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).
LOCAL INTEREST
1 . Padang
The capital of West Sumatra, Padang is the gateway to the Minang highlands. With the largest port on Sumatra’s West Coast, this is a merchant town attracting ships trading in goods such as rubber, cinnamon, coffee, tee, cement and coal.
If you take a stroll down to the old colonial waterfront you’ll see century old warehouses stocked with fragrant cinammon and other spices waiting to be shipped to Jakarta and Singapore.
The Batang Arau River flows through the city and it is quite a sight to see the collection of small boats and hand paddled ferries that line the riverside.
TO DO :
Take a pleasant walk around the older parts of Padang like Kampung Cina (China town) where turn of the century houses line the streets. Around here you’ll see a collection of Chinese herbalists doing business as well as coffee shops that can provide a refreshing cool drink to escape the heat of the day.
The Provinicial Museum in downtown Padang is home to a collection of prehistoric artifacts, stamps, imported ceramics, modern art and displays about the Minang and Mentawai culture.
Air Manis is Padang’s most popular beach, located about one hours walk along the coast (or a quick trip in a minibus). The legend of the beach says that once a young man named Malin Kundang went out to sea to become a rich merchant. When he returned home, his mother was so excited she dressed in her best clothes, made him a meal and went out to his ship to meet him. But Malin Kudang felt ashamed and pretended not to know her. His mother’s heart broke and as he sailed away she cursed him. As the he left, thunder and lightening broke out and the ship sank. Everyone aboard perished and were turned to stone – a coral outcropping at the beach is said to be their remains.
At Bungus, a small village about 25km south of Padang there is a pleasant swimming beach sheltered in a bay. From here you can hire an outrigger to visit the nearby coral islands which lie about an hour off shore.
GET THERE :
Padang is half-way up Sumatra’s west coast and is served by a good network of land, air and sea routes.
Padang’s new airport is the Bandara Internasional Minangkabau (off Jl Adinegoro), 20km north of the centre of town. Domestic flights go daily between Padang and Jakarta, Medan and Palembang. Airlines operating flights to Padang include Garuda, Air Asia and Lion Air.
Padang’s Bengkuang bus terminal is located 12 km from town.
2 . PARIAMAN
Pariaman is a coastal city in West Sumatra. Pariaman has 72,089 inhabitants (based on 2002) census and has 73.36-km2 areas. According to the limited early sources available, by the sixteenth century Pariaman was an important port city serving the Minangkabau settlements in the interior highlands of central west Sumatra. Traders from western India and later from Europe visited the port, trading in pepper, gold, and other products of the interior. In the early seventeenth century the port came under control of the Sultanate of Aceh, to the north; an Acehnese governor was stationed in the town. The port formally came under Dutch control in 1663 by treaty with Aceh.
By the early twentieth century the port was less prominent on the coast, as Padang, just to the south, was the focus of Dutch activities in western Sumatra and had a railroad link to the interior. The city is administratively divided into three districts: Pariaman Selatan, Pariaman Tengah, and Pariaman Utara.
TO DO :
Glorious Celebrations of Tabuik : Come and learn the essence of tabuik during the month of Muharram, the first month in the Moslem lunar calendar. The pinnacle of the event falls on the tenth day of Muharram. If you wish to follow all the preparations and processions, arrive here on the first day of the month for Tabuik.
In other countries, tabuik manifests itself in other names, like Muharram, Hosay orTadjah, derived from the focal characters in the event, which is the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, Al-Husyain, also spelled Hosayn or Hussein who was killed in the month of Muharram in Karbala. Tabuik has travelled far away to the other side of the globe, such as to Tobago, Trinidad, Guyana, Suriname, and Jamaica, where Shia Moslems from India and around were sent during colonial days. Pariaman, which means ‘safe area’, is now a center point for tabuik, hosay, Muharram, or Tadjah, in Indonesia.
On the first day of Muharram, officials gather red soil, symbolizing the bloody soil of Karbala. Many places in Indonesia bear the name of ‘tana merah’, ‘tanah abang’, or ‘lemah abang’ referring to this particular event in the Battle of Karbala, which concept was brought by the Shia Moslems. Two groups of Tabuik – the Tabuik Pasar and theTabuik Seberang – initiate the process. Tabuik Pasar usually gather the soil at Alai Gelombang Village, whereas the Tabuik Seberang take this at Pauh Village, each assigning a man wearing white costume.
