KOTA BUKITTINGGI
TO
DO
Nestled in the highlands north of Padang in the
Agam valley, the town of Bukittinggi or ‘high hill’ is West Sumatra’s cultural
center. While Padang may be the modern commercial and administrative hub,
Bukittinggi is a bustling market town.
Although it is less than a degree south of the
equator, Bukittinggi has a refreshingly cool climate due to its elevation –
over 900 meters above sea level. While it rains here often, this is not enough
to deter travelers who come to enjoy what many claim is the most hospitable
city in Sumatra.
The town also has an alternative name, Tri Arga,
which refers to the three majestic mountains that shape the regions fortunes.
Many visitors come to Bukittinggi to visit the
remarkable Ngarai Sianok Canyon
where giant rock cliff faces, rugged trees which grow on top and the dramatic
surrounding mountains make this canyon a spellbinding view.
This is an ideal place to go if you want to get
beyond the average tourist trail. Compared to other spots in Sumatra,
Bukkitinggi only receives a handful of visitors that use the town as a base for
nearby hikes or to take cultural tours to the Minangkabau highland.
1. JAM
GADANG
2. RUMAH
GADANG
3. JEMBATAN
LIMPAPEH
4. KANTOR
WALIKOT
5. LOBANG
JEPANG
TO
STAY
There are various Inns and Hotels in Bukittinggi.
If you are looking for a star hotel, the Novotel Coralia Bukittinggi offers a
grand view of the beautiful Anai valley, while Lima's Hotel, Hotel Asia and
Hotel Denai are classified locally as 'superior hotels'.
TO
EAT
Simpang Raya, Jl. Muka Jam Gadang. This large,
popular restaurant has good-quality Padang food plus a basic Indonesian menu
with soup, rice or noodle dishes. Bear in mind that most of the dishes are
spicy, so it is always best to check with the waiter before you try.
TO
BUY
West Sumatra is famous for its handicrafts, from
beautiful hand woven Minang fabrics to intricate wood carvings. For a
collection of the regions best silver shops housed in old Dutch houses try Kota
Gadang. Or for traditional songket weavings and wood carvings, the village of
Pandai Sikat is worth a visit.
For those who enjoy shopping or just want to soak
up the local bustling market atmosphere, the lively Pasar Atas (Upper Market),
just south of the clock tower, is lined with stalls and shops selling everyday
goods and souvenirs. This colorful market is crammed with stalls selling
everything.
If you’re still hunting for souvenirs after your
trip to Pasar Atas, try the collection of shops that line Jl Ahmad Yani.
The market shops in Bukittinggi are crammed with
beautifully embroidered Minangkabau garments in rich reds and golds. Wedding
sashes, head pieces and pillow cases all make great easy to carry souvenirs.
GET
AROUND
The town centre is compact so practically
everywhere in Bukkittinggi is within walking distance. Bring your walking shoes
and take the opportunity to wander around and meet the friendly locals.
Taxis and buses are also available. The bus
terminal is in the south of the town.
A rented car with chauffeur is the best choice if
you prefer privacy.
Horse carriages or sado are a colorful, charming
transportation to move around town.
GET
THERE
A flight from Jakarta to Minangkabau
International Airport in Ketaping will take about 2 hours. From there you can
use a taxi or bus to get to Bukittinggi.
Bukkittinggi is
a pleasant two-hour drive (90 km) from Padang through the gorgeous Anai Valley
up to Agam Plateu.
There are
frequent local buses from Padang to Bukkitinggi or cheaper shared minivans
which depart from Minang Plaza.
TIPS
Though the horse carriage is far more expensive
than the 'ojek', it is very popular with the locals, especially as it can carry
the whole members of one’s family.
