February 01, 2006
Travel writing: Tiger Tales
Client: Tiger Tales (produced by INK Publishing)Link
Padang Destination Guide
MUST SEE
Bungus Bay
A small bay about 20 minutes south of Padang, this is a lovely place to watch the sunset as fishermen draw their nets in for the day. The drive from Padang also offers great views of the coast.
Lake Maninjau
This serene crater lake is a beautiful getaway from the activity in Bukittinggi or Padang. Enjoy great scenery from the village of Embun Pagi, 700 metres above the lake, or get a bird's eye view by paragliding from the highest point in the area, Puncak Lawang. Trekking, canoeing and other outdoor activities are also popular.
Panorama Park
This Bukittinggi park not only offers a breathtaking view of the Ngarai Sianok Canyon, but is also the starting point for a network of underground tunnels, built by local slave labour during World War II.
SHOP TILL YOU DROP
Pasar Raya
At this central market in Padang, find everything for sale here --- from food to daily necessities and household items to knick-knacks. For deals, don't forget to bargain with a smile!
Ramayana Shopping Centre
This new four-storey shopping centre is the latest in town and a good escape from the heat. Besides the Ramayana department store, it also houses many local stores, including trendy streetwear for youth. There's also an arcade for kids.
Satu Karia
This shop in the crafters' village of Pandai Sikek carries many beautifully woven products, all made in the adjoining workshop. Exquisite fabrics and detail go into the making of elegant Indonesian dress, while smaller items like handbags and table linen make excellent gifts.
BEST BITES
Simpang Raya (Jalan Bundo Kanduang 3-5, tel: +62 (751) 27300)
Located around the corner from the Matahari Shopping Centre in Padang, this restaurant serves up traditional nasi padang in a bright, clean setting. A typical meal that will satisfy may set you back about RP20,000-30,000 (SGD3.45-5.15) per person.
Bedudal Cafe (A Yani Street 95/105, tel: +62 (752) 31533)
A cosy backpackers' hangout in the centre of Bukittinggi, Bedudal Cafe serves sandwiches, pastas, pizzas and salads, as well as Indonesian fare --- all for less than RP20,000 (SGD3.45) per serving. Portions are generous, and the cheerful staff happily offer useful travel tips.
Lubuk Idai (Jalan Raya Bypass, tel: +62 (752) 626055)
This Bukittinggi restaurant is popular with locals for its grilled fish and chicken. Served with nasi putih (white rice) and vegetable nasi padang dishes, both specialties are deliciously tender and generously spicy. A meal costs about RP20,000-30,000 (SGD3.45-5.15) per person.
SLEEPOVER
Nuansa Maninjau Resort (Embun Pagi)
For a cool breath of fresh mountain air, escape to the Nuansa Maninjau Resort, the only hillside resort near Lake Maninjau. Located in the village of Embun Pagi at 700 metres above the lake, the resort commands a breathtaking view of the lake and its surroundings. Room rates start from RP430,000 (SGD73.90); cottages for four guests from RP750,000 (SGD129), inclusive of breakfast and dinner.
Pusako Hotel Bukittinggi (Jalan Soekarno-Hatta No 7)
Located just 10 minutes from the centre of Bukittinggi, Pusako Hotel Bukittinggi is a cosy, comfortable refuge from the town’s hustle and bustle. The lovely Minangkabau-inspired architecture and lush garden setting are a balm to the soul. Room rates start at RP500,000 (SGD86); suites for up to four guests at RP1,100,000 (SGD189.19)
Hotel Pangeran Beach (Jalan Ir H Juanda 79)
Located along the beach in Padang, the Hotel Pangeran Beach offers excellent views of the Indian Ocean. Currently undergoing renovations to add one floor, it will be six storeys tall and offer a total of 175 rooms when renovations are completed in 2006. Rooms are functional and spacious, and rates start at RP380,000 (SGD65.35).
Written by Yu-Mei Balasingamchow