West Sumatra

Batu Angkek-Angkek ( Lifting Stone )

2008-10-10T08:10:00.002+07:00

This tourist object can predict whether you wish will come true or not which can be seen whwther you can be lift or not as this stone which poses a magical power, located around 11 km from Batusangkar city, easy to be visited by public transportation at Balai Tabuah Tanjuang county, Sungayang sub-district.

Hotels in West Sumatra

2008-06-25T09:54:00.002+07:00

If you visit West Sumatra and want to stay for a while, please decide these hotels or resorts for you and family to stay in West Sumatra.

Welcome to West Sumatra, the Land of Minangkabau.

Bukittinggi gears up for Visit Indonesia Year 2008

2008-06-14T23:55:00.006+07:00

Tourism industry in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, was preparing program and activities to support the Visit Indonesia Year 2008 and to give the best services to tourists visiting the city.

Bukittinggi was organized an International Self Defense Championship in May 2008, a Minangkabau traditional and cultural performance from July 6 to 15, a Pagaruyung Festival in July 2008, and a Dragon Boat Race in Padang, said Head of the Bukittinggi Tourism.

The city also offered discounts for hotel, restaurant and souvenir to tourists this year. Bukittinggi has 54 star-rated hotels with around 2,000 rooms.

Bukittinggi is situated in highland, at around 800 meters above the sea level. It has interesting tourist objects such as 'Jam Gadang', 'Japanese Tunnel', 'Ngarai Sianok' (Sianok Canyon), and 'Bundo Kanduang Park'.

Source : Antara News

Siti Nurbaya Bridge

2008-05-18T22:38:00.003+07:00

Siti Nurbaya bridge

Chinatown near the Siti Nurbaya bridge

If you want to visit Padang, West Sumatra capital city, dont forget to visit Siti Nurbaya bridge. From the bridge that was build early year of 2000, you can view the beautiful panorama of Batang Arau river. This bridge is across between Padang city and Mount Padang -the way you can go to Siti Nurbaya hill and Malin Kundang stone in Air Manis beach-.

Roots Bridge in Painan

2008-05-17T16:45:00.002+07:00

The most unique travel object in West Sumatra is Roots Bridge in Painan, about 54 kms from Padang or 17 kms from Painan the capital town of Pesisir Selatan regency.

Nice web about more beautiful gallery of West Sumatra

2008-05-17T16:24:00.001+07:00

Click here to see more beautiful gallery about West Sumatra or nice places to visit in West Sumatra.

Kelok Sembilan in the Future

2008-03-30T21:22:00.000+07:00

Kelok Sembilan - West Sumatra -

Kelok 9

2008-03-26T21:07:00.000+07:00

On the way road from Riau Province to West Sumatra, we will pass the famous bend called Kelok Sembilan ( Nine Bends ) after Ulu Air near to Payakumbuh.

Malin Kundang

2008-02-20T15:04:00.002+07:00

There is a famous legend story in West Sumatra about Malin Kundang.
Here is the story ;

Long time ago, in a small village near the beach in West Sumatera, lived a woman and her son, Malin Kundang. Malin Kundang's father had passed away when he was a baby, and he had to live hard with his mother.

Malin Kundang was a healthy, dilligent, and strong child. He usually went to the sea to catch fish, and brought it to his mother, or sold it in the town.
One day, when Malin Kundang was sailing as usual, he saw a merchant's ship which was being raided by a small band of pirates. With his brave and power, Malin Kundang defeated the pirates. The merchant was so happy and asked Malin Kundang to sail with him. Malin Kundang agreed.

Many years later, Malin Kundang became a wealthty merchant, with a huge ship, loads of trading goods, many ship crews, and a beautiful wife. In his journey, his ship landed on a beach. The villagers reconigzed him, and the news ran fast in the town: Malin Kundang became a rich man and now he is here. His mother, in deepful sadnees after years of loneliness, ran to the beach to meet her beloved son again.

When the mother came, Malin Kundang, in front of his well dressed wife, his crews and his own gloriness, denied to meet that old, poor and dirty woman. For three times she begged Malin Kundang and for three times yelled at him. At last Malin Kundang said to her "Enough, old woman! I have never had a mother like you, a dirty and ugly peasant!" Then he ordered his crews to set sail.

