Riau Province
The Capital City of Riau is “Pekanbaru”
Riau
Province, although comparatively small in both size and population over 4,5
million of peoples, is the heartland of the Malays and the cradle of
Indonesia’s Malay, based national language and culture. In terms of geography,
Riau Province comprises two district territories: the mainland, which occupies
an area along the east coast of Central Sumatera and the Riau archipelago
consisting of Riau and Lingga Island groups bordering the Karimata Strait. Riau
is the biggest province in Sumatera. The Riau archipelago alone has a total
area of 1.176.530 square kilometers, consisting of sea and 3,214 islands, many
of which are unnamed, (4,93 % width of Indonesia). The provincial capital is
Pekanbaru.
The
territory of this rich province includes a sizable slice of the eastern
Sumateran coast and more than 3,000 islands of all sizes. Riau, although
comparatively small in both size and population (about 2.5 million), is the
heartland of the Malays and the cradle of Indonesia's Malay-based national
language and culture. The first book of Malay grammar, the Bustanul Katibin,
was written and published here in 1857. Its links with Johor on the West
Malaysian mainland have been long and strong. Sitting astride one of the
world's oldest and busiest trade routes, the Strait of Malacca, the Riau
islands have for many centuries provided a safe haven to ships plying the sea
lanes between Europe, India and China. The rise of Malay power, however, began
somewhere around the 13th century, when that of the Buddhist kingdom of Sriwijaya
began to crumble. Malay kingdoms emerged on both sides of the Malacca Strait.
In
1402, Parameswara founded Malacca, a kingdom which was to play a pivotal role
in the history of the area in the century that was to come. Being the first to
come into contact with European and other seafarers, the language of the area,
Malay was adopted by the newcomers to make themselves understood in the region.
So, apparently, the spread of the language began in 1511, however, Malacca fell
to the Portuguese who had come in their quest for gold, gospel and glory .
Malacca's Sultan Mahmud Syah fled south, settling first in Johore, then in
Bintan in the Riau archipelago.
Since
then, it was a period of wars and intrigues for the Malay states around the
Straits, further aggravated by the arrival of the Dutch and the British in the
early 17th century. To make a long and complicated story short, peace was
restored only after the signing of the Treaty of London in 1824, giving the
Dutch control of all the European territories south of Singapore, and the
British of all the colonies towards its north.
The
link between Johor and Riau was severed. With the subjugation and dissolution
of the recalcitrant Riau sultanate in 1911, the Dutch effectively established
their power over the islands. Riau's cultural clout, however, endured.The
smallest islands of the Riau archipelago are no more than rocky reefs, about
one hectare (2.5 acres). The larger Bintan, Lingga and Singkep islands are
about 1,000 hectares in size.
Dating back
Dating
back of Riau Province. In 1524, because the Lingga Kingdom took sides with
Portugis, Mahmud Shah I Sultan attacked the Lingga Kingdom. In 1530, Kepulauan
Riau was handed over to the Admiral Hang Nadim was helped by Sri Bija Diraja
with the centre of the government in Bintan. In 1551, Riau attacked Malacca. In
1571, Portugis membumihanguskan the Kingdom of Melayu Riau. The centre of his
government in evacuated to the Sawar Stone. In 1602, Netherlands dating to Riau
to trade was led by Heemskerok. In 1632, reformation of the trade agreement and between Riau and the Netherlands
were done, the Netherlands had an interest in controlling the trade in South
Malacca. In 1641, with the Netherlands, Riau surrounded Malacca, and succeeded
in breaking Portugis. In 1717, Pemerintahan of the Kingdom of Melayu Riau was
seized by King Kecil. in 1874, the Netherlands controlled again the Riau Island
and the area of surrounding area. In 1878, all of Riau fell inside hand of the Netherlands.
The
first book of Malay Grammar, the Bustanul Katibin, was written and made public
here in 1857. Its links with Johor on the West Malaysian mainland have been
long and strong.The territory covered by this rich province, includes a sizable
slice of the eastern Sumatera’s coast and more than 3,000 islands of all sizes,
only 743 of which are named. Sitting astride one of the world’s oldest and
busiest trade routes, the Strait of Malacca, the Riau Islands have for many
centuries provided safe haven to ships playing the sea lanes between India, Europe
and China. The rise of Malay power, began somewhere around the 13th
century, as that of Buddhist Sriwidjaya began to crumble. Malay kingdoms
emerged on both sides of the Malacca Strait.
