West Sumatera’s Province
The Capital City of West Sumatera’s Province is “Padang”
The
Indonesian province of West Sumatera is a land of the forest covered volcanoes
and charming mountain passes, of tranquil green lakes and cool streams,
rippling past black lava stone boulders.
Hamlets with quaint little mosques snuggle against the hills. Off the
West Sumatera coast is a string of islands called the Mentawai Islands. The
biggest of the group, Siberut, is an important nature reserve with many rare
endemic species of flora and fauna. The Mentawai Islands are the home of people
who have long lived in isolation and are still largely dependent on forest
resources for survival.
Inhabited,
by about 3,8 million people of predominantly ethnic Minangkabau, West Sumatera
is also known has unique traditional architecture, which houses are usually built
on poles and have saddle shaped roofs. Sometimes the houses of wealthy or
important people carved and painted by floral patterns and adorned with inlays
of pieces of mirror glass. West Sumatera also well known as “Ranah Minang”
which means, “Land of The Minang”. The family life based on
matrilineal-matriarchal system which all inheritance passes through the
womenfolk. Moslem plays a dominant role in daily life and traditions, but the
Minangkabau culture has a distinct character which is all it’s own.
The
Minangkabau are a matriarchal, mother oriented, society. It is the women who
own the family property. Children are members of the mother’s family group, and
the mother’s brother takes the place of the children’s father in family
affairs. This matriarchal family system is said to be the reason for the
“Merantau” tradition among Minangkabau Males. Known for their wanderlust and
their entrepreneur spirit, many Minangkabau males leave their families and
homestead at an early age, to return only after success has been achieved.
West
Sumatera’s traditional architecture is truly magnificent. Houses are usually
built on poles and have saddle-shaped roofs. The entrance of the house is
reached by ascending a flight of steps which is sometimes covered by a roof of
it’s own. The houses of wealthy and important people often have walls that are
covered with panels filed with finely carved and painted floral patterns and
adorned with inlays of pieces of mirror glass.One or more granaries, often also
decorated with ornate carved and brightly painted patterns, may be found in the
yard. Community buildings also have a “Tabuah” pavilion housing a big drum made
from a hollowed out free trunk, and a number of other pavilions for various
purposes.West Sumatera is one of the only two provinces in Sumatera with a
railroad (the other one is North Sumatera), but train services exist only
between Padang, the provincial capital, and Payakumbuh in the north.
Visit
Bukitinggi Sumatera Island has worthwhile, the sceneries of mountains,
Minangkabau highland, valleys, river and villages will loosen you from our wear
ness. And the Equator Monument should nonetheless, will be remarkable in our
personal record. Visit the landmark of Bukittinggi Big Ben or (Jam Gadang), the
museum, the unique market, the observing Sianok Kanyon / Grand Valley (Ngarai
Sianok), Fort De Kock, Kota Gede is renown fine silver works and hand
embroidery. Batu Batikam legendary pierced stone. Pariangan a village claimed
as the first village established by Minangkabau ancestors.
Dating
back
During
1514, King Alam from Pagaruyung carried out relations with Portugis in Malacca.
In 1818, through delegation in Bengkulu, England was connected with Minang
traditions (the Priest). In 1819, Padang in occupied the Dutch side. In 1822,
Benteng Fort Van Der Capellen was built in the Sangkar Stone. In 1825, Benteng
Fort De Kock was built in Bukittinggi. In 1832, Paderi was connected with the
Acehinese kingdom and Batak independent. In 1837, Benteng Bonjol in destroyed
the Netherlands. In 1938, Dewan that was acknowledged as
"Groeps-gemeenschap" stood covered derah Keresidenan West Sumatera.
West
Sumatera is composed of three regions: volcanic highlands, a long coastal plane
and a series of jungle-covered islands just offshore. Much of the province is
still wilderness; virgin jungle inhabited by elephants, tigers, leopards and
rhinos. It is the traditional homeland, of the Minangkabau, who are known far
and wide through the archipelago for their shrewd business sense, their firey-hot
dishes and ancient matriarchal customs. The women own property and the men
leave home to seek their fame and fortune. Traveling is considered a mark of
success and West Sumaterans and their Minang or Padang restaurants are found in
all major towns across the nation. The people are hospitable and eloquent, with
a poetic style of speech. West Sumateran days are filled with colorful
ceremonies and festivals. Legend has it the Minangkabau are descendants of the
youngest son of Alexander the Great, King Maharjo Dirajo. West Sumatera's
center of culture and tourism is Bukittinggi, nestled in the highlands north of
the provincial capital of Padang. Surrounded by high mountains, picturesque
valleys and, lakes, Bukit tinggi is considered by many tourists: to be the most
hospitable city in all of Sumatera.
