Pacu Jalur Festival Riau: Tradition, Aura Farming & Cultural Pride

Pacu Jalur: A Centuries-Old Boat Race That Defines Kuantan Singingi

Indonesia never runs out of cultural treasures, but a tradition which has adrenaline, unity, and history finally reveal, that is the Pacu Jalur Festival. Held every year in Kuantan Singingi, Riau, Sumatra, this amazing longboat race has recently gone viral on social media, drawing the attention of both domestic and international travelers. For locals, however, Pacu Jalur isn’t just a trend—it’s a heritage, it's a legacy that has been paddled down the river for centuries. There's a long story behind the colorful decorated boat and the little kid that standing in front.

Photo : wonderfulimages.kemenparekraf.go.id

This longboat has transformed over the past centuries, not only a into symbols of pride and skill, celebrated through competitions held during royal ceremonies and Islamic holidays. What started as a way to honor kings and sultans eventually grew into the full-fledged festival we know today: the Pacu Jalur Festival.

Every August, a quite town of Taluk Kuantan in Riau, Sumatra, transforms into a sea of people. The streets are full of hustle and packed, traffic slows to a crawl. Even families who have lived far away from the Taluk Kuantan all of sudden are coming back home. Why? To witness one of Indonesia’s most thrilling cultural traditions—Pacu Jalur, the pride of Kuantan Singingi.

Where History and Adrenaline Meet on the Kuantan River

From River Transport to Cultural Icon

The story of Pacu Jalur going back to the 17th century, when the Kuantan River was the lifeline for villagers in Rantau Kuantan. At that time, roads were undeveloped, and the only way to transport goods—or even people—was by boat. The answer came in the form of jalur or known as boat. It is a massive canoes carved from a single tree trunk, with 20 - 40 meters long which capable of carrying 40–60 passengers or loads of bananas, sugarcane, and other harvests.

As the infrastructure are developing, these boats are evolved. They were no longer just tools as transportation or survival tools but became symbols of pride and artistry. Craftsmen began decorating the boat into something more unique. They carving serpent heads, crocodiles, and even tigers onto the boats. Bright color umbrellas, ropes, scarves, and tall wooden poles turned each jalur into a floating piece of art. But only nobles, rulers, and respected local leaders could ride them—jalur had become a mark of social identity.

The Birth of a "Pacu Jalur" Race

Around a century later, villagers discovered something differently. If these giant boats could glide through the river so powerfully, why not race them? That was the beginning of Pacu Jalur—a tradition that has lasted for centuries.

During the Dutch colonial era, Pacu Jalur was celebrated in a different way. The races were used to brighten up the community feasts and even to honor Queen Wilhelmina’s birthday on August 31. Back then, the races stretched over 2–3 days, depending on how many boats joined.

At first, the races were held to mark Islamic celebrations, but as time goes by, they transform tied to Indonesia’s Independence Day in August. Today, the Pacu Jalur Festival is the highlight of the year in Kuantan Singingi. Imagine more than 100 boats competing on the Kuantan River, each carrying up to 60 rowers paddling in perfect rhythm. The atmosphere is electric—cheers from the crowd, the deep sound of drums, and even a booming cannon marking the start of the race

But no matter the occasion is, one thing has never changed: Pacu Jalur truly is more than the race it self—it's a celebration of unity, strength but also living heritage that stays over centuries. One thing I notice that the boat may evolve, but the spirit hasn't change since it was founded.

Why Pacu Jalur Festival Is Special?

Photo : kotajalur.kuansing.go.id/

What makes Pacu Jalur unforgettable isn’t just the sight of massive wooden boats speeding across the Kuantan River. It’s the spirit behind it. Rowers, known as anak pacu, paddle with precision and power, moving like a single heartbeat. Families line the riverbanks, dressed in colorful costumes, while vendors sell local snacks and children wave flags.

The festival has grown so significant that in 2019 it was recognized as part of Indonesia’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. Today, it’s not just a regional event but a magnet for tourists from across Indonesia and beyond. If you ever want to experience tradition mixed with adrenaline, the Pacu Jalur Festival is the place to be. Visit Kuantan Singingi in August, and you’ll find yourself swept into a cultural carnival unlike any other.

Stand on the riverbank, feel the ground shake from the roar of the crowd, and watch as a hundred paddles strike the water in unison. This is Pacu Jalur—the living heartbeat of Riau.

How to Get to Kuantan Singingi (Jalur City)

• Nearest Airport: Sultan Syarif Kasim II (PKU), Pekanbaru

• From Jakarta: 1h 45m flight to Pekanbaru

• From Singapore/Kuala Lumpur: ±1h flight to Pekanbaru

• By Road to Taluk Kuantan:

  • Bus/Travel Car: 5–6 hours from Pekanbaru

  • Private Car: 5–6 hours, more flexible and scenic

• Getting Around: Ojek (motorbike taxi), becak motor (rickshaw), or walk—festival areas are central

• Travel Tip: Book early in August—buses, hotels, and homestays sell out fast during Pacu Jalur Festival!

Click here to find flight to Pekanbaru

Road to Pacu Jalur Arena

Where to Stay Near Pacu Jalur Festival

If you’re planning to watch the Pacu Jalur Festival in Teluk Kuantan, Kuantan Singingi, Riau, it’s best to stay close to the city center so you don’t miss any of the action. Hotels and guesthouses are limited, so booking early—especially during the festival week in August—is highly recommended :

Hotels

• Hotel Kuansing – One of the most popular choices in Teluk Kuantan. Clean, comfortable, and centrally located, making it easy to reach the festival grounds.

• Hotel Firdaus Teluk Kuantan – A budget-friendly option with simple rooms and good hospitality. Perfect for travelers who want to experience the festival without spending much.

Local Guesthouses & Homestays

• OYO or RedDoorz Teluk Kuantan

  Affordable and easy-to-book online, these guesthouses provide a cozy stay for backpackers and cultural travelers.

• Shinta Hotel

  It's the closest by far to access the river side with 15 minutes walk to arena.

• Hotel Ade

  It's located behind Shinta Hotel

• Hotel Angela

  You need more effort to get to the arena.

Teluk Kuantan is a small town, so don’t expect luxury resorts. What you’ll find instead is warm local hospitality and the excitement of staying right where the festival takes place.