In
1402, Parameswara founded Malacca, a kingdom, which played a pivotal role in
the history of the area in the century, which was to come. Being the first to
come into contact with European and other seafarers, the language of the area,
Malay, naturally was adopted by the newcomers to make themselves understood in
the region.The Province of Riau is divided into 6 districts, namely Pekanbaru,
Kampar, Bengkalis, Riau Island, Indragiri Hilir and Ingragiri Hulu. Each
district is divided into sub-districts, 966 villages and 148 chieftains. To
support the development of Batam, in 1983, the government of Indonesia
established the Administrative City of Batam directly under the jurisdiction of
the governor.
And the
smallest islands of the Riau archipelago are no more than rocky reefs about one
hectare (2,5 acres) large. The biggest, Bintan Lingga and Singkep, are about
1,000 hectares in size. The sea gone, and the profile emerge of a rocky, hilly
land that was once an extension of the West Malaysian highlands.
Pekanbaru
Now
serving as the capital city of Riau Province, Pekanbaru’s historical trace
started from a small village called “Payung
Sekaki” on the Siak river-bank. This village was established by the
Senapelan tribe, therefore the village of Payung Sekali was known rather by the
name of Senapelan. In those days the reigning system was called Kebatinan, the
reign was in the hand of a figure referred to as Batin.
Uder
the reign of the IVth Sultan
of Siak, namely Sultan Abdul Jalil Alamuddin Syah, Senapelan was made the
central seat of Siak Kingdom. Under this Sultan’s reign, commercial activities
flourished. Hence, the concept emerged to establish a “Pekan”, a kind of market the activities of which were performed on
certain days during the week.
After
the death of Sultan Abdul Jalil Alamuddin Syah, the idea of establishing the “Pekan” was further pursued by his son,
Sultan Muhammad Ali Abdul Jalil Muazzam Syah (1784). Since then, precisely as
from June 23, 1784, the name of Senapelan started to be no longer in use and
was popularly referred to as Pekanbaru (New
Trading Place) instead.
Spending
our Tour Adventure in Pekanbaru, we could enjoy specific atmosphere along the
banks of Siak River which divides the
city into two halves. The river, flowing down to the waterways of Malacca
Straits, connects Pekanbaru with other towns along it’s course. Further more,
we could extend our Tour Adventure up to the origin of the city of Pekanbaru
which is situated on the Siak River bank as well.
Pekanbaru
is just 446.50 Square kilometers upstream on the Siak Siver. Besides being the
seat of the provincial government, it is also a center for education, industry,
trade and Tour Adventure . As Riau’s Provincial capital and main gateway, has a
number of buildings built in the traditional style of the area, among them the
Balai Dang Merdu, the Balai Adat Riau or Riau Cultural Hall and Taman Budaya
Riau of Riau Cultural Park. For the Moslems, there the Grand Royal Mosque of
Pekanbaru, built in the 18th century, still stands strong. It is
located in the center of the city.
Specifically
of the ethnocentricities are
The
original majority of the people are of Malays. The Malays are again divided
into several sub-groups, such as the Lingga, Indragiri, Kampar, Siak, Pelawan,
Tambusai and Kritang, all formerly centers of the old Malay Kingdom. And the Banjarese of coastal Kalimantan, the Bugis,
Batak, Javanese, Minangkabau, Chinese, Anak Dalam, Sakai, Hutan, Talang Mamak,
Bonei, Laut.
Traditional Costumes
The
womens Melayu Riaunese wear baju kurung (shirt), songket sarong, and gold
jewerly also the ring on
hand. The jewerly such as bracelets, pending
(pins), hair buns are usually used to showing status in the society. The men's
costume are teluk belanga (headdress), tanjak (head covers), sampin (cloth),
keris (creese), and selop (sandals) as a footwear.
The
Tradisional house
The traditional
House of
Riau House; the community's tradition was given by the name
"A Laso Jatuh Kembar". This house model used from wood was accompanied an engraving
that was very interesting. Including the roof, the attic, the ladder,
and his foundation
all in gave ukiran. This traditional house was the residence Datuk, pemang I
the tradition and all the rest. Space of the traditional house consisted of the
big and wide room, to be utilised the bed, the cross-legged room, bridge and
the kitchen. The traditional house this Riau tradition was equipped the
traditional hall for the meeting and the traditional conference.