The soil will then be placed in a daraga, or container found inside each tabuik tower.At the same time, another group demonstrates the banana-tree slicing ceremony, symbolizing the pain that Husyain suffered when he was mutilated by his betraying friend. On the 7th day of Muharram, a rite called ma’atam is conducted, symbolizing the mutilated hands of Husyain, which brings all beholders to tears. The two groups of tabuik will then meet at the crossroad depicting the Battle of Karbala.
On the 8th day, the replica of Husyain’s scarf is paraded around the village to show that he was the true guardian of the weak, the legitimate steward of direction, and a successor of the righteous model, his grandfather, Prophet Muhammad. The pinnacle of the event takes place on the 10th day, right at 04.00 o’clock early in the morning, when two tabuik towers are joined to become a single tall structure of around 21 to 24 feet tall, with an effigy of buraq, the symbol of the celestial ‘vehicle’ who accompanies Husyain to heaven.
Follow the crowd to the Gondoriah Beach as the tall tabuik is released to the open sea, and swim if you wish to bring home an item from the sanctified tabuik as a souvenir from your stay of over a week in Pariaman. On other days, the beach is a place for the locals to hang out, and there are several places along the coastline that you can visit, such as at the Cermin Beach and Teluk Belibis Beach. Fishermen live peacefully around these beaches and you can rent boats to go to a deserted island.
Pariaman is also home for local painters as the natural characteristics are a source of inspiration for the artists. Ask around and people will tell you where to find some of the talented painters, including Nasar, Nurdin, Muslim Saleh, Zaini, who have painted for over 50 years, and studied from a renowned painter, Ernest Dezentjé (1954).
GET THERE :
Drive your motorbike or rented car from Padang to the north, following the road to Lake Maninjau. The town is only an hour’s drive at a safe speed. If you take a public transportation, the trip will cost you around IDR 10,000 or less.
3 . SIBERUT ISLAND
Siberut Island (4.030 km sq) is the largest island of four islands in the Mentawaian archipelago. It is located about 155 kilometers of West Sumatra coast, across the Mentawaian strait. The Mentawaian islands belong administratively to Padang Pariaman Regency in West Sumatra Province. Siberut is divided into two districts: North and South Siberut with administrative centers at Muara Sikabaluan and Muara Siberut which also service as respectively market centers of Siberut.
We can meet the indigenous Mentawai people who live close to nature and still live in comparative isolation, maintaining their age-old ways. Its virgin rainforest, is inhabited by a number of animal species that cannot found anywhere else in the world, among them some rare monkey species, pleasant surprises wait to explore.
The island also offers continuous spectacular white sand beaches with shallow shelves jutting out to the sea and fringing coral reefs, excellent for snorkeling and leisure a luxury for most of the islanders. It can only be found a few coastal communities. We will be rewarded with stunning views and beautiful jungles abounding with unique plant and wildlife. The real highlight of our journey though, is the chance to meet the Siberut people, traditionally hunter, gatherer clans who are now coming into contact with the modern world. We will stay as guests of a local Kerei (medicine -man) in the Uma (traditional family house). Here, where conditions are basic, we will gain a unique insight into the lives of these people who maintain a belief system based on living in total harmony with nature.
Siberut island recently received international attention as a priority conservation area, for the unique culture of the ethnic Mentawaian and endemic of its biodiversity that need to be preserved. Although the island has plenty to offer, the potential has not been utilized fully especially for tourism. Most visitors to the island are only interested to see the culture at the indigenous tribes, such as the communal clan life in the traditional UMA house along the riverbanks.
Siberut National Park occupies the western half of the island, ranging from the northern coasts. At present the Integrated Biodiversity Conservation Project organized by PHPA, MOF, together with local government, local NGOs and other institutions, conducts the community based conservation program.
TO DO :
Cultural Tourism is one of the treats offered specifically at Pulau Siberut, namely the Mentawai tribal life and distinctive culture.
Lifestyle, traditions, and tribal customs of the Mentawai tribe are attractions that would not be found in any other place in the world. Witnessing the unique way of life of the Mentawai tribe will be an enriching cultural experience. The existence of traditional houses inhabited by several families (Uma Mentawai) is the first place to get to know and take a closer look at their daily lives.
