WEST SUMATRA TRAVEL GUIDE AND TOURIST ATTRACTIONS FOR 2024

West Sumatra is basically divided into 3 main regions, the volcanic highlands, a long stretch of coastal plain and several jungle-covered islands. In fact, much of the West Sumatran province are still untouched and remain wilderness with virgin jungles inhabited by elephants, leopards and rhinos. West Sumatra is the traditional homeland of the Minangkabau, well known through the Indonesian archipelago for their shrewd business minded sense. Also not forgetting is their fiery-hot dishes, the popular Nasi Padang and also their ancient matriarchal customs in which the women own property and the men had to leave home in order to seek fame and fortune.

To the West Sumatrans, travelling is generally considered as a benchmark of success. Their Minang or Padang restaurants are scattered all over Indonesia in various major towns and cities. The West Sumatran people are hospitable and eloquent. They have a rather poetic style while speaking. There are many colourful festivals and ceremonies in West Sumatra. According to legend, the Minangkabau are descendants of the youngest son of Alexander The Great, King Maharajo Dirajo.

Being West Sumatra's centre of culture and tourism, Bukittinggi is located in the highlands, surrounded by high mountains. It is situated north of Padang which is the provincial capital of West Sumatra. You can find picturesque valleys and lakes while in Bukittinggi. Bukittinggi has been reviewed by many travellers worldwide as the most hospitable city in entire Sumatra.

Padang Tabing Airport is the main gateway to West Sumatra. Local airlines flies to this airport. The MV. Kerens sails every 2 weeks for its journey from Jakarta via the Teluk Bayur harbor. There are other smaller and lighter vessels which sails from Muara harbor to various small towns along the entire west coast of Sumatra.

If you plan to travel by road, then there are regular bus services running between Padang Bukittinggi as well as to other major cities in Sumatra. An example will be the trans-Sumatra Highway to Jakarta.