The Minangkabau Highlands of West Sumatra Journey

Duration: 5 Days

Overview

The land of the Minangkabau, West Sumatra has a distinct culture, which distinguishes it from the rest of the island. A land of scenic beauty with blue green lakes and mountains, West Sumatra's Centre of culture and tourism is Bukittinggi in the highlands, north of the provincial capital of Padang. West Sumatra is one of the most beautiful areas of Indonesia. It is mountainous and divided by three valleys. There are lovely lakes and spectacular volcanoes. But Minangkabau land is very special and has the most friendly population group of Indonesia. They love to talk with visitors and will tell us about their unique society. If a visitor tries to understand the culture and Minang traditions he will soon feel himself a member of the clan. He will be invited as a guest to their homes - a unique way to become acquainted with real Indonesian life.

Most prominent in the landscape is the horn-shaped roofs of the houses nestled in the coconut groves. The name Minangkabau means triumphant buffalo. It leads a community and family life based on a matrilineal system, which clusters around mosques and the traditional houses. As it is the women who have the properties, the men are known for their wanderlust and entrepreneurship. Traveling is considered a mark of success and therefore many of them are found "merantau" (emigrated) to other parts of the country.

Highlights

  • Visit Kiambang and Pandai Sikat village to see traditional hand carving and weaving
  • Stop at the Duplicate of the Palace of Minangkabau Kingdom at Pagaruyung
  • Tabek Patah for fantastic view of rice terrace
  • Explore Sianok Grand canyon with its Japanese tunnel, Fort de Kock, Museum,Big Tower O’clock “ Jam Gadang “
  • Koto Gadang village to see traditional silver work
  • Puncak Lawang trekking to Maninjau via Lawang jungle enjoying coffee break at traditional coffee shop in the jungle
  • Stop at Maninjau enjoying the nature of the Lake
  • Visit several village to see how the local people on their daily activities, such as planting the rice on rice field, and farmer working on their field which help by water buffalo, and even experience the local people during harvest time
  • Anay valley waterfall on the way to Padang

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Minangkabau International Airport Padang, pick up by our guide and then drive to Bukittinggi passing Anai Valley, on the way stop at Kiambang and Pandai Sikat village to see traditional hand carving and weaving, arrival at Bukittingi check in to Hotel.

After breakfast at hotel drive to Batusangkar to visit the Duplicate of the Palace of Minangkabau Kingdom at Pagaruyung, on the way stop at Baso to see traditional embroidery and Tabek Patah for fantastic view of rice terrace, after visiting Pagaruyung return to Bukittinggi via Lake Singkarak and check In to hotel.

After breakfast city tour by visiting Sianok Grand canyon with its Japanese tunnel, Fort de Kock, Museum,Big Tower O’clock “ Jam Gadang “ and market drive to Punacak Lawang, on the way stop at Koto Gadang village to see traditional silver work and arrival at Puncak Lawang trekking to Minjau via Lawang jungle on the way down to Lake Maninjau enjoying coffee break at traditional coffee shop in the jungle, during the tracking the opportunity to walk at the bank of rice field and village. Upon arrival at Maninjau enjoying the nature of the Lake, afternoon return to Bukittinggi.

After breakfast visit several village to see how the local people on their daily activities, such as planting the rice on rice field, and farmer working on their field which help by water buffalo, and even experience the local people during harvest time. On this day will provide traditional fried tapioca or fried banana as your snack cooked at the house of local people.

After breakfast drive to Padang on the way stop at Anay valley waterfall and arrival at Padang directly transfer to Airport for your next destination.

More Information

Price: 588 / person

Inclusions

Return transfer and tours program as indicated in the itinerary, 4 Night stay with daily breakfast, Meals as specified in tour price, Applicable entrance fees, mineral water during tour, English-speaking guide (Dutch, Germany, Spanish & Italian subject to availability)

Exclusions

Domestic flight , Other meals than those mentioned in tour price, Tips and donations, Personal travel insurance & Other personal expenses such as laundry, telephone call, minibar, room service, High & Peak season surcharge

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