My last destination, before flew back to Jakarta, was Bukittinggi. Driving 3 to 4 hours from Padang to the northeast direction. There are several routes to go there, you can pass Padang Panjang then Bukittinggi or you can do a detour via Solok-Singkarang Lake-Padang Panjang then Bukittingi. If Bukittinggi is your one and only destination, I suggest you to take the first route.
On the way from Padang to Bukittinggi you will find, on your left hand side, one beautiful waterfall called "Lembah Anai". It's an outcrop of lava with columnar joints, IMO, and it's a perfect spot to take pictures specially because there is also a unique railway across the waterfall.
The word "Bukittinggi" came from two words: "Bukit" (hill) and "Tinggi" (high) which mean "a city on a high hill". Since it's located on a high hill, the temperature is relatively cold (16-24 C) for people who live in a tropical country. But that's OK for me, it's quite similar with Bandung my beloved hometown.
My first impressions for Bukittinggi are: beautiful, clean and perfect for me as a traveler.
Want to stay overnight...? Ya, I'm sure you want to stay more than one night. Try to stay at Hills Hotel, previously Novotel Hotel, located in the center of the city. The hotel is quite big and it is the best hotel in town, IMO. Take a look at the ornaments in surrounding walls, the lobby with it's "water fountain" and don't forget to check the view from your rooms.
In the morning you can walk around the hotel to feel the fresh air, I believe you wouldn't find it in Jakarta (grin mode: on). Walk 75m to the right direction from the hotel gate, then you will see "Jam Gadang" (the symbol of Bukittinggi). If you're in Bukittinggi, you have to go, to see and to get a picture of you and "Jam Gadang". Because that is the prove that you already visited the city. Do you see something different on the clock up there...?
Bukittinggi is Mr Hatta's hometown. Sound familiar with that name...? Yes, Mr Hatta is Indonesia's first Vice President. Next to "Jam Gadang" and it's park, you can see Museum of Mr Hatta and to other direction you can see traditional market with tiger statue at front. You can spend half day in "Jam Gadang" area, and for lunch you can go back to the hotel or maybe you want to try to have lunch with Padang's menu (grin mode: on).
Then, after lunch. You can arrange your time to visit the Fort de Cock, legacy of General Hendrik Merkus de Cock in 1826. Finish with the fort tour, you can continue to visit the zoo. Use the "Jembatan Limpapeh" as your access to the zoo.
Ngarai Sianok is one of the best tourism spot in Bukittinggi. If you're lucky, you can see "Jam Gadang" from the front of your hotel room and if you open your window at the back of your room, you can see part or Ngarai Sianok. Amazing isn't it...? And you can walk down the hill, actually.
Need to bring some handicrafts or traditional snacks...? Just go to the traditional market near Jam Gadang or find some outlets on the road to Batusangkar. "Keripik Sanjai" is a special snack from this area, give it to your friends or your relatives as one of souvenirs from Bukittinggi.
One advantage to stay in Bukittinggi is: you can take Bukittinggi as your perfect base/start to explore West Sumatra. Bukittinggi, Padang Panjang, Batusangkar, Sawahlunto, Solok, Singkarak Lake, Maninjau Lake and other tourism destinations in West Sumatra can be started from Bukittinggi.
Pictures...? Next post, ya.
Related links:
Official Website of City of Bukittinggi (in Bahasa)
Wisata Bukittinggi (in Bahasa)
Tour de Bukittinggi (in Bahasa)
On the way from Padang to Bukittinggi you will find, on your left hand side, one beautiful waterfall called "Lembah Anai". It's an outcrop of lava with columnar joints, IMO, and it's a perfect spot to take pictures specially because there is also a unique railway across the waterfall.
The word "Bukittinggi" came from two words: "Bukit" (hill) and "Tinggi" (high) which mean "a city on a high hill". Since it's located on a high hill, the temperature is relatively cold (16-24 C) for people who live in a tropical country. But that's OK for me, it's quite similar with Bandung my beloved hometown.
My first impressions for Bukittinggi are: beautiful, clean and perfect for me as a traveler.
Want to stay overnight...? Ya, I'm sure you want to stay more than one night. Try to stay at Hills Hotel, previously Novotel Hotel, located in the center of the city. The hotel is quite big and it is the best hotel in town, IMO. Take a look at the ornaments in surrounding walls, the lobby with it's "water fountain" and don't forget to check the view from your rooms.
In the morning you can walk around the hotel to feel the fresh air, I believe you wouldn't find it in Jakarta (grin mode: on). Walk 75m to the right direction from the hotel gate, then you will see "Jam Gadang" (the symbol of Bukittinggi). If you're in Bukittinggi, you have to go, to see and to get a picture of you and "Jam Gadang". Because that is the prove that you already visited the city. Do you see something different on the clock up there...?
Bukittinggi is Mr Hatta's hometown. Sound familiar with that name...? Yes, Mr Hatta is Indonesia's first Vice President. Next to "Jam Gadang" and it's park, you can see Museum of Mr Hatta and to other direction you can see traditional market with tiger statue at front. You can spend half day in "Jam Gadang" area, and for lunch you can go back to the hotel or maybe you want to try to have lunch with Padang's menu (grin mode: on).
Then, after lunch. You can arrange your time to visit the Fort de Cock, legacy of General Hendrik Merkus de Cock in 1826. Finish with the fort tour, you can continue to visit the zoo. Use the "Jembatan Limpapeh" as your access to the zoo.
Ngarai Sianok is one of the best tourism spot in Bukittinggi. If you're lucky, you can see "Jam Gadang" from the front of your hotel room and if you open your window at the back of your room, you can see part or Ngarai Sianok. Amazing isn't it...? And you can walk down the hill, actually.
Need to bring some handicrafts or traditional snacks...? Just go to the traditional market near Jam Gadang or find some outlets on the road to Batusangkar. "Keripik Sanjai" is a special snack from this area, give it to your friends or your relatives as one of souvenirs from Bukittinggi.
One advantage to stay in Bukittinggi is: you can take Bukittinggi as your perfect base/start to explore West Sumatra. Bukittinggi, Padang Panjang, Batusangkar, Sawahlunto, Solok, Singkarak Lake, Maninjau Lake and other tourism destinations in West Sumatra can be started from Bukittinggi.
Pictures...? Next post, ya.
Related links:
Official Website of City of Bukittinggi (in Bahasa)
Wisata Bukittinggi (in Bahasa)
Tour de Bukittinggi (in Bahasa)
2 comments:
I miss the chance to visit Bukit Tinggi on my last trip to Sumatra. I visited Lake Toba which is really beautiful. Also, to explore the Batak curture
hi earnpin,
Thanks for stopping by.
Ah, Toba Lake is nice. I haven't visit North Sumatra yet hehehe...
Well, maybe next time you can arrange your trip to West Sumatra. You won't regret.
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