West Sumatra is one of the most beautiful areas in Indonesia. It is mountainous and divided by three valleys. There are lovely lakes and spectacular volcanoes. This is the heartland of the matriarchal Minangkabau, an intelligent, culturally rich and politically savvy people who have successful exported their culture, language, cuisine, and beliefs throughout Indonesia. Their unique buffalo- horned architecture dominates the cities and villages.
- Great Wall of Koto Gadang / Sianok Canyon
Janjang Koto Gadang (The Great Wall of Koto Gadang) is inspired by Great Wall in China. The Great Wall of Koto Gadang is along bridge connecting Bukit Tinggi and Koto Gadang, West Sumatra, with the length of 1.7 km and width of 2 meters. This is a new icon of tourist destination in West Sumatra.You will be stunned tosee a splendor of Ngarai Sianok, Merapi Mount, Singgalang Mount and paddy field depicting their beauty.
Around Sianok Canyon, there is Japanese tunnel. Japanese tunnel is relics Japanese colonialism which was used for the Japanese army’s defense and storage of weapons. Japanese tunnel founded in 1942-1945. Japanese tunnel has wide 2 hectar inside. You will go to down stairs and passes many aisles built according to the needs at the time. Visiting to Japanese tunnel will make you know some history of Indonesia.The area is also complete with Jam Gadang (Big Clock) which is the icon of Bukittinggi and a traditional market.
- Harau Valley
Harau Valley is located in Payakumbuh city. This valley is between two steep rock valleys with a hight about 150 meters. In the bottom of the cliffs, a stretch of paddy fields and green lush trees make Harau Valley more dazzling. Harau Valley area is inhabited by a variety of wild animals such as monkey, sumatra tiger, bear, hedgehog and birds. The valley is also more attractive with flowing seven waterfalls in Sarasah. In the rainy season, the water flow is getting heavier. View of the surrounding valley is even more stunning when the rainbow comes after the rain.
- Sikuai Island
Sikuai Island is located in Bungus Teluk Kabang district, Padang City, West Sumatra. This beautiful island has pretty complete facilities. There are 2 star hotels, restaurant, swimming pool, and some cottages if you want to stay longer there. The view is amazing. The sea is very calm and the water is clear. You can enjoy your time swimming or snorkeling to see the beauties beneath the sea. You will see a variety of marine life such as coral reefs and colorful fish when you explore the underwater.
- Cubadak Island
Cubadak Island is a hidden paradise which islocated in the middle of Hindia Ocean. Your holiday will not be disturb by hustle and bustle. This small island is promising serenity.
Although Cubadak Island is far away from downtown, this island has a beautiful resort to enjoy wonderful scenery.
How to Get to Cubadak Island
From Padang, you can go toward to Curocok Beach in Painan. The distance between Padang to Painan is about 77 km. You will spend time about 2 hours passes forest and rice field. Curocok beach is main gate to Cubadak Island.
If you are interested to stay in Cubadak Island, for further information you can contact Nani at ( +62) 8126603766. Enjoy a private island!
- Mentawai Island
Mentawai archipelago is surrounded by Indian Ocean and offshore of West Sumatra. Mentawai archipelago has 4 big islands: Sipora Island, Siberut Island, Pagai Utara Island, and Pagai Selatan Island. The existence of the Mentawai Archipelago in the middle of a vast sea made the beaches have white sand and big waves which good for surfing. Mentawai is one of world’s 50 best surf spots by Surfing Magazine. Bosua village is the best destination because the high waves up to 3 meters. If you love adventure, you should try this!
Besides the amazing waves, mentawai archipelago keeps exotic culture. The Mentawai live in the traditional dwelling called the uma which is a longhouse and is made by weaving bamboo stripped together to make walls and thatching the roofs with grass, the floor is raised on stilts and is made of wood planks.
Tattooing is done with a needle and wood which is hammered on the needle by a shaman called sikerei. Tattooing on the island was an identity and a personal or communal reflection of the people’s relationship to nature, called arat subulungan, although there are motivational and design differences from region to region and among clans
From the air, West Sumatra looks as though a giant has plunged their hands into the equator thrown it high into the air, and let it rain back down to earth. Fertile uplands ring jungle-clad volcanoes, waterfalls cascade into deep ravines and nature takes a breath in deep silent lakes. Rainforest still clings to the steepest slopes, while rice, tapioca, cinnamon and coffee bring in the wealth.
6. Anai Valley
Anai valley is nature reserve, located in Nagari Singgalang district. If you go from Padang to Bukittinggi, you will pass a beautiful waterfall. The waterfall height is about 35 meters. It is part of Batang Lurah River flow from Singgalang Mount toward Anai Valley.
Along the way to Anai Valley waterfall, you will watch monkeys hanging around to welcome arriving tourists. Usually, Anai Valley is a place to rest after long journey from Padang to Bukittinggi (or opposite). Some lodging are available if you want to stay. Don’t forget to try typical Padang food in restaurant around Anai Valley
Anai resort is located 550 meters above sea level. The resort has the best golf course in west Sumatra with international standard. It has 18 holes and was designed by Golf course designer, Thomas and Perret. Many kind of facilities are available in the bungalow such as natural swimming pool and restaurant.
7. Gondoriah beach, Pariaman
Gondoriah beach is located in Pariaman, 60 km from Padang. Gondoriah beach has white sand and quiet waves. Along the coast, many typical foods you can eat while enjoying beautiful scenery. Gondoriah beach is famous with Tabuik Ceremony which is held once a year.
How to Get Gondoriah beach
It’s pretty easier to find out Gondoriah Beach. Gondoriah Beach is near Pariaman station and traditional market. If you are from Padang, you can go to Gondoriah beach by train and stop in Pariaman station. In front of station, there is Gondoriah Beach. It’s easy, right?
8. Manis Beach
Manis (it means sweet) Beach keeps historic story. Malin Kundang story told about a disobedient child to parents. Malin Kundang was cursed by his mother and turned to stone. The statue as a symbol of Malin Kundang story. The colour of sand is not like coast color in general. Manis beach sand is black like iron.
9. Lake Maninjau
To express his admiration of the beautiful scenery of Lake Maninjau, First President of Indonesia, Ir. Soekarno, wrote poem which reads “ Do not eat arai nut, If not with a green betel. Do not come to Minang lands, If you do not stop at Maninjau“.
Lake Maninjau is a beautiful lake which is located at 36 km from Bukittinggi. Access to Lake Maninjau is very sinuous. Visitors must take the steeply descending road from Bukittinggi. This journey will bring you on the edge of your seat as the road has sharp hairpin bends and unforgettable twists and turns. The 44 bends in this road give it its name, Kelok 44. There are two routes which can be taken to arrive at Lake Maninjau.
10. Pandai Singkek
Pandai Singkek is known as center of carving craft and weaving songket. Pantai Sikek is located in foothills Singgalang Mount, Sepuluh Koto, Tanah Datar. In this area, you can see traditional farming communities. Otherwise, this village has 1000 loom tools. Wood painting and household furnishings are made in this village
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