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West Sumatra is
made up of of three regions which are the
volcanic highlands, coastal plains and a series
of jungle-covered islands just off-shore. Much
of West Sumatra is still in wilderness and the
virgin jungles are inhabited by elephants, tigers,
leopards and rhinos. It is the traditional homeland
to the Minangkabau, who are known far and wide
through the archipelago for their shrewd business
sense, their extremely hot dishes and ancient
matriarchal customs whereby the tourist
attractions in West Sumatra are mostly related
to the Minangkabau culture. The women own properties
and the men leave home to seek fame and fortune.
 Traveling is
considered a mark of success and West Sumatrans
together with their Minang or Padang restaurants
are found in all major towns across the nation.
The people are hospitable and eloquent, with
poetic style of speech and foreign visitors will
always be welcomed with open arms. West Sumatrans
days are filled with colorful ceremonies and
festivals. Legend has it that the Minangkabaus are
descendants of the youngest son of Alexander the
Great, King Maharjo Dirajo. West Sumatra's
centre of culture and tourism is Bukittinggi,
nestled in the highlands north of the provincial
capital city of Padang.
Photo: An
aerial view of Bukittinggi
Surrounded by high
mountains, picturesque valleys and lakes,
Bukittinggi is considered by most tourists to
be the most hospitable city in all of Sumatra
and many places of interest in West Sumatra
are located in Bukittinggi. Padang's Tabing
Airport is the main gateway to West Sumatra
and is serviced by Merpati Nusantara Airlines.
The MV. Kerinci sails every two weeks for Jakarta
from Teluk Bayur harbor. Smaller vessels from
Muara harbor sail to small towns along the
entire west coast of Sumatra. Regular bus
services run between Padang, Bukittingi and
other major cities of Sumatra as well as via
the trans Sumatra Highway.
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ATTRACTIONS IN WEST SUMATRA
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Padang
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