Kuantan Singingi – The Pacu Jalur Boat Race and the Kuantan River in Riau
Kuantan Singingi se trouve dans the south-western part of Riau province, le long de the Kuantan and Singingi rivers. Its capital is Teluk Kuantan. The region hosts one of Indonesia’s most famous traditionnel thém competitions, the Pacu Jalur boat race.
Attractions et activités
Pacu Jalur is an annual traditionnel dragon boat race held in August on the Kuantan River: crews of 40–60 people race in long canoes carved depuis single logs – drawing huge crowds. Rafting and boating are possible le long de the Kuantan River. Candi Muara Takus (Buddhist brick temple ruin depuis the 7th–11th siècle) is found à proximité – one of Sumatra’s oldest Buddhist monuments. The Singingi River valley is a landscape of forested hills and rubber plantations.
Culture et cuisine
The population is Minangkabau-influenced Malay (rantau area): matrilineal family structure and strong Islamic traditions. Cuisine has Padang influence: rendang, gulai ikan patin (catfish curry), lamang (sticky rice cooked in bamboo) and local spiced dishes.
Sécurité publique
Kuantan Singingi is a safe rural region. A local guide is recommandé pour river activities. Medical care: basic hospital in Teluk Kuantan; Pekanbaru (approx. 4 hours) is the près deest advanced facility.
Informations pratiques
From Pekanbaru Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport, approximately 4 hours south-west by car. The best time to visit is May to September (Pacu Jalur is in August). Accommodation: simple hotels in Teluk Kuantan.