The
Instruments
Telempong
Pacik, is a musical instrument that often was gotten
in the West Sumatera area, Saluang, was the musical instrument that many in
could in the area of Minang Provinsi West Sumatera.
The Ethnocentricities are
Minangkabau, Guci,
Jambak, Piliang, Caniago, Tanjung, Sikumbang, Koto, Pisang, Panyalai.
Traditional
Costumes
Minangkabaunese (West Sumatera) have many varieties traditional costume which
its using always related to special occasion.The men wear a loose shirt and a
wide trouser complemented by Saluak Batimba (head cloth), Kaciak (chest cloth),
and Karih (traditional knife) slipped in front of the body.The women wear
traditional coostume Bundo Kanduang that contained of Tengkuluk (head cover),
Baju Kurung (special dress), Kodek (a chignon), Salempang (a shawl), and
jewelry.
Traditional House
The name of the
West Sumatera house of the regional tradition "Gadang House". This
traditional house could be known from the arts of roof
that stick up above. The Gadang house had 2 3 the Padi Barn, in part "The
Bayo", meaning that rice supplies for the family from the shoreline. Now
"The Tanjau Laut", the specification special rice for the host.
The Folksongs Are
Ayam
Den Lapeh, Bareh Solok, Dayung Palinggam, Kambanglah Bungo, Kampuang nan Jauh
di Mato, Kaparak Tingga, Mak Inang, Malam Baiko, Paku Gelang.
The Traditional Dances are
West Sumatera Cuisine: Rending, Gulai, Pangek, Paniaram, Lepat
Ketan.
The
District Identities are
Pohon
Andalas / Morus Macroura (Flora), Kuau Besar / Agusianussargus (Fauna).
Padang
We
could visit to Padang. The provincial capital and air gateway of
West Sumatera boasts among others, a museum called the Museum Adityawarman,
with collections of artistic, cultural and historical interests. It is one of
the contemporary buildings in the city that are nuilt in traditional style. Not
far from the museum is the Padang Art Center. About an hour drive from the city
center is Bungus Bay, which is good for boating and swimming, or just for
relaxing and watching the fishing boats bring in the day’s catch.
The Mountainousare
The
Sago mountain
(1,597 Meters) was located in the Kotalimapluh Regency, Mount Merapi
(2,891
Meters) was located in the Agam Regency, Gunung Patai Cermin (2,690
Meters) in the Pesisir Selatan Regency (the Solok Regency), the
Singgalang
Mountain, 2,877 Meters) was located in the Tanah Datar Regency, Gunung
Talang
(2,597 Meters) was located in the Solok Regency, Gunung Pasaman (2,900
Meters)
was located in the Pasaman Regency.
The Riversare
Sungai
Batang Anai, Sungai Antokan, Sungai Batang, Sungai Bayang, Sungai Batang Hari,
Sungai Jujuhan, Sungai Kambang, Sungai Lunang, Sungai Masang, Sungai Batang
Ombilin, Sungai Batang Pasaman, Sungai Rohan Kanan, Sungai Rohan Kiri, Sungai
Sangir, Sungai Sihilang, Sungai Sindung, Sungai Sirantih, Sungai Tarusan.
The Promontoriesare
The Baritarikap
cape, in the Mentawai Island. The Stone cape, in the South coastal Regency. The
Batumandi cape, in the Regency Padang Pariaman. The cape of the Stone Month, in
the Mentawai Island. The Kinapat cape, was gotten in the Mentawai Island. The
Langasia cape, was located in the Mentawai Island. The Rokok cape, was located
in the Mentawai Island. The Rugurut cape, was located in the Mentawai Island.
The Sidapa cape, was located in the Mentawai Island. The Sigep cape, was located
in the Mentawai Island. The Simasuket cape, was located in the Mentawai Island.
