Beautiful architecture! Ancient ruins! Top-level sanitation! Sightseeing in the hidden gem city of Pekanbaru

Located in central Sumatra, Pekanbaru is the capital of Riau Province and a relatively large city with a population of about one million. While it may not be as well-known as Jakarta or Surabaya, it is a place full of hidden attractions that only those in the know are aware of! It is also famous as a clean city, having won the Adipura Award—given by the President of Indonesia to the cleanest city in the country—for seven consecutive years.

1. Muara Takus Buddhist Temple Complex

The Muara Takus ruins are the oldest archaeological site in Sumatra, known for being extremely well-preserved. They are believed to have been built between the 2nd and 9th centuries, but research is still ongoing, and many mysteries remain.

While many ancient ruins have weathered over time and lost their original form, the Muara Takus Buddhist Temple Complex has preserved almost all of its terraces and stupas (Buddhist towers) in pristine condition. Visitors can truly feel the grandeur of the ancient city that once flourished here.

The contrast of the blue sky, white clouds, green earth, and red-brick stupas makes it a perfect spot for memorable photos. It is a must-see location when visiting Pekanbaru.

2. An-Nur Great Mosque

The An-Nur Great Mosque is an Islamic temple in Pekanbaru and one of Indonesia’s representative examples of Islamic architecture. Its striking turquoise and white exterior blends architectural styles from Malaysia, the Middle East, and India. Except during prayer times, even non-Muslim visitors are welcome to enter and explore.

At night, the mosque is beautifully illuminated, so don’t miss visiting after sunset. A magical view unfolds that is completely different from the daytime.

3. Soeman Library

The Soeman Library is the largest library in Sumatra, well-known to all Pekanbaru residents. This massive six-story building features a futuristic design inspired by the shape of an open book.

In addition to serving as a library, it also functions like a museum, with exhibits on the history of Pekanbaru and Malay culture. There are also displays on the mining history of the region.

When you visit Pekanbaru, start at Soeman Library to learn about the city’s history—it will surely make the rest of your sightseeing even more enjoyable.

4. Bawah Market

Bawah Market is the everyday marketplace for Pekanbaru locals. Inside, you’ll find everything from food to daily necessities and household goods, packed into the stalls. You can get just about anything here! Since it’s not a tourist-oriented market, you can also experience a glimpse of daily life in Pekanbaru.

For tourists, handmade carpets and Indonesian snacks are popular souvenirs. Prices are generally lower than in typical souvenir shops, so you might end up buying more than expected. It’s also popular among backpackers as a place to stock up on travel gear!

5. Riau State Sang Nila Utama Museum

The last sightseeing spot we’ll introduce is the Riau State Sang Nila Utama Museum. The name comes from the king who once ruled this land. Inside, one of the most popular exhibits is a miniature display of Pekanbaru itself, which makes it enjoyable even for visitors who aren’t fluent in foreign languages.

The museum houses over 4,000 artifacts, including exhibits on Pekanbaru’s geology, local wildlife, indigenous peoples and their history, traditional crafts, and art. It is a highly rewarding destination for visitors.

◎ Summary

We’ve introduced Pekanbaru’s sightseeing spots—what did you think? From one of Indonesia’s most beautiful mosques to remarkably preserved ruins, Pekanbaru has plenty of must-see attractions. It offers a different atmosphere and vibrancy compared to Jakarta or Bali, making it a recommended destination even for those who have already traveled to Indonesia. Be sure to consider Pekanbaru as one of your travel options when visiting Indonesia.

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Beautiful architecture! Ancient ruins! Top-level sanitation! Sightseeing in the hidden gem city of Pekanbaru