Much of its highland formed by the Bukit Barisan Mountain range; virgin jungle inhabited by elephants, tigers, leopard and rhinos. Minang people has firey hot dishes and ancient matriarchal customs. The women own property and the men leave home to seek their fame and fortune. Travelling is considered a mark of success, Padang Restaurant are found in all major towns across the nation. The people are hospitable and eloquent; primarilly speak bahasa Minang, with poetic style of speech, West Sumatran days are filled with colourful ceremonies and festivals. Legend has it the Minangkabau are descendants of the youngest son of Alexander the Great, King Maharjo Dirajo. During the early 19th century, the area was disrupted by wars between the followers of the traditional islam or Padris, and those adhering to the traditional law (Adat) of the Minangkabau.
Places of Interest
Air Manis 4 km south of Padang, down the hill and acrross Batang Arau River is a fishermen village on Padang's scenic west coast. A rock standing in the water a short distance from the shore is said to be the hull of Malin Kundang's boat, which shipwrecked in a strom after it was cursed by the defiant young man's mother.
Bungus 20 kms South of Padang sheltered by a bay, there are two good beaches : Carolina and Karang Tirta.
Anai Resort and Golf Course. The Anai resort is located in gorgeous natural setting roughly 550 meters above sea level. This resort is incorporating first-class hotel facilities.
Batang Palupuah, 12 km from Bukittinggi, is refuge for the giant flower rafflesia arnoldi, blooming only once a year in November. A guide can be obtained from the office at the reserve.
Rimbo Panti Nature Reserve, Just aside the road to Medan, at the distance of 108 kms from Bukittinggi, this nature and wild life reserve where vaarious monkey species and black panther found in here.
Bung Hatta Forest Reserve. Situated 15 kms from Padang in the direction of Solok, known in the past as Setya Mulya Botanic Garden. The reserve has giant flower rafflesia arnoldi.
Batu Basurek. A Stone with inscriptions in the old Palava script of India, bearing the legend of Adityawarman in the year 1347.
Lake Maninjau perhaps the most beautiful lake in sumatra. Maninjau is far smaller and less developed thas is neighbour lake Toba to the north the road to the lake is famous for its forty four bends ofteringsuperb panoramas as it meaders down to the warter's edge. The lake is punctuated by pretty Moorish styled mosques, perhap designed by some long ago Arab traders who came to her shores. Datted about the lake are small and friendly villages. Mountain bikes for rent ofter a perfect way to explore along the flat roads.
Lake Singkarak is surrounded with green hills and mountains, the biggest lake in west 129,70 kms square and lies on the Trans Sumatra between Bukittinggi nad Solok regency. It is 36 km from Bukittinggi or 86 km from Padang.
Pagaruyung Kingdom. Situated at the ouskirt of Batusangkar the capital city of Tanah Datar Regency. In the past, it was the seat of the ancient of Minangkabau Kingdom, Pagaruyung : which at the beginning of its history was ruled by a queen named Bundo Kanduang. Relics of that ancient past are Batusangkar stone inscriptions found in some areas.
Tanjung Alai. Located at 7 kms Lake Singkarak, enjoy gliding in the freshand cool ness of its air.
Mount Talang tea plantation, 35 km from Padang, one of the highest mountains 2.572 meters above sea level has a green and fresh views. From here you can overlook the beautiful Twin Lakes and Lake Singkarak.
The Mystical Rao-rao, some 15 km from Batusangkar, A village in which the Minangkabau building style is well preserved.
Belimbing Village, Some 20 km from Batusangkar, this traditional village has some beautiful old Minangkabau long houses. Around the village one can enjoy the beauty view and traditional social life of Minangkabau matriarchal society.
Ngarai Sianok is a canyon in a city, a steep colorfulvalley surrounded by 100 meter cliffs. 4 km from Bukittinggi, there are many tunnels and caves made by Japanese during WW II. The pathway leads to Koto Gadang that is renowed for its fine silver filigree and hand embroidery.
Ngalau Indah Cave can be reach on the way from Bukittinggi to Payakumbyh, it has extend deep in to the mountainside. The domain of thousands of bats, the main entrance is the outline of an elephant visible on its face. The past through these caves lead out to the top of the mountain and panoramic views.
Siberut National Park: Using a regular ferry, which regularly sail three times a week in the night from Padang (Muara Padang) to Muara Siberut/Muara Sikabulan/Muara Saibi. The trip takes approximately 10 hours of sailing. Or use an express ferry that travels every thursday morning from Padang to the town of Tuapejat in Sipora island and then further to the southern part of Siberut Island for only four hours of sailing.
Mentawai Island is made up from four islands: Siberut, Sipora, Pagai Utara and Pagai Selatan. The people of these islands still live in comparative isolation, maintaining their age-old ways. Siberut is an area for trekking and visiting these ancient cultures, and its virgin rain forest, inhabited by a number of some rare monkey's species. Beautiful coral reefs are found offshore, and its wave is famous for surfing. The best season to visit is January to September.
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