Discover the enchanting beauty of West Sumatra through its seven most beautiful villages.
From the picturesque landscapes of Gantuang Ciri to the cultural richness of Madobak Mentawai, each village offers a unique and captivating experience.
Join us as we embark on a journey to explore these hidden gems that showcase the natural wonders and cultural treasures of this Indonesian province.
1. Gantuang Ciri, Solok District
Gantuang Ciri is a village in the Kubuang sub-district of Solok District, West Sumatra, Indonesia.
This village is nestled at the foothills of the Bukit Barisan mountain range, situated on a high plateau with hilly and sloped terrain.
The center of the village is approximately 8 kilometers away from Solok city.
The scenery in Gantuang Ciri is breathtaking. Houses of the local residents line the streets.
Behind these homes, you’ll find terraced rice fields on the hillside, beneath the sprawling Bukit Barisan mountains.
This area is like a village surrounded by the natural beauty of terraced rice fields on the hillsides.
For several kilometers along the road, you’ll see expansive, lush green rice fields, complemented by a refreshing river, making it an ideal spot for photography.
2. Nagari Pariangan, Tanah Datar District
Nagari Pariangan, in the Tanah Datar District, is the perfect place to spend your holidays, especially if you’re interested in cultural experiences.
This destination is well-known in Nagari Tuo Pariangan, Tanah Datar District. You can reach Nagari Tuo Pariangan in about a 3-hour drive from Padang city, and it’s just a 15-minute journey from Batusangkar city to get to Nagari Pariangan.
Nagari Pariangan is a village located on the slopes of Mount Marapi, with a distinctive traditional Minangkabau atmosphere.
It’s no wonder that both local and international tourists are drawn to Nagari Pariangan to enjoy its natural beauty.
Nagari Pariangan is proudly acclaimed as one of the most exceptional villages. In 2012, the New York-based travel media, Travel Budget, named Nagari Pariangan the most beautiful village in the world.
Also Read West Sumatra: Home to Some of Indonesia’s Most Beautiful Lakes
When you’re in Nagari Pariangan, you’ll be treated to stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, gardens, and soothing rice fields.
Additionally, you’ll see “Rumah Gadang” (traditional Minangkabau houses) in the village that have stood for centuries since the colonial era.
Despite their age, these Rumah Gadang have not lost their charm due to their highly valued architectural artistry.
The characteristic woven rattan of the Rumah Gadang follows the contours of Mount Marapi, resulting in hundreds of beautifully arranged steps.
One prominent attraction for capturing memorable photos with friends or family is the ancient mosque named Ishlah.
Additionally, there is a hot spring that originates directly from Mount Marapi.
3. Nagari Tanjuang Barulak, Tanah Datar District
Nagari Barulak, a village in the West Sumatra Province of Indonesia, is well-known for being a hub for massage therapists and its growing bird cage industry.
The village is home to 1,146 people, spread across five neighborhoods, with the majority employed in farming.
The village enjoys a cool climate and fertile soil, making it a promising area for agricultural development and plantations.
Animal husbandry is also common, with many residents raising local chickens, goats, cows, and buffalo.
Situated at the edge of the Tanah Datar District, Nagari Barulak is bordered by Limah Puluh Kota and Agam Districts, separated by the Batang Agam river.
It’s closer to the city of Payakumbuh, about 10 km away, compared to the capital city of Batusangkar, which is approximately 25 km away.
There’s a beautiful waterfall known as Air Terjun Tambulun nearby.
4. Nagari Batu Payuang, 50 Kota District
Nagari Batu Payuang is located in the Lareh Sago Halaban sub-district of the 50 Kota District, West Sumatra Province.
Its area covers 15.05 square kilometers, which is 3.81 percent of the total area of the Lareh Sago Halaban sub-district.
It’s about 3 kilometers from the sub-district capital and 24 kilometers from the district capital, Sarilamak.
Tourist attractions here include the popular Ngalau Batu Payuang, the Batu Payuang bathing area, and the Batu Ngalau Mining Area.
The terraced rice fields with clear river streams make this village one of the most beautiful in West Sumatra.
