- Must visit
Museum Sang Nila Utama
Main provincial museum covering Riau history, Malay culture, manuscripts, and traditional objects. A practical first stop for understanding the region.
Discover the best of Pekanbaru — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Pekanbaru trip today.
Main provincial museum covering Riau history, Malay culture, manuscripts, and traditional objects. A practical first stop for understanding the region.
Compact museum inside the Siak palace complex displaying royal belongings and historic furnishings linked to the former sultanate.
Heritage house museum presenting Malay domestic architecture and cultural items. Worth visiting for a quieter local-history experience.
Popular urban park with lawns, paths, and family-friendly spaces. Good for a relaxed walk and a look at everyday life in central Pekanbaru.
Riverside public space by the Siak River, suited to strolling and views across the water. Especially pleasant around sunset and in the evening.
Historic quarter associated with early Pekanbaru and old Malay settlements. Visit for heritage ambience, local landmarks, and a sense of place.
A rich Malay fish soup with turmeric, herbs and coconut milk, traditionally made with river fish. It is a signature Riau dish with deep local roots.
Slow-cooked smoked catfish in a spiced coconut gravy. The smoking gives it a distinctive aroma linked to Riau home cooking.
A fragrant grilled freshwater fish dish, usually seasoned with Malay spices. It is popular in Pekanbaru because of the region’s river fish tradition.
Well-known casual chain for Riau specialities such as gulai ikan patin and other Malay dishes in a family-friendly setting.
Reliable casual spot for Minang and Malay dishes, often chosen for grilled fish, curries and hearty rice meals.
Established local restaurant popular for smoked fish, asam pedas and other traditional Pekanbaru flavours in a simple, lively atmosphere.
Generally cheaper than Bali or Jakarta for hotels, meals and local transport, with good value for everyday tourist spending.
Tipping is not compulsory. In restaurants, round up or leave 5-10% if service is good. For taxis, round up the fare. In cafés, small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport -> Mal SKA, Pekanbaru
Check where to Pekanbaru buses depart and arrive, plus the main bus station and stop details for this route.
Pekanbaru is 2 km from Pekanbaru city centre. Public transport options include:
Pekanbaru has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food stalls and small restaurants inside terminal
Free Wi-Fi available. ATMs are aTMs from several banks available.
Ticket office support is available at Pekanbaru.
Available at Pekanbaru: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Pekanbaru: Wheelchair ramps.
Garasi ALS Pekanbaru is 9 km from Pekanbaru city centre. Public transport options include:
Garasi ALS Pekanbaru has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Small food stalls and warung available inside terminal
Free Wi-Fi available. ATMs are aTM machines inside terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Garasi ALS Pekanbaru.
Available at Garasi ALS Pekanbaru: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Garasi ALS Pekanbaru: Basic ramps available.