Traditional activities that they do every day are equally interesting, such as menyagu (cooking sago), hunting, making poison arrows, creating traditional tattoos, making Kabit (traditional pants), ceremonial dances typical to the Mentawai (turuk) and medicinal treatment rituals by Sikerei (shamans). In addition, other traditional villages that you can visit are the Madobak, Ugai and Matotonan villages.
As part of the Mentawai Islands, that are famous for some of the best surf in the world, marine tours are another adventure offered on this island. At Pulau Siberut there are regular boats sailing to and from Padang, and they also play an important role in the transportation among the Mentawai Islands.
For those who like to surf, there are Pulau Nyang-Nyang and Karang Bajat at the southern tip of Pulau Siberut, two small islands just a short speedboat ride away. The large waves that come barreling toward the beaches at both of these islands are well known among surfing enthusiasts, attracting experienced surfers from all over the globe. In addition, other marine activities that can be enjoyed here are snorkeling, swimming, fishing and ultimately just relaxing and enjoying the beauty of the pristine white, sandy beaches.
Taman Nasional Siberut now has speed boats for rent, accommodations with a capacity of up to 30 people, and a visitor center building as an information center for tourists who want to explore the national parks in particular and Pulau Siberut in general.
The location and the terrain make ecotourism activities, especially trekking in the national park, a very challenging and full of adventure. You really can never be completely sure what your day will hold for you. Some of the trekking routes will traverse through primary forests with very muddy soil conditions. While trekking through the jungle you will see the Dipterocarpaceae trees, forest orchids, wild flora and fauna and a tropical forest rich with a variety of species found only on this island. Bird-watching and catching a glimpse of other primates and animals, endemic to this island, are other excursions that can be added to the variety filled list of activities to do on this exotic little island.
GET THERE :
From Padang’s Minangkabau International Airport, which is the primary airport of West Sumatra located about 20 km from Padang, you will make your way to the port at Muara Padang by bus or taxi. From there, visitors using the ferry or boat can cross the Indian Ocean to Pulau Siberut.
Located approximately 155 km from Padang, the trip to Siberut will take approximately 12 hours of traveling by ferry. The ferry will take you directly to Muara Siberut, the port on Pulau Siberut, the only island in the Mentawai Islands which has a regular ferry to Padang, West Sumatra.
The ferries have scheduled departures twice a week from Padang to Siberut; Sunday night (Sumber Rezeki Baru Ship) and Thursday night (Simasin Ship). This trip usually takes up to one day and will return back to Padang on Tuesday and Friday nights. Ticket prices are between Rp105.000, and Rp125.000. In addition, there are additional weekend ships operating on the first and second Sunday of each month. The Ambu Ambu ship departs on Saturday evening from Muara Padang and back from Siberut to Padang on Sunday night.
4 . Bukittinggi: The Most Relaxing City in All Sumatra
Nestled in the highlands north of Padang in the Agam valley, the town of Bukittinggi or ‘high hill’ is West Sumatra’s cultural center. While Padang may be the modern commercial and administrative hub, Bukittinggi is a bustling market town.
Although it is less than a degree south of the equator, Bukittinggi has a refreshingly cool climate due to its elevation – over 900 meters above sea level. While it rains here often, this is not enough to deter travelers who come to enjoy what many claim is the most hospitable city in Sumatra.
The town also has an alternative name, Tri Arga, which refers to the three majestic mountains that shape the regions fortunes.
Many visitors come to Bukittinggi to visit the remarkable Ngarai Sianok Canyon where giant rock cliff faces, rugged trees which grow on top and the dramatic surrounding mountains make this canyon a spellbinding view.
This is an ideal place to go if you want to get beyond the average tourist trail. Compared to other spots in Sumatra, Bukkitinggi only receives a handful of visitors that use the town as a base for nearby hikes or to take cultural tours to the Minangkabau highland.
The central landmark in Bukittinggi is the clock tower, with its stylized roof, standing in the town square. Geographically, the town's highest point is the Rumah Adat Baandjuang Museum. It is 140 years old classic rumah adat (clan house). It exhibit include wedding and dance costumes, head dressers, musical instruments, village crafts and historic weaponry. Panorama Park has spectacular views over the Sianok and Ngarai canyons.
