BUKITTINGGI FROM THE TOP OF THE HILL

Sumatra, the island of gold has provinces of great beauty, one of which is West Sumatra.

Who doesn’t know Bukittinggi, one of the wonderful places in West Sumatra? Bukittinggi is the oldest nagari in West Sumatra located south of Mount Merapi. (A nagari is an autonomic area in Ranah Mingkabau). It takes approximately two hours to get there from Minang International Airport. In a car which you can rent from around the airport. During the trip you can stop by Lembah Anai, a waterfall where you can take a pictures, or touch the cold water. Rice fields, hills, rumah gadang are amazing views that you can also enjoy on the winding roads to Bukittinggi. No need to worry about accommodation because convenient hotels and inns are spread out here.

JAM GADANG

There are many interesting places to see in Bukittinggi.one of them is the town square where the city icon, a big clock or Jam Gadang (that’s the way people here call it) stands in the center. Reading a book, listening to music, chatting with pals, or just watching people milling around the park are some of the enjoyable things that you can do on a bench under the big trees, or you can use these places as a meeting point with you friends. If you need a money, no need to worry because you can make use of one of the ATM machines near the park. Feeling hungry? Well, just take a walk to the traditional market north of Jam Gadang. You can find lots of traditional food here in Pasar Atas. Nasi Kapau is a kind of meal that you can have for lunch. This spicy food is served with vegetables such as cabbage, cassava leaves and peas in addition to meat, chicken. Or fish. If you need to buy traditional food or snacks, clothes, or Minang handicrafts, you can explore the market and get what you want. Don’t forget to bargain!

NGARAI SIANOK

In Bukititmngii you can enjoy the marvelous view of Nagarai Sianok from a ark called Panorama locate at one ridge of a valley. By paying Rp.4000,- per person, you can feast your eyes on this unforgettable Panorama of a big valley between mount Singgalang and Marapi with a river running through it. You can else throw peanuts to monkeys here the park. But don’t ever have any food in your hands because mongkey will delighted in this area. Going down more that hundred steps win an underground space you will see rooms where Japanes troops used to hide during the 2^nd Dutch invasion and from wehre they could escape through the many exit tunnels. You can hire a guade who will be happy to escort you and tell you about the historical places.

Bukittinggi, a small town where you can walk the late Mr.Mohannad Hatta our first vice president was born, has many things that makes you want to come back, again and gain.