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■ Population: 750,000
■ Currency: Rupiah (IDR)
■ Country and city code: +62, +751 (Padang), +752 (Bukittinggi)
■ Tourist info: Indonesia Culture and Tourism
■ email: pusdatin@budpar.go.id
■ website: www.my-indonesia.info
FUN FACT
Traditional Minangkabau houses have roofs that look like buffalo horns. Some of the houses in West Sumatra’s villages are over 300 years old – and still standing sturdy!
Siberut Island
Catch the waves at Indonesia’s best surfing spot in the Mentawai island chain. Surfing trips leave regularly from Padang.
For those who are interested in the Mentawai tribes of the island, book an overnight stay in one of the Mentawai tribal villages. Living amongst the tribal villagers for a day or two offers an unforgettable glimpse into their traditional customs and practices.
Panorama Park
Situated at the top of the Ngarai Sianok (Sianok Canyon), this park offers an unparalleled view of the picturesque countryside and the river winding through the 150m-deep canyon. For the more adventurous, there is a network of underground tunnels to be explored. Built on the orders of the Japanese during World War Two, the tunnels today are well-lit and can be visited with a local guide or on your own.
Welisyar (Koto Gadang IV Koto, tel: +62 (0)752 31458)
The village of Koto Gadang outside Bukittinggi are famous for their fine silver filigree work. Every workshop sells its own handiwork and Welisyar offers elegant silver jewellery and elaborate figurines. Pick up a silver brooch or a miniature Minangkabau house as a souvenir or gift for your loved ones.
Apache Cafe (Jalan A. Yani 109, tel: +62 (812) 67 64409)
A typical backpackers’ cafe, this Bukittinggi stalwart serves both Western fare and simple local dishes. Meals are inexpensive and cost about IDR20,000 (SGD3.20) per dish. It is also a great place to pick up travel advice from the staff who are more than happy to offer a tip or two. Even the locals drop in after dark to relax and enjoy the chilled-out ambience. $
Minangkabau cultural performances
Enjoy an evening of lively song and dance in Bukittinggi, with nightly shows featuring traditional Minangkabau performances. The colourful, high-energy shows are good fun and include pencak silat (martial arts) demonstrations. Watch barefoot performers “dance” and “attack” each other rapidly – while stepping on broken plates! Each show costs IDR40,000 (SGD6.40).
Hotel Bumi Minang (Jalan Bundo Kandung 20-28)
This is the only four-star hotel in Padang that boasts the distinctive horn-shaped architecture of local Minangkabau tradition. Room rates start from IDR750,000 (SGD121). $$
Pusako Hotel Bukittinggi (Jalan Soekarno-Hatta No 7)
This sprawling highland resort is just 10 minutes from central Bukittinggi, but its tranquil and lush setting makes it seem miles away from the hustle and bustle. Room rates start from IDR500,000 (SGD80.75). $$
BY YU-MEI BALASINGAMCHOW
*FOR EXCLUSIVE DEALS, BOOK HOTELS AT www.TIGERAIRWAYS.COM
