West Sumatra
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).
Visiting Bukittinggi City in West Sumatra Province, Indonesia
What do tourists know about Bukittinggi City? Well, most of them recognize it as the capital of West Sumatra Province belongs to Indonesia. Some of them are even aware of its tourism potential, so they keep coming to the region over time, especially during long holidays. Not only it becomes the governmental center of West Sumatra, the city was once the capital of West Sumatra and Sumatra Province! Moreover, in the past, it was called Fort de Kock and known as the birthplace of a famous person named Mohammad Hatta…
Enjoying The Great View at Langkisau Hill, West Sumatra
Langkisau peak tourism object is located at the edge of the koto Painan with a height of about 500 meters above sea level and it offers an inspiring beauty. Langkisau peak is an area of excellent Pessel which have tourism potential that should be developed, because this area is at a height so that people who visit will be able to see the beautiful scenery and fascinating about the city Painan and Sago District IV of Jurai. At night, will be more lively enchanted by beautiful night scenery that…
Siberut Island, The Home Of Mentawai Tribe – West Sumatra
Siberut Island Becomes part of Mentawai Islands, Siberut is the largest island at the northernmost and becomes the main important island for Mentawai People. The Mentawai tribe still maintains the lifestyle and traditions passed down from their ancestors from thousands of years ago. They live in houses locally called ‘uma’, made from wooden scaffolds which house contains several families each. Siberut is located in the Indian Ocean, approximately 100 km off the west coast of West Sumatra, and separated from the main island by the Mentawai Strait. The island…
The Old Town Sawahlunto, West Sumatra
Sawahlunto is one of provinces in Indonesia, precisely in West Sumatera, Indonesia. This town is located in 95KM Northeast of Padang and surrounded by 3 districts in West Sumatera, which is Tanah Datar, Solok and Sijunjung. Sawahlunto is divided into 4 sub-districts and it has 273,45 km², with populated by 54.000 people. During Dutch civilization, Sawahlunto was popular as coal mining town. After being a death town, during the closing of the mining, Sawahlunto nowadays becomes the growing city with multi-ethnicity inside the community, and awarded as the best old…