Enraged, she cursed Malin Kundang that he would turn into a stone if he didn't apologize. Malin Kundang just laughed and set sail.
In the quiet sea, suddenly a thunderstorm came. His huge ship was wrecked and it was too late for Malin Kundang to apologized. He was thrown by the wave out of his ship, fell on a small island, and suddenly turned into stone.

Kelok Nona

2007-12-22T07:51:00.000+07:00

Only the memory of Kelok Nona remains

The old main road that linked Riau to West Sumatra has a number of accident prone areas, including some deadly bends. The 185km road linking Payakumbuh, West Sumatra and Pekanbaru, Riau, takes about 4.5 hours at above average speeds without stopping or about five hours at normal speed. Among the bends which are particularly well known among drivers are the Kelok Sembilan and the Kelok Nona. While the Kelok Sembilan is famous for its view and difficulty level, the Kelok Nona is famous for the many different versions of the mysterious story associated with it.

Just at the Kelok Nona bend is a grave which appears to be a Chinese grave. According to the story, which has spread from one person to another, a young Chinese girl is buried there. It's hard to say exactly when the even took place. But one version of the story is that in the 1950's when the Payakumbuh-Pekanbaru road was still in very poor condition, a Chinese girl and her father were traveling in a private car together with their driver. The car broke down and the father decided to travel 125 kms to Pekanbaru to buy spare parts. This would have taken more than a day because he would have to wait in line with other ferry passengers to cross Rantau Berangin and Lake Bingkuang.

According to this version of the story, while waiting for her father to return, the girls was raped by the driver. Unable to bear the shame, she decided to take her life. Because of the difficulties in communication at that time, the girl was buried on the spot. The white grave stone has attracted the attention of anyone traveling among this road.

But now the Kelok Nona remains only as a memory, since the stretch of road from the Lubang Kalam tunnel to Rantau Berangin and Mangilang has been obliterated, due to the construction of the Kota Panjang hydroelectric dam. The entire Tanjung Balit area and all of its dzzying bends has now been submerged in water.

Do & Do Not

2007-08-14T13:40:00.002+07:00

When visiting Indonesia, visitors should observe local customs and practices. Some common courtesies and customs are as follows :

Although handshakes are generally acceptable for both men and women, some Muslim ladies may acknowledge introductions to gentlemen by merely nodding and smiling.
A handshake should only be initiated by ladies. The traditional greeting or salam resembles a handshake with both hands but without the grasp.
The man offers both hands, lightly touches his friends outstretched hands, and then brings his hands to his chest to mean, "I greet you from my heart". The visitor should reciprocate the salam.

It is polite to call before visiting a home.
Shoes must always be removed when entering a home.
Drinks are generally offered to guests. It is polite to accept.

The right hand is always used when eating with one's hand or giving and receiving objects. The right forefinger is not used to point at places, objects or persons. Instead, the thumb of the right hand with four fingers folded under is the preferred usage.

Shoes must be removed when entering places of worship such as mosques and temples. Some mosques provide robes and scarves for female visitors.

Taking photographs at places of worship is usually permitted but always ask permission beforehand.

Toasting is not a common practice in .
The country's large Muslim population does not drink alcohol.

from : Indonesia-Tourism

More Photograph, More Beautiful

2007-06-21T08:59:00.000+07:00

Novotel Bukittinggi

Padang Beach

Still.... Padang Beach

Painan Gulf

Siberut Island

All photo taken from Ryco Cimbuak.net

Talang Lake

2007-04-12T11:20:00.003+07:00

Talang Lake tourism object that located in Lembang Jaya districts is state ± 2 Km of the twin lakes (Diatas Lake and Dibawah Lake). The Lakes that located about 1.400 m of sea level is state between the cool and fresh hills with fruits and vegetables fields.

The nature lover who likes to hiking, the small lake with about 1,9 Ha width, that actually is one of the two of Mount Talang Purba crater, can reach by foot from Alahan Panjang or the twin lakes in one hour walking.

