Not only the largest city in West Sumatra, Padang is also the capital of the province. Its famous for its delicious spicy Padang cuisine which includes the world renowned "beef rendang" as voted by CNNGo.com. A historical city, steeped in Minangkabau culture assimilated with a thick Islamic heritage. Many historical buildings from the time of the Dutch occupation can still be found around the city and the traditional long houses or "Rumah Gadang" can also still be found.
The once sleepy river port on sungai Siak, has transformed into one of Indonesia’s oil capitals, with all the hustle and bustle of a modern city. Long before today\'s affordable air travel, it served as a transit point for tourists between ferries from Singapore. Following the Americans striking oil back in the 1930\'s, Pekanbaru\'s economy was heavily dependent on oil revenues and now its not uncommon to have a conversation with a Western oil executive, on a business trip when visiting.