Riau Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Riau with our comprehensive travel guide featuring things to do, places to visit, where to stay, what to eat and more.
- Introduction to Riau
- List of Places to Visit in Riau
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Riau
- Best Things to Do in Riau: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Riau
- Food and Drink Scene of Riau
- Where to Stay in Riau: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Riau: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Riau
- Best Time to Visit Riau
- Do’s and Don’ts of Riau
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Riau: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Riau
- Where to Go Next from Riau: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Riau, a province located in the central region of Sumatra in Indonesia, has a blend of culture, history, nature, and cuisine that entices travelers from all over the world. It is famous for its remarkable landscapes, beautiful beaches, delicious food, and rich cultural heritage.
Plan your trip to Riau with our comprehensive travel guide featuring things to do, places to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and more.
Introduction to Riau
Riau is a province in Indonesia that offers a cultural and natural beauty experience that cannot be found anywhere else. The province has a diverse population, mostly consisting of Malays, Chinese, and indigenous tribes, resulting in a unique blend of cultures, customs, and traditions.
List of Places to Visit in Riau
There are many amazing places to visit in Riau. Here are some of the most popular:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Istana Siak
- Riau Provincial Museum
- Riau Islamic Centre Grand Mosque
- Tengku Sulung Monument
- Taman Budaya Riau
Natural Attractions of Riau: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Bukit Batu Nature Reserve
- Pulau Jemur Island
- Rawa Kucing Lake
- Tesso Nilo National Park
- Mount Kerinci
Hiking/Biking Routes of Riau
Riau has many hiking and biking trails. Here are some of the best:
- Mount Pulai
- Rimba Alam Forest Park
- Mount Sibayak
- Mount Merbabu
- Mount Sinabung
Best Things to Do in Riau: Activities and Tours
There are many things to do in Riau, from exploring historical sites to trekking through nature. Here are some of the best things to do in Riau:
- Visit Riau Provincial Museum
- Take a food tour of the city
- Visit Pulau Jemur Island
- Explore Taman Budaya Riau
- Trek through Bukit Batu Nature Reserve
Week-Long Itinerary for Riau
Here is a week-long itinerary to help you plan your trip to Riau:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit Riau Islamic Centre Grand Mosque, Taman Budaya Riau |
| 2 | Explore Riau Provincial Museum, Tengku Sulung Monument |
| 3 | Trek Bukit Batu Nature Reserve |
| 4 | Visit Pulau Jemur Island |
| 5 | Relax at Rawa Kucing Lake |
| 6 | Trek Mount Kerinci |
| 7 | Visit Istana Siak |
Food and Drink Scene of Riau
One of the main reasons to visit Indonesia is for its delicious cuisine - and Riau is no exception. Here are some must-try foods and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- Ikan Bakar (Grilled Fish)
- Rendang (Spicy Meat Curry)
- Sambal (Spicy Chili Sauce)
- Laksa (Noodle Soup)
Local Beverages
- Teh Tarik (Pulled Tea)
- Es Cendol (Iced Sweet Coconut Milk)
- Kopi Luwak (Civet Coffee)
Where to Stay in Riau: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
There are plenty of accommodation options in Riau, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some of the best places to stay:
- Grand Central Hotel Pekanbaru
- Grand Zuri Hotel
- Red Planet Pekanbaru
- Swiss-Belinn SKA Pekanbaru
What to Buy in Riau: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
When in Riau, make sure to buy some of these local products:
- Songket (Traditional Woven Textile)
- Batik (Traditional Dyed Fabric)
- Terasi (Shrimp Paste)
- Crispy Durian Chips
Local Culture and Customs of Riau
The people of Riau have a unique blend of cultures, customs, and traditions. Knowing and respecting the local customs will add to your experience and make your trip more enjoyable.
Best Time to Visit Riau
The best time to visit Riau is between March to October when the weather is dry and pleasant.
Do’s and Don’ts of Riau
Do:
- Respect local culture and traditions
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and villages
- Carry small change and small denominations for shopping
Don’t:
- Consume alcohol in public places
- Smoke in public places
- Disrespect cultural symbols and monuments
Safety and Health
Safety in Riau
Riau is relatively safe for tourists. However, it’s always recommended to keep your valuables safe and be wary of pickpockets and scams when travelling in crowded areas.
Health in Riau
Make sure you have all necessary vaccinations before travelling to Riau. The province has MOSQUITO BORNE DECEASE which is why it is always recommended to carry mosquito repellents and nets.
Getting to Riau: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Riau
- Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport (Pekanbaru)
Bus Stations Near Riau
- Pekanbaru is a major hub for inter-city and inter-province buses
Other Options
- Get a taxi from nearby cities or hire a car
How to Get Around in Riau
The best way to get around in Riau is by renting a car or hiring a driver. You can also take a taxi or a motorcycle-taxi (Ojek).
Where to Go Next from Riau: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Here are some other nearby destinations to visit after exploring Riau:
- Bukittinggi
- Lake Toba
- Banyuwangi
- Bali
Conclusion
Riau, a province in Sumatra, offers a blend of natural beauty, unique culture, and delicious cuisine. It’s the perfect destination for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and cultural enthusiasts alike. Plan your trip to Riau today and experience the breathtaking beauty and culture of this Indonesian province.