Unique Heritage & Culture

2007-04-12T10:20:00.001+07:00

West Sumatra is one of the most beautiful areas of Indonesia. It is mountainous and divided by three valleys. There are lovely lakes and spectacular volcanoes. But Minangkabau land is very special and has the most friendly population group of Indonesia. They love to talk with visitors and will tell us about their unique society. If a visitor tries to understand the culture and Minang traditions he will soon feel himself a member of the clan. He will be invited as a guest to their homes - a unique way to become acquainted with real Indonesian life.

Most of our hosts and hostesses are English teachers so language will not be much of a problem. They will show us the community and explain their customs.

The land of the Minangkabau, West Sumatra has a distinct culture, which distinguishes it from the rest of the island. A land of scenic beauty with blue green lakes and mountains, West Sumatra's Centre of culture and tourism is Bukittinggi in the highlands, north of the provincial capital of Padang. Most prominent in the landscape is the horn-shaped roofs of the houses nestled in the coconut groves. The name Minangkabau means triumphant buffalo. It leads a community and family life based on a matrilineal system, which clusters around mosques and the traditional houses. As it is the women who have the properties, the men are known for their wanderlust and entrepreneurship. Traveling is considered a mark of success and therefore many of them are found "merantau" (emigrated) to other parts of the country. This is proof that many Minang or Padang restaurants, serve very spicy food, found in all major towns in the nation. The people are hospitable and eloquent in a poetic style of speech and ceremonies. Festivals are colorful occasions.

West Sumatra has a coastline where the capital is situated. The hinterland is a range of high mountains, which dip into picturesque valleys and lakes. Amongst them are the remnants of the old Minangkabau kingdom of Pagaruyung, (the art centers for silver, hand-weaving, embroidery and woodcarving).

Geographically
West Sumatra province has about 49,778 sq km width, which is located between 0o 54' North Latitude and 3o 30' South Latitude and between 98o 36' and 101o 53'. The boundaries of this regency is: North Side: Riau Province South Side: Indian Ocean West Side: North Sumatra Province East Side: Jambi and Bengkulu Province
Wide AreaWest Sumatra Province has 42,297.30-km2 areas. The West Sumatran coastline faces the Indian Ocean and stretches 375 km from North Sumatra province in the northwest to Bengkulu in the southeast. West Sumatra lakes include: Maninjau (99.5 km2), Singkarak (130.1 km2), Diatas (31.5 km2), Dibawah (14.0 km2), Talang (5.0 km2). West Sumatra rivers include: Kuranji, Anai, Ombilin, Suliki, Arau. The mountains & volcanoes of West Sumatra are included: Marapi (2,891 m), Sago (2,271 m), Singgalang (2,877 m), Talakmau (2,912 m), Talang (2,572 m), Tandikat (2,438 m).

Climate
The temperature of West Sumatra province has ranges between 22o C and 32o C, and the rainfall is 2,289 mm per year.

Administratively
West Sumatra Province is divided among 8 regencies and 6 municipals with Padang as its capital city.

Demography
The people of this province have a strong tradition leaving their hometown to make their way of life. Indeed, West Sumatra communities (Minang) are easily found in each province of Indonesia. In 1994, the total population reached 4,265,900 people with its density amounted to 101 people per Km2. In the 1990-1994 period, the people grew at a rate 1.6% per year or in the lower level that of the population national growth amounted to 2.144% per year.

from :

Still, Somethings Hidden and ........

2007-03-10T10:46:00.000+07:00

Cinnamon and Coffee Processing
Cinnamon and Coffee are mainly grown in the whole area of West Sumatra, and seeing the process of using "traditional method might be such a nice experience.

Beruk, Well Trained Monkey
There is a type of monkey which is often trained to plug the coconut to replace human climbing the palm trees. It is for the business purpose to do the neighbourhood coconut garden.

Silat, Self Defense
A local form of self defense, young Minangkabau men are expected to leave the homeland when they reach adolescence. Traditionally, they learn silat to prepare them for their journey.