The Gulfs are
The Bayur gulf, was
gotten in Padang Pariaman. The Bungus gulf, was gotten in Padang Pariaman. The
Painan gulf, was located in the Pesisir Selatan Regency. The Pasongan gulf, was
located in the Mentawai Island. The Siberimanua gulf, was located in the
Mentawai Island. The Siberut gulf, was located in the Mentawai Island. The
Siburu gulf, was located in the Mentawai Island. The Silogui gulf, was located
in the Mentawai Island. The Sinabai gulf, was located in [the Mentawai Island.
The Simatobe gulf, was located in the Mentawai Island. The Bubulu gulf, was
located in the Mentawai Island. The Sibadjau gulf, was located in the Mentawai
Island. The Tiap gulf, was located in the Pagai Island. The Sarabua gulf, was
located in the Mentawai Island.
The Flora are
The orchid, Kayu
Manis, Rafflesia Arnoldi Flower, Rambutan, Manggis, Duku, Durian et cetera.
The Fauna are
Tiger, Tapir, Elephant, Siamang, Beruk, the birds kind, the
Monkey, Siamang, Pig, et cetera.
The Wildlife Reserves are
Rimbopanti (the
area 3.500 hectare), the Siamang population, Tapir, Tiger et cetera. Batangalupuh (the area 340 hectare), the
Rafflesia Arnoldi population et cetera. The Anai valley (the area 0,20
hectare), the population of "Shrine" trees, Pinus Benjamina. The
Harrau valley (the area 298 hectare). The Indrapura mountain (the area 15.530
hectare), the Flora population, Anapholis Javanica and Faunistis.
The legacy of the History
The Stone of Nisan King Adityawarman was
located in Limokaum Batusangkar, the year 1356. The Adityawarman statue was
found in this age by Pemeintah Dutch East Indies in Padangrocok close to the
Lansek River. Some biggest statues was in the Museum of Nasional Jakarta. The
Besar Pagaruyung inscription was gotten in the Gombak Hill, the year 1356
Masehi. The Adityawarman inscription from Suroaso (Batusangkar).
The Museums are
The Country museum
West Sumatera "Adityawarman" in Padang. This museum collection consisted
of the legacy of prehistory, Heraldic, of Numismatik, Arkeologi, Keramik China,
Seni Rupa Kontemporer and the collections from the Minangkabau ethnic group and
Mentawai.
Dragon Boat Race Competition
Boat race competition in Padang City has been started
since the Dutch colonial government occupied Indonesia. At the time, it was
called Selaju sampan (literally means paddling boat). The boats are
decorated with colourful ornaments so the paddling boats in the competition
will be more attractive.
Sikuai Island
Sikuai Island is a
beautiful private island in West Sumatera, Indonesia. It basks in tropical
weather all year long and is perfect for a peaceful getaway from the bustle of
the city. Sikuai island is one of the most picturesque destinations in West
Sumatera with its untouched forest leading to easily accessible white sand
beaches all around the island.Sikuai has a total area of 44.4 Ha - integrated
with 54 rooms, restaurant, meeting room, swimming pool, sunset plaza and
jogging track surrounding the island.The Atmosphere in this island is rich with the nature of tropical
rainforest and coral reefs. Relax and unwind at our white sand beach amidst the
coconut trees and do not forget to catch the sunset from the Sunset Plaza
viewpoint. Sikuai is where the dream truly becomes reality - you will feel
like you are on your own private island.
Pandai Sikat
To
increase our knowledge also, we could visit Pandai Sikat. Pandai Sikat is a
little village 13 kilometers from Bukittinggi on the road to Padang, where
almost every household has it own weaving loom. The “Songket” cloths made in
the village are renowned far beyond the province’s borders. Pandai Sikat is
also known for it’s carved wooden ornaments, utensils and furniture.
Padang Panjang
Padang
Panjang, 20 kilometers southeast of Bukittinggi. Which has a music conservatory
for the study of music and dances of Minangkabau.
Lake Maninjau & Puncak Lawang
Lake
Maninjau and Puncak Lawang. Lake Maninjau, 36 kilometers to the south of
Bukittinggi, is a lovely, tranquil lake at the bottom of a has in formed by the
ring of mountains enclosing it. From the eastern shores of the lake, a road
creeps and winds along 44 hairpin turns up towards the Agam Plateau and
Bukittinggi through the Puncak Lawang pass with it’s breathtaking vistas. The
lakeside offers modest but pleasant accommodation as well as facilities for
swimming and other water sports.
