Pekanbaru is the capital of Riau Province on the island of Sumatra, a busy riverside city built on oil, palm plantations and trade along the Siak River. It sits just across the Strait of Malacca from Singapore, which makes it one of the closest Indonesian cities to reach by air. People book flights to Pekanbaru for business, to visit family, to explore Malay heritage sites in Siak and Kampar, or to watch the tidal bore surf waves on the Kampar River.

About Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport in Pekanbaru

Location

The airport is named after the last sultan of Siak and lies on the southern side of Pekanbaru, within the city limits. That central position makes arrivals easy: the business district along Jalan Sudirman is a short drive away, so there is little need to budget a long transfer after landing.

Terminals

Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport operates from a single modern passenger terminal that handles both domestic and international flights. Check-in counters, arrivals halls and baggage belts are all under one roof, so connecting between an international arrival and a domestic departure is straightforward.

Getting to and from Pekanbaru Airport

Official airport taxis queue outside arrivals, and ride-hailing apps are widely used in Pekanbaru for trips into the city. City buses are a cheaper option for travellers on a budget, though they are slower with luggage. If you are heading to Siak or Kampar, many visitors rent a car with driver for the day.

Direct and Connecting Flights to Pekanbaru

Singapore and Pekanbaru are close neighbours across the strait, but nonstop availability on this route changes with the season and the market, so the quickest way to know is to search your dates. Travellers coming from further afield, such as Chennai, Trivandrum, Perth or Krabi, usually connect through Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Jakarta. On Traveloka, set Pekanbaru as your destination and turn on the direct-only filter to see nonstop options first, then widen the search if the timings do not work. Jakarta and Batam also have domestic links to PKU, which helps when your international flight lands elsewhere in Indonesia.

When to Fly to Pekanbaru

Pekanbaru has a hot, humid equatorial climate with rain possible all year, often as heavy afternoon storms. The drier months in the middle of the year can bring haze from land clearing in some seasons, so it is worth checking air quality news before a trip. Evenings along the river are cooler and pleasant for strolling.

Travel demand peaks around Hari Raya, when many Riau families return home and flights fill well in advance. Chinese New Year also brings busy weeks, because Pekanbaru has a sizeable Chinese Indonesian community, as do Singapore's June and December school holidays. Booking early for these periods, or comparing dates with the price chart on this page, helps you find better value on Pekanbaru flights.

Popular Places in Pekanbaru and Around Riau

An-Nur Grand Mosque

Riau's great mosque is a landmark of Pekanbaru, with domes and tall minarets set in wide landscaped grounds. Its design draws on Malay, Arab and Indian influences, and it is especially striking when lit up at night.

Siak Sri Indrapura Palace

Downriver in the town of Siak, the former palace of the Siak sultanate combines Malay, European and Middle Eastern styles. Inside are royal heirlooms and a famous antique music box, and the riverside town around it makes a relaxed day trip from Pekanbaru.

Bono Waves on the Kampar River

At Teluk Meranti, tidal bores sweep up the Kampar River as rolling waves that surfers ride for long distances. Local guides can tell you when the tides are likely to bring the biggest bono, usually around the full and new moon.

Muara Takus Temple

This ancient Buddhist temple complex in Kampar Regency is one of the oldest archaeological sites in Sumatra. Its brick stupas stand in a green valley and hint at the region's long history of trade with the wider Malay world.

Siak River Waterfront

The Siak River runs past the older Senapelan district of Pekanbaru. The long bridges across it are city landmarks, and the surrounding streets are good for trying local snacks in the evening.

Where to Stay in Pekanbaru

The Jalan Sudirman corridor is the main business and shopping spine, with malls, restaurants and easy access to the airport. Senapelan, near the river, is the older part of town with markets and heritage streets. Travellers visiting the universities often choose the Panam and Tampan area in the west, while newer neighbourhoods off the main roads have quieter guesthouses and rentals.

Food to Try in Pekanbaru

Gulai Ikan Patin

River catfish simmered in a turmeric and coconut curry is Riau's signature dish. It is rich and tangy, and some restaurants add tempoyak, fermented durian, for a stronger local flavour.

Mie Sagu

These chewy noodles are made from sago starch, a staple crop of coastal Riau. They are stir-fried with small anchovies, bean sprouts and chilli, and make a light, cheap meal.

Bolu Kemojo

A fragrant cake baked in a flower-shaped mould, bolu kemojo is flavoured with pandan and coconut milk. It is Pekanbaru's favourite souvenir to take home.

Roti Jala with Curry

Lacy net pancakes are poured from a special cup onto the griddle and served with chicken or beef curry, a nod to Riau's close ties with Malay cooking across the strait.

Planning a trip to Riau? Compare flights to Pekanbaru on Traveloka, pay with local payment methods and manage your booking with Easy Reschedule if your plans change.