Discover Riau: Sultanate history, temples and long rowing boats

Cultural history and architecture

Istana Siak Asserayah Al-Hasyimiah in Siak Regency was designated a museum by Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture. A historic landmark of Malay history, it represents the height of the Siak Sultanate and Sultan Syarif Kasim II’s efforts for Indonesia’s independence. Those interested in history can find a direct connection to the region’s past here.

A different perspective on history awaits at Candi Muara Takus: the Buddhist temple complex is in the village of Muara Takus, in the XIII Koto Kampar District, Kampar Regency. The building materials used there include bricks, sandstone and river stones. Its status as a Buddhist temple complex and the variety of materials make it a distinctive cultural stop in Riau.

Peatlands, lakes and rainforest

Zamrud National Park in Siak Regency is a peatland area that was officially designated on 22 July 2016. The park covers 31,480 hectares and includes Danau Pulau Besar and Danau Bawah as its two main lakes. At 2,416 hectares, Danau Pulau Besar is considerably larger than Danau Bawah, which covers 360 hectares. Visitors can take a boat along the Sungai Rawa to Danau Pulau Besar. The waterways and lakes give this nature experience a different focus from a stay in the rainforest.

Tesso Nilo National Park adds lowland rainforest to this landscape. It is in Riau Province and covers 83,068 hectares. Zamrud’s peatland, with its two main lakes, and Tesso Nilo’s rainforest represent different types of landscape within the destination. Note that authorities may update information on protected-area boundaries.

Visitors can also go boating or fishing at Danau Khayangan. Those looking for water activities can compare these options with the boat trip in Zamrud National Park; the two details refer to different locations and activities. At Tengku Agung Sultanah Latifah Bridge, an elevator takes visitors to the top of the bridge, where they can enjoy a panoramic view of the Siak River from above. Operating arrangements may change, so it is advisable to check briefly before visiting.

Rowing traditions and festivals

Pacu Jalur is a traditional rowing competition from the Kuantan Singingi region. Teams of rowers compete in jalur, boats made from hollowed-out tree trunks. Each boat is made from a single tree, measures 25 to 40 metres in length and accommodates 45 to 60 rowers. The annual festival celebrates a centuries-old tradition. Visitors interested in the event also get a glimpse of the distinctive construction of the racing boats.

Bakar Tongkang is another festive tradition: an annual ritual of the Chinese community in Bagansiapiapi. Exact dates vary according to the Chinese calendar. The Bekudo Bono Festival takes place every November on the Kampar River in Teluk Meranti, Pelalawan. Its programme includes a Bono wave race, surfing competitions for professionals and amateurs, music and cultural performances, and traditional games. As the programme may change between editions and dates should be checked for the year you plan to travel, it is worth checking the latest information before planning your trip around the festival.

Choose the right focus

When looking for a holiday rental in Riau, it helps to first decide which experiences matter most to you: sultanate history in Siak, the Muara Takus temple complex, landscapes and activities on the water, or a festival such as Pacu Jalur or Bekudo Bono. This lets you tailor your accommodation search to your travel plans, without treating culture, nature and events as a single experience.

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For the main travel overview: Indonesia.