Three large rivers; Siak, Rokan and Kampar, flow across the lowlands eastwardly down to the straits of Malacca. Besides there are hundreds of small rivers, which serve as a common medium of transportation among villages, especially at remote areas where land transportation is not available.

Two third of the total area are still dense forest rich in flora and fauna; some have been designated as preservation areas.

Kampar area which stretches from the foot of Bukit Barisan down to the Straits of Malacca is characterized by many Malayan ethnic settler along with their various cultures.

In the upper parts of the Kampar and Rokan rivers, many elements of Minangkabau (dominant ethnic group inhabiting West Sumatera area) culture are present whereas in the downstream area of Kampar, particularly in the former Pelalawan Kingdom, the Malayan cultural elements resembling those in Siak and Riau islands are dominating.

Kampar also boast a range of tourist objects, such as :

• MUARA TAKUS TEMPLE
  Located in village of Muara Takus, 135 kms from Pekanbaru, the site of the candi (temple) complex is very close to the bank of Kampar Kanan river. The temple complex which was made of riverstones, sand and bricks is surrounded by a wall measuring 74 x 74 m, while the outside perimeter is an earthen wall of 1.5 x 1.5 kms. Other structures are also found within the complex. They are candi Tua, Candi Bungsu, Mahligai Stupa and Palangka.

  Standing serenely amid the Sumatera's tropical forests, this Buddhist temple complex remains a mysterious entity as historians are not yet in agreement on the question of when the those candi structures were built. Opinions range from the 11th 8th 7th and even 4tn century. But what is certain is that the candi Muara Takus is a historic relic of he faraway past, and also a tangible proof that a very long time ago, this area was inhabited by people whose religion was Buddhism.

• KOTO PANJANG HYDRO POWER PLANT LAKE
  Located in the basin area of Kampar Kanan River, around 85 kms. western of Pekanbaru city, the lake area which actually is power plant dam is surrounded by arrange of hills area belongs to Bukit Barisan mountains spreading along the Sumatera island.

  The flooded water circled by the groups at range of hills present a beautiful and astonishing panorama, moreover by the appearance of three new island at the surface of the lake, i.e. Batu Bersurat island, Gadang island and Tanjung Alai island.

  The existence of Muara Takus temple complex adds to the attraction of this scenic lake.