What to Do in Pekanbaru? Fun Activity Ideas for Travelers
July 08, 2026
Pekanbaru is often seen as just a transit city or a business hub, but the capital of Riau Province actually holds plenty of surprises for travelers. From nature spots and Malay cuisine to trendy photo spots, Pekanbaru has it all. If you’re planning a trip here and wondering what to do, this article has got you covered with fun activity ideas in Pekanbaru that you absolutely have to try.
Explore Refreshing Nature Spots
Danau Buatan Lembah Sari
If you need some peace and quiet after a busy routine, Danau Buatan Lembah Sari is the perfect choice. Its calm atmosphere makes it great for a family picnic or simply relaxing while enjoying the lake view.
Hutan Kota Pekanbaru
Amid the city’s hustle and bustle, Hutan Kota Pekanbaru serves as a green oasis that keeps the air feeling fresher. This spot is also popular for jogging or a leisurely evening stroll.
Malay Culture and History
Pekanbaru has a long history as a center of Malay culture, and you can experience it firsthand at several iconic spots.
Masjid Raya Pekanbaru
This oldest mosque in Pekanbaru boasts distinctive Malay architecture. Besides being a place of worship, it’s also often visited as a religious tourism destination by out-of-town visitors.
Museum Sang Nila Utama
If you’re curious about Riau’s history and culture, dropping by this museum is a fun way to learn while relaxing.
Enjoy Pekanbaru’s Local Cuisine
A visit to Pekanbaru isn’t complete without trying its signature dishes. Give gulai ikan patin (savory catfish curry) a go, try roti jala with curry sauce, or grab bolu kemojo, a favorite local souvenir. The Jalan Sudirman area and around Pasar Bawah are also popular spots for hunting affordable street food at night.
Hunt for Trendy Photo Spots
If you’re into social media content, Pekanbaru also has plenty of cafés and parks with aesthetic photo spots. Several cafés around Jalan Riau and Jalan Diponegoro have unique, Instagram-worthy concepts, perfect for relaxing with a coffee while snapping some pics.
Shop for Riau Souvenirs
Before heading home, don’t forget to stop by a souvenir center to grab bolu kemojo, lempuk durian, or Malay songket woven fabric, a signature item from Riau. Pasar Bawah Pekanbaru is the most complete place to hunt for souvenirs at friendly prices.
Catch Local Events and Festivals
If your visit coincides with the event calendar, don’t miss the Malay cultural festivals or local music events often held around GOR Tribuana or Purna MTQ. It’s a great chance to experience the spirit of the Pekanbaru community firsthand.
Getting to Pekanbaru Is Easier with Easybook
Now that you know how many fun activities Pekanbaru has to offer, it’s time to plan your journey there. If you’re road-tripping from cities in Sumatra like Padang, Medan, or Jambi, taking the bus is a comfortable and cost-effective option. You can book bus tickets online through Easybook heading to Terminal Bandar Raya Payung Sekaki (BRPS) in Pekanbaru with ease.
Simply open the Easybook app or website, choose your departure and arrival cities, check the available schedule, then pay. Your e-ticket is issued instantly, ready to be shown at the departure terminal. No long queues, no worrying about sold-out tickets since everything can be booked well in advance.
Easybook also offers many bus operator options with various service classes, so you can adjust to your needs and budget for your trip to Pekanbaru.
FAQ About Activities in Pekanbaru
1. What’s the most fun activity for first-time visitors to Pekanbaru? Exploring Danau Buatan Lembah Sari and trying local food at Pasar Bawah is the most recommended combination for a first-time experience in Pekanbaru.
2. How many days is ideal to explore Pekanbaru? Two to three days is enough to fully enjoy the nature, cuisine, and culture that Pekanbaru has to offer.
3. What souvenirs should you buy from Pekanbaru? Bolu kemojo and lempuk durian are the most popular souvenirs and easy to find at various souvenir shops.
4. How do you get to Pekanbaru from other cities in Sumatra by bus? You can book bus tickets online through Easybook heading to Terminal Bandar Raya Payung Sekaki, with various operator and schedule options available.
5. Can bus tickets to Pekanbaru be booked well in advance on Easybook? Of course. It’s actually recommended to book early, especially during holiday seasons, to get the best schedule and price.
Plan your fun trip to Pekanbaru now, and book your bus ticket easily through Easybook!
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