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    West Sumatra
    Region

    West Sumatra

    West Sumatra is home to the Minangkabau. Volcanoes, crater lakes, and deep gorges define the Bukittinggi highlands, off its coast are the Mentawai Islands, with surf spots and a unique culture.

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    7. West Sumatra
    West Sumatra is home to the Minangkabau. Volcanoes, crater lakes, and deep gorges define the Bukittinggi highlands, off its coast are the Mentawai Islands, with surf spots and a unique culture. Padang cuisine originates here, found throughout Indonesia.
    The provincial capital is the coastal city of Padang, with Minangkabau International Airport. Most travellers head directly to the highlands to **Bukittinggi**, from where you can reach Ngarai Sianok Canyon, the crater lake Maninjau, the Harau Valley, and Pagaruyung Royal Palace. Surfers and those interested in culture take a speedboat from Padang to the **Mentawai Islands**. West Sumatra is one of Indonesia's rainiest regions, with showers occurring year-round.
    Mentawai Islands

    Place 1 of 2

    Mentawai Islands

    The Mentawai Islands, about 100 kilometers off Sumatra's west coast, are among the world's most famous surf spots. On Siberut, the Mentawai still partly live according to ancestral traditions in the rainforest.

    The Mentawai Islands are located approximately 100 to 150 km off the west coast of Sumatra. The four main islands are Siberut, Sipora, North and South Pagai.

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    Bukittinggi

    Place 2 of 2

    Bukittinggi

    Bukittinggi lies at around 900 meters in the Minangkabau highlands. The Jam Gadang clock tower, the Sianok Gorge on the city's edge, and excursions to volcanoes, crater lakes, and traditional Rumah Gadang make it West Sumatra's traveler hub.

    Bukittinggi is situated at around 900m altitude, between the volcanoes Marapi and Singgalang, and is West Sumatra's tourist hub. The clock tower Jam Gadang is its centerpiece on the main square, flanked by Pasar Atas and Pasar Bawah markets.

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    Food and Beverages

    Nasi Padang

    Rice with a selection of pre-cooked dishes, served on many small plates. You only pay for what you eat.

    Rendang

    Beef braised for hours in coconut milk and spices, the most famous dish of the Minangkabau.

    Sate Padang

    Beef skewers with a thick, yellow, spicy sauce made from rice flour and spices.

    Best Time to Visit

    When is the best time for your trip?

    May
    June
    July
    August
    26–27°C·250–300 mm(heavy rain)
    Rain falls all year round, with slightly less from May to August. This period also sees the peak surf season in the Mentawai Islands.
    The values apply to Padang on the coast, one of Indonesia's rainiest places. In Bukittinggi, at around 900 m, it is cooler and somewhat drier.

    Seasons

    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    Jun
    Jul
    Aug
    Sep
    Oct
    Nov
    Dec
    A little drier
    Rainiest Months
    Best Time to Visit
    ▶Show detailed monthly data
    MonthTemp (°C)Rain (mm)Sun (h)
    January27.03305.0
    February27.02605.0
    March27.03205.0
    April27.03605.0
    May27.02906.0
    June27.02506.0
    July26.02506.0
    August26.03005.0
    September26.03705.0
    October26.04504.0
    November26.04804.0
    December26.04204.0

    Culture

    The Minangkabau are one of the world's largest matrilineal societies: land and houses are inherited through the maternal line. Simultaneously, they are strictly Muslim, adhering to the principle that custom is based on religion. Characteristic are the Rumah Gadang with roofs shaped like buffalo horns. Many Minang leave their homeland to seek their fortune elsewhere (merantau), which is why there are Padang-restaurants throughout the country.

    Getting There & Around

    Minangkabau Airport near Padang has connections to Jakarta, Medan, and Kuala Lumpur. Bukittinggi is two to three hours away by shared taxi, bus, or car. Speedboats link Padang to Siberut and Sipora in the Mentawai Islands. Buses go north on the Trans-Sumatra Highway to Lake Toba, a very long journey.

    Nearby

    Bukittinggi

    Bukittinggi

    Bukittinggi lies at around 900 meters in the Minangkabau highlands. The Jam Gadang clock tower, the Sianok Gorge on the city's edge, and excursions to volcanoes, crater lakes, and traditional Rumah Gadang make it West Sumatra's traveler hub.
    Mentawai Islands
    Andrian salis / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

    Mentawai Islands

    The Mentawai Islands, about 100 kilometers off Sumatra's west coast, are among the world's most famous surf spots. On Siberut, the Mentawai still partly live according to ancestral traditions in the rainforest.
    Dutch Square

    Dutch Square

    The Dutch Square is the heart of Melaka's Old Town. Around the square stand the red-painted buildings from the Dutch era: the Stadthuys, formerly the governors' seat, and the Christ Church from 1753. The British later added a clock tower and a fountain in honor of Queen Victoria.In front of the church, the Trishaws await, bicycle rickshaws adorned with plastic flowers, fairy lights, and loud music. Early in the morning, you'll have the square almost to yourself.
    Melaka

    Melaka

    Melaka was one of Asia's most important ports in the 15th century. Portuguese, Dutch, and British left their mark on the Old Town, while Chinese, Indian, and Malay communities built their temples, mosques, and kitchens. Since 2008, the Old Town, along with George Town, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site.The distances are short: From the red Dutch Square, you cross the river to Jonker Street or head up St. Paul's Hill. Two days are enough for the city; many visit as a day trip from Kuala Lumpur.
    St. Paul's Hill & A Famosa

    St. Paul's Hill & A Famosa

    St. Paul's Hill, Bukit St. Paul in Malay, is the historic heart of Melaka. The sultans' palace once stood here, and later the Portuguese built their fort A Famosa around the hill. On the summit stands the ruin of St. Paul's Church, at the foot the Porta de Santiago gate and several museums.The ascent takes only a few minutes. From the top, you have a view over the rooftops of the old town all the way to the Strait of Malacca.