Baralek, The Wedding Celebration
A Wedding, is the most important celebration for the Minangkabau people. The bride is decorated in an elaborate gold trimmed custome with a magnificent gold filigree headdress.

Somethings Hidden and Out of The Way Places

2007-03-05T14:33:00.000+07:00

A Sugar Mill
Four hundred of years, the tradition of making the sugar cane has been passed down from on generation in the next, and even still exist until now. The unique one is using a buffalo driven tradmill.

Ikan Larangan,Forbidden Fish
The certain type of fishes are believed uneatable and would bring misfortune to disobey. Many people still do not really believed to such a thing but this is merely to preserve the habitat.

Bendi, Horse and Carriage
The traditional horse and carriage is commonly seen at most areas in West Sumatra is means of public transportation where the carriage richly decorated in the traditional carving and symbol.

continued.......

Istana Pagaruyung terbakar

2007-03-01T08:27:00.004+07:00

Subhanallah....

Istana Pagaruyung yang menjadi kebanggaan tidak hanya bagi masyarakat di Kabupaten Tanah Datar dan sekitarnya, tapi juga bagi seluruh warga Minangkabau baik yang ada di Sumbar maupun di perantauan habis terbakar pada hari Selasa, tanggal 27 Februari 2007 pada pukul 19.10 wib. Kebakaran disebabkan oleh sambaran petir yang pada waktu kejadian berlangsung sedang dilanda hujan dan angin yang cukup kencang.

Ingin menangis hati ini rasanya. Namun apa daya, semua telah terjadi. Yang tinggal kini bagaimana kita menyikapi atas musibah yang terjadi dan bagaimana kita untuk dapat melihat kembali kebanggaan masyarakat Minang tersebut untuk dapat berdiri tegak lagi.

Kronologis lengkap terjadinya kebakaran Istana Pagaruyung ini dapat dilihat di sini.

About Clock Tower

2006-07-13T12:31:00.001+07:00

Clock Tower or "Jam Gadang" is located at the centre of town, and was built in 1926 by Rook Maker the secretary of Bukittinggi Mayor.

It was designed and constructed by Minang people Yazid and Sutan Gigi Ameh. Laying of cornerstone done by Rook Maker's son, six years old.

Events

2006-06-12T14:13:00.000+07:00

HORSE RACE
Horse Racing is one of the famous traditional sport events.The horse ridden without saddle and every racing horse represent a region in West Sumatra. The scheduled event only in Payakumbuh every in the middle of December.
TABUIK FESTIVAL
The Festival is one of traditional art in Pariaman and Limo Koto Air Panpan, rose in 1880 and executed every year on 1-10 Muharram ( Hijriyah Calendar )
BUFFALO FIGHTING
Every Tuesday and Saturday the local people in Koto Baru about 10 kilometers from Bukittinggi held for the contest.
FLYING DUCK RACE
One of the exotic traditional sport in Payakumbuh and held in July, August and September every year.
WILD HOG HUNTING
Wild Hog Hunting is one of the hobbies of the Minangkabaunese, mainly for gentleman, frequently carried out every Sunday. The dogs ordered by sign of shouting of the dogs owner, since the dogs bark everywhere, the barking has essential meaning for hunter. While barking, the dog tries to find out the tracks of the hog.

Golf Course in West Sumatra

2006-06-12T14:07:00.000+07:00

Anai Resort and Golf Course
Kandang Ampek - Anai
Telp. (0752) 83224, Fax. 83404

Padang Country Club
Ulu Gadut Street, Padang
Telp. (0751) 71499

Silungkang

2006-06-05T14:26:00.000+07:00

A town 85 kms from Padang, famous for its hand woven textile. Women can be seen at work, using only simple wooden hand looms to turn out the quality products, that all so eagerly sought by colectors.

Sawah Lunto/Sijunjung

2006-06-05T14:19:00.000+07:00

Sijunjung is one place for off the beaten track, 115 kms from Padang. In this hilly area can be found many interesting things to enjoy such as tropical jungle with wild river, several kind of flora and fauna, cave, hot spring waterfall and big flower Amor Phapallus Titanum, etc. In this area also live : Ungko, Siamang (Teilobatus Syndacfilus), Beruk (Macaca Nemestrina), red, black and grey Monkey (Macaca Fascicularis), Panther (Neofelis Nepubolis), Deer Pukang (Tarsius Speetrum), etc. Various kinds of birds inhabit the forest as well as different species of hornbill.

