The river originates in the Barisan Mountains of West Sumatra and flows to the island's eastern coast, emptying into the Malacca Strait, directly opposite Singapore.

The tributaries meet in the Langgam District of Pelalawan Regency before flowing into the Malacca Strait as the Kampar River.

[5][6] Koto Panjang, an artificial lake upstream of the river, is the reservoir for a hydroelectric generating plant with a capacity of 114 MW.

[9] The waves can travel from the sea at speeds of up to 40 kilometres per hour (25 mph), and when sea water at full tide combines with heavy rain upstream they can reach a height of 4–6 metres (13–20 ft), accompanied by a loud roaring sound and strong winds.

[1][10] Bono waves can persist for four hours or more, and travel as far upstream as Tanjung Pungai, Meranti, Pelalawan Regency, 60 kilometres (37 mi) inland.

The large number of ships sunk in the Kampar River's estuary has been attributed to the Bono waves, called by locals as "Seven Ghosts",[11] considered to be the incarnation of the seven evil spirits.