West Sumatra - the best places to visit

Indonesia is a huge country that occupies one of the largest archipelagos on Earth. Sumatra, in turn, is one of the largest islands on our planet and a large part of Indonesia. The territories are very large, and for historical reasons Sumatra is divided into western and eastern parts. West Sumatra offers incredible mountain landscapes and volcanoes.

A few facts about West Sumatra:

• The city of Bukittinggi serves as a convenient walking base for exploring West Sumatra. You can fly here from Kuala Lumpur or Jakarta - the flight lasts about an hour.
• West Sumatra is located in the equatorial zone, and the climate here is hot and humid all year round.
• The tropical forests of West Sumatra are similar to the forests of the Amazon.
• The whole coast is equatorial - with warm waters, coral reefs, mangrove forests, and tropical marine fauna.
• High mountains lie in an active tectonic zone. Many volcanoes were formed here, and the peaks are covered with tropical forests.
• The mainland part of West Sumatra is home to the Minangkabau people, an ethnic group closely related to the Indonesians of the island of Java.
• On the Mentawai archipelago, you can visit indigenous people. Some of them still live in forest villages and lead a way of life that has not changed for centuries.

Let us look at the most unique locations of West Sumatra that will surprise even the most experienced traveler.

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In search of the equator

The zero latitude line passes through the northern part of West Sumatra. Of course, physically you will not see anything special - everywhere there is the same tropical landscape. There are three Latitude Zero markers installed along three local roads. Your GPS will also show that you are on the equator line. It crosses several roads with hard ground surfaces, but at the moment the marking is installed only on three of them. In one of these places, Bonjol, there is also an interesting museum.

How to get there: from Bukittinggi to the coastal village of Cangking it is about 4 hours by car, and 1.5 hours by car to Bonjol, where the museum is located.

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Climbing Kerinci

Kerinci is the highest volcano in the country, 3805 m, and part of the protected area of Kerinci Seblat National Park. You can choose the small town of Kersik Tuo as your camp. The climb will take one or two days, depending on your pace. You should not expect less than 12 hours of walking. In the mountain tropical forests of West Sumatra, you may encounter rare animals - the Sumatran tiger, rhinoceros, and Malayan tapir, although they are hard to spot during a short trip. Nearby is the caldera lake Gunung Tujuh, surrounded by volcanic mountains and untouched nature. Here you can enjoy fantastic landscapes. To have time for everything - climb Mount Kerinci, explore the wild habitat of rare animals in Ladeh Panjang, and visit Lake Gunung Tujuh with its fantastic views - you will need a week.

How to get there: the best route is from Padang. You need to take a minibus to the Sungai Penuh region and ask to stop in the village of Kersik Tuo. You can rent a room in one of the guesthouses.

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Gunung Marapi: climb an active volcano

West Sumatra is a land of volcanoes, where you can get simply incredible impressions. The "mountain of fire" is less frightening than Gunung Kerinci, but you will still have to climb up a steep path and across a field of solidified lava near the summit. Unlike its taller twin, Marapi can be done in one day, 8-10 hours. The black sandy wasteland of the craters seems otherworldly and smells of sulfur. Guide services are not required for experienced tourists and climbers.

How to get there: the trail starts only 45 minutes from Bukittinggi.

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Harau Valley

In West Sumatra there is a place with an incredibly beautiful, otherworldly appearance - Harau Valley, which is also called the "Yosemite of Indonesia". It is a wide canyon with vertical rock walls and many waterfalls flowing down them. The whole area is covered with lush tropical forest full of wildlife, with picturesque rural fields in the lowland. If you are looking for a fairy tale, Harau Valley is the best option.

How to get there: from Payakumbuh, 138 km from Padang, it is about 30 minutes by car to the Lima Puluh Kota region, where the entrance to the valley is located. Entrance costs less than 1 dollar.

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Mentawai Islands

The wild pearls of Sumatra are a scattering of 4 large and 70 small islands, sandbanks, and rocks. The largest is Siberut, covered with dense equatorial tropical forest, followed by Sipora, North Pagai, and South Pagai.

This is exactly where some of the best surfing waves in the world are formed. Find surfer camps on the Mentawai Islands. Enjoy tropical paradise. The main surfing centers are the southernmost tip of Siberut, the area called Playgrounds, the north and south of Sipora Island, and some famous surf spots, such as Macaronis, on North and South Pagai Islands.

Today there are many resorts offering surf camps with tours to various places. Dive into coral reefs, get acquainted with the way of life and culture of the Mentawai people, and go hiking through the wild tropical forest of Siberut.

You can go to Muara Siberut, the main town of the island, and join a tour to the Mentawai tribe. It can last from 2 to 7 days, or more, and includes travel by river through the jungle, the tropical forest of Siberut, and accommodation in a local Uma house.

How to get there: the trip from Bungus port in Padang to Muara Siberut takes 10 hours.

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Lake Maninjau

One of the most popular places in West Sumatra. Of course, it cannot compete with Lake Toba in the north of the island in size, but this place has its own special charm. The lake is located in the crater of a volcano at an altitude of 461 meters above sea level. You will need to overcome 44 sharp turns while descending along the winding road from Bukittinggi. The view of the magnificent blue lake and the surrounding hills is simply breathtaking.

Beautiful rice fields stretch around the lake. You can see farmers at work and try local delicacies.

