West Sumatra (Sumatera Barat)

1. Air Manis Beach
Air Manis Beach is closely related to the legend of Malin Kundang in West Sumatra. Malin Kundang is a character fabled to have been turned to stone, together with his ship, after periods of disobedience to his mother. By the beach, there is a Malin Kundang stone and several pieces of equipment from his ship, which are also stones. Based on the story, Malin Kundang was cursed by his mother for his refusal to acknowledging her as his mother after traveling to another region and becoming rich. Air Manis beach is a favorite tourist site for local and foreign tourists because it has low waves and beautiful views of Mount Padang. There is also a small island called Pisang Kecil (literally means “small banana”) on its right side. From morning to afternoon, you can walk to this one hectare island through shallow water. In late afternoon, however, there is a tide and you must take a boat to return. On its right, there is another island called Pisang Besar (literally means “big banana”). Local inhabitants on this island are mostly farmers and fishermen. Beside playing in the water and swimming, visitors can rent a motor boat to visit Pisang Kecil and Pisang Besar Islands which are located some 500 meters from the beach. On Pisang Kecil Island, visitors can sit under gazebos and enjoy sea and beach sceneries. If you want to stay overnight on Pisang Besar island, you can stay in a local inhabitant's home or your own tent. If you visit Sikuai Island, you can try water sports such as surfing and diving. This island is famous for its white sand.
2. Anai Resort and Golf Course
The Anai resort is located in gorgeus natural setting rounghly 550 meters above sea level. This eighteen hole course's length spans to 5,552 meters. The course itself was designed by Thomson, Wolveridge and Perret in 1996. While challenging this 72 par course, you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of Mount Tandikat, Mount Merapi and Mount Singgalang. The temperature's quite hot. So it's a perfect setting to don your newly-bought hat. And don't worry, the clubhouse's also equipped with a swimming pool and a bar.
3. Batang Palupuh
Batang Palupuh is a refuge for the giant flowers Rafflesia Arnoldi, blooming only once a year in November. A guide can be obtained from the office at the reserve. View the magnificence of Rafflesia arnoldi, a giant flower which is actually a parasite, luring insects and digest them to thrive. It grows for 9 months and only flowers for about a week.

4. Batu Basurek
Batu Basurek is a stone with inscriptions in the old Palava script of India, bearing the legend of Adityawarman in the year 1347. Literally, "Batu Basurek" itself means "The Written Stone". The stone's 25 cm wide, 80 cm high, and 10 cm thick. Erected above King Adityawarman's resting place centuries ago, this stone was rediscovered in December 16th, 1880. The inscription told about Adityawarman's heritages. Due to his services to Majapahit Kingdom, Adityawarman became a king in Dharmasraya and moved his kingdom from Siguntur Sawahlunto to Pagaruyung.
5. Bukittinggi: The Most Relaxing City in All Sumatra
Bukittinggi is West Sumatra’s center of culture and tourism, nestled in the highlands north of the provincial capital of Padang. It is a pleasant two-hour drive (90 km) from Padang through the gorgeous Anai Valley up to Agam Plateu. Located 930 meters above sea level, it has a cool climate and is surrounded by three volcanoes: Tandikat, Singgalang and Merapi. The central landmark is the town’s clock tower, dubbed by the local people as Jam Gadang (Big Clock). It overlooks the market square, a beehive of activity and fantastic place to do some souvenir shopping. Also worth visiting is the Rumah Gadang Museum, a traditional extended family house built in the 19th century. There are dance performances at the museum's open stage every Sunday and on public holidays. Night dance performances are at Sliguri. You might also want to check out the bullfights at Padang Lawas (6 km south of Bukittinggi) every Tuesday at 5.00 p.m. Jam Gadang is an icon of Bukit Tinggi city. In Indonesian language, Jam Gadang means big clock and it is. This 26 meter tall clock was built in 1826 as a present from the Dutch Queen to the city secretary, Rook Maker. Over time, its roof has been modified three times. During the Dutch era, its roof was round with a rooster statue on its top. At present, its roof reflects a Minangkabau traditional home. One unique thing about this clock is its IV, as it is written as ‘IIII’. Jam Gadang is located within in 100 meter park. Near the clock is Atas Market, which is a trading center in Bukit Tinggi.
6. Bung Hatta Forest Reserve
Bung Hatta Forest Reserve. It is known in the past as the Setya Mulya Botanic Garden. The reserve has giant flowers called Rafflesia Arnolldi.

