Discover the best tourist attractions in Riau, from the historic Muara Takus Temple to the natural beauty of Jemur Island and Kampar River, which offer an extraordinary holiday experience.
Riau, a province located on the island of Sumatra, offers many interesting tourist attractions that are perfect for travelers looking for a diverse holiday experience. From historical sites like Muara Takus Temple to stunning natural beauty like Batang Kapas Waterfall and Jemur Island, Riau has everything to pamper tourists. Here are 10 tourist attractions in Riau that you should visit:
1. Muara Takus Temple
Muara Takus Temple is the only temple left over from the Buddhist kingdom in Riau. Located in Muara Takus Village, Koto Kampar XIII District, Kampar Regency, this temple is made of sandstone, river stones, and bricks, which gives a different feel from temples on Java Island.
Although the location of Muara Takus Temple is quite far from the center of Pekanbaru City, about 135 km, the beauty and history contained in it make it a place that should not be missed.
This temple is also often associated with the Srivijaya kingdom that once ruled the Sumatra region, adding to its appeal as an important historical site.
2. Batang Kapas Waterfall
Batang Kapas Waterfall is located about 3.5 hours drive from Pekanbaru and offers extraordinary natural scenery. With a height of about 150 meters, this waterfall is perfect for those of you who want to enjoy the tranquility of nature and adventure in the middle of the forest.
The surrounding atmosphere is beautiful and the fresh air makes the long journey to this waterfall comparable to the beauty you will find. This location is also perfect for trekking activities and taking pictures in the middle of beautiful nature.
3. Upper Kasok
Ulu Kasok is a tourist destination located in Pulau Gadang Village, XIII Koto Kampar District. Offering extraordinary natural scenery, this place is often referred to as the “Raja Ampat of Kampar” because it consists of several small islands in the middle of the Koto Panjang Hydroelectric Dam.
Here, you can enjoy various interesting activities, such as circling the small islands by speedboat, climbing Puncak Ulu Kasok for spectacular views, or enjoying the beauty of the waterfalls there. From Pekanbaru, you only need to travel about one and a half hours to reach this location.
4. Black Water Chalk Hill
If you like tourist attractions that offer unique and aesthetic views, Air Hitam Limestone Hill is the right choice. This hill is formed from limestone which adds to the majestic and dramatic impression, similar to a mini Grand Canyon.
This place used to be a mining location, but now it has become a favorite tourist destination for visitors who want to get beautiful photos. With its black soil color, this hill is the perfect backdrop for pre-wedding photos or just taking photos with friends.
5. Kampar River
Kampar River is a very famous location among surfers because of the Bono wave phenomenon, a tidal wave that reaches speeds of up to 40 km/hour.
With waves that can reach 6 meters high, the Kampar River is a very challenging place for professional surfers. Not only that, Bono also attracts international tourists to experience the sensation of surfing on a river that has unique currents and waves.
The natural beauty around the Kampar River adds to the attraction of this place, making it one of the most unique tourist destinations in Indonesia.
6. Okura Tourist Village
Okura Tourism Village, located in Rumbai Pesisir Regency, offers a different tourism experience. Apart from enjoying the beautiful natural scenery by boating on the river, visitors can also enjoy the local culture which is still strong in this village.
Horse riding and guided village tours are very popular among tourists who want to experience the quiet village life. In addition, you can also taste the typical cuisine of this area which will add to your travel experience to be more complete.
7. Aek Mertua Waterfall
Known as ” Air Terjun Tangga Seribu,” Aek Mertua Waterfall is located in Kampar Regency and offers extraordinary natural beauty. With three levels of waterfalls, the height varies from 15 meters to 40 meters.
The name Aek Mertua comes from the Batak Mandailing language which means sacred water. The beauty and tranquility surrounding this waterfall make it an ideal place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Visitors can also enjoy trekking around the waterfall area.
8. Blue Crater
Blue Crater, located in Palas Village, Siak Hulu District, Kampar Regency, is a volcanic lake known for its blue-green water.
This place originates from a former excavation which was then filled with rainwater, forming a beautiful crater. Situated at an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level, Kawah Biru offers cool air and enchanting natural views. For visitors who like hiking, the path to the crater is quite challenging, but the views are worth the effort.
9. Love Island
Love Island is a tourist destination located in Kampar Regency. This island is famous for its soft white sand and is surrounded by the clear water of the Kampar River.
Visitors can do various activities such as playing water sports, boating, or just taking a leisurely stroll along the island.
The beauty of this island makes it an ideal place to relax or enjoy time with family. Love Island also has its own charm because there is no entrance fee, only a very affordable parking fee.
10. Jemur Island
Jemur Island is located about 72 km from Rokan City, and is famous for its pristine natural beauty. This island is also a nesting place for turtles that come every year.
Each turtle can lay up to 150 eggs in one season. Lucky tourists can see the turtle laying eggs, which is an unforgettable experience. In addition, Jemur Island is also a perfect place for beach tourism, enjoying the tropical atmosphere, and exploring the small islands that surround it.
Riau is not only known as a region producing natural resources, but also has extraordinary natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage. From historical sites to challenging nature adventures, Riau has everything you need to make your vacation unforgettable.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit these 10 tourist attractions in Riau, including the iconic Muaro Jambi Temple, and enjoy all the beauty and uniqueness they have to offer.