TO DO :
Located on the southwestern edge of Bukkittinggi, the spectacular Ngarai Sianok Canyon is a unique geographic wonder. For a truly haunting spectacle, visit the canyon in the early morning. As dawn creeps across the peak of Mt Singgalang, blankets of mist drift around the canyon’s 100 metre cliffs. A river meanders through the rice fields below dissapearing in the hazy distance beyond. This canyon is a part of a tectonic rift valley which runs the entire length of the island. The canyon has sheer walls and a flat bottom.Photographers won’t be able to put away their cameras as they try to capture the spectacular view of this majestic gorge. The best look out over the canyon is from Panorama Park which is also a popular spot with locals who come here to stroll in the afternoon air.
Within the town of Bukittinggi the main landmark is the clock tower, dubbed by the local people as Jam Gadang (Big Clock). It overlooks the market square, a beehive of activity and the best place to do some souvenir shopping.
Get an insight into Minang culture by attending a dance performance at the museum's open stage conducted every Sunday and on public holidays. Night dance performances are at Sliguri. You might also want to check out the bullfights at Padang Lawas (6 km south of Bukittinggi) every Tuesday at 5.00 p.m.
Take in remnants of the towns colonial past with a walk to ruins of Fort de Kock, a Dutch fortification built in 1825. While not much of the fort remains today, there is a lookout tower which is an excellent spot to watch the sunset and take in a view of Mt Marapi (Fire Mountain) which occasionally lets out plumes of smoke.
For the energetic, why not make the one hour hike to Kota Gadang, a small village of silversmiths a few kilometers from Bukittinggi. Here you’ll find all kinds of silverwares for sale, from delicate silver filigree to pins in the form of ornate flowers. If you don’t feel like walking, the village can be reached by opelet (local bus) from Aur Kunung bus terminal. A number of tour operators in Bukittinggi also run tours to Kota Gadang.
It you’ve got time, it’s worth visiting the Rumah Gadang Museum, a traditional extended family house built in the 19th century.
GET THERE :
Bukkittinggi is a pleasant two-hour drive (90 km) from Padang through the gorgeous Anai Valley up to Agam Plateu.
There are frequent local buses from Padang to Bukkitinggi or cheaper shared minivans which depart from Minang Plaza.
5 . BUNG HATTA FOREST RESERVE
For botanist enthusiasts, the Bung Hatta Forest Reserve is a delight, filled with rare plants and exotic flowers. Known in the past as the Setya Mulya Botanic Garden, this botanical garden is home to a variety of unique tropical plants and animal species endemic to Sumatra. Take a walk around here and you will see plants that you might not find anywhere else on earth.
The main attraction of the reserve is the giant flower, the Rafflesia Arnolldi, the biggest flower in the world. It is named after the Bencoolen and Bengkulu Lieutenant Governor of the British Administration, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, and the botanist Joseph Arnold who first discovered the flower on the Bukit Barisan mountain slope.
This flower is a rare wonder. It takes up to 10 months to mature but only stays in bloom for about 15 days. When it’s in full bloom, it has a diameter of one meter. The plant has no roots, stems but consist of thread like growths on the vines that hosts it. These flowers normally bloom between July and September. The flower is famous not just for it’s enormous size, but for it’s putrid perfume.
GET THERE :
The reserve is 15km from Padang. If you are driving from Padang go in the direction of Solok.
6 . MANINJAU LAKE
The splendid Lake Maninjau in West Sumatra, is one of the calmest places in Indonesia. Come to this ancient lake, set within a volcanic crater, to escape from the crowds and hustle and bustle of the rest of the country. Perched in the mountain highlands, around 461 meters above sea level, Lake Maninjau is a splendid sight. At 100 m2, this lake is an impressive natural wonder and a place to come when you’re after a peaceful and relaxing place to unwind and absorb a sleepy pace of life.
To get to the lake, visitors must take the steeply descending road from Bukittinggi. This journey will have 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. The drive down to the lake will amaze you with its remarkable views over the shimmering blue lake and surrounding hills.
The lake is more than just a beautiful landmark though, it’s also a part of the cultural heritage of the local people. The legend of "Bujang Sembilan" (roughly translates as "Nine Young Men") is based around this lake. According to local folklore, one of the men in the story died by plunging himself into the crater. The crater then expanded, forming a lake.