Kerinci Seblat National Park

2006-05-22T08:10:00.001+07:00

The Kerinci Seblat National Park has 1.5 million hectares of dense tropical jungle, house of many diverse species of flora and fauna. It can be reached from 4 gateways; Padang, Jambi, Bengkulu and Palembang in South Sumatra.

Etnic of society of the Kerinci National Park are Minangkabau clan, Kerinci clan, Rejang clan. Java and Sunda clan as well.
Every visitor who will come into The Kerinci Seblat National Park is suggested to get permit letter to The National Park office address Basuki Rahmat Street No.11 Phone (0748) 22250, Fax.(0748) 22300. Po.Box 40 Sungai Penuh, Kerinci-Jambi.

Pesisir Selatan

2006-05-17T09:02:00.000+07:00

A regency with Painan as the capital town, a coastal region at the southern part of the province with about 200 kms long beaches. Traveling to Painan means driving along curving roads up and down the hills, 77 kms from Padang, of course a worried experience, but natural beauty along the way such as valley with lush green forest, white sandy beaches and some islets are scattered above of the sea surely makes the travelling forget the fear.

Diatas / Dibawah Lake

2006-05-16T09:54:00.000+07:00

The twins lake with 1 km panorama in between, where Lake Dibawah located on the left and Lake Diatas on the right of the main road to Alahan Panjang about 70 kilometers or two hours drive from Padang. You must drive up to Lake Dibawah and you have to drive down to Lake Diatas.

Prior to the site, find the real beauty of tea plantation and can be witnessed a group of the young ladies plucking the tea leaf excitedly at the plantation in the right and left of main road.

The lake an altitude of about 1000 meter above sea level and are in the late afternoon usually covered by thick mist.

Singkarak Lake

2006-05-16T09:16:00.001+07:00

Between Solok and Batusangkar is Lake Singkarak, which is a little less grand than Lake Maninjau. It marks the gateway to the incredible basin of Solok. The main road skirts the lake's clean, gently sloping shore for a distance of twenty one kilometers, many lodges and restaurants available along the like shore.

Singkarak Lake is an ideal place for recreation and water sport, 36 km from Bukittinggi. There are several motels and restaurants in the area. Singkarak Lake is located about 10 Km of Solok city and ± 35 Km from Kayu Aro. This lake is located in X Koto district and spread across Solok - Bukit Tinggi way. The lake is state between two regencies that is Solok regency and Tanah Datar regency with ± 129,70 km2 (± 1.129,29 Ha) width. Singkarak Lake is the widest lake in West Sumatra and the second widest lake in Sumatra Island after Toba Lake.

The Lake that located in 362,5 m height from the sea level, has special species of fish that only live in this lake and the only in the world. Society around called as Bilih Fish (Mystacoleuseus Padangensis). Uniquely, this fish cannot live in other habitat, both in an aquarium and in a pool. The people around are often selling this fish and the visitors can enjoy the specific taste of this fish in the restaurants that located around the lake.

The Lake is equipped by some facilities, such as; hotels, motels, restaurants and also water sport facilities. Beside used as tourism objects and the economic source of society around, nowadays, this lake also used as the electric source of Sicincin.

Solok Regency

2006-05-16T08:52:00.001+07:00

The town of Solok is known for its top quality rice. It is 64 kms from Padang, many original traditional houses found in the area. Especially worth seeing are the adat houses in the Cupak, some of which are hundreds of years old, with roofs of palm fiber that are so timeworn they are covered with moss. The old customs and tradition are still strictly upheld in Cupak.

Harau Valley

2006-05-11T10:55:00.000+07:00

Further on road, near Suliki is the renowed Harau Valley, located at the distance of 14 kms from Payakumbuh. This green valley enclosed by perpendicular grand walls of many colour as 100-200 meters high. Three water falls - Sarasah Bunta, Sarasah Murai, and Sarasah Aka Barayun - disgorge their water down the cliffs onto the valley. This valley is a nature and wildlife reserve.

