Candi Muara Takus is one of Sumatra’s most important Buddhist archaeological sites, located in Desa Muara Takus, Kabupaten Kampar, Riau. As the oldest known temple complex on the island, it offers rare evidence of early Buddhist influence in central Sumatra and is often linked to the golden age of the Sriwijaya Empire.
The complex is enclosed by a 74×74‑meter stone wall and features several distinctive structures, including Candi Tua, Candi Bungsu, Mahligai Stupa, and Palangka, built from sandstone, river stone, and brick, materials that set it apart from the andesite temples of Java.
Today, Candi Muara Takus remains a peaceful, atmospheric destination surrounded by rural landscapes, and it continues to be a key symbol of Riau’s cultural heritage. Its significance even led to a nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status in 2009.