With inspiring scenery and peaceful surrounds, a visit to Lake Maninjau will leave you relaxed and rejuvenated. If you’re looking for fantastic views, the Maninjau resort is perched at the top of a hill and offers some of the best views of the lake.
Maninjau Village is located near the lake and a number of famous Indonesians call this place home. Buya HAMKA, one of the most notable novelists in Indonesia, was born here. HAMKA wrote the phenomenal Tenggelamnya Kapal Van der Wijk. Another famous person who was born here is Rangkayo Rasuna Said, one of Indonesia's national heroes. Her name has been immortalized as one of the protocol roads in Jakarta.
TO DO :
This is a place to relax and slow down. You won’t be bothered by the hustle and bustle of city life here. Instead, sit back, relax and enjoy the basic elements of land, sky and water.
Rejuvenate with an early morning swim. Spend a quiet afternoon watching the clouds float over the peaks and slowly descend down the crater walls. Or if you’d prefer something a little more active, hire a canoe and take a leisurely paddle around the lake.
7. SINGKARAK LAKE
The majestic Lake Singkarak (Danau Singkarak) is an enormous crater lake set within a dramatic volcanic landscape. Spread over two districts; Solok and Tanah Datar, the lake is a massive 1000 hectares. It is the widest lake in Sumatra and the second biggest lake on the island, after Lake Toba. A world of silent calm, breathtaking vistas and spectacular views awaits here. Here you can embrace the remote natural beauty that Indonesia is so famous for.
Locally Lake Singkarak is famous for its Bilih fish which is a species of fish that only lives in this lake. This fish is especially unique as it can’t survive anywhere but Lake Singkarak, not even in an aquarium.
TO DO :
Bring your camera and capture the view of this beautiful lake. The best view of the lake is from the Solok-Bukittinggi main road, where visitors often stop to stock up on photos of the magnificent scenery.
The Tour di Singkarak is a major international cycling event, attracting teams from around the world who come to West Sumatra to battle it out in a grueling cycling competition. Racing through the regions most beautiful scenery over six days, riders finish the tour at the beautiful Lake Singkarak.
Test your nautical knowledge and explore the beauty of Lake Singkarak by boat. Boats are available for hire from vendors at the Lake.
Relax with a swim in the pristine waters of the lake. Several areas are suitable for swimming so take the opportunity to take dip in one of the most scenic swimming holes in the world.
Throw a line in and try your luck fishing. Test your skills and try to capture the famous bilih fish.
If you drive to the lake, on your way you will pass through the charming hilltop village of Balimbing (the name means starfruit).
GET THERE :
Lake Singkarak is located 70 km from Padang, 20 km from Solok and about 36 km from Bukittinggi.
From Minangkabau international airport, you can take a rented car or a public minibus plying the Padang-Solok route and then take other transportation to the lake. This journey will take you passed the Sitinjau Laut area which is famous for its sharp curves and steep canyons.
8 . HARAU VALLEY
A relaxing one-hour drive from the bustling market of Bukit tinggi in the province of West Sumatra lies the beautiful Harau Valley, - or sometimes called the Arau valley - where lush green ricefields are hemmed in between huge granite cliffs. Here dozens of waterfalls tumble down from 80 to 300 meters height into the valley below, cut by the Batang Arau River. No wonder, therefore, that the Harau Valley is sometimes known as the Yosemite of Indonesia.
Here gibbons and macaques and a variety of wildlife still roam freely as this area in the Lima Puluh Kota district has actually been designated a nature conservation, covering some 669 acres. Its beautiful landscape, its peaceful serenity interrupted only by the calls of the macaques and the chirping of birds, make the Harau Valley the perfect holiday getaway.
Here one waterfall is named the Bunta Waterfall or locally called Sarasah Bunta that pours down fresh water from the highlands with three other waterfalls nearby. It was first visited in 1926 by a Dutch mayor. A carved stone indicating the year when the mayor visited the waterfall is still there expressing the beauty of this valley. Other the waterfalls are called the Akar Barayun, Sarasah Luluh, and Sarasah Murai.
One theory has it that the Harau Valley came into being as a result of a tectonic fracture on an ancient land, with parallel rivers running through it. As one part of the land sank, while the other rose, the waterways broke, and waterfalls eventually ensued from the spillways above the rocky hills. Local scientists believe that this theory may prove to be true.
