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Pekanbaru Travel Tips

Pekanbaru Travel Tips

Pekanbaru Riau, Indonesia Travel Guide

Connectivity Essentials

Staying connected is simple with local SIM cards. Major providers include Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Indosat Ooredoo.

Communication Methods

  • Wi-Fi is widely available and free in hotels, cafes, and malls.
  • Affordable data packages (20-50 GB for IDR 50,000-150,000) are common.
  • SIM card registration needs your passport and fingerprint verification.

Language Basics

Bahasa Indonesia is the official language. A Riau Malay dialect is also spoken. English is limited but common among staff in international hotels.

Useful Phrases

  • "Halo" (Hello) / "Thanks" (Thank you)
  • "Tolong" (Please) / "Permisi" (Excuse me)
  • "Ya" (Yes) / "Tidak" (No) / "Berapa?" (How much?)

Business Operations

Operating hours for businesses vary across Pekanbaru. Banks and government offices generally close earlier than retail and dining establishments.

General Hours

  • Offices: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
  • Shopping Malls: Daily, 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM.
  • Banking Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM.

Holiday Schedules

Religious and public holidays can temporarily alter business and service availability. Plan ahead during these periods.

Service Adjustments

  • Government offices, banks, and some businesses may close.
  • Public transport may run on reduced schedules.
  • During Eid al-Fitr, many stores and eateries close for several days.

Cultural Etiquette

Respectful Interactions

  • A light handshake is common, often followed by touching the heart.
  • Show respect to theders in all interactions.
  • Modest dress (covered shoulders and knees) is recommended, especially at religious sites.
  • Remove shoes when entering mosques or homes.

Things to Avoid

  • Eat with your right hand; the left hand is considered unclean.
  • Do not point with your feet or use them to touch objects/people.
  • Do not touch someone'the head of.
  • Keep public displays of affection to a minimum in conservative society.

Local Insights

Photography is generally permitted, however always ask for permission before photographing individuals, specifically in rural areas or during ceremonies.

Accessibility & Airport Services

Information for travelers with specific needs and details about Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport.

Mobility Challenges

Infrastructure is limited. Sidewalks are uneven. Private taxis or car hires with a driver are often the most feasible transport.

Sensory Impairments

Services for travelers with visual or hearing impairments are limited. Assistance from travel companions or local guides is often needed.

Accessible Facilities

Some newer shopping malls and upscale hotels may offer better accessibility features like ramps and elevators.

Airport Connectivity

Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport (PKU) offers various services to keep you connected upon arrival and departure.

Connect & Communicate

  • Free Wi-Fi access is available within the airport terminal.
  • Local SIM card vendors can be found in the arrival area.
  • Charging terminals are available for electronic devices.

Airport Amenities

A range of services at PKU Airport cater to traveler needs, from dining to financial services.

Conveniences at PKU

  • Restaurants and cafes offer food and beverage options.
  • ATMs are located throughout the terminal.
  • Souvenir shops and mini-marts are available.

Public Transportation

Within Pekanbaru

  • Trans Metro Pekanbaru buses operate fixed routes.
  • Taxis are readily available.
  • Ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Pick up are popular.

Inter-city Travel

  • Long-distance buses connect Pekanbaru to other Sumatran cities.
  • Flights are an efficient option for longer distances within Indonesia.
  • Car rentals with or without a driver for exploring regional areas.

Navigation Tip

Download offline maps of Pekanbaru and surrounding areas to help with navigation, especially in areas with limited mobile data coverage.

Health & Safety

Stay safe and healthy during your visit to Pekanbaru with this essential information.

Health Precautions

Tap water is generally not safe for drinking. Drink bottled water and ensure food is cooked thoroughly.

Stay Well

  • Avoid tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water.
  • Use insect repellent to guard against mosquitoes.
  • Protect yourself from the sun with hats, sunscreen, and light clothing.

Medical Facilities

Pekanbaru has a number of hospitals and clinics available for medical needs. For serious conditions, consider private hospitals.

Healthcare Access

  • Eka Hospital and Awal Bros Hospital are among the reputable options.
  • Pharmacies are common for over-the-counter medications.
  • Travel insurance that includes medical coverage is a very good idea.

Safety Guidelines

Exercise general caution as you'd in any unfamiliar city. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

General Safety Tips

  • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
  • Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or isolated areas at night.
  • Traffic can be congested; exercise caution when crossing roads.

Emergency Contacts

Familiarize yourself with vital emergency numbers in Indonesia.

Important Numbers

  • General Emergency: 112 (connects to a range of services)
  • Police: 110
  • Ambulance: 118

Environmental Concerns

Haze Season

  • Haze typically occurs from From june To october.
  • Monitor air quality indices (AQI) during this period.
  • Consider wearing masks if air quality is poor.

Waste Management

  • Recycling limited infrastructure.
  • Minimize single-use plastics.
  • Carry reusable water bottles and shopping bags.

Responsible Choices

Ethical Tourism

  • Support eco-friendly accommodations like those on Ecobnb.
  • Choose tour operators prioritizing environmental conservation.
  • Purchase goods from local artisans for fair wages.

Minimizing Impact

  • Consider carbon offsets for your flights via services like Terrapass.
  • Be mindful of water usage, especially in accommodations.
  • Support companies promoting reusable products, such as Package Free Shop.

Sustainable Travel Note

Engage with ethical tour operators like G Adventures for responsible experiences that benefit local communities and environments.

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