About Riau accommodation

Riau, on Sumatra's east coast, is one of Indonesia's less-touristed provinces, better known among business travellers for its oil and plantation industries than for beach holidays. Its capital, Pekanbaru, is a fast-growing riverside city on the Siak River and the natural base for exploring the region, with a solid line-up of business-grade hotels close to Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport and the city centre.

For those looking beyond a work trip, Riau's main drawcard is the Bono, a genuinely rare tidal bore wave on the Kampar River that has put the province on the map for surfers worldwide, along with the grand old Siak palace a few hours from Pekanbaru. It's a province that rewards a bit of planning rather than a walk-up trip, so book your stay in Pekanbaru as your base.

Where to stay in Riau

• Pekanbaru: The provincial capital is where nearly all accommodation is concentrated, from business-standard hotels near the airport to mid-range chains around the city centre and the Siak riverfront, making it the practical base for both work stays and day trips out to the Bono wave or Siak palace.

How much is Riau accommodation?

• Budget: AU$15-40, simple hotel rooms with air-con, usually including breakfast, in and around Pekanbaru's city centre.
• Mid-range: AU$55-110, established chain hotels with a pool, breakfast and business facilities, popular with both corporate and leisure travellers.

What Riau is known for

• The Bono tidal wave: A rare tidal bore that surges up the Kampar River from the Strait of Malacca, forming a wall of waves that can run for dozens of kilometres. Local surfers call its multiple crests "the seven ghosts", and it's drawn professional wave riders from around the world for rides lasting well over half an hour.
• Siak Sri Indrapura Palace: A restored 1890s palace in Siak town, a couple of hours from Pekanbaru. The two-storey building blends European, Malay and Moorish architectural details, with domed windows and ornately carved pillars, and now operates as a museum.

Top-rated hotels in Riau

• Novotel Pekanbaru: An international four-star chain hotel with a modern, business-friendly feel, centrally located for both corporate stays and sightseeing.
• Labersa Grand Hotel & Convention Center: A large convention-style hotel on the edge of the city, popular for its resort-style facilities and consistently high guest ratings.
• Grand Jatra Hotel Pekanbaru: A well-established hotel in the heart of the city, close to major shopping and business districts.
• Swiss-Belinn Ska Pekanbaru: A reliable mid-range chain option offering comfortable rooms and straightforward business amenities.
• Grand Central Hotel Pekanbaru: A sophisticated city-centre hotel known for its spa facilities, a good pick for travellers wanting to unwind after a day out.

Travel tips for Riau

• Base yourself in Pekanbaru and plan any trip out to the Bono wave or Siak palace in advance, as both require a few hours' travel and are best arranged through a local operator.
• If you want to surf or watch the Bono, go with an experienced local guide and rescue-boat escort, given the strong currents in the Kampar River.
• Riau sits close to the equator, so pack for hot, humid weather year round and carry water when out sightseeing.
• English is mostly limited to international hotels, so a translation app comes in handy for day trips outside Pekanbaru.