Srivijayan relics
From the eleventh and twelfth centuries.
Taufik Hadris — CC BY 4.0 · Anandajoti Bhikkhu from Sadao, Thailand — CC BY 2.0 · Anandajoti Bhikkhu from Sadao, Thailand — CC BY 2.0 · Anandajoti Bhikkhu from Sadao, Thailand — CC BY 2.0
An ancient Buddhist temple complex in the Kampar region west of Pekanbaru, attributed to the Srivijaya maritime empire and thought to date from the eleventh and twelfth centuries, one of the largest and best-preserved ancient temple complexes in Sumatra. An earthen wall encloses the complex, and inside stand several buildings of red brick and sandstone, the best known the tower-shaped Mahligai temple, along with stupas and terraced foundations. The site is quiet amid greenery and hills, far from crowds. Entry is a token fee of about five thousand rupiah, and it is open in daytime. For Arab visitors it is an archaeological and historical site explaining Sumatra's pre-Islamic era rather than a religious destination. It is about three hours by car from Pekanbaru, so it makes a long day trip for lovers of ruins. It can be combined with the nearby Koto Panjang dam and lake on the way.
From the eleventh and twelfth centuries.
A red-brick tower.
Amid greenery and hills.
Kampar, about 130 km west of Pekanbaru
For lovers of ruins and history, yes: it is one of Sumatra's best-preserved ancient sites. For others, the closer Siak Palace, with a richer story, comes first.