PADANG

PADANG

Going to Padang, Indonesia is a chance of a lifetime – whereby I was assigned to cover a story – the trip was organised by the Perak Media Club.

Some 30 members joined the 5D4N detour of Bukit Tinggi – Maninjau – Minangkabau – Padang City Tour, on November 2011.

SULAIMAN ROSMA CENTRE

Padang is the capital of the province of West Sumatra in Indonesia. It is the 10th most populated urban centres in Indonesia, and the most populated city on Sumatra's western coast, and the fourth-most populated city on Sumatra. It has a population of 914,970 recorded in 2016.

POSING WITH THE LOCALS IN THE HOTEL

The city had historically been a trading centre since the pre-colonial era, trading in pepper and gold. the Dutch made contract with the city in the mid 17th century eventually constructing a fortress and taking over the city from Pagaruyung Kingdom. Padang remained part of the Dutch East Indies as one of its major cities until Indonesian independence.

LEMBAH ANAI WATERFALL

PANDAI SIKEK GOLDEN THREAD WEAVING

WOOD CARVING

VILLAGERS OF BUKIT TINGGI

DAY 1

We landed at the Minangkabau International Airport – then proceeded to Bukit Tinggi via Anai Valley. We stop over at the waterfall at Anai Valley and took photographs, here. Had lunch at Restaurant Lamun Ombak. After lunch, another brief stop made at Pandai Sikek – a village famous for silk and golden thread weaving, wood-carving, bread making and flour warehouse. Another important stop is to visit the Information & Documentation of the Minangkabau culture at Padang Pajang.  On arrival in Bukit Tinggi – check in NW Hotel.

GRAND SIANOK CANYON

JAPANESE TUNNEL

LAKE MANINJAU AT LEMBAH SIANOK

JOURNALISTS DRESSED IN MINANGKABAU ATTIRES

JOURNALISTS SHOWCASE THE MINANGKABAU SET OF ATTIRES

 DAY 2

Indulge in the so-called “Maninjau Tour” – proceed for sightseeing tour of Bukit Tinggi – visited the famous Grand Sianok Canyon for its spectacular view of the surrounding including the Japanese Tunnel incorporated within the area. We wriggle in the tunnel to see what is left behind by the Japanese. After lunch, we departed for Lake Maninjau through 44 hairpin curve road to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake. On arrival at the lake, stop over a village called Sungai Batang for Hamka's House. By afternoon, drove back to Bukit Tinggi and free and easy shopping program.

MINANGKABAU HOUSE

 

MINANGKABAU TRADITION

SULAIMAN ROSMA CENTRE

COFFEE FACTORY

COMPLEX USTANO (MAKAM) RAJO ALAM

BASA PANGARUYUNG PALACE

 

PADDY FIELDS AT KAMPUNG PARIAMAN

DAY 3

An interesting day of the “Minangkabau Tour” – driving to the unique land of Minangkabau to visit Batusangkar. En route, stop over at Tabek Patah – enjoy the panoramic view of the beautiful landscape. Also visited the local home industry – the Sulaman Rosma Centre to see how batek are produced followed with the traditional coffee milling at Pisang Salaiwith. Lunch is provided at the local restaurant surrounded by the magnificent rice paddy field with the popular menu Ikan Bakar (Roasted Fish) held at Kpg Pariaman. After lunch, visited Rumah Raja. Complex Ustano (Makam) Rajo Alam and the Basa Pengaruyung Palace. Drive back to Padang through Pariangan Village.

CLOCK TOWER

DAY 4

The last day is safe for a “City Sightseeing Tour” - Old Habour, Old Market, Museum Adityawarman Padang and Clock Tower. Afternoon is free and easy session for shopping or SPA.

DAY 5 DEPARTURE

NOVEMBER 1 – 5, 2011