Payakumbuh

2006-05-11T10:48:00.000+07:00

Payakumbuh, 26 kms away Bukittinggi is known for the Galamai, a kind of Sweetmeat, and for traditional horse race. The area also a large number of grand traditional houses which can be found especially at Koto Nan Ampek, Taram and Koto Nan Gadang.

Belimbing Village

2006-05-11T10:13:00.000+07:00

Situated 10 kilometers east of Batusangkar, this village reflects the essence of the Minangkabau conception of housing. Some houses are 300 years old and still intact.

Pariangan

2006-05-11T09:59:00.000+07:00

The mother village of Pariangan is the oldest Minangkabau sttlement and is about 15 kilometers outside Batusangkar on the slopes of Mount Merapi. This village seems to be preserved in the past with its traditional mosques and homes packed in tight cluster around the community hall. Villages like there are abundant around the well-travelled town of Batusangkar.

Pagaruyung Palace

2006-05-10T09:52:00.001+07:00

( Inside the King's Palace act like the King )

King's Palace of Pagaruyung situated 5 kms from the center of Batusangkar town. The palace reflects the lavish royal style of architecture in vogue at the time which is much visited by tourist. The kingdom at the beginning of its history was ruled by a queen, named Bundo Kanduang.

In Minangkabau words, the King's Palace means "Ustano Rajo".

Batusangkar

2006-05-10T09:36:00.000+07:00

On the Southern side of both Mount Merapi and Mount Sago is the ancient center of Minangkabau kingdom; Batusangkar. The area around this small town is spectacular. Hills and huge expanses of carefully maintained "sawah" or rice field abound. These terraced rice fields have been cultivated for countless generation and have reshaped the natural landscape in a very elegant balance of man's need complimenting the preservation of the land's natural beauty. This dignified tradition of wet rice agriculture exists every where in West Sumatera but especially here in the region of Batusangkar. Considered the center of Minangkabau culture, this district has some historical remains of stone tablets with ancient Hindu script and villages with beautiful traditional house

Palupuh

2006-05-09T08:50:00.000+07:00

Palupuh is about 32 kms on the north of Bukittinggi on the way to Rimbo Panti Preserve.
The giant flower (Rafflesia Arnoldi) can be found in this area. The name taken from an English Governor General, Sir Thomas Stanford Raffles and DR. Joseph Arnold who found this flower at 20 May 1818 in South Bengkulu. Diameter of this flower is 40-50 cms, with red colour and make this province more colourful and attractive.

It blossoms usually all year on the wet seasons (September-January).

Embun Pagi, Lawang Village and Lake Maninjau

2006-05-08T12:31:00.000+07:00

Embun Pagi (morning mist) in Padang Gelanggang valley 27 kms from Bukittinggi is a place to enjoy the fresh air mist and beautiful view of Lake Maninjau surrounded by green hills.

Before Embun Pagi is Lawang Village. This area is famous with the sugar cane products. The processing of sugar cane use traditional methods. Visitors also can taste the cane juice while enjoying Lake Maninjau view. The road to the lake is famous for its 44 bends (kelok ampek puluah ampek), and offers splendid views of the lake with its surrounding ring of mountain and its terraced rice fields, which form giant steps of vivid green sloping upwards along the road. Many lodges and restaurants along the lake shore.

The lake retains its natural wonder as giants bats float across it every twilight, and the echoing calls of birds and monkeys can be heard from the jungle. Farming and fishing around Lake Maninjau are still very traditional.

Lake Maninjau is one of the most treasured and worth while places to experience not only in West Sumatera but in all places of in Indonesia.

Agam Regency

2006-05-08T11:44:00.000+07:00

Now, we go to Agam regency.
Agam Regency is one of regencies has 428.567 inhabitants and covers an area 232.30 kms sq in the middle part of the province. This regency is geographically dominated by mountains and high lands rising from 2 ms to 1500 ms above sea level. A highland is located at the center of this regency on the foot of Mount Merapi 2891 ms and Mount Singgalang 2877 ms. It supplies vegetable and fruit for this province. Lubuk Basung is the capital of this regency.

