Pekanbaru & Bali
From the Malay heartlands of Riau to the tropical paradise of Bali. A dual-destination experience like no other.
Main Venue: Pekanbaru
The Melayu Heartlands
Explore Pekanbaru & Riau
We never lack for interesting things to do here. To make your upcoming visit to Pekanbaru more enjoyable, below is a list of online resources to some of our local places of interest.
Masjid Agung An-Nur
Pekanbaru's iconic grand mosque, nicknamed the "Taj Mahal of Riau," features striking Malay-Islamic architecture with grand domes and minarets. Visitors are welcome outside prayer times.
Istana Siak Sri Indrapura
The former royal palace of the Sultanate of Siak (approx. 130 km from Pekanbaru) showcases a stunning blend of Malay, Arab, and European influences, complete with royal heirlooms and antique furnishings.
Alam Mayang Recreational Park
A popular urban green escape in Tenayan Raya, featuring a scenic artificial lake, paddle boats, walking paths, and shaded picnic areas — ideal for a relaxed afternoon with colleagues.
Kampar River & Bono Wave
The Kampar River, located about 60 km from the city, is famous for the tidal "Bono" bore wave — a natural spectacle that has attracted surfers and nature lovers from around the world.
Sumatran Elephant Conservation Center
Located in Minas (~45 km from Pekanbaru), the center is dedicated to the conservation of critically endangered Sumatran elephants. Best visited in the early afternoon.
Pasar Bawah (Lower Market)
A historic riverside market along the Siak River offering batik textiles, traditional Malay crafts, local produce, and a vibrant slice of everyday Pekanbaru life.
Restaurant & Local Cuisines
Melayu, Minang & Nusantara
- Sultan Resto
- RM Pak Abbas
- Kedai Kimteng (est. 1950)
- Local Pantry
- Restoran Sari Minang
- Pondok Patin H. M. Yunus
- Koki Sunda
- Kampung Kecil
Japanese
- Sushi Tei
- Okinawa Sushi
- Tom Sushi
- Sushi Yay!
Western & Steakhouse
- Peterseli Kitchen
- Local Pantry Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
- 5oUs Steakhouse
- Holycow! Steakhouse
- Meat You Satu Kitchen
Chinese
- Vid Chinese Resto
- Karimun Rumah Makan
- Angkasa Garden Restaurant
- Happy Family Restaurant
Mall Food Court
- SKA Mall Food Court: KFC, Pizza Hut, Burger King, Yoshinoya, Tom Sushi, Ichiban Sushi, Okinawa Sushi, Pepper Lunch, Holycow! Steakhouse, BreadTalk
- Living World Mall Food Court: Burger King, Pepper Lunch, HokBen, A&W, Tom Sushi, Imperial Kitchen & Dimsum, Ta-Wan, Marugame Udon, J.Co Donuts & Coffee, Starbucks, Solaria, BreadTalk, Baskin Robbins
Travel Information
Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport (PKU)
Pekanbaru is served by Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport (PKU), located approximately 7–8 km from the city center. The airport offers direct international connections to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Singapore (SIN), with multiple daily domestic flights to Jakarta, Batam, Medan, Surabaya, Bali, and other major Indonesian cities.
Getting Around the City
Transportation options in Pekanbaru include online ride-hailing: Gojek and Grab are widely available and affordable, Taxis: Metered taxis available at the airport and major hotels, car rental and Trans Metro Pekanbaru (TMP): City bus service covering major routes
Visa and Invitation Letter
Indonesia operates a Visa on Arrival (VoA) policy for nationals of many countries, available at PKU Airport. Additionally, several nationalities enjoy visa-free entry for short stays under the Bebas Visa arrangement. We strongly recommend verifying your country's eligibility well in advance.
- Check current visa requirements at the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration
- For countries requiring a visa in advance, please start the application process as early as possible — processing may take several weeks.
- Conference participants requiring a formal Invitation Letter for their visa application should contact the organizing committee. Please include your full name (as on passport), institution, country, and confirmation of registration.
- Keep proof of conference registration and airline booking ready for your application.
Post Symposium and PanPac Conference: Bali
The Cultural Paradise
Bali is the heart of Indonesia's cultural tourism, where ancient temples, lush rice terraces, and living traditions create an unforgettable experience. Discover the island's timeless beauty, artistic heritage, and warm Balinese hospitality.