5. Nagari Pagadih, Agam District
Nagari Pagadih covers an area of 6,500 hectares and is situated in the Palupuh sub-district of Agam District, on the border with Koto Tinggi Nagari in the Gunung Omeh sub-district of Limapuluh Kota District, West Sumatra.
Nagari Pagadih is one of the more isolated villages in Indonesia, located deep in the interior.
 It lacks proper road infrastructure and communication networks, resulting in limited transportation and communication access.
When traveling from Padang City, it takes approximately 3 to 4 hours by land to reach Pasaman Regency.
Nagari Pagadih offers a remote and tranquil environment, with strong ties to its natural surroundings.
The temperature here can drop to 18 degrees Celsius, providing fresh and cool air.
The village’s homogenous population has maintained its traditional customs, which continue to endure.
6. Sungai Nyalo Village, Painan Distric
If you’re planning to visit West Sumatra, don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore one of its most beautiful villages, Sungai Nyalo in Painan.
This village boasts breathtaking natural beauty, with attractions like Bukit Mandeh, offering views of island-like rock formations, and Carocak Beach, which retains its natural and serene charm.
Foreign tourists affectionately call it the “Paradise of the South” due to its pristine, clean, and unique appeal, which tends to attract more international travelers than local ones.
To reach Sungai Nyalo, head to the Koto XI Tarusan sub-district in Pesisir Selatan District, West Sumatra.
Beyond its natural beauty, Sungai Nyalo Village is known for its strong sense of community and mutual cooperation.
Development here is a collective effort, earning it recognition as one of the fastest-developing villages, acknowledged by the Ministry of Villages in Sungai Nyalo.
It has also received accolades as an exemplary village at the provincial level.
Don’t forget to explore the Mandeh region, known for its stunning coral reefs.
Nearby, there’s a 400-hectare mangrove forest teeming with diverse marine life.
7. Madobak Mentawai Village, Mentawai Islands
Another gem in West Sumatra is Madobak Mentawai Village. This village not only boasts stunning natural landscapes but also treasures a rich tapestry of traditional cultures, making it an enticing destination for travelers.
To reach Madobak, you’ll embark on a somewhat lengthy journey starting from Muara Siberut, taking the route via Purou-Muntei-Rokdok-Madobak-Ugai-Butui-Matotonan.
Upon arrival, you’ll encounter traditional houses known as “Uma” and witness traditional ceremonies, often led by Shamans or Sikerei.
Madobak is also famous for the Kulu Kubuk waterfall, a two-tiered cascade standing at an impressive 70 meters.
In addition to its natural beauty, Madobak Village is recognized as one of the most beautiful and culturally rich villages, diligently preserving its ancestral customs and traditions.
It even holds the distinction of having the world’s oldest traditional tattoos.
When you visit this village, you’ll be captivated by its location at the headwaters of the southern Siberut River, close to neighboring villages like Ugai.
Alongside the stunning landscapes, the tradition of Sikkerei ceremonies, filled with mysticism, will pique the curiosity of tourists.
These ceremonies are conducted during weddings, job commencements, or when someone moves into a new home.
The core purpose is to heal individuals from malevolent spirits and expel them. The shamans leading these ceremonies don colorful beaded attire and headbands.
Furthermore, the locals here use coconut and sugarcane charcoal dye to create traditional Mentawai tattoos.
This intricate process involves using pins or nails along with wooden supports and hammers. It’s quite a fascinating tradition, isn’t it?
Another unique practice to note is the communal use of wooden cooking utensils, a tradition found in several regions of Indonesia.
What’s distinctive here is that every type of dish is served in a single bowl, and family members typically eat from the same bowl at the same time.
As we conclude our exploration of these seven remarkable villages in West Sumatra, it’s clear that this region is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
From the serene terraced rice fields of Gantuang Ciri to the mystic traditions of Madobak Mentawai, West Sumatra beckons travelers to immerse themselves in its wonders.
These villages are testaments to the harmony between humanity and nature, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Indonesian culture.
So, when you plan your next adventure, consider West Sumatra and its beautiful villages for an unforgettable experience.
