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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, a history enthusiast eager to delve into the past, 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 10 Things To Do In Pekanbaru
These top 10 things to do in Pekanbaru, Indonesia, combine history, modernisation, and scenic beauty for a memorable experience:
1. Visit Masjid Agung An-Nur Pekanbaru
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If you’re looking for a spiritual and cultural experience, Masjid Agung An-Nur is a must-visit landmark in Pekanbaru. 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).
Entrance Fee: N/A
Timings: 4 AM – 9 PM
2. Go To Asian Heritage Pekanbaru
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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.
Entrance Fee: IDR 30,000 (~INR 160)
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
3. 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.
Best Time To Visit: Dry season (April to October)
Entrance Fee: N/A
4. Enjoy Taman Wisata Alam Mayang
Photo: Chongkian / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Taman Wisata Alam Mayang is one of Pekanbaru 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.
Entrance Fee: IDR 20,000 (~INR 110)
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
5. Enjoy A Panoramic Hilltop View At Bukit Wisata Kelok Indah
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For breathtaking panoramic views, head to Bukit Wisata Kelok Indah. 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.
Entrance Fee: IDR 10,000 (~INR 55)
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
6. 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.
Entrance Fee: IDR 10,000 (~INR 55)
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
7. Take A Splash At Riau Fantasi Waterpark
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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.
Entrance Fee: IDR 50,000 (~INR 275)
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
8. Hang Around Perpustakaan Wilayah Soeman HS
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Besides recreational parks and historical places 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.
Timings: Monday–Friday until 15:00 WIB; weekends until 12:00 WIB
Entrance Fee: N/A
9. 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.
Address: Muara Takus, XIII Koto Kampar, Kampar Regency, Riau 28453, Indonesia
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
10. Try Pekanbaru’s Authentic Food
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Like many cities in Indonesia, Pekanbaru boasts a rich culinary heritage influenced by Sumatran and Malay flavours, offering 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.
Where To Try: Street food stalls, traditional markets, and local restaurants
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