The
Promontories Are
The
Datuk Promontory, Pengadah Promontory, Berlangkap Promontory, Bilung
Promontory, Perkasa Promontory, Perkat Promontory, Rangga Promontory, Lampa
Promontory, Selimut Promontory, Sebitang Promontory, Kukup Promontory, Karang
Promontory, Semut Promontory, Butun Promontory, Senamai Promontory, Papak
Promontory, Payung Promontory, Belitung Promontory, Terang Promontory, Sebayur
Promontory, Takih Promontory, Tijo Promontory, and Pianpadang Promontory, these
are in Riau Archipelago Regency. Also The Bakaltua Promontory, in Bengkalis
Regency. Basu Promontory, in Indragiri Hilir Regency. Buku Promontory, in
Indragiri Hilir Regency. Kembang Promontory, in Bengkalis Regency. And The
Parit Regency, in Bengkalis Regency.
The
Traditional Dances Are
Mak
Yong Dance, Mendu Dance, Zapin Dance, Joget Dance, Debuts Dance, Rentak Dance,
Belian Dance, Tandak Riau Dance, Joget Lambak Dance, etc.
The
Traditional Folk Songs are :Langgam Melayu,
Soleram, etc.
The
Districk Identities Are:
Niibung
(Oncosperma Tigilarium), Flora. Srindit (Loriculus Pusillus), Fauna.
The Traditional Instruments
Rebana,
rebana is the musical instrument that often was gotten all over
the Indonesian area. Rebana was made from animal skin that was tightened to
wood that have the shape of round.
The
Tour Adventure Resorts are
The
Kingdom Palace Complex, Muara Takus Temple, Nongsa Coast in Batam Island,
Tanjung Pinang, Penyengat Island, The Coast of Pasir Panjang, Trikora Coast,
Semenanjung Senggarang, The Sutan Machmud Syah Grave, The Wildlife reserve of
Kerumutan, The Sea Park, The Mount Sahilang Palace former, and Tanjung Pesona
Coast, etc.
The
Mountainous are
Mount
Bakar (496 meters), in Indragiri Hulu Regency. Mount Daik (1.165 meters), in
Siantan Island Regency. Mount Jadi (1.891 meters), in Kampas Regency. Mount
Lanjut (475 meters), in Singkep Island. Mount Buntan Besar (380 meters), in
Bintan Island. Mount Langkoas (217 meters), in Bintan Island.
The
Rivers are
The
Bangko River, Gaung River, Indragiri River, Batang Kampar Kanan River, Batang
Kampar Kiri River. Ketaman River, Batang Reteh River, Batang Rokan River,
Batang Rokan Kanan River, Batang Rokan Kiri River, Siak River, and Siak Kecil
River.
The
Straits Are: Dumai Strait, Panjang Strait, and also Batam
Strait.
The Flora
Are: Meranti, Punak, Kapur, Rotan, Kemenyan, etc.
Fauna Are :Elephant, Orang Hutan, Tapir, Tiger, Deer, Pig, Kancil, etc.
The
Wildlife Reserves
Kerumutan
(120.000 Hectares), populations of; Elephants and Tapir Asian Species. Berkah
Island (500 Hectares), populations of sea birds. Pulau
Burung / Bird Island (400 Hectares), populations of ; Birds, etc. Pulau Laut /
The Sea Island (400 Hectares), populations of ; sea birds, etc.
The
legacy of the History
The Muara Takus
Temple, this temple was the Sriwijaya legacy in the Karimun Island. The
second-hand temple that Dipertuan Muda, one of the remnants of the glory of the
Kingdom of Melayu Riau in the Penyengat Island. The Long Sand inscription (the
Bersurat Stone) in the Karimun Island. In a complex manner Istana Sultan Siak
Sri Indrapura, was built in the date 1898.
The
Museums
The
Palace Museum Pre the El Hasyimah History in Bengkalis. Collected
legacy objects of the kings who had the power in the past, like the China
Ceramics, ethnography, and the fine arts, et cetera. The museum of Kandil Riau,
was located in Tanjung Pinang, collected objects including the legacy Pre
Sejarah, Keramik China, Sejarah of the Nasional Legacy, Seni Rupa et cetera.
