West Sumatra

The homeland of Minangkabau culture, drawing travelers with its pointed-roof houses, volcanic lakes, Harau Valley and Padang cuisine.

West Sumatra lies in central-western Sumatra and is home to the matrilineal Minangkabau people; its capital is Padang. The highland city of Bukittinggi is cool, with its Clock Tower, Sianok Canyon and Japanese Caves. Nearby Lake Maninjau, Lake Singkarak and the Harau Valley are scenic, and the Pagaruyung Palace showcases traditional pointed-roof architecture. Padang cuisine and beef rendang are famous across the country. The Mentawai Islands offshore are a world-class surf destination. The dry season, roughly May–Sep, is best. The main gateway is Minangkabau International Airport.

Destinations

• Padang
• Bukittinggi & Minangkabau Highlands
• Mentawai Islands

Itineraries

• Sumatra Overland: Medan to Padang – Travel south from Medan to Padang along the Trans-Sumatran Highway, connecting rainforests, Lake Toba, the Minangkabau…
• West Sumatra Minangkabau Highlands – In and out of Padang, exploring Bukittinggi, Harau Valley, Batusangkar, and Lake Maninjau to see hornbill-roofed houses…
• Mount Kerinci Summit & Lake Gunung Tujuh Trek – In and out of Padang, acclimatize at Lake Gunung Tujuh first, then summit Indonesia's highest volcano, followed by tea…