Day Trips from Pekanbaru. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Nearby Destinations for Day Trips

Siak Sri Indrapura, a 2-3 an hour away by car Pekanbaru, features the magnificent Siak Sri Indrapura Palace and scenic views of the Siak River. It offers a strong historical and cultural experience. Kampar Regency, 1.5-2 hours drive, hosts the ancient Buddhist ruins of Muara Takus Temple.

For organized tours and convenient booking, consider browsing options on GetYourGuide.

Travel Logistics

Car rental with driver for convenience to Siak Sri Indrapura or Kampar.
Local bus from Terminal BRPS (Siak) or towards Bangkinang (Kampar), then local taxi/ojek.
Organized tours simplify logistics but are often pricier than independent travel.
Siak Sri Indrapura Palace: 8-10 hours; Muara Takus Temple: half to full day.

Natural & Cultural Experiences

Discover the limited natural landscapes and explore the rich cultural heritage surrounding Pekanbaru.

Natural Escapes Near Pekanbaru

True nature reserves within easy day-trip distance are limited. Bukit Suligi, in Rokan Hulu Regency (4-5 hours drive), offers panoramic views for adventurous climbers.

Landscape Overview

Palm oil and rubber plantations are common in the Riau countryside.
Pekanbaru is a city not on the coast; no beaches are nearby.
Limited mountainous terrain immediately surrounds Pekanbaru.

Cultural Excursions from Pekanbaru

Siak Sri Indrapura Palace and Muara Takus Temple are the main historical sites outside Pekanbaru, offering insights into the region's royal and religious past.

Cultural Insights

The An-Nur Great Mosque in Pekanbaru a significant Islamic site for reflection.
Muara Takus Temple serves as a pilgrimage site in some cases Buddhists.

Multi-Day Extensions from Pekanbaru

Regional Exploration

Padang (West Sumatra): 7-9 hours by bus or short flight for Minangkabau culture and mountains.
Medan (North Sumatra): 12-15 hours by bus or short flight for Lake Toba.
Batam or Bintan Islands: Flight to Batam, then ferry, or direct flight to Bintan for beach experiences.
Pekanbaru serves as a gateway to other parts of Sumatra, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Suggested Longer Routes

Pekanbaru to Padang and Bukittinggi (West Sumatra) for cultural and environmental exploration.
Pekanbaru to Medan and Lake Toba (North Sumatra) for city life and natural beauty.
Flights are the most efficient option for inter-island or longer Sumatra travel.
Long-distance buses an economical, time-consuming alternative for exploring Sumatra.

Travel Essentials

Currency:Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Time Zone:Western Indonesia Time (WIB, GMT+7)
Electrical Outlets:Type C/F, 220V, 50Hz
Driving Side:Left

Emergency Numbers:Police: 110, Ambulance: 118, Fire: 113
Country Code:+62
Visa:Check requirements based on nationality
Vaccinations:Consult a medical professional

Travel Tip

Always keep a copy of your passport and visa information separate from the originals.

Airport Services

Information about airport facilities and services to enhance your travel experience.

Airport Lounges

Gain access to comfortable airport lounges worldwide with Priority Pass for a relaxing pre-flight experience.

Flight Compensation

For flight delays or cancellations, Compensair assists with receiving compensation.

Connectivity

Stay connected upon arrival with local SIM cards or explore alternatives like Solis Wi-Fi for portable internet access.

Baggage Services

Information on baggage handling, lost and found services, and storage facilities at Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport (PKU).

Details

Baggage claim desks are located in the arrival hall.
Lost and found services are available at the airport information counter.
Limited luggage storage options might be available; inquire upon arrival.

Ground Transportation

Options for getting to and from Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport (PKU) to Pekanbaru city center or other destinations.

Transport Choices

Airport there are taxis, typically metered or fixed price to city center.
Ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Get are widely used and often more economical.
Hotel shuttle services may be pre-arranged for particular accommodations.

Airport Facilities

ATMs:Available in the terminal

Currency Exchange:Limited services

Restaurants/Cafes:Several options inside

Shops:Souvenir and convenience stores

Medical Services:First aid available

Prayer Rooms:Musolla available

Local Tip

Consider employing local ride-hailing apps (Gojek/Grab) for fair prices.
Ensure your phone is charged for app-based transport.
Confirm your destination address with the driver clearly.
Have some small rupiah denominations for immediate expenses.
Plan transfers during peak hours to avoid potential traffic delays.

Communication & Money

Essential information on staying connected and handling finances in Pekanbaru.

Communication in Pekanbaru

Local SIM cards are optimal way to stay connected. Major providers like Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Indosat Ooredoo provide budget-friendly data packages.

Connectivity Options

Purchase SIM cards at the airport or official stores; passport and fingerprint are needed.
Wi-Fi is widely available and usually free in hotels, cafes, and malls.
Bahasa Indonesia is the official language; English is spoken by some in tourist areas.

Money & Banking

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is the local currency. ATMs are widely available, accepting international cards. Credit cards are accepted in major establishments.

Financial Guidance

Exchange currency at banks or official money changers for better rates.
Banking hours are typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Keep small denominations for street vendors and local transport.

Business Hours and Schedules

Typical operating hours vary for different businesses across Pekanbaru.

Operating Times

Offices: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Shopping Malls: Daily, 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM.
Restaurants: Generally 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM; some street food later.

Holidays and Closures

Religious and public holidays can impact services and business availability.

Dates

Major holidays include Eid al-Fitr, Christmas, and Indonesian Independence Day.
Government offices, banks, and some businesses may close during holidays.
Public transport may operate on reduced schedules during holidays.

Language Aids

Overcome language barriers with these tools and phrases.

Translation Apps

Utilize Google Translate (with offline packages) or other similar apps.

Language Learning

Explore platforms like Rosetta Stone for basic The Official language of indonesia before your trip.

Essential Phrases

"Halo" (Hello), "Terima kasih" (Thank you), "Tolong" (Please).

Stay Connected

Consider an eSIM from Airalo for easy internet connectivity upon arrival.

Etiquette & Accessibility

Navigate Pekanbaru respectfully with insights into local customs and accessibility information.

Etiquette and Cultural Norms

Greetings

A light handshake, often followed by touching one's hand to the heart, is common. Wait for women to offer their hand first.

Attire

Modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) is recommended, especially for religious sites or government offices. Don't wear overly exposed attire.

Photography

Generally permitted. Get consent before taking pictures of people, notably in rural areas or at sacred rituals.

Dining & Taboos

Eat with your right hand; the left hand is considered unclean.
Avoid pointing with your feet.
Avoid criticism of Islam or other religions.
Do not touch someone'the chief of.
Keep public displays of affection to a minimum.
Homosexuality is not illegal (except Aceh), but public displays are not advised.

Accessibility Information

Infrastructure for mobility challenges is generally limited.
Sidewalks are often uneven or non-existent.
Public buildings, transport, and sites may not have ramps or elevators.
Newer malls and upscale hotels may offer better accessibility.
Private taxis or car hires with a driver are often the most feasible transport.
Specific services for visual or hearing impairments are limited.

Religious Site Etiquette

Dress Code

Women are advised to cover shoulders, knees, and often their heads when entering mosques. Men should dress respectfully.

Footwear

Remove shoes before entering mosques or homes as a gesture of respect.

Conduct

Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor. Avoid visiting during prayer times if not participating.

Important Note

Always be observant of local customs and adjust your behavior accordingly.

Day Trips from Pekanbaru