West Sumatra Tourism

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Much of its highland formed by the Bukit Barisan Mountain range; virgin jungle inhabited by elephants, tigers, leopard and rhinos. Minang people has firey-hot dishes and ancient matriarchal customs. The women own property and the men leave home to seek their fame and fortune. Travelling is considered a mark of success, Padang restaurants are found in all major towns across the nation. The people are hospitable and eloquent; primarily speak bahasa Minang, with poetic style of speech. West Sumatran days are filled with colourful ceremonies and festivals. Legend has it the Minangkabau are descendants of the youngest son of Alexander the Great, King Maharjo Dirajo. During the early 19th century, the area was disrupted by wars between the followers of the traditional Islam or Padris, and those adhering to the traditional law (Adat) of the Minangkabau.

Getting there:
Padang's Tabing Airport is the main gateway to West Sumatra and is serviced by Merpati Nusantara Airlines.
PELNI's ship "Kerinci" sails every two weeks for Jakarta from Teluk Bayur harbour. Smaller vessels from Muara harbour sail to small towns along the entire west coast of Sumatra.
Regular bus services run between Padang, Bukittinggi and other major cities of Sumatra, as well as via the trans-Sumatra Highway to Jakarta.

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Places to Visit in Indonesia

» Bali » Bangka-Belitung » Banten » Bengkulu » Central Java » Central Kalimantan » Central Sulawesi » East Java » East Kalimantan » East Nusa Tenggara » Gorontalo » Jakarta

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» South Sulawesi » South Sumatra » West Java » West Kalimantan » West Nusa Tenggara » West Papua » West Sulawesi » West Sumatra » Yogyakarta