The
Traditional Weapons
That was made the traditional weapon is the "Jenawi Sword", as the typical
characteristics of the traditional Riau weapon. This weapon was used by the
commander of the time war previously and his soldiers used the
"sword". The other kind weapon was named the "Tumbuk Lada
Dagger", almost was the same as the kris, with the measurement was rather
short. Utilised for the everyday need and to wage war. The dagger eyes
personally often gave "Poison". Instituted as a custom, when the
dagger was pulled his sarong, then the dagger must ditikamkan to an object or
the animal. Afterwards the dagger in returned and was put to his sarong.
The
Kampar
The
Regency of Kampar with the main town of Bangkinang is mostly lowland except at
areas bordering with the provinces of West Sumatera and North Sumatera which
are dominated by highlands belonging to the “Bukit Barisan” mountain range which stretches along western parts
of Sumatera.The three largest rivers are: Siak, Rokan and Kampar, flow across
the lowlands east hardly down to the Straits of Malacca. Besides there are
hundreds of small rivers which serve a common medium of transportation among
the villages, especially at remote areas where land transportation is not
available.
Two
third of the total area are still dense forest rich in flora and fauna, some
have been designated as preservation areas. Kampar area which stretches from
the foot of Bukit Barisan down to the Straits of Malacca is characterized by
many Malayan ethnic settlers along with their various cultures. In the upper
parts of the Kampar and Rokan Rivers, many elements of Minangkabau (the
dominant ethnic groups inhabiting West Sumatera area) culture are present
whereas in the downstream area of Kampar, particularly in the former Pelawan
Kingdom, the Malayan cultural elements resembling those in Siak and Riau
islands are dominating. Kampar also boats a range of Tour Adventure objects.
The
Seven Cluster Cave
The
Seven Cluster Cave is located in Tandun District, still in Kampar Regency. The
amazing cave is the biggest cave in the area with 12 entrances. The first
entrance leads to a tunnel with a small river and a chamber without oxygen
(Air). There are the big snakes and iguana in this area. Completely the
equipment for the Adventure Tour.
The
High Tide
River Wave (Bono)
Bono is
an enchanting but also astonishing natural phenomenon of high tide water wave
occurring on the Kampar River which rolls up streams, wave after wave with a
very astonishing speed. In the great high tide season, the waves could reach
the height of 4 to 6 meters stretching between both riverbanks.Prior to the
coming of Bono, thundering sound would be heard echoing from afar and get
intensifying as it comes closer. For the people living in Kuala Kampar, Bono is
a phenomenon they have been familiar with, ever since the time of their early
boyhood. No wonder then that young and old consider Bono as a thing to play
with while testing their skill of riding their “Perahu” or we called “Canoe”,
not as a thing to escape from. This is the best for our Tour Adventure also to
get the best experiences.
The
Subayang River
The
Subayang River is in the Kampar Regency. We could to start the Adventure Tour
in the early morning. The Adventure Tour to Kuntu / Gema via Lipat Kain. We
will have the opportunity to walk to Tanjung Belit. After a short walk to the
boat landing, sail along the Subayang River to Muaro Bio and other villages. We
could stop at Batu Dinding, where we could see the Three-Tier Waterfall. From
here, see where the Subayang River has cut a rugged gorge through sandstone,
granite and limestone. From the floor of the canyon, we could look up at the
towering rock walls. Then, continue to Muaro Bio and other villages.
The
Muara Takus Temple
The
Muara Takus Temple is located in the village of Muara Takus Village, 135 kilometers
from Pekanbaru, the site of the temple complex is very close to the bank of
Kampar Kanan River. The temple complex,
which was made of rivers tones, sand and bricks. There is a complex of Buddhist
Temples surrounded by a 74 x 74 meters wall, while the outside perimeter is an
earthen wall of 1.5 X 1.5 kilometers. Other structures are also found within
the complex. This temple complex consists of Mahligai, Stupa, Bungsu and Tua,
and Palangka Temples.
Standing
serenely amid the Sumatera’s tropical forests, this Buddhist temple complex
remains a mysterious entity as historians are not yet in agreement on the
question of when the those temple structures were built. Opinions range from
the 11th, 9th, 7th and even 4th
century. But what is certain is that the temples of Muara Takus is a historic
relic of the faraway past, and also a tangible proof that a very long time ago,
this area was inhabited by people whose religion was Buddhism.
