Destination: Sumatra --> Riau

• Culture & Heritage:

1. Muara Takus Temple

Located around 120 kilometers from Pekanbaru, the capital city of Riau, this temple is the largest and the most well-preserved ancient temple in Sumatra. It is still uncertain when the temple was built. but a theory suggests that it was built around the eleventh century.

The temple is a Buddhist temple complex that is surrounded by a 74 meters times 74 meters wall. with another 1.5 kilometers times 1.5 kilometers rampart surrounding this. Inside the complex are Candi Tua, Candi Bungsu, Candi Palangka and the Mahligai stupa. Candi Tua is the largest of all, with a height of 8.5 meters and a base  measuring 32.8 meters times 21.8 meters. Candi Bungsu maybe is the most unique of all, it was constructed from two different kinds of stone, red stone and sandstone. Candi Palangka is constructed from red stone but only reaches 1.45 meters. The Mahligai stupa is the tallest of all, reaching a height of 14.3 meters on top of an octagonal base. On top of it are lion figures. 

This place is a good choice for those of you who are interested in knowing more about the Sriwijaya Kingdom.

Candi Muara Takus

    2. Desa Wisata Buluh Cina


This village is home to 1,500 inhabitants which are divided into two tribes, the Melayu tribe and the Domo tribe. Being the oldest village in the area, it played a role in the rise of other villages such as Watas Hutan village and Baru village.


Desa Wisata Buluh Cina offers you many wonderful things, like traditional houses and a museum which preserves tools that were passed down by the two tribes' ancestors. You can also take a closer look at the locals' way of living. Take a stroll beside the river to see kids jumping into the water to take a bath. Visit the eleven lakes that surround the village to fish with the locals in small boats or just enjoy the natural beauty.  Or you can trek the surrounding jungle to see some local wildlife such as deers, armadillos and hedgehogs.


A very nice place to learn about the local culture or just relax after hard, busy days.

• Eco-tourism:

1. Pantai Rupat

Pantai Rupat

The most beautiful beach in Riau, Pantai Rupat is blessed with white sandy beaches and calm waves. Every year it is visited by thousands of tourists from many parts of the country, and because it is located across Malaysia, it is also visited by foreigners. 

Here you can enjoy a dip at the calm, clean water with no worries about the waves. You can enjoy the sun by sun-bathing on the white sandy beach and enjoy the view of mountains in the neighboring country. The Rumah Togok, the floating houses of the fishermen are also quite a view.

   2. Pantai Selat Baru

Pantai Selat Baru

Pantai Selat Baru is the second most beautiful beach Riau has after Pantai Rupat. Located just 7 kilometers north of the city of Bengkalis, it is blessed with soft sandy beach that spans 2 kilometers and calm waves, making it a popular tourist attraction.


Every year you can some festivals held by the locals here, like boat race and kite contest. You can also see many art performance such as traditional dance. Or you can just relax on the beach while watching seagulls dive in the water to catch their preys.