Japanese Tunnel

2006-05-08T11:34:00.001+07:00

Another well known tourist object is the Japanese Tunnel. Located underneath the city, the tunnel winds down approximately 4,5 kilometers. The tunnel was named after the Japan occupants who ordered the construction in 1942; reportly thousands of people who were forced to work there died during its construction built.

It was said that there are 3 similar Japanese Tunnel available in Indonesia, one in Irian Jaya and the other is in Bandung. Only in Bukittinggi is open for a tourist attraction

Sianok Canyon

2006-05-06T11:07:00.000+07:00

The canyon "Ngarai Sianok" on the west side of the town is easily accessible for hikes or picnics. The canyon walls rise 100 ton 200 meters above a small river which winds trough the green floor of the canyon. One of the most pleasant aspects of Sianok Canyon are the two volcanoes, Merapi and Singgalang, brooding in the distance, which bring us to the subject of mountain climbing. Mount Merapi is still active and is considered dangerous. A well-kept trail leads directly to the volcanoes top.

Mount Merapi & Mount Singgalang

2006-05-06T09:55:00.001+07:00

-+- Gunung Merapi & Gunung Singgalang -+-

Bukittinggi

2006-05-06T09:10:00.000+07:00

Bukittinggi is the second largest town in the West Sumatera Province and the center of tourism, about 92 kms from Padang or two hours drive from Tabing Airport. The road to Bukittinggi passed between two Vulcanoes mount Merapi and mount Singgalang. The town is located on 930 meters above the sea level and covers an area 25 kilometers Square of Agam Plateu. The Minang Big Houses which can be seen in the countryside around Bukittinggi have distinctive Roofs with a print at each end. Recommended side trips from Bukittinggi include the spectacular lake Maninjau, lake Singkarak and the Kerinci Seblat Nature Reserve.

ASKI Padang Panjang

2006-05-05T08:16:00.000+07:00

A special academy developed in studying of traditional Minangkabau culture such as dancing, singing and playing of traditional and modern music instruments. A center to learn about Minangkabau art and students perform them to the visitor and sometimes they also introduce Minangkabau culture in any international events on abroad.

Padang Panjang is located between Padang and Bukittinggi, the second largest town in the West Sumatera Barat Province.

In the next posting, I will guide you to Bukittinggi that famous with Jam Gadang ( Bukittinggi Big Ben ).

Center for Information and Documentation of Minangkabau Culture

2006-05-03T14:24:00.000+07:00

The center for Minangkabau Culture and Studies provides for those who are intersted in the tradition. All the documents are housed in a traditional Minangkabau House called "Rumah Gadang" or big house.
Located on the way 20 kilometers to Bukittinggi from Padang. Surrounded by environment parks by applying traditional ways of conserving land from erosion by means of combining terraces and contour strip cropping. For the future this area will be completed with a Minangkabau Village.

The Anai Golf Resort

2006-05-03T13:28:00.000+07:00

The Anai Golf Resort opposite with The Malibou Anai is an 18 hole golf course of international standard. Surrounded by tropical rain forest. This nature lover's heaven is a unique golf course. Completed with accomodation, nature swimming pool, and camping area.

The Malibou Anai Resort

2006-05-02T13:51:00.000+07:00

A natural recreation place surrounded by natural beauty of Anai Valley, located 63 kilometers north Padang on the main road to Bukittinggi. Facilities such as camping ground, tracking areas, swimming and fishing are available. Cottages and restaurants also available in this area too.

Siberut National Grand Parks

2006-05-02T13:20:00.000+07:00

The Siberut National Grand Parks is 195.500 hectares ;ocated in Siberut Island. Expeditions to the interior of Siberut have become quite popular with many European tourist. A tripto these island offers genuine jungle tracking. The rain-forest with it fast-disappearing primitive lifestyle, would enthrall one when visiting the Mentawai Island. Siberut also offers a perfect place for surfing as it faces the Indian Ocean with its huge waves. Boats leave three times regularly a week from Padang (Muara Harbor) every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, and take time to 10-12 hours to Muara Siberut, or 6 hours by hired speedboat.