Muara Takus Temple in Riau Province is a temple
representing Stupa, representing altar follower of religion of Mahayana Budha.
This Stupa is woke up at a period of/to feather in one's cap of Sriwijaya 9
century and 10 Masehi. The temple position lay in distance 135 kilometers from
Pekanbaru.
The
Talang Mamak Tribe
In
Rengat, Indragiri Hulu, we could visit on Adventure Tour to the Talang Mamak
Sub Ethnic Tribe. The best way to be friendly with the local people is sharing
a pack of cigarettes. One of the most interesting attractions of Talang Mamak
Traditional Dance for which starts in the evening and continue until morning.
The visitors could participate with them in this event.
The 30
Hills National Park
Taman
Nasional Bukit Tiga Puluh or The 30 Hills National Park as national forest
located along the eastern highway near the neighboring province of Jambi. It is
a nature wetland tropical forest conservation area with the width of 94.698
hectares. This National Park functions as an area for the protection of flora
and fauna and also a source of water. Many exciting and challenging Tour
Adventure and other activities could be done here, like rafting through small
rivers against fast stream, various flora and fauna and witnessing the lives of
Talang Mamak Tribe.
The
forest we could be reached by car in 6-7 Hours. This is a natural Tour
Adventure attraction is rich in flora and fauna and has become a laboratory for
the students nature also for the scientists. Several rare flowers are found
here including the Cendawan Muka Rimau (Rafflesia Hasseltii) and the Mapau
Kalui (Iguana). This forest also serves as sanctuary for the Sumatera Tigers,
Sumatera Elephants, The Panters, and the Malay Tapir (Tapirus Indicus). In this
forest we could also find the waterfall called “Air Terjun Pepunawan”.
The
Taluk Kuantan
The
town of Taluk Kuantan is the chief town of the district of Central Kuantan,
Regency of Indragiri Hulu. This town situated on the banks of the Kuantan’s
River – Indragiri is between 101025’
to 101050’ East Longitude and between 0015’ to 0040’
South Latitude at an alevation average of 30 meters above the sea level. The
district is covered an area of 587.20 Square Kilometers and is bounded : On the
West, by the district of Sengingi. On the North, by the district of Kuantan
Hilir. On the East, by the district of Kuantan Hilir. And on the South, by the
district of Kuantan Mudik. The population majority tribe is of The Rantau
Kuantan.
The
Culture and Arts are
The Culture and Art are The
Rantau Kuantan community in particular and that of Indragiri Hulu in general,
have a variety of arts and cultures still existing among their communities.
Although their art and culture have their roots in the Malay culture, yet in
their development they gave birth to a specific Rantau Kuantan art and culture.
The
Jalur Races
The
Jalur Race or “Pacu Jalur” as
traditional festival, located at Batang Kuantan by the Indragiri River (One of
the major river in Riau). This small town which connects the highways to Jambi,
Padang and Pekanbaru attracts Tour Adventure during the “Pacu Jalur” (The
Traditional Dragon Boat Race) festival.
Pacu
Jalur is held at Batang Kuantan. Jalur is the name of a long canoe made of a
single three trunk, which has the length of 25-40 meters, having a carrying
capacity of between 40 and 60 rower persons. Each is a spectacular attraction
of this region. Pacu Jalur is a jalur rowing race at Batang Kuantan River which
is participated in by the villagers of Indragiri Hulu, but nowadays also by
outsiders. This event is the biggest festivity throughout the year celebrated
by the local people, which is commenced with a sacred and magical ceremony.
Before
participating in the event, the making of a jalur requires certain processes
and ceremonies, among others ; the ceremonies prior to felling the tree making
“Jalur”, designing, drawing or hauling it from the forest to the campong,
lowering the jalur towards the river bank, etc.. when the jalur is already in
the river, it is ready to join the race. This series of activities involve many
members of the community and is celebrated with all kinds of interesting
traditional attractions.This event is also accompanied by other activities
featuring various performances from neighboring areas even neighboring province
such as dances, folksongs, exhibition and many others.
