Dumai Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Dumai, Indonesia with this comprehensive travel guide. Explore must-visit tourist attractions, top things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture, safety measures, and more.


Introduction to Dumai

Dumai is a city located in Riau, a province in Sumatra, the sixth-largest island in the world, which is part of Indonesia, a diverse Southeast Asian country with more than 17,000 islands. Dumai is located near the Strait of Malacca, an important shipping lane that connects the Indian Ocean with the South China Sea.

Dumai was initially a small fishing village that turned into a significant port city, mainly exporting palm oil and rubber. Besides being an essential industrial hub, Dumai is also a great destination to discover Sumatra island’s diverse culture and nature.

This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your trip to Dumai, Indonesia. You will find the top tourist attractions, must-visit places, exciting things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture, safety measures, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Dumai

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Kahyangan Palace: Located in the city center, Kahyangan Palace was the residence of the late Sultan Syarif Hasyim, the first Sultan of Riau after Indonesia’s independence. This palace has a traditional Malay architecture style and displays the Sultan’s family’s legacy.

  2. Haji Hassan Mosque: Haji Hassan Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Dumai. This beautifully crafted mosque has a unique white and green color scheme, with intricate Islamic carvings inside and outside the mosque.

  3. Jamil Jambak Public Library: Established in 1977, Jamil Jambak Public Library is a must-visit destination for book lovers. It has more than 10,000 collections of books on history, culture, and art of Riau Province and the Malay Archipelago.

Natural Attractions of Dumai: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Rupat Island: Rupat Island is Dumai’s most popular island destination, known for its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and mangrove forests. There are many activities to do in Rupat Island, such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, and island hopping.

  2. Kampar River: Kampar River is the longest river on Sumatra Island, known for its white-water rafting adventures. The river has various levels of difficulty, ranging from Class I to Class IV rapids, suitable for beginners and experienced rafters alike.

  3. Sungai Duri Mangrove Forest Natural Park: This mangrove forest natural park is an exciting destination for nature lovers. A wooden bridge stretches over the mangrove forest, allowing visitors to observe the variety of aquatic birds, monkeys, and reptiles living in the area.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Dumai

Dumai has several hiking and biking routes to explore the nearby nature and discover beautiful landscapes, such as:

  1. Dedap Hill: Dedap Hill is the highest point near Dumai, which is around 200 meters above sea level. This hill is a popular destination for hiking, offering fantastic views of Rupat Island, the Malacca Strait, and the city of Dumai.

  2. Sungai Guntung Mangrove Forest: This mangrove forest offers a beautiful biking route, passing through the lush green mangrove trees and along the Kampar River.

  3. Tanjung Maarif Beach: Tanjung Maarif Beach offers a scenic trekking and hiking adventure. The path leads through tall grass and offers stunning views of the sea.

Best Things to Do in Dumai: Activities and Tours

  1. Palm Oil Plantation Tour: Dumai is known for its palm oil industry, and visitors can learn more about the plantations’ workings. Companies that organize these tours offer visitors the opportunity to see the palm oil harvesting and processing techniques firsthand.

  2. Rupat Island Snorkeling Tour: The waters surrounding Rupat Island are teeming with exotic marine life and colorful coral reefs. A snorkeling tour is an excellent opportunity to explore the underwater world and observe different species of fish, turtles, and other marine creatures.

  3. Culinary Tour: Dumai is known for its famous culinary delights. A culinary tour will introduce you to the local dishes like Gulai Ikan Patin, Mie Aceh, and Rendang. The tour also includes a visit to a local market, where you can buy traditional spices, fruits, and vegetables.

Week-Long Itinerary for Dumai

Day Activity
1 Visit Kahyangan Palace, Haji Hassan Mosque, and Jamil Jambak Public Library.
2 Visit Rupat Island and enjoy a snorkeling tour.
3 Visit Sungai Duri Mangrove Forest Natural Park.
4 Go white-water rafting on the Kampar River.
5 Go on a Palm Oil Plantation tour.
6 Explore the beach and trek at Tanjung Maarif Beach.
7 Go on a culinary tour and experience local cuisine.

Food and Drink Scene of Dumai

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Gulai Ikan Patin: This dish consists of catfish curry cooked in a spicy coconut milk gravy with various spices like garlic, turmeric, and lemongrass.

  2. Mie Aceh: Mie Aceh is a famous noodle dish, originally from Aceh Province but popular in Dumai. The noodles are cooked in a rich broth with spices, meat, vegetables, and garnished with fried onions and lemon.

  3. Rendang: Rendang is a classic Indonesian meat dish, often served in Dumai. This dish is prepared by slow-cooking beef in coconut milk and spices until tender and flavorful.

