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.
Perched on the hills overlooking Teluk Lampung, Bandar Lampung or translated Lampung Harbour, is the largest city in Lampung as well as its provincial capital. The main sea transport hub for travelers crossing from Java into Sumatra, the city is also served by the Raden Inten II Airport. Travelers to Lampung more often then not come to see Way Kambas National Park, home of many endangered species such as the Sumatran Rhinoceroses, Sumatran Tigers and Sumatran Elephants.