The
Fine Arts & Handicraft
Besides
reflected from the architecture of its buildings (The Houses of the people
etc.), these are also evident from the various ornaments and decorations. This show in it’s plait work, embroideries,
“Tekat” (a specific kind of embroidery) such as in their customary and
traditional dresses. The arts of dancing, music and singing constitute an
important component of it’s art, which is evident from it’s various customary
and traditional ceremonies, such as the ceremonies of “Betobo”, Jalur Races, Wedding Ceremonies etc.
And
also the interesting of the Theatrical Art is, such as that Rantau Kuantan
proves to be rich in subjects and contents as a reflection from the lives of
it’s people. The mutual aid spirit of its community is still very high and this
is reflected from the Betobo ceremony which is supported by all it’s social
sastra. The customs and traditions of the Rantau Kuantan communities are
specific customs and traditions too, rich in variations. Owing to this specific
nature, people refer to them as the Kuantan customs and traditions.
Travelling
to Taluk Kuantan does not only mean the chance to watch Jalur Races, but also
the opportunity to see interesting spots such as the tree root handicraft in
Teratak Buluh. The Equator Monument at Lipat Kain. A locomotive left behind by
the Japanese as remnant of the Second World War period. The panorama of Muara
Lembu in the district of Singingi. The former gold mine of Logas inn the
district of Singingi. The Bukit Betabuh at Lubuk Jambi (Nature Adventure). The
Batu Ojung in Central Kuantan. The Bukit Pedusunan dam in the district of
Kuantan Mudik. The Old Mosque in the town of Pengean, the district of Kuantan
Hilir. And the Ujung Tayas graves in Koto Tinggi, the district of Kuantan
Hilir.
The
Logas
Logas
is situated midway between Pekanbaru to Taluk Kuantan. The name Logas is well
known not only because a gold mine is found there, but also because of the
romusha (Compulsory Labour) stories during the Japanese colonial period. It was
there indeed that thousands of people died in agony when the Japanese forced
them to construct the railroad connecting West Sumatera with Pekanbaru, Riau.
The stories of suffering were not only experienced by sons of Indonesia, but
also by thousands of other prisoners of war. Today The Logas is a quiet village
of beautiful panorama, it’s water flows clear through the gaps between the
rocks scattered over that shallow river. The Logas gold mine was established
during the Dutch colonial period, up to now it is still exploited, mainly by the
local community.
The
Seven Cascade Waterfall
In the
dense forest of Bukit Berabuh, there is an interesting waterfall with seven
cascades that go through seven ranks of stone cliffs of which the last fall
flows to Kuantan River. The Seven Cascade Waterfall or Air Terjun Tujuh Rupa is
the best to visit on our real Tour Adventure. We could enjoying the beautiful
panorama of waterfall and it’s pond and the natural environment, full of stones
on which water rolls down is indeed an unforgettable experience.
Bengkalis
Regency & Cultural Attraction
The
Regency of Bengkalis is situated in the eastern coast of Sumatera covering an
area of (30,648.83 Square Kilometers), and some of its waterways is part of
Malacca Straits. Nearly 95% of it’s topography are lowlands with tropical
forests. Bengkalis is widely known as the biggest oil producing area in
Indonesia, aside from so many palm oil plantations that it is dubbed as area
yielding oil both from the surface and the underground.
The
Culture is the mainstay asset of Riau Tour Adventures. The historical
inheritance of the Malay Kingdom is well preserved here. One of the most
outstanding elements of Riau Malay culture is it’s arts. Over time the local
arts absorbed variety of external influences. The forms of art found here cover
the spectrum of literary art, dance art, music art, fine art, and theater art.
Indragiri
Hilir
The
Indragiri Hilir Regency is also called “Seribu
Parit” or “Thousand Ditches”.
This name pictures that most of the areas consist of wetland, rivers streams
and swamps. The residents are mostly farmers. In this area we could see many
coconut trees as community’s plants. The regency’s root culture is Malays. But
some other ethnics such as have assimilated with the root culture of the area.
The assimilation resulted in the creation of specific and unique art and
culture.
Heating
The Jalur
After
two third of the Jalur was finished, then it is heated (By Fire) to set the
shape. This part is also accompanied by a complete ceremony of various artistic
attractions, such as dances, performances of folk arts like “Kayat, Nandong,
Gondang Berogung”, etc.
