Pekanbaru

Taken with the bellboy of Pangeran Hotel in Pekanbaru. He is wearing the same baju Melayu as we do here in Malaysia. Also with Sadiah, my room-mate for this visit. 251211






I am ashamed to admit that my knowledge of Indonesia is limited though I have visited a number of places there. So, I learned that Pekanbaru is in mainland Sumatra in the Kepulauan Riau region. Yes, that's why I thought it was an island - Pulau Riau. Well, ignorance can be corrected. I did it by visiting the place.
Pekanbaru is like Malaysia. Majority is Malay Riau and can speak Malay like we Malays in Malaysia but with Indonesian accent. There are not many tourist attractions except the old traditional design buildings especially the bumbung or the roofs.





The Gedung Perwakilan Rakyat (like the parliament) is so colourful and attractive with batik and songket motif designs. Unfortunately we weren't able to go in because it was on Christmas day.










The open book modern design of the National Library also drew my attention and it was quite impressive. Built on the same ground as the Kantor Gabenor Riau, the complex is attractive with a Turkish-Iranian design mosque for the staff.











The Complex Raja Ali Haji is beautiful with different design tradional houses from different daerah, just like our mini Malaysia. But unfortunately, the complex is so rundown and unkempt with long grass, pools of stagnant water and debris. I guess, it takes a lot of money to maintain this place. The unique building of the cultural centre where cultural shows are held is really stunning. It catches the eyes from far but since it was Christmas holiday we just enjoyed the external of the building. I hope the Pekanbaru government will be able to restore the glory of this place again some day.



The An-Nur Mosque is impressive, the biggest mosque in Pekanbaru where we did our solat jama' Zuhur and 'Asar.












Different kinds of nuts sold in big bags at Pasar Bawah Pasar Wisata, Pekanbaru. 251211



The main attraction here is shopping. Things are comparatively much cheaper than in Malaysia especially clothes, handbags, shoes, batik etc. We were brought to Pasar Bawah Pasar Wisata where there are bazaar and markets. The place was so sardine-packed with people and hot but fun to shop. I bought a few pieces of Riau silk materials at low prices that my other traveling companions couldn't resist but bought in dozen as presents. The Ramayana shopping complex also was bursting with people since it was happy holidays too there. One glaring difference that I notice was that, there was no warnings of pickpockets or bag-snatching in spite of people jostling closed to one another. Everyone seemed to be relaxed and normal whereas we were clutching our handbags for dear life. I really like this relaxed and safe feeling. Anyway there is nothing wrong to be weary.





Happy Wedding wishes along the main road in Pekanbaru, Indonesia for a happy couple. 251211























Since shopping is not my favourite activity when visiting other countries, I opted to stay in the hotel the next day when it was a free and easy day. I wanted to go to Bukit Tinggi for a day tour but was advised against it because it was a wet day and the journey was long due to poor road.
The last day (27 Dec 2011) before going to the airport, Pak Irwan, the local guide brought the 8 of us to Nasi Padang lunch at a restaurant. It was really a delicious nasi padang with petai and jering thrown in.

We ended our journey as new-old friends and I am sure I'll visit Sadiah, my room-mate, in Sitiawan one day.