Distinctive Features
The first
President of Indonesia, Mr. Ir. Soekarno, had ever visited Lake Maninjau,
as an expression of his amazement, he wrote a pantun (Malayan
Quatrain) sounded “Jika makan aria pinang, makanlah dengan sirih
yang hijau, jangan datang ke ranah Minang, jika belum mampir ke
Maninjau” which means that he suggested everyone visiting West
Sumatera must visit Lake Maninjau because of its wonderful
scenery. We may compare
it with other famous lakes from all over the world such as lake in
Luzern, Zurich, and Switzerland. Lake Maninjau has shinny turquoise
water with the flapping leaves of coconut trees and hills around the
lake that make a wonderful view in Lake Maninjau. It
is located in Tanjung Raya, in the district of Agam, West
Sumatera province, Indonesia.
Access
There are
two alternative ways to reach the destination, from the east and
from the west. If you choose to start it from the west, it will be
started from Padang to Lubuk Basung (the capital of
Agam district) passing by Pariaman city. It spends about a half an
hour hours by land using any accessible public transportation or
chartered car that can be easily found there. It will be started
from Padang to Bukit Tinggi continued to the destination passing by
Kelok 44 for approximately three hours if we choose the alternative
way from east.
Solok
Solok,
25 kilometers to the northwest of Padang on the trans Sumatera highway, lies on
the crossroads between Padang-Bukittinggi and the province of South Sumatera.
The town has some good samples of traditional Minangkabau architecture. Solok lies on the Trans-Sumatera Highway, 64 km from
Padang and 76 km from Bukittinggi. The town has some fine examples of
Minangkabau architecture with horn-shaped roofs and outer walls of wood,
completely carved and painted in brilliant colors. 60 km from Solok are the Twin
Lakes (Diatas Lake and Dibawah Lake), which are becoming popular as a holiday
resort.
Mount Merapi
Mount Merapi or usually called Berapi is 2891,3 meters above the
sea level. As one of the most active volcanoes in Sumatera, the
Mount Merapi has erupted for 454 times since the 18th
century until present. Fifty explosions were in huge scale; otherwise,
the others were small explosions. Mount Merapi is the most frequently
visited tourism destinations among the others. It has already a permanent
footpath as a way to the peak of the mountain that will make the climbers
easier to reach the top. The climbers will also find some blossoming
edelweiss around the slap of the mountain. Mount Merapi is located nearby
Bukit tinggi around the district of Agam and the district of Tanah Datar,
West Sumatera Province, Indonesia.
Harau
Valley
Along the
road to Harau Valley is a lovely countryside. Steep granite walls shelter the
fertile valley. A waterfall, 150 meters high falls into a basin. The Harau
Valley is a nature and wildlife reserve, where tapir, siamangs, boars, wild
goats and tigers still roam. The Harau Valley is 15 km from Payakumbuh.
Anai
Valley
The
surroundings of the Anai Valley are magnificent. The dense tropical forest all
around is most impressive and is a nature reserve. Below runs the river Anai
with its crystal clear water. Just on the side of the road is a 40 m high
waterfall.
Batu Sangkar
An old small town, 50 km southeast of Bukit
Tinggi, it is a centre of the ancient Minangkabau culture. Pagaruyung is the
historical site of a Minangkabau kingdom in the 14th century. Nearby is where
some archaeological vestiges, such as the Written Stone, the Stabbed Stone and
some other relics can be found.
Lake Singkarak
Lake
Singkarak. To visit Lake Singkarak we need 90 kilometers from Padang, or 40
kilometers from Bukittinggi. Lake Singkarak is the longest lake in West
Sumatera. It is popular as holiday sport for people from the surrounding area
and has an assortment of motels and restaurants as well as facilities for
boating and water skiing.Another ideal place for
recreation and water sport is Singkarak Lake, 36 km from Bukittinggi.