The
Flat Sampan / Sampan Leper
Sampan
is traditional means of transportation of the local people. Due to the
condition of the area which experiences frequent tides, a vast mud often
appears when the seawater goes down, while people need to cross the dried
ditches / brooks. The vast muddy area could only be crossed by a special shape
sampan, named by the local people as “Sampan Leper” or “ Flat Sampan”.Because
of it’s uniqueness, sampan leper is then made into a competition event that is
contested annually and has become one of the traditional festive traditions of
the local.
The
Siak Sri Indrapura
The
Siak Sri Indapura is one of the sub-districts within the Regency of Bengkalis,
which is abundant with tourist adventure objects and attractions. Formerly this
area was the seat of the biggest Moslem Kingdom of Malay in Riau that it stands
as the center of economic activities of the local people and the surrounding.
The present Siak Sri Indra Pura Royal Palace was built in 1889 by Sultan
Assyayidis Syarief Hasyim Abdul Jalil Syaifuddin Syah (the 11th of
12 Sultans) who ruled Siak during the reign from 1725 to 1945, and was named
Assirayatul Hasyimiah. Prior to it’s construction, the Sultan took a tour to
Europe, visiting the Netherlands and Germany. Inspired by the European trip,
the palace architecture shows influence of European style, harmoniously blended
with that of Arab and traditional Malay’s. Aside from the grand palace and all
it’s furnishings brought from Europe, the Sultan also founded a hall of
assembly, named “Balairung Sari”, not far from the palace. Lying at the right
of the main gate of Syahabuddin Mosque is the royal cemetery, full with ornaments
reflecting the Moslem Arts. The Moorish arches and minarets give the place a
strong Indian Moguls look. The Palace was refurbished in 1989.
The
Royal Palace of Siak Sultanate’s
and Park
Siak
Sultanate’s Park. This Moorish style palace of the sultan’s of Siak, 120
kilometers upstream from Pekanbaru on the Siak river, was built in 1889 by
Sultan Syarif Hasyim Abdul Jalil Syarifuddin. Now a museum, the palace contains
the sultanate’s royal paraphernalia and other items of historical interest.
Established during the 16th century, the Biak Seri Inderapura
sultanate lasted until 1946, when it became victim to the popular upheavals
following the Japanese surrender at the close of World War II.
Myth
also surrounds the founding of the palace. The story goes that upon the time
the Sultan and all the court dignitaries were getting together to discuss the
plan, a whit dragon suddenly showed up out of the Siak River. People believed
the presence of the dragon was a token of blessing to the planned palace and at
the time hinted the Sultanate would then grow to be a big kingdom.To perpetuate
the presence of the dragon, the Sultan took the image of that mystical creature
as the official symbol of the kingdom. The palace pillars are also adorned with
ornaments of the dragon, adding to it’s grandeur. The interior is full with
cultural objects of artistic and high value.
Inside
the Palace the remain of state regalia and the sultan’s personal belongings are
kept, including the gold-plated throne, gold-coated crown studded with diamond,
and some antique ceramics also paraphernalia’s of Sultan Syarief Qasyim and his
wife, such as “Komet”. Much of décor is European. A big attraction in the large
German music player, said to be one of the only two left in the world. It’s
perforated metal dishes tinkle Beethoven, Mozart and Strauss tunes when
vibrated.
The
Wana Bhakti National Park
The
Wana Bhakti National Park is also functions as protected forest, with an area
of (1,500 Hectares). It is located within the limited production forest area of
Mandau District, exactly 20 Kilometers from the Pekanbaru, Mina’s highway. The
Wana Bhakti National Park serves as one of the nature Tour Adventure sites and
it is also utilized for the conservation of flora and fauna and for conducting
scientific and environmental research. This effort includes cultivation of the
green belt of Pekanbaru and the surrounding areas to prevent possible pollution
from oil industry development. Beside recreation and enjoyment, Wana Bhakti
National Park could also be utilized for camping, hiking, rally and other
activities. There is also a resort with tens of ladders to ascend for fund and
relaxation.
The
Beaches
The
Beaches. Insular Riau with it’s thousands of islands has plenty of scenic
beaches and diving sports. Among them Trikora on Bintan and Pasir Panjang on
Rupat Island. The first is about 50 kilometer south of Tanjung Pinang on the
eastern side of the island. Pasir Panjang, on the northern side of Rupat facing
the Strait of Malacca, is a stretched out natural beach with waves that make it
attractive for surfing.Pretty beaches are also found on the islands Terkulai
and Soreh. We could reach an hour’s distance by boat from Tanjung Pinang. One
of the most popular beaches is Nongsa on Batam Island. A hotel of international
standard has recently been completed on Nongsa Beach. Batam could be reached in
two and half hours from Tanjung Pinang by ferry, and in about half an hour from
Singapore.
