Find various interesting tourist destinations in Pekanbaru that you must explore for an exciting and unforgettable holiday experience!
Pekanbaru, as the capital of Riau Province, is not only the center of business and trade in Sumatra, but also has a variety of tourist destinations that offer their own uniqueness.
Be it natural beauty, historical sites, or modern recreation areas, Pekanbaru holds many interesting things that are worth exploring. Here are 10 recommendations for Tourist Attractions in Pekanbaru that you shouldn’t miss!
1. Batu Tilam Waterfall
Located in a rural area, Batu Tilam Waterfall offers stunning natural views. This waterfall is named “Batu Tilam” because the rocks at the bottom resemble a mattress or mat, which makes this place look unique.
In addition, the area is surrounded by natural caves and dense forests that add to the beauty of the scenery. Although it is about two hours away from the center of Pekanbaru, the natural charm presented will make every step of the journey feel worth it.
2. Batang Kapas Waterfall
For those of you who like challenges and adventure, Batang Kapas Waterfall is a destination you must visit. With a height of 150 meters, this waterfall is one of the highest in the Bukit Barisan area.
Not only beautiful, this place is also suitable for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. Although it takes more than four hours of travel from Pekanbaru, the natural atmosphere will make you feel connected to nature.
3. Ombun Barangin Waterfall
Located in Pangkalan Indaruang Village, Ombun Barangin Waterfall offers a unique experience. To get to the location, you need to take a traditional boat along the river, providing a unique adventure feel.
With a height of 40 meters, this waterfall creates a cool atmosphere with dew carried by the wind, making Ombun Barangin an ideal place for those seeking tranquility in the outdoors.
4. Gulamo River
Dubbed as Pekanbaru’s version of “Green Canyon”, Gulamo River has extraordinary beauty. The bluish green river water is surrounded by towering rock cliffs, creating a view very similar to the Green Canyon in Pangandaran.
Visitors can swim, relax, or go down the river by boat. Although it takes about two and a half hours from Pekanbaru, the trip to Gulamo River is worth the beauty it offers.
5. Siak River
The Siak River is the deepest river in Indonesia and is one of the tourist icons in Pekanbaru. Apart from being an important transportation route, this river also offers fun water tourism.
You can rent a boat or traditional canoe to get around and enjoy the surrounding scenery. The boat rental fee is quite affordable, and you can also see the activities of the residents mixed with the natural beauty of the surroundings.
6. An-Nur Grand Mosque
An-Nur Grand Mosque is known as Pekanbaru’s Taj Mahal because of its magnificent and beautiful architecture. This mosque combines design elements from various cultures such as Malay, Arabic, Indian and Turkish, creating a very iconic structure.
Not only does it function as a place of worship, this mosque is also an interesting religious tourism destination, especially at night when the building is lit up with beautiful lights.
7. Soeman HS Library
With a building design that resembles an open book, the Soeman HS Library is one of the most unique libraries in Indonesia. Not only does it offer a complete collection of books, this library also provides modern facilities such as free Wi-Fi, computers, and a comfortable reading room.
This library is a perfect place for educational tours, especially for students and visitors who want to enjoy a quiet learning atmosphere.
8. Mayang Nature Tourism Park
For family tourism, Mayang Nature Tourism Park is an ideal choice. This park offers various fun activities such as outbound, playing in the children’s park, to fishing.
The natural atmosphere and large area make it a perfect place to relax with family, especially on weekends. Here, you can enjoy the natural atmosphere while breathing fresh air and getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a moment.
9. Riau Fantasy
Riau Fantasi, the largest recreation park in Sumatra, is a paradise for lovers of water rides and games. With an area of 6.5 hectares, this park offers various interesting rides that are divided into two areas: wet rides and dry rides.
In the wet area, there are swimming pools and water rides, while in the dry area, visitors can enjoy roller coasters and various other exciting games. This place is perfect for family vacations, especially for children.
10. Mr. Kadi’s Shelter
As one of the historical heritages of the Siak Sri Indrapura Kingdom, Tuan Kadi Halfway House is a mandatory destination for those of you who are interested in history. This house was once used as a stopover for the nobles before continuing their journey via the Siak River.
Currently, the house is a museum that stores stories about Pekanbaru’s past. In addition to offering historical insight, the house’s location on the riverbank provides beautiful views and a tranquil atmosphere.
In conclusion, Pekanbaru offers a variety of interesting tourist destinations that are rich in natural beauty and history. From stunning waterfalls, beautiful rivers, to cultural sites that are full of value, this city has a lot to explore.
For a more diverse adventure, consider adding Things to do in Batam to your itinerary as well. So, if you are planning to visit Pekanbaru, make sure to include the above destinations in your travel list!
