Discover the best tourist destinations in Riau, from the natural beauty of the Blue Crater to the magnificent architecture of the An Nur Grand Mosque, which you must visit when you are in this province.
Riau, a province in Indonesia located on the island of Sumatra, has many interesting tourist destinations that combine natural beauty and cultural heritage.
From stunning natural scenery to magnificent historical buildings, Riau offers an unforgettable travel experience. Here are the 10 best tourist attractions in Riau that you must visit.
1. Blue Crater
Blue Crater, located in Pekanbaru, Riau, is a very popular natural tourist destination. This crater is famous for its bright blue water, giving a calming impression to every visitor.
The surrounding scenery filled with green vegetation adds to the beauty of this place. Kawah Biru has become a favorite destination for both local and foreign tourists, and is perfect for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
2. Mayang Nature, Pekanbaru
Alam Mayang Pekanbaru is the right choice for family tourism. Located only 8 kilometers from the center of Pekanbaru City, this place offers various exciting rides such as banana boats, flying fox, water bikes, and safari trains.
Alam Mayang Pekanbaru also offers beautiful and refreshing natural scenery, making it a suitable place for picnics and relaxing with family.
In addition to the rides, visitors can also enjoy the natural beauty that is still pristine, providing a very refreshing atmosphere.
3. Ulu Kasok
Ulu Kasok, located in Pulau Gadang Village, XIII District, Koto Kampar, offers stunning views. This area is often referred to as “Kampar-style Raja Ampat” because it has many small islands located in the middle of the Koto Panjang Hydroelectric Power Plant (PLTA) dam.
The natural beauty of the place with its dense forests and green water makes it very exotic. Ulu Kasok has several main tourist attractions, such as waterfalls, island tours using speedboats, and Ulu Kasok Peak which offers extraordinary views.
4. Kasang Kulim Zoo
If you have kids with you, Kasang Kulim Zoo is an ideal place. Located about 30 minutes drive from Pekanbaru, this zoo has a collection of various types of animals, both tame and wild.
Visitors can enjoy various rides such as a 10-minute elephant ride at an affordable cost. Kasang Kulim Zoo stands on 10 hectares of land, which provides enough space for various types of animals.
In addition, the facilities here are quite complete, with a children’s play area and a beautiful garden.
5. Siak Sri Indrapura Palace
Siak Sri Indrapura Palace is one of the historical buildings that is a silent witness to the development of history and culture in Riau.
Built in 1889 by Sultan Syarif Hasyim Abdul Jalil Syaifudin, this palace combines various architectural styles, from European, Arabic, to Malay.
This palace was once the center of government of the Siak Sultanate and is now a museum that houses various historical collections.
To enter this palace, visitors only need to pay a very affordable ticket. Apart from enjoying the magnificent architecture, you can also learn the history of the development of Islam in Riau.
6. Asian Heritage Pekanbaru
Asia Heritage Pekanbaru is a unique tourist spot because it presents a number of miniatures of famous icons from various Asian countries in one area.
Located on Jalan Yos Sudarso, Asia Heritage is built on 14 hectares of land and is equipped with various interesting photo spots.
Every visitor who comes can feel the different atmospheres of Asia, from Japanese, Chinese, to Indian cultures.
Apart from being a tourist destination, this place is also often used for pre-wedding photo shoots, gatherings, or just relaxing and enjoying the view.
7. Jemur Island
Jemur Island is a tourist destination located approximately 45 miles from Rokan Hilir. This island consists of several small islands, including Tekong Emas Island and Tekong Simbang Island.
Jemur Island is famous for being a nesting ground for turtles, making it an important conservation area. In addition, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the Japanese Cave, the Lighthouse, and several other historical relics such as human footprints and the remains of Japanese defenses.
The golden sandy beaches are an ideal place to relax, while the Marine Park located around the island is a perfect place for snorkeling.
8. Rainbow Hills
Rainbow Hills or Rainbow Hills is located at Kahyangan Lake, Rumbai, Pekanbaru. This hill is famous for its very unique and varied soil colors, resembling a rainbow.
The combination of colors on these hills makes them look very attractive, especially when seen from a distance.
Rainbow Hills is a relatively new place, but it has attracted many tourists who want to enjoy the amazing natural scenery and take pictures among the beautiful hills. The natural beauty it offers makes it one of the newest tourist attractions that you should visit.
9. Tuan Kadi’s Rest House
Tuan Kadi’s Rest House is a historic building that was once a rest house for the Sultan of Siak before heading to Pekanbaru. Located under the Siak Bridge, this halfway house is now a very interesting tourist destination.
From this location, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the surrounding park and the magnificent view of the Siak Bridge.
This halfway house is a symbol of the history of the development of Pekanbaru City and is a very interesting place to visit, especially for those who are interested in local history and culture.
10. An Nur Grand Mosque
An Nur Grand Mosque is one of the most magnificent mosques in Pekanbaru, and is often referred to as the Taj Mahal of Riau because of its beautiful architecture that combines Malay, Arabic, Turkish, and Indian styles.
This mosque is one of the icons of pride for the people of Pekanbaru and is the center of religious activities, especially during the month of Ramadan.
In front of the mosque there is a pool that adds to the beauty of this building, making it even more enchanting.
In addition to functioning as a place of worship, the An Nur Grand Mosque is also a tourist destination that is widely visited by tourists who are interested in the beautiful architecture of the mosque and the comfortable surrounding atmosphere.
With its various amazing tourist destinations, Riau is not only known as an industrial and economic center, but also as a tourist paradise with a variety of choices of places that can satisfy your vacation desires.
Natural beauty like Muncak Pass, cultural heritage, and rich history make Riau one of the best tourist destinations in Indonesia that is worth exploring.
