Bengkalis: Beaches, Mangroves and Culture

The white-sand beach on Pulau Rupat stretches for about 17 kilometers from Tanjung Medang through Tanjung Punak to Sungai Cingam. In addition to this long stretch of beach, Bengkalis also offers smaller beach destinations, a white-sand island, and natural and cultural sites. When planning your trip, it is worth considering the different landscapes and specific highlights to visit.

Beaches and Island Nature

Pantai Indah Selatbaru is the same beach also known by the shorter name Pantai Selatbaru. It is located in Selatbaru, Bantan, and has fine sand and a gently sloping shore. The beach is about two kilometers long. It lies around 17 kilometers north of the capital of Kabupaten Bengkalis; the drive takes approximately one hour by two- or four-wheeled vehicle. Road and traffic conditions affect travel time, so allow some extra time.

Pulau Beting Aceh is a small island in Rupat Utara, Kabupaten Bengkalis, with white sand. From Desa Tanjung Medang or Teluk Rhu, the trip there by rented speedboat takes about 45 minutes. The duration depends on sea and weather conditions; confirm the specific trip in advance. In the late afternoon, between about 4 and 6 p.m., you can watch migratory birds there. Sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed.

Other maritime destinations include Pantai Pesona Teluk Rhu in Tanjung Medang, Rupat Utara, Pantai Prapat Tunggal in Prapat Tunggal, and Pantai Ketapang in Sei Cingam, Rupat. The place names give you more precise orientation when planning a beach visit as part of your trip. Beach conditions can change seasonally.

Mangroves and Nature Destinations

The Mangrove Education Centre is located in Pangkalan Jambi, Bukit Batu, and is a nature destination. Napak Tilas Mangrove Bukit Batu is a nature excursion destination in Desa Wisata Bukit Batu. The Hutan Suaka Margasatwa Balai Raja wildlife sanctuary is located in Pematang Pudu, Pinggir. These place names point to different nature destinations in Kabupaten Bengkalis: the two mangrove attractions are in Bukit Batu, while the wildlife sanctuary is in Pinggir. When choosing, you can consider whether mangroves or a nature destination associated with a wildlife sanctuary better matches your interests.

Culture and Visit Planning

Cultural destinations include Rumah Datuk Laksamana Raja Dilaut in Sukajadi, Bukit Batu, and Museum Sultan Syarif Qasim in Bengkalis Kota. When visiting Desa Wisata Bukit Batu, you can reach Rumah Orang Kaya Raja Negara via the river by sampan or pompong. Since visiting arrangements may change, check the conditions for your visit in advance.

Events also offer insights into the region’s culture. In May 2023, the Festival Sungai Bukit Batu highlighted the social culture of the people of Bukit Batu. The Rupat Beach Festival and Mandi Safar are events held on the beaches of Pulau Rupat. If you would like to plan your trip around an event, check the dates and program for your travel year.

Discover more destinations: Mandau, Indragiri Hilir, Rokan Hilir, Kabupaten Karimun, Kapulauan Riau, Batam.

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