How to get there: by bus from Bukittinggi. The road takes 1.5 hours. Then go down to Jalan Ngarai to Simpang Matur. Renting a car with a driver costs about 600,000 rupiah, around $50, per day. This option allows you to stop on the way down to capture the most breathtaking views and explore the surrounding villages. Another option is to rent a motorcycle at the lake.

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Traditional village of Tigo Suku in Canduang

There are many authentic villages in Sumatra where you can get acquainted with the local flavor. Tigo Suku in Canduang is a hidden corner where lines of tourists have not yet reached. Local residents, mostly farmers, live in traditional communal houses that were built more than a century ago and passed down from generation to generation. According to the tradition of the Minangkabau people, these houses have roof shapes like buffalo horns. The villagers do not often receive guests, but they are very open to travelers if they treat their culture with respect.

How to get there: take a bus from Bukittinggi and get off at Simpang Canduang stop. The way can be continued on foot or by car.

Lawang village

Lawang is located in the Matur area at an altitude of 1250 meters above sea level. From here, an incredible panorama of mountains and sugar cane plantations opens up. Paragliding is practiced in the village, so there will be an opportunity to try it. This is a developed tourist village. In Lawang there are restaurants and cottages, with prices starting from 50 dollars per day. Entrance fee is about 1 dollar. Opening hours: daily from 7:00 to 18:00.

How to get there: go to Bukittinggi, and from there it is a 45-minute drive, about 23 km.

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Air Terjun Lubuk Bulan - a cave under a waterfall

An incredible sight: water falls from a height of 50 meters into a crescent-shaped pool. And under the pool there is a hidden cave. The water rushing from the waterfall flows through a passage 1 km long and then irrigates the rice fields. This is a wonderful place where you can sit and relax and take beautiful photos.

How to get there: the waterfall is located 4-5 hours from the city of Payakumbuh. From there it is another 1.5 hours to Simpang Kapuak, or Kapuak crossroads.

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Untouched Pulau Pagang beach

There are many very clean beaches in Indonesia, and West Sumatra is no exception. Just take a boat to Pagang Island - coasts with snow-white sand and crystal-clear water await you. The underwater landscape is full of delightful little colorful fish, which attracts snorkeling lovers. The island is almost untouched by tourism. It is a great place to pitch a tent and stay overnight.

How to get there: from Padang go to Pelabuhan Bungus, 10 km, where you need to find a boat. After that, you will have a 50-minute ride by speedboat.

Alahan Panjang tea plantation

Alahan Panjang is located at an altitude of 1400 to 1600 meters above sea level. From the top, an incredible green landscape opens up with a wonderful aroma. You can watch the process of collecting the best tea leaves. The plantations are located near the two magnificent lakes Danau Kembar, the twin lakes. The lakes are also located on a height, which makes them an ideal place for photo sessions.

How to get there: from Padang to Solok it is 65 km, it is located in Kecamatan Lembah Gumanti. The roads are quite winding, and you will pass active chalk mines and a cement factory.

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Gadih Ranti - waterfalls from a cliff

The waters flow down from a vertical cliff almost 50 meters high, touching its surface and making the stones shine and the air shimmer with a rainbow. The waterfall is surrounded by lush grapevines and lianas that weave across the whole wall, giving the feeling of an enchanted fairy-tale forest.

How to get there: Gadih Ranti is located on the border of Jorong Dama Gudang and Jorong Arikia, near Lake Maninjau.

Moss forest Singalong Lumut

Singalong is located at an altitude of 2877 meters above sea level. It is always cool here, so do not forget to bring a sweater. The magical forest is full of exotic plants and can boast fantastic waterfalls and lakes.

How to get there: there are three routes to get to Mount Singalong, Toboh, Balinka, and Pandai Sikek. It is better to choose Pandai Sikek because it is closer to Padang. From there you will need about 6 hours to get to the forest.

Cubadak Island

A tiny exotic island off the southern coast of West Sumatra, Pulau Cubadak, is relatively small, only 40 meters wide, but can boast wonderful wildlife. You will definitely appreciate the untouched jungles, soft beaches with snow-white sand, and magnificent underwater landscapes.

How to get there: from Padang drive south to the fishing harbor of Carocok, 57 km, 2 hours of driving. From there you will reach the island by speedboat in 20 minutes.

Pagaruyung Palace, Batusangkar

The architecture of the palace with its pointed roof is unique for Indonesia. It impresses with the vastness of the interior space with 11 gonjong, 72 columns, and 3 floors. You will find ancient royal artifacts and furniture. Amazingly, this building is not the original, but an exact copy of the original palace built by King Adityawarman in 1347. It burned down several times, the last time in 2007 after a lightning strike, but it was rebuilt anyway.

Entrance fee is about 4 dollars. Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 16:00.

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Nagari Pariangan - the oldest village in West Sumatra

A picturesque village located at the foot of Mount Merapi. Nagari Pariangan was named by an American travel magazine as one of the most beautiful villages in the world. The small settlement is surrounded by lush jungle and rice fields, and it is laid out on steep slopes. Thanks to the location near an active volcano, there are natural hot springs nearby. Nagari Pariangan is considered the oldest village in West Sumatra, the source of Minangkabau culture. In fact, the rice field called Sawah Gadang Satampang is recognized as a cultural heritage site.

How to get there: from the city of Batusangkar to Nagari Pariangan it is 13 kilometers.

West Sumatra is a land of immense beauty. Tropical forests, stunning beaches, unusual culture, and many new impressions await you.

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