Top reasons to visit Pekanbaru
- Vibrant Shopping Scene: Explore bustling malls like Pekanbaru Mall, offering a variety of shopping and dining options.
- Rich Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in local culture by visiting the Great Mosque of Pekanbaru and nearby mausoleums.
- Charming Neighbourhoods: Stroll through the pleasant neighbourhoods of South Pekanbaru for a taste of local life.
- Outdoor Adventures: Engage in outdoor activities and enjoy the serene lakes and parks around the city.
- Varied Accommodation: Choose from luxurious hotels to quaint guesthouses, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Find great hotels in Pekanbaru
Discover the myriad of accommodation options in Pekanbaru, Riau, where you can find everything from sophisticated hotels to charming guesthouses. Whether you seek a luxury vacation experience, business-friendly facilities, or a serene spa retreat, Pekanbaru has something to offer every traveller. Notable options include Hotel Dafam Pekanbaru and various vacation rentals, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay in this vibrant city.
- Novotel Pekanbaru: Situated in the heart of Pekanbaru, Novotel Pekanbaru is a refined 4-star hotel that caters particularly to business travellers. With a commendable guest rating of 8.4 out of 10, this hotel offers spacious rooms equipped with modern amenities, making it an ideal retreat for professionals on the go. Guests can enjoy a variety of services including complimentary Wi-Fi, a well-equipped business centre, and meeting rooms. The hotel also features an on-site restaurant that serves an array of local and international dishes, ensuring a delightful dining experience after a long day of meetings.
- Grand Jatra Hotel Pekanbaru: Elevating family vacations to new heights, Grand Jatra Hotel Pekanbaru, a luxurious 4.5-star establishment, is designed with family-friendly amenities in mind. With an impressive range of services including a full spa, sauna, and children’s pool, this hotel ensures relaxation for both parents and kids. The property is rated highly for its tranquil atmosphere and offers delightful treatments such as aromatherapy and in-room massages. Located conveniently in Pekanbaru, the hotel is perfect for families seeking a rejuvenating getaway while also providing essential childcare services like babysitting and first aid kits.
- Swiss Belinn SKA Pekanbaru: With a guest rating of 8.6 out of 10, Swiss Belinn SKA Pekanbaru stands out as a comfortable 3.5-star hotel ideal for business travellers. Located in the vibrant area of Pekanbaru, this hotel offers a blend of convenience and modern amenities tailored for those on work trips. Features include a business centre, meeting rooms, and complimentary high-speed internet. The hotel’s restaurant serves a variety of culinary delights, providing a perfect setting to unwind after a busy day. Swiss Belinn SKA is particularly noted for its welcoming atmosphere and attentive service, making it a solid choice for business visitors.
Where to stay near Pekanbaru
Pekanbaru, a vibrant city in Riau, Indonesia, offers a delightful blend of business, family, and urban experiences. Explore the bustling Pekanbaru Mall for shopping and dining, or take a leisurely stroll through South Pekanbaru's charming neighbourhoods. With its rich culture and varied attractions, a trip to Pekanbaru promises to be an unforgettable adventure for all types of travellers, making it an ideal destination for both leisure and business.
- Perawang: Located 24km from Pekanbaru, Perawang is a vibrant city that attracts visitors for its family-friendly atmosphere and business opportunities. The city’s appeal lies in its bustling shopping centres and malls, making it a perfect destination for those keen to indulge in retail therapy. Though visitor numbers are fairly consistent throughout the year, expect a spike from December to February, coinciding with the holiday season. Whether you're looking to explore the local culture or engage in business meetings, Perawang offers a diverse range of experiences suitable for all types of travellers.
- Sultan Syarif Hasyim Grand Forest Park: Situated 23km from Pekanbaru, this expansive forest park is a natural sanctuary that beckons nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Visitors can immerse themselves in the serene beauty of lush greenery and tranquil surroundings, making it an ideal spot for picnics, leisurely strolls, or wildlife observation. While foot traffic is relatively steady year-round, peak visitation occurs in February, October, and December. The park is a splendid escape for those looking to unwind and reconnect with nature, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Things to do in Pekanbaru
Shopping
In Pekanbaru, visit Mal Pekanbaru, a modern shopping destination featuring a range of local and international brands. If you're up for a drive, check out Mall Ciputra Seraya, located about 19km away, known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse shopping options.
Recreation
In Pekanbaru, indulge in rejuvenating treatments at the D'River Spa, where traditional Indonesian therapies meet modern wellness practices. For a serene escape, visit the Grand Jatra Hotel's spa, offering calming massages and holistic therapies amidst a tranquil atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and rebalancing your energies.
Adventure
Explore the lush landscapes of Riau's jungles at the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, where you can trek through dense forests and spot diverse wildlife. Experience the thrill of white-water rafting on the Kampar River, offering exciting rapids and stunning natural scenery.
Nightlife
Explore the vibrant nightlife at K2 Karaoke on Jl. Sudirman for an entertaining evening of singing with friends. For a more laid-back vibe, visit the Sari Roti Café on Jl. Soekarno-Hatta, where you can enjoy a variety of snacks and beverages in a relaxed atmosphere.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Pekanbaru
To save money during your visit to Pekanbaru, plan your trip in March, September, or November when accommodation prices are typically lower. Saturdays offer the best rates for stays, while Tuesdays tend to be more expensive. Use Expedia's search tool to filter options based on your budget and preferences, and consider booking a package deal that includes flights and activities for additional savings. For affordable transport, explore the city on foot or utilise public transport to keep costs down while discovering free activities along the way.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Pekanbaru are March, September and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Pekanbaru is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay in Pekanbaru is Tuesday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. To uncover the most affordable prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation in Pekanbaru with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in Pekanbaru
Pekanbaru is an excellent destination for city, business, and family vacations, boasting a variety of attractions such as mosques, lakes, and mausoleums. Visitors can immerse themselves in local culture while enjoying outdoor activities and beach experiences. Key points of interest include the Great Mosque of Pekanbaru, nearby malls, and renowned resorts, providing ample opportunities for exploration and relaxation in this vibrant city.
- Great Mosque of An-Nur: This mosque is a stunning architectural gem in Pekanbaru, showcasing a blend of modern and traditional Islamic styles. Its serene atmosphere and intricate details make it a cultural landmark, inviting visitors to reflect and appreciate the local heritage.
- Pekanbaru Lake: A picturesque destination, Pekanbaru Lake offers a tranquil escape with its beautiful beach and scenic views. Ideal for outdoor activities, it is a romantic spot where you can enjoy leisurely strolls or simply relax by the water’s edge.
- Raya Mosque: Another remarkable mosque in the city, Raya Mosque is celebrated for its cultural significance and striking design. Visitors can immerse themselves in the spiritual ambience while exploring the local customs and traditions that thrive here.
Best time to go to Pekanbaru
The best time to visit Pekanbaru can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Pekanbaru falls in May, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature in Pekanbaru falls in January and December. December has slightly high visitor numbers and mostly cloudy weather.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Pekanbaru
Visiting Pekanbaru is convenient with its major airport, Sultan Syarif Qasim II International Airport (PKU), located approximately 5km from the city centre. Nearby hotel options include the Grand Jatra Hotel Pekanbaru, a 4.5-star establishment situated 8km from the airport, and The Zuri Pekanbaru, rated 4 stars and just 3km away. The Aryaduta Pekanbaru, also a 4-star hotel, is located 6km from the airport. These hotels offer various transportation services, including free airport shuttles and 24-hour transfers, ensuring easy access to the airport for your travels.