Gunung Tujuh Lake
This
Gunung Tujuh Danau Gunung Tujuh lake was in the Gunung Kerinci subdistrict and
could be reached by the wheel vehicle of four. The lake measuring 1.000 hectare
this was located on the hill in the height 1.996 metre on the surface of sea
water, and including in the Kerinci Seblat National Park region. In this lake
was gotten multitudinous the flora and the fauna as well as the panorama that
were very beautiful with cool and clean air. For the visitors and the
researcher and/or the wanderer was available the tour hut and the area kamping
measuring 2 hectare.
Ngalau Indah Caves
On the road from Bukittinggi to Payakumbuh these caves
extend deep into the mountainside. The domains of thousands of bats, which we
won't see but only, hear and sense as they fly close over our head. At the main
entrance is a stone with an outline of an elephant visible on its face. The
coolness and damp air is refreshing after the tropical heat outside. The path
through these caves leads out to the top of the mountain from where it is quite
panoramic. The drive up to the hillside itself is worth making because of the
variety of the exquisite views along way.
Mount Kerinci
Mount
Kerinci has Seblat National Park. Visit Upper and Lower Lake (Danau Diatas and
Danau Dibawah), enroute we could see a lot of cinnamon plantation. Gunung Tujuh
Lake located up the plateau at Kerinci Seblat National Park.
Lake Kerinci
Mount Tujug is a 10 sq km big crater
lake about 50 kilometers north of Penuh River. It's on 1966 meters and it's
called the highest sweet water lake in Southeastern Asia. The environment
offers simple accommodations, from where people can book a day trip to the
lake. Another, easy to reach lake is Kerinci Lake, surrounded by mountains, 783
meters above sea level and 42 sq km big. It's a good plan for a day trip. Both
lakes and the surrounding rainforest are good places to enjoy the fauna of the
park.
Talang
Lake
Talang
Lake tourism object that located in Lembang Jaya districts is state ± 2 Km of
the twin lakes (Diatas Lake and Dibawah Lake). The Lakes that located about
1.400 m of sea level is state between the cool and fresh hills with fruits and
vegetables fields. The nature lover who likes to hiking, the small lake with
about 1,9 Ha width, that actually is one of the two of Mount Talang Purba
crater, can reach by foot from Alahan Panjang or the twin lakes in one hour
walking.
Paya Kumbus & HarauValley
Payakumbuh and Harau Valley. A small
town 36 kilometers northeast of Bukittinggi, Payakumbuh is known for it’s fine
basketry work. A little further up is the beautiful Harau Valley with its 100
to 150 meters tall granite walls, waterfall and pond. The valley is part of a
nature and wildlife reserve inhabited by tigers, tapirs, wild boars and other
wild as well as many bird species. Payakumbuh is a
picturesque village and market place. Fine basketry is available here. It is 35
km from Bukittinggi and a little further up is the most dramatic view on the
Harau Valley. Harau canyon, near Payakumbuh is a deep canyon with beautiful
waterfall and many butterflies. Near Lake Meninjau, Batang Palapuh a sanctuary,
giant rafflesia flowers are sometime found.
Pagaruyung & Batusangkar
Pagaruyung
and Batusangkar. Pagaruyung, 52 kilometers southeast of Bukittinggi near the
village of Batusangkar, is believed to be the old center of the ancient Hindu
Pagaruyung Kingdom of Sumatera. Scattered in and around the village are a
number of archaeological sites where stones are found bearing inscriptions in
the old Palawa script. According to those inscriptions, Adityawarman ruled in
1347 as king of Kenaka Medinindae “Gold Island”.A great hall in Minangkabau
style has been built in the village as a reminder of the area’s proud
historical legacy. Nearby are the remnants of the Old Dutch fort Van der
Capellen.
Pariaman
Pariaman.
This tree-shaded village is the oldest in West Sumatera and the cradle of the
Minangkabau culture and civilization. Pariaman is said to be laid out according
to the original Minangkabau concept, with houses built around a mosque and a
community hall with rice.
Batang Pelapuh & Rimbo Panti Reserve
Visit
and Increase our knowledge in Batang Pelapuh and Rimbo Panti Reserves. Tigers,
leopards, tapirs, wild boar and other wild inhabit this nature reserve on the
road from Bukittinggi to Medan. There is a small crater inside the reserve, and
hot water pools. Further on the road is a little monument marking the equator.
On the way here from Bukittinggi and only 12 kilometers from town is the Batang
Pelapuh reserve, where the world’s biggest flower, the Rafflesia Arnoldi, measuring 1 meter across grows and
blooms around the months August-December.
