Pekanbaru City Guide

Known for Malay and Indonesian dishes like Gulai Ikan Patin and Mie Sagu. International options exist in malls. Vegetarian and vegan choices are possible but limited. Some late-night food stalls.

Nightlife is quiet with some karaoke bars, lounges, and pubs near hotels and entertainment spots.

Growing coffee scene with local cafes and some specialty shops. Not as developed as bigger cities.

Tipping isn’t required but appreciated. Restaurants often add a 5-10% service charge. Rounding up taxi fares is common.

Buy local SIM cards at the airport or official stores. Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Indosat have good coverage. ID or passport registration is required.

Main commercial areas are fairly clean; some residential and market parts less so. Waste management has challenges.

Some minimarkets open 24/7. Late-night pharmacies and clinics are rare. Food is mostly available late via street stalls.

Supermarkets carry international and local products. Giant, Hypermart, and Transmart are main options. Traditional markets like Pasar Bawah offer fresh produce. Supermarkets usually open 9 AM to 10 PM.

Card payments work in malls and big restaurants, but you’ll need cash for markets, smaller shops, and public transport.

ATMs are common in malls, banks, and convenience stores. Major banks like BCA, Mandiri, and BNI have many ATMs. Some charge fees for international cards.

Local schools teach mainly in Indonesian; some offer bilingual programs. Limited international schools available; check directly for admissions.

Very small digital nomad community with no formal meetups or co-living spaces.

Parks like Riau Cultural Park provide green areas for walking and running.

Parks and boulevards offer safe running routes during the day; air quality varies seasonally.

Fitness centers and sports facilities are available, including options for badminton, futsal, and swimming.

Tennis courts available in some sports clubs and complexes.

Padel courts are not common here.

Few yoga studios offer classes; English instruction is rare.

Options for Karate, Taekwondo, and Pencak Silat. BJJ and Muay Thai are limited.

No skiing due to tropical climate.

Limited water sports in parks; no major options in the city.

Surf spots are far off on other islands like Mentawai.

No diving nearby; best dive spots are far away on other islands.

Hospitals like Awal Bros and Eka offer decent care. English is limited outside international clinics. Pharmacies are common and open till late.

Tap water isn’t safe to drink. Use bottled water or filters.

Some playgrounds in parks and malls. Kid-friendly cafes are growing. Attractions include Riau Cultural Park and indoor play areas in malls.

LGBTQ+ acceptance is low; social stigma exists and legal protections are minimal.

Limited pet-friendly places; veterinary services and pet supplies exist. Strict pet import rules.