Embark on a captivating journey through West Sumatra as we explore the enchanting landscapes, historical wonders, and delectable cuisine.

Join us on a day-long adventure that promises not just breathtaking sights but also a taste of the region’s rich culture and flavors.

Getting Around

I arranged for a car with a driver at a cost of IDR 500,000 (USD $32), which includes only the car and the driver. An additional IDR 250,000 (USD $17) is required for petrol.

The vehicle provided was a Honda City Hatchback, and the petrol expenses are expected to cover the entire day. My stay was at The ZHM Premiere in Alang Laweh.

Following a brief stop at the hotel gym on the rooftop and a refreshing shower, I indulged in a buffet breakfast before being picked up by the driver at 8 AM.

The Journey

Our destination was Bukittinggi, about 80km from Padang. The 2-hour drive passed through Minangkabau International Airport, with stops along the way.

First Stop: Proklamator Waterfall (9 AM)

Located in the Tanah Datar District, Proklamator Waterfall’s entrance is on the Padang-Bukittinggi main road, just after the iconic Lembah Anai Waterfall.

The entrance fee is IDR 10,000 (USD $0.65) per person. Expect a 20-25 minute hike through a tropical rainforest. The trail is challenging but has wooden tracks and railings for an easier climb.

After the effort, the stunning crystal blue waterfall awaits. Some visitors set up tents and relax for the day. Swimming is possible, but be cautious of slippery rocks.

Morning Tea at Bika Tapi Talago (11:30 AM)

Our next stop was Bika Tapi Talago to witness the Bika-making process. We had the chance to cook our own Bika in an open-fire kitchen, guided by the café owner.

Once cooked, we enjoyed it with a cup of Kawa Daun, a traditional drink made from the Kawa Plant.

The café is located by a lake, locally known as Talago, at the foot of Sumatra’s second-highest mountain, Gunung Marapi.

The view is spectacular, making the experience of cooking and savoring your own Bika truly memorable.

Japanese Tunnel in Bukittinggi (12:30 PM)

The Japanese Tunnel is an underground military complex in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, Indonesia.

Built by the Japanese army around 1942 for defense, it became a historical tourist attraction. Discovered in the 1950s, it opened to tourists in 1994.

A local guide will show you around, and the best part is, you don’t have to climb back up—the driver will be waiting for you at the tunnel’s end. Just go down the stairs and no worries about climbing back up.

Lunch at Los Lambuang Pasar Atas Bukittinggi (1:30 PM)

By now, you’ll be hungry for some authentic Minangkabau food, Nasi Kapau. Los Lambuang is known as the Nasi Kapau haven in West Sumatra.

Nasi Kapau is a Minangkabau specialty from Nagari Kapau, Sumatra. It’s like a traditional food court with various stalls selling Nasi Kapau.

We had ours at Nasi Kapau Ni Er, accompanied by plain iced tea to wash it all down.

Jam Gadang Tour (2:30 PM)

After lunch, we visited Bukittinggi’s landmark, Jam Gadang. Even though Padang is the capital of West Sumatra, this clock tower is a few kilometers north of Padang, in Bukittinggi.

It stands tall in the regency, a popular spot for photos. The clock tower is almost at the center of the plaza, surrounded by a mix of traditional and modern markets.

From dawn till night, it’s always bustling with people. The temperature is relatively cool, around 25 degrees Celsius, and even cooler at night and during rain.

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Afternoon Tea: Pisang Panggang Roti Gabin or Ampiang Dadiah (3:30 PM)

After exploring Jam Gadang, we continued our day with a delightful afternoon tea. We returned to the market near Jam Gadang in search of West Sumatra’s iconic dessert.

Our guide led us to a small restaurant inside the market. We enjoyed Teh Talua (Egg Yolk Tea) and Pisang Bakar Roti Gabin—a baked banana served with coconut milk and topped with plain graham crackers.

It was delicious, with the coconut milk balancing the sweetness of the baked banana. A delightful way to end the day.

The Way Back Home (4:30 PM)

The journey back home takes about 2 hours. After a day filled with activities, experiences, and food, we found ourselves dozing off on the scenic ride back.

The route passes through the Lembah Anai mountain road, offering views of a clear river on the left and monkeys on the side of the road.

What To Bring

Since the day started with a waterfall adventure, it’s advisable to wear hiking shoes and breathable clothing, as the weather can get quite humid.

Bring a change of clothes as you might sweat after the hike. Carry some cash, as it’s the most commonly used form of payment.

Don’t forget your camera to capture the memorable moments and a power bank in case you need to charge your devices.

Fortunately, we didn’t need our power bank as we could charge our devices in the car.

The day was a mix of adventure, experience, history, and food—offering a snapshot of the essentials of West Sumatra. We thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend this tour.

To book your experience, please contact the WS360 Team.