May 01, 2006
Travel writing: Tiger Tales
Client: Tiger Tales (produced by INK Publishing)Link
Padang Destination Guide
MUST SEE
Pagaruyung Palace
The seat of the ancient Minangkabau kingdom, this palace is a replica of the original, which burned down in 1806. The palace is an exquisite example of elaborate Minangkabau architecture. Located just outside the town of Batu Sangkar, its imposing rumah gadang (big house) includes a museum of traditional artefacts and costumes.
Pandai Sikek
This village 12 kilometres from Bukittinggi is home to families of Minangkabau weavers and woodcarvers. Drop into a workshop to see the craftspeople at work, employing delicate skills that have been passed down through the generations.
Harau Valley
This picturesque 30,000-square metre nature reserve in the West Sumatran highlands can be explored on a day-trip from Bukittinggi or at greater leisure over several days. Common activities include rock-climbing, bamboo rafting and trekking to one of the many waterfalls in the area. Or observe the local way of life at the rice plantations and batik factory, or do a homestay with a Minangkabau family.
SHOP TILL YOU DROP
Matahari Shopping Centre (Jalan Moh Yamin)
Located beside Pasar Raya in Padang, this two-storey department store is a convenient place to escape the afternoon heat. It carries the usual mass-produced range of clothing, toys and household items, and has a small food bazaar and games arcade on the upper floor.
Pasar Atas/Pasar Bawah
The upper (atas) and lower (bawah) markets are located in the heart of Bukittinggi, selling a cornucopia of food, clothing and souvenirs. Prices are low and bargaining is essential. Don't miss the stalls with the many colourful, locally produced snacks ranging from fried buffalo skin to dried eel and pink keropok (crackers).
Welisyar (Koto Gadang IV Koto, tel: +62 (752) 31458)
This silversmith's workshop in Koto Gadang is a good place to pick up silver jewellery and figurines. Silver is painstakingly crafted into filigree or plate metal to make jewellery, accessories and miniatures of Minangkabau buildings, and more.
BEST BITES
Mirama Cafe and Restaurant (Jalan Gereja 38, tel: +62 (751) 23237)
A stone's throw from the Inna Muara and Bumi Minang hotels in Padang, this restaurant serves nasi padang and a la carte dishes. The grilled and fried seafood is popular with locals, and the nasi padang range includes deep-fried ikan bilis with peanuts and tempe (solid fermented soya bean), and stewed bamboo shoots. A hearty meal will cost RP40,000 to RP50,000 (SGD7.10 to SGD8.90) a person.
Gon Raya Dangau Minang (Jalan Bypass, tel: +62 (752) 624419)
A popular nasi padang restaurant about five minutes’ drive from the centre of Bukittinggi, Gon Raya offers airconditioned and al fresco seating. The fish curry is particularly flavourful. A typical meal will set you back about RP20,000 to RP30,000 (SGD3.60 to SGD5.35) a person.
Apache Cafe (Jalan A Yani 109, tel: +62 (812) 67 64409)
This cafe in Bukittinggi serves Western and Indonesian fare, typically for about RP20,000 (SGD3.60) a dish, and also provides regional tour information on site. The staff are friendly and at night, the place is popular with locals looking for a place to chill out.
SLEEPOVER
Royal Denai Hotel (Jalan Dr A Rivai 26)
This pleasant three-star hotel in Bukittinggi is beside Fort de Kock and near the town centre. The hotel has been recently upgraded with relatively new fittings in its comfortable rooms and suites. Room rates start at RP370,000 (SGD65.80) and suites are from RP825,000 (SGD146.65).
Rocky Plaza Hotel (Jalan Permindo 40)
Only three years old, this three-star hotel offers tastefully appointed rooms for business and leisure travellers in the heart of Padang's shopping district. It is also directly connected at the second level to the shopping arcade next door. Room rates start at RP660,000 (SGD117.30).
Echo Homestay & Cafe (Tarantang Lb Limpato)
These lovely rustic cottages are the only accommodation available in the lush Harau Valley, not far from Payakumbuh. Set snugly against soaring cliffs, the cosy lodgings range from single-room cabins at RP200,000 (SGD35.55) to small bungalows that can house up to eight persons at RP1,000,000 (SGD177.75), including breakfast.
Written by Yu-Mei Balasingamchow
Previous Destination Guides: Feb 2006