Local Beverages

  1. Teh Tarik: Teh Tarik, or pulled tea, is a popular local beverage made from black tea and condensed milk. The drink is named after the way it’s prepared, by “pulling” the tea by rapidly pouring it back and forth between two containers, creating a frothy top.

  2. Kopi Luwak: Indonesia is famous for its Kopi Luwak, or civet coffee. The coffee beans are extracted from the fecal matter of civet animals and then cleaned, roasted, and brewed to create a unique coffee flavor.

Where to Stay in Dumai: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Dumai has various types of accommodation, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Some of the best places to stay in Dumai are:

  1. Swiss-Belinn Dumai: A modern hotel located in the city center, Swiss-Belinn Dumai is a popular choice for tourists visiting Dumai. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant serving local and international cuisine.

  2. Dumai Hotel: Dumai Hotel features a range of rooms from budget to luxurious suites. It features a restaurant, a fitness center, and a swimming pool, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking comfort and value for money.

  3. Bidadari Island Resort Rupat: Located on Rupat Island, Bidadari Island Resort Rupat offers beachfront accommodation with stunning sea views. The resort has a private beach, an outdoor swimming pool, and a restaurant serving Indonesian and Western cuisine.

What to Buy in Dumai: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Batik Cloth: Batik is a traditional fabric in Indonesia that’s made using wax to create a pattern and dyed with colorful natural dyes. You can buy various types of batik cloth as a souvenir in Dumai.

  2. Palm Sugar: Palm sugar, or gula Melaka, is widely used in Indonesian cuisine as a sweetener. You can buy palm sugar from local markets as a souvenir to take back home.

  3. Traditional Handicrafts: Dumai has a thriving handicraft industry, and you can buy various products such as baskets, bags, and carvings made from local materials like bamboo, rattan, and wood.

Local Culture and Customs of Dumai

Dumai has a unique blend of Malay and Javanese culture, with elements of Chinese and Indian influence. Islam is the dominant religion, and visitors should respect local customs like wearing modest clothing in public places and removing shoes before entering mosques or homes.

Best Time to Visit Dumai

The best time to visit Dumai is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. This period offers the best weather to explore outdoor attractions comfortably. However, Dumai can be visited throughout the year, but visitors should brace for heavy rainfall between November and March.

Do’s and Don’ts of Dumai

Do:

  1. Respect local customs and dress modestly in public places and religious sites.
  2. Carry a rainy coat or umbrella- heavy rainfall is common.
  3. Learn a few simple phrases in the local language to communicate with residents.

Don’t:

  1. Consume alcoholic drinks in public places- Dumai is an Islamic city, and public alcohol consumption is forbidden.
  2. Disrespect local customs and traditions.
  3. Overstay the visa period.

Safety and Health

Safety in Dumai

Dumai is generally safe but visitors should take normal precautions to ensure their safety. Some tips include:

  1. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables when traveling around Dumai.
  2. Use only licensed taxis and public transportation services.
  3. Always be aware of your surroundings and don’t leave your belongings unattended.

Health in Dumai

Visitors should take the necessary vaccinations before traveling to Dumai, as the area is prone to diseases like Malaria and Dengue fever. It’s also essential to bring mosquito repellant and take precaution to stay safe from mosquito bites.

Getting to Dumai: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors can get to Dumai by air, land, or sea.

Airports Near Dumai

  1. Pinang Kampai International Airport: The nearest airport to Dumai is Pinang Kampai International Airport, located around an hour’s drive from the city center. The airport has regular flights from various destinations in Indonesia.

Bus Stations Near Dumai

  1. Aur Kuning Bus Station: Aur Kuning Bus Station is the primary bus station in Dumai, with regular bus services connecting Dumai to other cities in Riau province and nearby islands.

Other Options

  1. Ferry from Rupat Island: Visitors can take a ferry from Rupat Island to Dumai, which is an excellent way to observe the scenic views of the Malacca Strait and the surroundings.

How to Get Around in Dumai

The best way to explore Dumai is by renting a car or a motorcycle. Visitors can also take public transportation, such as taxis or public minibusses, known as Angkot.

Where to Go Next from Dumai: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Pekanbaru: Pekanbaru is the capital of Riau Province, located around 187 kilometers from Dumai. This city is known for its cultural and historical significance, such as the Riau Malay Customs House and Museum.

  2. Batam: Batam is an island located around 483 kilometers from Dumai, known for its beautiful beaches, water sports, and entertainment centers.

Conclusion

Dumai is a city with a unique blend of culture, nature, and industry. Visitors can explore the local history, enjoy outdoor adventures, experience local cuisine, and immerse themselves in the local culture. Plan your trip to Dumai by referring to this comprehensive guide and discover the hidden gems of this beautiful city.

Grand Mosque Al Mannan Grand Mosque Al Mannan Ramayana Dumai City Ramayana Dumai City