Author: Simon Henry
If you are looking for a cheap and fun activity in Padang, West Sumatra, try basianyuik at Lubuk Minturun. This simple river activity costs just IDR 5,000 for a tube and lets you spend as much time as you like floating down the river. In Minangkabau, basianyuik means going with the flow of the river. The activity becomes even more fun when you use a large inner tube from a car or truck, locally known as a benen. You sit on the tube, let the current carry you downstream, then walk back up the river and do it all over…
Looking for somewhere to enjoy a few beers, dance to live music and meet fellow travellers in Padang? Bat & Arrow offers a different side of the city, combining a riverside bar, Western-style food, accommodation and an open-air nightlife scene in one distinctive venue. Located in the historic Batang Arau area, Bat & Arrow occupies an older building with plenty of character. Its spacious, open-air setting beside the river attracts a mixed crowd of local residents, international visitors and backpackers. While you can stop by for pizza and a casual drink, Saturday nights are when the venue really comes alive.…
Padang is famous for its rich culinary heritage, particularly Minangkabau cuisine, celebrated for its aromatic spices, bold flavours and traditional cooking techniques. From rendang to gulai, West Sumatra has a food culture that is deeply rooted in tradition. Today, however, there are new ways to experience these familiar flavours. Penny Dining and Bar brings a contemporary approach to Indonesian dining. Combining the distinctive flavours of West Sumatra with modern presentation, a stylish interior and a lively social atmosphere. Located at Jalan Batang Harau No. 88, Berok Nipah, Padang, Penny offers a dining experience that celebrates local culinary traditions while embracing…
The Minangkabau people of West Sumatra are the world’s largest matrilineal society. Family lineage is traditionally traced through the mother, ancestral property is connected to the female line, and children belong to their mother’s suku, or clan. At the same time, Minangkabau society is deeply rooted in Islam. How, then, does a matrilineal society reconcile its ancestral customs with its Islamic faith? A well-known Minangkabau principle provides the answer: Adat basandi syarak, syarak basandi Kitabullah. In simple terms, it means that adat, or customary law and tradition, is based on Islamic principles, while Islamic principles are grounded in the Quran.…
For many visitors, Friday may seem like an ordinary weekday. In West Sumatra. However, Friday has a unique rhythm that shapes everything from business hours and traffic patterns to community life and daily routines. Understanding what happens on Fridays can help travellers make better plans, avoid unexpected delays, and gain a deeper appreciation of Minangkabau culture. West Sumatra is one of Indonesia’s most observant Muslim provinces. Islam plays a central role in everyday life, and nowhere is this more visible than on Friday, the most important congregational day of the week for Muslim men. While the province does not come…
Pristine beaches, island-hopping adventures, fresh seafood, dramatic coastal viewpoints, and laid-back seaside charm. While many visitors to West Sumatra head straight to Bukittinggi, Padang, or Harau Valley, those who venture south to Pesisir Selatan discover a completely different side of the province. Here, emerald mountains tumble into turquoise bays, fishing villages line the coastline, and offshore islands dot some of the most spectacular seascapes in Indonesia. Based around Painan, the capital of Pesisir Selatan Regency, this itinerary combines the region’s natural beauty, local cuisine, and coastal culture into one unforgettable day. Where to Stay: Langkisau Resort Hotel & Restaurant Located…
Silungkang Oso Village is one of Sawahlunto’s lesser-known destinations, but it offers a combination of natural beauty, adventure, and local culture that makes it well worth visiting. Located among the hills west of Silungkang Duo, the village provides a peaceful atmosphere far removed from busy city life. The surrounding region has long been known for its cultural traditions, including Songket Silungkang weaving, which has been recognised as an Indonesian Intangible Cultural Heritage. Traditional livelihoods, community cooperation, and local festivals continue to play an important role in preserving the identity of the area. For nature lovers, Silungkang Oso is particularly appealing…
When people think of Minangkabau International Airport (Bandara Internasional Minangkabau/BIM), many assume it is located in Padang City, the capital of West Sumatra. Surprisingly, that is not true. Here are some fascinating facts about one of Indonesia’s most unique airports. 1. The Airport Is Not Located in Padang City One of the biggest misconceptions about Minangkabau International Airport is its location. Although it serves Padang and is commonly associated with the city, the airport is actually located in Katapiang, Batang Anai District, Padang Pariaman Regency (Kabupaten Padang Pariaman). The airport is approximately 23 kilometres north of Padang City and falls…
Hidden jungle trails, remote waterfalls, traditional Minangkabau food, and scenic countryside drives. Most visitors to Lima Puluh Kota head straight to Harau Valley and Kelok Sembilan. While both are spectacular, those looking for a more adventurous day should venture deeper into the regency to discover Lubuk Bulan Waterfall, one of the region’s lesser-known natural attractions. Tucked away in the hills of Lima Puluh Kota, Lubuk Bulan rewards travellers with pristine rainforest scenery, fresh mountain air, and a peaceful atmosphere that feels a world away from the crowds. This itinerary is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone wanting to experience a…
If you’re looking for an authentic local experience in Padang, skip sleeping in on Sunday morning and head straight to Car Free Day (CFD). Every Sunday from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM, some of the city’s busiest streets are transformed into a vibrant public space filled with joggers, cyclists, families, food vendors, community groups, and small businesses. More than just a road closure, Padang’s Car Free Day has become one of the most popular weekly events in West Sumatra. Attracting thousands of residents and visitors who gather to exercise, socialise, and enjoy the city’s lively atmosphere. Whether you’re a tourist…