Rafflesia Arnoldi
Rafflesia Arnoldi
is a member of the genus Rafflesia. It is noted for producing the largest individual flower on earth, and a strong odor of decaying flesh - the latter point
earning it the nickname of "corpse flower".
It is endemic to the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatera.Although
there are some plants with larger flowering organs like the titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum) and talipot palm (Corypha umbraculifera), those are
technically clusters of many flowers. Rafflesia Arnoldi (Indonesian: padma raksasa) is
one of the three national flowers in Indonesia, the
other two being the white jasmine
and moon orchid. It was officially recognized as a
national "rare flower" (Indonesian: puspa langka) in
Presidential Decree No. 4 in 1993.
Mentawai Island
Mentawai.
Four islands make up the Mentawai cluster of the
West Sumatera coast: Siberut, Sipora, Pagai Utara and Pagai Selatan. The people
of these islands still live in comparative isolation, maintaining their age-old
ways. Siberut is well known for its untouched forests; a part of a nature reserve
inhabited by a number of animal species not found anywhere else, among them
some rare monkey species. Beautiful coral reefs are found offshore.The
Mentawai from a string of islands of the West Sumatera coast. The biggest
island of the group, Siberut, is an important nature reserve with many species
of flora and fauna found nowhere else. The people of Mentawai have long lived
in isolation, and even today maintain their own age-old customs and beliefs.
Arta and Kata Beach
Both these places are popular beach resorts
for the local people. Arta beach is located about 23 km from the center of
Pariaman. It is known for its beautiful pine trees along the seashore. The
sandy beaches, clean water and bright sunshine are perfect for swimming and
sunbathing. The pine trees can protect us from the direct sunrays. Kata beach
is about 2 km south of Pariaman.
Rimba Panti Nature Reserve
Fauna and flora of the Rimba Panti Nature
Reserve are protected. It is situated 103 km from Bukittinggi. Stop at Batang
Palupuh, 16 km from Bukittinggi. There, in a small reserve is the Rafflesia
Arnoldi, the biggest flower in existence, which blooms only once a year. Sixty
km from Bukittinggi on this road is a small monument defining the equator at
Bonjol village. The reserve's inhabitants include several species of monkeys,
honey bears, tigers, flying squirrels, birds, butterflies, etc. A guide can be
obtained from the office at the reserve. The provincial office of the
Directorate of Nature Conservation (BKSAA) at Padang can give us complete
information.
Kubu
See the
nomadic tribe of Kubu one of the indigenous people who still maintain living in
the jungle and way of life in form of hunting and food gathering. In Bengkulu
has Bung Karno (the firs President of Indonesia) exiled house in the past. Fort
Marlborough, British Fort in Sumatera till now still protected and well kept.
The Tour Adventure Resorts are:
Air Manis Beach, Siti Nurbaya Park,
Mentawai Archipelago, Lake
Maninjau, Danau di Atas, Danau di Bawah, Batusangkar District, Pariangan Village, Lake Singkarak, Harau Valley, Anai Valley, Kahatulistiwa Bonjol Monument, Rimbo
Panti, PLTA Batang Agam, Semen Indarung, Tambang Batubara Ombilin District, Ngarai Sianok, Jepang Cave,
Karang Tirta, Puncak Lawang, Pantai Bungus, Taman Hutan Raya Bung Hatta, Minangkabau, Bukittinggi.
Accommodation
Accommodation.
West Sumatera has several small comfortable hotels, though none of the deluxe
class. Two star hotels all have air-conditioning with attached bathrooms,
telephone and TV sets. In Bukittinggi air conditioning is not necessary.
The Folksongs : Kampuang Nan Jauh Dimato.
Transportation
Transportation.
West Sumatera’s provincial capital is accessible by air and overland from
Jakarta, Medan, Palembang and Pekanbaru. Liner passenger and freight services
link it with Jakarta and Sibolga. Buses of variety of types serve most of the
tourist destinations inside the province Horse-Carts are still a cheap and
popular means of transportation inside towns and cities.West Sumatera have
the airport and we called this airport is Minangkabau Airport precisely sea
front and it’s very beautiful looked
into from plane interior. From all air transport of plane in Indonesia can
landing in this Minangkabau Airport.
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