7. Bungus
Bungus is sheltered by a bay. There are two good beaches: Carolina and Karang Tinta.
8. Japanese Bunker
The Japanese bunker was built for the Japanese soldiers who occupied Indonesia from 1942 to 1945 by the forced labor of Indonesians. This 1,470 meter long underground bunker is 40 meters below Ngarai Sianok. There are 21 tunnels previously used to store ammunition, used as residence rooms, meeting room, Romusha (forced labourer) dining room, kitchen, prison, hearing room, torture room, espionage room, ambush room, and escape gate. These tunnels are three meters in diameter and have walls so that sounds will not be heard from the outside. These tunnels cover nearly two hectares and have six doors. One door is located in Panorama Park while others access Sianok village in the Ngarai Sianok ravine. Walking down into the Japanese bunker is a special challenge. Its dark and cold tunnels now have lamps and proper ventilation. Most of these tunnels will soon have rooms to display photographs, a museum of struggle, and a mini theater. At the entrance gate, visitors can see a map of this bunker and each tunnel now has information boards about its functions. This bunker now has CCTV cameras.
9. Kerinci Seblat National Park
Kerinci Seblat National Park (TNKS) is a natural conservation area. This one and half million hectare area is located in four provinces; West Sumatra, Jambi, Bengkulu and South Sumatra. In West Sumatra, it covers some 260,000 hectares and is located in Pesisir Selatan and Solok districts. Types of flora protected in TNKS include Kantung Semar (Nephents Ampularia), orchids, and tropical trees among others. Types of fauna protected include Sumatran Tigers, bears, deer, various primates and birds among others. TNKS is a special tourist destination. Meaning, TNKS is the right place for nature lovers who love to trek across thick forest. Trekking must be accompanied by rangers assigned to each resort station. If you like to stay overnight, visitors can also be accompanied by at least one local inhabitant assigned to carry tents and cooking tools. TNKS is a difficult area due to its nearly 90 degree slopes, mud and small rivers with stones. TNKS area in Lumpo Resort has a waterfall called Air Terjun Lumpo which consists of three levels with the highest level of about 80 meters high. From Limau Gadang village border, it will take four to five hours to travel 7 kilometers to the waterfall. Bukit Bontak and Mount Kerinci are located in Solok Selatan. Besides trekking, this protected forest area can also be used for camping. Types of endemic primates protected in TNKS include Simpai, Ungkou, Siamang (Symphanlangus Syndactylus), monkeys, and long tail monkeys among others. Types of birds protected include Rangkong, Tohtor and Kuau birds and eagles among others. Most of these fauna are endangered species.
10. Madobak Ugai Matotonan Village
Madobak, Ugai and Matotonan villages are not specifically designed into a tourist destination, but their traditional culture and life are well-preserved, making them interesting places for tourists. They are Situated in the upper stream of Siberut Selatan. From Muara Siberut, you should take the Purou-Muntei-Rokdok-Madobak-Ugai-Butui-Matotonan route. Each village has its own unique culture. Madobak, for instance, is famous for its cool Kulu Kubuk waterfall. It has two levels with a total of 70 meters. Each village is also famous for its traditional home, locally known as an Uma, and its traditional ceremony performed by a Sikerei, or shaman. This traditional ceremony is usually performed during weddings, occupation of a new home, to facilitate healing or to drive away evil spirits. Shaman in these three villages still preserve the use of underwear and headbands (Luat) made of colorful beads. Some locals also have Mentawai traditional tattoos made of sugarcane and coconut charcoal dye. These tattoos are made using nails or pins, and two pieces of wood as a pad and hammer. According to the local community, the tattooing process is very painful. You should not miss the unique traditional culture in Mentawai! Visiting these three villages is an amazing experience. Their natural condition is shown from their wooden Uma, sago trees processed into local basic foods, motor boats park by river sides and their different local cultures than those of urban areas. In these villages, locals use wood to cook. They also preserve their community meal tradition. Each type of dish is served in one bowl and family members usually eat from the same bowl at the same time. Watching the local community find sago with their baskets is another interesting attraction. Besides visiting Kulu Kubuk waterfall in Madobak village or the border area of Siberut National Park in Matotonan village, visitors can interact directly with the local community about their daily life and participate in their traditional ceremonies.
11. Mentawai Island: The Ultimate Diversity Of The Hidden Paradise
Located in the middle of Indian Ocean, 150 km and takes 9 hours trip from Padang, West Sumatra-Mentawai glowing with all the nature spirits and make it an extraordinary escaping spot from a hectic life. Mentawai is the natural habitat for 16 endemic species, and some of them categorized as endangered species e.g. Simakobu monkey (simias concolor-eat leaf as primary food). The present life of Mentawai people categorized as the legacy from Neolithic era and they have a strong believe in nature spirit, for their life strongly affected by nature. They believe that nature is the center of life. All the genuine attributes make Mentawai a perfect place to gain cultural experiences, here you will notice a very fascinating and indigenous culture, like traditional cloths, art, music and the way of life. The entire culture attributes strongly reflects their respect to nature. Tattoo is one of the most important symbol for Mentawai people, its reflect maturity, manhood and status. The art of this body painting inherit from their ancestor. The tattoos ink naturally made from leaf.
12. Mount Talang
Mount Talang is 2,572 meters above sea level and it has a soothing view. From here you can overlook the beautiful Twin Lakes and Lake Singkarak. It's one of the six active volcanoes in West Sumatra. It is said that the tea grown here tastes wonderful. The view is breathtaking and the weather is cool and pleasant.

