Monuments In Indonesia
3. Explore The 1000-Year-Old Remnants Of Muara Takus
Photo: Taufik Hadris / Wikimedia Commons
Unleash your inner Indiana Jones at Muara Takus Temple, a Buddhist temple believed to have been built in the 11th century. It’s impressive how well-preserved it is, showing minimal wear and tear despite its age. While you can’t interact with the structures as they are cordoned off for preservation, you can take as many photos as you like. Alternatively, you can simply admire the intricate architectural details—seeing how straight-edged bricks were arranged to form rounded corners is fascinating. Visiting this temple is one of the best things to do in Indonesia.
Distance From Pekanbaru: 120 km
Location: Kampar Regency, Riau province, Sumatra, Indonesia
With its blend of cultural, historical, and natural attractions, there are plenty of things to do in Pekanbaru for every type of traveller. Whether you’re exploring ancient temples, enjoying thrilling water rides, or indulging in delicious local food, Pekanbaru promises a memorable adventure. If you’re planning a trip, let TripXL help you craft the perfect itinerary and make the most of your visit to this vibrant Indonesian city.
Cover Photo: Simon Migaj / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
