West Sumatra

In Sumatra Barat (West Sumatra), fertile uplands ring jungle-clad volcanoes, waterfalls cascade into deep ravines and nature takes a breath in deep, still lakes. Rainforest still clings to the steepest slopes, while rice, tapioca, cinnamon and coffee bring in the wealth.

This is the heartland of the matriarchal Minangkabau, an intelligent, culturally rich and politically savvy people who have successfully exported their culture, language, cuisine and beliefs throughout Indonesia and whose soaring architecture dominates the cities and villages.

Coastal Padang is a transport hub and popular pit stop for surfers, trekkers and indigenous-culture enthusiasts bound for the Mentawai Islands. Scenic traveller-friendly Bukittinggi is surrounded by picturesque villages where traditional artisans still ply their trades, while the gorgeous Danau Maninjau, the secluded Harau Valley and Kerinci Seblat National Park provide plenty of scope for outdoor adventure.

Explore West Sumatra

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout West Sumatra.

  • Volcano

    Gunung Kerinci

    Dominating the northern end of Kerinci Seblat National Park is Gunung Kerinci (3805m), Southeast Asia’s tallest volcano and one of Sumatra’s most active…

  • Arts Centre

    PT Studio Songket Palantaloom

    Handicraft and textile fans should not miss this place near Simpang Bukit Batabuah, 7km southeast of Bukittinggi. Dedicated to revitalising the…

  • Lake

    Danau Gunung Tujuh

    At 1996m, the beautiful caldera of Danau Gunung Tujuh is the highest in Southeast Asia and makes for a pleasant day ascent or part of a multiday trek. It…

  • Plantation

    House of Rafflesia Luwak Coffee

    At this plantation in Batang Palupuh, friendly owner Umul Khairi is happy to explain the process of harvesting, drying and roasting kopi luwak – a smooth,…

  • Nature Reserve

    Batang Palupuh Nature Reserve

    This reserve, 16km north of Bukittinggi, is home to many orchid species, as well as the massive Rafflesia arnoldii and Amorphophallus titanum, the largest…

  • Palace

    Grand Palace of Pagaruyuang

    In the village of Silinduang Bulan, 5km north of Batu Sangkar, the heartland of the red Tanah Datar clan of Minangkabau, is this epic palace, a replica of…

  • Lake

    Danau Kerinci

    Danau Kerinci, 20km south of Sungai Penuh, is a sizeable lake nestled between Gunung Raya (2535m) and rice paddies. Stone carvings around the lake suggest…

  • Volcano

    Gunung Singgalang

    Climbing dormant Gunung Singgalang (2877m) is a more adventurous undertaking than Gunung Merapi. Highly recommended English-speaking guide Dedi (0813 7425…

  • Volcano

    Gunung Marapi

    The smouldering summit of Gunung Merapi (2891m), one of Sumatra’s most active volcanoes, looms large over Bukittinggi around 16km to the east. If Merapi…

  • Waterfall

    Air Terjun Telun Berasap

    Impressive waterfalls dot the whole Kerinci Valley. The easiest to find are the Air Terjun Telun Berasap in the ‘Letter W’ village 4km north of Pelompek…

  • Viewpoint

    Benteng de Kock

    Benteng de Kock was built by the Dutch during the Padri Wars. Other than a few cannons and ramparts, there’s not much to it now apart from the nice…

  • Cave

    Gua Jepang

    This extensive network of underground WWII Japanese bunkers built into a cliff face stretches for nearly 1.5km. It was built by local forced labour in…

  • Viewpoint

    Taman Panorama

    Taman Panorama, on the southern edge of Bukittinggi, overlooks the deep Ngarai Sianok (Sianok Canyon), where fruit bats swoop at sunset, as well as the…

  • Museum

    Adityawarman Museum

    Within a grand traditional Minangkabau-style building is this excellent museum offering a thorough overview of Padang culture. Captions are all in English…

  • Village

    Koto Gadang

    Silversmiths occupy several old Dutch houses in Koto Gadang, 5km from Bukittinggi. Catch a westbound angkot (3000Rp) or take an hour’s walk from Taman…

  • Village

    Belimbing

    Belimbing, a village southeast of Batu Sangkar, is comprised of one of the largest surviving collections of traditional architecture in the highlands…

  • Volcano

    Gunung Kunyit

    Visited by a fraction of hikers who take on its more famous neighbour Gunung Kerinci, this active volcano, at the southern end of the Kerinci Valley,…

  • Lake

    Danau Kaco

    A two- to three-hour ramble through the jungle along a largely flat (and muddy) path, Danau Kaco will stop you dead in your tracks because you just won’t…

  • Landmark

    Jam Gadang

    Built in the 1920s to house a clock that was a gift from the Dutch queen, Jam Gadang is Bukittinggi's town emblem and focal point. Independence in 1945…

  • Cave

    Goa Kasah

    Considered to be the largest cave system in the Kerinci Valley, and not yet fully explored, Goa Kasah makes for a good day trek (around 2½ hours one way)…