The
Rupat Island
Rupat
is the one of the islands lying within the territory of Bengkalis Regency,
exactly opposite Dumai. An oil wharf as well as a public harbor which is
visited by many people due to it’s close location to the neighboring countries
such as Malaysia and Singapore. According to the plan, Rupat would be the one
of the footing point for the future bridge connecting Indonesia and Malaysia,
which overpasses Malacca Strait.
No less
interesting than other places in Riau, Rupat also keeps various potentials in
Tour Adventure, such as the white sandy beaches and some slight slope
stretching, one is incredibly 11 Kilometers in length on the east coast of the
island awaits us with it’s natural serenity. An isolated people, known as “Suku
Akit” which is kept undisturbed by the local authority to maintain their unique
natural life, also inhabits the island. The existence of the Suku Akit in their
original habitat is another Tour Adventure attraction the island offers.
The
Sea Gardens
The Sea
Gardens. Sea gardens with beautiful corals and fish are found in the waters
around the islands Mapor, Abang, Pompong, Balang, and Tanjung Berkait.
Kerumutan
Nature Reserve
Kerumutan
Nature Reserve, located on mainland Riau in the Kuala Kampar district. This
120,000 hectares (300.000 acre) nature reserve could be reached in 18 hours by
motor boat from Pekanbaru. The boat sails up a calm river surrounded by virgin
forest.
Dumai
The
Tour Adventure from over the world, mainly those who extend their journey from
Malacca, Malaysia, currently visits Dumai, as one of the main gates to Riau
mainland. Dumai is well connected with major cities and town throughout
Sumatera. It is easily accessible from Medan, North Sumatera, and Pekanbaru
through East Sumatera Highways which link Sumatera North-South in an integrated
road networks.Many are worth seeing during the trip to Dumai, such as the
village of Sakai Tribe, rivers with tea colored water, dense tropical rain
forests, the exploration fields of oil and gas also thousands hectares of palm
oil plantations.
The
Lake PLTA Koto Panjang
The
Lake PLTA Koto Panjang is located at the water streams of Kampar Kanan River,
about 85 kilometers West of Pekanbaru. This region consists of hilly areas
belonging to mountain range of Bukit Barisan that spans along Sumatera Island.
Dammed water to generate electricity creates spectacular panorama with the
appearance of 3 islands in the middle of the lake. They are Batu Bersurat,
Gadang Island and Tanjung Alai. The existence of historical remains such as
Muara Takus Temple Complex amidst vast expanse of water makes this area more
interesting to visit.
The
Unique & Specific Feature
Riau
territorial area consists of a mainland and a score of islands stretching from
the southern part of the South China Sea into the Malacca Strait, from the Laut
Island at the northern edge of the Natura group of islands to the west until
the Jemur Island. Its territorial waters are very vast. Two thirds of the whole
territory is strewn with thousands of islands, large and small, many of which
still untouched by humans. Seen from its geographical position, Riau is like a
portrait of Indonesia in miniature. Its population is an attractive mixture of
Malays, Javanese, Chinese, and others.
Furthermore, 32.052 people or 7.140
families are from the original tribes, now called “Suku Terasing” or “Isolated
Tribes”. They consist of several groups, such as the Hutan, Akit, Bonai,
Sakai, Talang Mamak, Kuala, Kubu and other. The Hutan, Akit and Kuala Tribes
live in the area around South China Sea, therefore they are sometimes called
the “Orang Laut” or “Sea Tribe”, while the others live in
dense jungles on the mainland and are called “Petalangan” people.
Transportation
Transportation. The Simpang Tiga Airport
serves Aircraft flights from Pekanbaru to Jakarta, Singapore, Medan, Padang and
Palembang, Batam and other. In addition,
buses run regular daily services to and from Jakarta, Padang and Medan. Motor
boats and ferries are the favored means of tourist transportation in insular
Riau.
Sumber Investigasi:
F. I. Fatrick &
www.guidingtoindonesia.blogspot.com