13. Rafflesia Park
Raflesia Park is part of the Batang Palupuh Nature Conservation Center in Agam district. Although it has many other species, this 3.4 hectare conservation center is focused on conserving the Raflesia flower, which can only be found on Sumatra Island. This flower usually blossoms during wet seasons i.e., from mid to end of year. Batang Palupuh Raflesia Park is a conservation center for three types of Raflesia flowers; Raflesia Arnoldi, which can be 1,5 meters wide when blossoming, Raflesia Arizentis with a 15 cm diameter when blossoming, and Raflesia Oumor Pupolus Titanum. Although it is more like a forest, this center is called a park because many Bunga Bangkai grow here. Outside this area, Raflesia flowers also grow in three to four areas. Raflesia Park offers an opportunity for nature lovers to see live blossoming flowers which can only be found in Indonesia. These flowers have long roots that can reach as long as 20 meters and grow in other trees. This conservation area is also used as a research and socialization center for young generations.
14. Refreshing Maninjau Lake
Maninjau Lake West Sumatra, is one of the most splendid lakes in Indonesia. This volcanic lake is situated more or less 461 meters above sea level. This lake, 100 m2 in size with the maximum depth of 500 meters, is associated with a legend. It is said that from the local folklore called "Bujang Sembilan" (roughly translates as "Nine Young Men"), one of these men died by plunging himself to the crater. The crater then expanded, forming a lake. Maninjau Lake has a five starred resort located on the top of a hill. With pleasant, inspiring sceneries, Maninjau Lake will provide relaxation and contentment. Maninjau Village is located near the lake. Buya HAMKA, one of the most notable novelists in Indonesia, was born here. HAMKA wrote the phenomenal Tenggelamnya Kapal Van der Wijk. Another famous person born here is Rangkayo Rasuna Said, one of Indonesia's national hero. Her name is immortalized as one of the protocol roads in Jakarta.
15. Rimbo Panti Nature Reserve
Rimbo Panti Nature Reserve. Just on the road to Medan, this nature and wild life reserve contains various monkey species and black panthers.
16. Sianok Gorge
Ngarai Sianok (Sianok Gorge) has two hill walls facing each other almost vertically. Its height is about 100 to 120 meters and its length is about 15 km. These walls form a gorge where you could see large paddy fields and rivers at their feet. This gorge separates Bukit Tinggi and Mount Singgalang. The beauty of Sianok can be seen from Panorama Park in Bukit Tinggi or you could also go into the gorge, which is a settlement and paddy field area. To enjoy the scenery from the Park, visitors could pay an entrance fee of Rp 3.000 per person. In addition to the gorges beauty, visitors can also visit a Japanese bunker located at the base of the gorge. Ngarai Sianok is the most beautiful place in West Sumatra, particularly during sunrise and sunset. If you want to enjoy the beauty of Ngarai Sianok from Panorama Park, you can use the gazebos while watching monkeys playing around in the park. In addition, there is a 20 meter tall tower near souvenir shops where you could see the beauty of Ngarai Sianok clearer. Alternatively, visitors could travel 2 km using private car to small settlements and paddy fields at the foot of this gorge. In Panorama Park, visitors could enjoy the beautiful scenery while eating in gazebos. You can take pictures of this scenery from the gorges beautiful vistas which draw many photographers and painters to visit Ngarai Sianok. This park also has a mini theater for local performing arts.
17. Singkarak Lake
Lake Singkarak is the largest lake in West Sumatra. It is situated in two districts; Solok and Tanah Datar. Its cool weather and the beauty of Mount Singgalang provide perfect scenery to this 1000 hectare lake. From Solok-Bukit Tinggi main road, visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Singkarak. Lake Singkarak is famous for its Bilih fish. This species only lives in this lake and cannot be cultivated outside its natural habitat. Its clean water is another attraction of Lake Singkarak for those who live in the Tanah Datar and Solok districts. Its beauty can be seen by those who pass by or those who eat in restaurants along Solok-Bukit Tinggi road. Visitors can travel and enjoy the beauty of Lake Singkarak by boat. In addition, several areas offer swimming and fishing facilities.There are many hotels near Lake Singkarak such as those along Solok-Bukit Tinggi main road and in the Tanah Datar district.
18. The Twin Lakes
The Twin Lakes (Lake diatas and Lake Dibawah). The two lakes, one a little higher than the other are located at +1000 meters above sea level. They are covered by thick mist.

(references: www.indonesia.travel and www.my-indonesia.info)