Common tour routes are :
Muara Siberut - Rorogot - Madobak - Ugai - Butui - Atabai - Madobak

The Mentawai Islands

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Mentawai islands are far off the Sumatra coast, 100 miles, and are also quite large. At the close of the last century, little more than 10.000 peoples inhabited these island.

On the largest island of Siberut, ancient semi primitive customs are still practiced as the people of Siberut retain their highly unique culture and belief systems. Very few places have electricity outside the major port of Muara Siberut, and the staple food is sago, not the rice like in the mainland. These are just a few indicators that a visit to the Mentawai Island would be unforgettable.

Taman Hutan Raya Bung Hatta

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This National Park is situated 23 km east of Padang on the slopes of Bukit Barisan. From here clearly easy to see the Padang lowland plains and Indian Ocean to the west. The park covers an area of 70.000 hectares of rain forest and is, rich in tropical plants such as Nepenthes sp (kantong semar), Rafflesia sp, and various animals species such as Tapirus sp (tapir), and Macaca sp, Gibbon, birds.
This park has a library and display of Photographs of the late first Indonesia Vice President, Dr.Mohammad Hatta, a native son of Minangkabau.

Bungus Beach & The Island Surrounding

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Bungus beach, 20 kilometers south of Padang dominated by the Impressive hills which tower above the pleasant ricefield the crescent shaped bay is unspoilt. Here is a perfect place to relax, sunbathing, swimming or hire canoes, surfboats and snorkling equipment and boats to the islands near bay. There are many homestay along the beach with reasonable price and restaurants as well.

There are enchanting islands just 5-15 miles to south of the beach. Two of them, Sikuai and Cubadak islands are developed as tourist resort.

Pasir Jambak Beach

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To the north of Padang about 20 kilometers is Pasir Jambak beach, a beautiful shoreline. Good for swimming, fishing and sunbathing. Camping grounds are on the beach it self.

Adhytiawarman Museum

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Located opposite Taman Budaya, and build in the style of traditional Minangkabau houses. The wall are richly carved and there are two barns in front. Objects of cultural and historical value are on exhibition. Visiting hours are from 08.00 to 18.00 hours daily except Monday

Taman Budaya Padang

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A center of creation and entertainment site for the art of region such as traditional dances, handwriting arts, dramas etc. Located in the center of town, at Diponegoro street.

Gunung Padang

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Just outside the city is Gunung Padang, a jungle covered hill that provides visitors with a very "green" and pleasant stroll to Siti Nurbaya Park, named after a novel written by Marah Rusli about the frustration of love in this traditional society. A few kilometres south of the city across a large and scenic estuary are the Old Chinese cemetary and Air Manis beach. The cemetary is also lush with greenery and faces the estuary and old Dutch section of Padang. From this hill, visitors can see all views of Padang as the splendid Southern coastlines.
There are handfuls of enchanting islands just to the south of the city : Sirandah, Sironjong, Pasumpahan, Pagang, Sikuai, Cubadak, and Kasiak island. All of the island are very nice places for snorkeling, diving, swimming, or sunbathing.

Padang

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Padang is the regional capital of West Sumatera, a city well known for its spicy cuisine and cheerful hospitable people with a sharp business sense. Wandering the calm streets of this attractive town will take you past traditional shop-front homes, the colony port area at the mouth of the Batang Arau, its centuries-old were houses, scent of eastern spice and the busy river traffic. Also be sure to visit Chinatown and the very good provincial museum.

Padang is also a stepping stone for visitors to the beautiful Indian Ocean beaches, the culturally rich Minang highlands and the fascinating Mentawai islands where stone age traditional still survive.

The Land of Minangkabau

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Welcome to Minangkabau

Minangkabau is the other name of West Sumatera Province in Indonesia.
The Land of Minangkabau is one of beautiful places in Indonesia beside Bali.
If you want to visit IndonesiA, DON'T FORGET to visit West Sumatera too.