On the other hand, German geologists who had conducted a study here found that the huge granite rocks found in the area are in fact identical to those found on the ocean bed. Thus, there is now another theory that the valley may have once laid at the bottom of the ocean.
Public transportation is available for those wishing to spend the entire vacation time in and around Bukittinggi. Else, renting a minivan or a motorbike will guarantee the time well spent for day trippers to these Minangkabau highlands.
TO DO :
Several best spots to fully experience a visit to the Harau Valley include the area around the Echo Lodge homestay.
The steep rock walls here are not only a natural invitation to photographers, but they also attract rock climbers who consider climbing these steep walls a significant challenge. There are 300 spots from where to climb. Looking up, the clear blue sky above is the ultimate finish line as you grab the belay devices, carabiners, and necessary ropes to reach the heights of the Harau Valley. This valley is infrequently visited so that you may have the whole valley all to yourself.
Relaxing is one of the best time-elapsing activities here. Take in the crisp and clean air as part of the natural beauty that the valley has to offer, lying under a Minang hut that we call a cabin in one of the eco-lodges available just right at the foot of the solid granite scrap. Order a cup of coffee and local delicacies and setlle down to write the last chapter of your travels and the extraordinary experiences you had in wonderful Indonesia.
For curious travelers, take time for a short walk around the village and watch how people live. Some of the women here work in the rice fields while men plough the fields behind water buffalos, providing the perfect shot for you to take.
GET THERE :
A bus from Bukittinggi going to Pekanbaru will surely stop by the cross road to the Harau Valley, locally known as Lembah Harau. It takes a little over an hour from Bukittinggi. If you take a rented car or motorcycle, just pass through the narrow road where a bunch of motorized taxis or tricycle riders will approach anyone alighting from a public transport.
Going to the valley may take less than a dollar by opelet, the motorized becak. As the region is a nature reserve, you must pay an entrance fee, although the officer can be invisible. The Lembah Echo Homestay is right at the narrowest chasm of the valley, although you will pass a number of homestays along the way.
Renting a bike in Harau can be somehow challenging. Many people take the opelet instead. Some of the hotels may, however, offer bikes for rent.
9 . RIMBO PANTI NATURE RESERVE
Fauna and flora of the Rimba Panti Nature Reserve are protected. It is situated 103 km from Bukittinggi. Stop at Batang Palupuh, 16 km from Bukittinggi. There, in a small reserve is the Rafflesia Arnoldi, the biggest flower in existence, which blooms only once a year. Sixty km from Bukittinggi on this road is a small monument defining the equator at Bonjol village. The reserve's inhabitants include several species of monkeys, honey bears, tigers, flying squirrels, birds, butterflies, etc. A guide can be obtained from the office at the reserve. The provincial office of the Directorate of Nature Conservation (BKSAA) at Padang can give us complete information.
GET THERE :
You can go to this reserve by car from Medan or Bukittinggi.
10 . MENTAWAI ISLAND
Take a trip into the wild with an adventure to the Mentawai islands. Be surrounded by tropical rainforests and immerse yourself in the traditions of the local people. While the physical distance between the mainland and Mentawai is not great, this remains one of the most isolated places in Indonesia, and was only subject to outside influences at the start of the 20th century. A long way from the world of shopping malls and theme parks, this is where travellers come to get a truly off the beaten track adventure.
Located off the West coast of Sumatra, the Mentawai archipelago includes four municipalities, Siberut, Sipora, North Pagai and South Pagai. is the biggest of the Siberut islands and remains largely covered with tropical rainforest. From the moment you arrive on and see the white coral beaches, ancient rainforests and hear the cheeky black gibbons playing in the trees you’ll find it hard to resist falling in love with the place. This Siberut island is home to a rich array of bio-diversity which has earned it designation as a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
The remote location of these islands means that the Mentawai people have had very little contact with the outside world. The archipelogo is thought to have broken off from the rest of Sumara about 500,000 years ago and it is only since the 20th century that outside influences began to have an impact on the local people. Today, the Mentawai still abide by traditional practices and live largely off the land. Local people have a strong spiritual relationship with the forest with a belief system that emphasizes harmony with creation.
TO DO :
With some of the biggest breaks in the world, this is the place to come for some world class surfing. There is no ‘off’ season here, the surf is great all year round. Warm water, perfect barrels and limited crowds – once you surf the Mentawai islands, no where else in the world will compare.
Trekking through the incredible jungle landscape, jumping over swamps, paddling in pirogues (tradtitional boats), surrounding yourself in lush green vegetation, all of this will be the experience of a lifetime. If you’re willing to brave the bugs and mud, a walk through an equatorial forest here will leave you lost for words.
Many travellers make the trip to the Mentawai islands to absorb the culture, meet local clans and learn about ancient traditions. Come and see how a shaman (traditional healer, sometimes called a witchdoctor) does his work. According to Mentawai beliefs, illness and accidents are nothing but symptoms of a trouble mind.
The waters surrounding the islands are ideal for snorkelling and diving.
11 . JAPANESE BUNKER
The Japanese bunker in the town of Bukittinggi was built by Indonesians under forced labor for the Japanese soldiers who occupied Indonesia from 1942 to 1945. This 1,470 meter long underground bunker is 40 meters below Ngarai Sianok (Sianok canyon). There are 21 tunnels in the bunker which were used to store ammunition, as residences, meeting rooms, the Romusha (forced labourer) dining room, kitchen, prison, hearing room, torture room, espionage room, ambush room, and the escape gate. Exploring this complex burrow of tunnels and caves is a real adventure.
You can see how these this place made an effective fortress. The tunnels are three meters in diameter and have walls so thick that sounds cannot be heard from the outside. The tunnels cover a vast area, nearly two hectares, and have six doors. One door is located in Panorama Park while others access Sianok village in the Ngarai Sianok ravine.
TO DO :
Walking down into the Japanese bunker can be a challenge with some narrow spaces to squeeze through. While originally it would’ve been very dark and cold these tunnels today now have lamps and proper ventilation.
Most of these tunnels will soon have rooms to display photographs, a museum of struggle, and a mini theater. At the entrance gate, visitors can see a map of this bunker and each tunnel now has information boards about its functions. This bunker also has CCTV cameras.
GET THERE :
The entrance to the Japanese bunker is located in Panorama Park, where you can also enjoy the beautiful scenery of Ngarai Sianok.
This Park is about 1 km away from the Bukittinggi city center. Visitors can use private cars or sado/andong (public carriage) from the city center to this Park while enjoying the cool air of Bukittinggi.
From Minangkabau international airport, you can take a rented car or minibus to Bukittinggi. You can find the minibus at the exit gate of the airport at Simpang Ketaping. Distance from Padang to Bukittinggi is 90 km.
12. AIR MANIS BEACH
Air Manis Beach is closely related to the legend of Malin Kundang in West Sumatra. Malin Kundang is a character fabled to have been turned to stone, together with his ship, after periods of disobedience to his mother. By the beach, there is a Malin Kundang stone and several pieces of equipment from his ship, which are also stones. Based on the story, Malin Kundang was cursed by his mother for his refusal to acknowledging her as his mother after traveling to another region and becoming rich.
Air Manis beach is a favorite tourist site for local and foreign tourists because it has low waves and beautiful views of Mount Padang. There is also a small island called Pisang Kecil (literally means “small banana” ) on its right side. From morning to afternoon, you can walk to this one hectare island through shallow water. In late afternoon, however, there is a tide and you must take a boat to return. On its right, there is another island called Pisang Besar (literally means “big banana” ). Local inhabitants on this island are mostly farmers and fishermen.
TO DO :
Beside playing in the water and swimming, visitors can rent a motor boat to visit Pisang Kecil and Pisang Besar Islands which are located some 500 meters from the beach. On Pisang Kecil Island, visitors can sit under gazebos and enjoy sea and beach sceneries. If you want to stay overnight on Pisang Besar island, you can stay in a local inhabitant's home or your own tent.
If you visit Sikuai Island, you can try water sports such as surfing and diving. This island is famous for its white sand.
GET THERE :
Air Manis beach is located 15 km from Padang city center. From Minangkabau international airport, visitors can go to Air Manis by passing through Padang. If you want to use public transportation, you must first go to Plaza Sentral Pasar Raya from the airport exit gate in Simpang Ketaping. From the city center, you can take public transportation plying the Padang-Bungus route.
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar