Padang, the capital city of West Sumatra, Indonesia, is more than just a gateway, it’s a destination worth exploring.

Whether you’re passing through on your way to the Mentawai Islands or visiting for business with limited time to spare, this vibrant coastal city has plenty to offer in just one day.

Your journey begins at Minangkabau International Airport, located about 23 km from Padang city centre.

Getting into town is easy with several transport options available: arrange an airport pick-up through your hotel, take the airport train followed by a taxi, hop into a reliable Blue Bird taxi with a meter, or use an online ride-hailing app like Maxim, Grab, or Gojek.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the most of 24 hours in Padang.

From where to stay, what to eat, to the best places to explore, so you can enjoy a rich slice of West Sumatran nature, even in a short visit.

Where to Stay: Santika Premiere Hotel Padang

For a comfortable and centrally located stay, Santika Premiere Hotel Padang is a top choice.

Situated right in the heart of the city and only about 1.4 km from the shores of the Indian Ocean, this 4-star hotel offers easy access to the iconic Padang Beach and many other attractions.

One of the most convenient features is the airport shuttle service, which takes the hassle out of arranging transportation to and from Minangkabau International Airport.

The hotel offers a wide range of facilities, including a fitness center, free private parking, and a spacious terrace where guests can relax.

From Santika Premiere, it’s just a 2.2 km ride to Padang Beach, and only 3.3 km to the historic Siti Nurbaya Bridge, making it an ideal base for sightseeing.

With its friendly service, strategic location, and complete facilities, Santika Premiere Hotel Padang is the perfect place to rest, recharge, and enjoy your 24 hours in Padang.

Make sure your room includes breakfast, their buffet breakfast is one of the best!

It offers a wide range of food options, from Western dishes to traditional Indonesian cuisine you rarely find elsewhere, as some of it is typically reserved for special occasions.

To book Hotel Santika Premiere, click here.

Morning Activity: Hike to Gunung Padang (Siti Nurbaya Hill)

Start your day with an invigorating morning hike to one of Padang’s most iconic viewpoints, Gunung Padang, also known as Siti Nurbaya Hill.

Lace up your most comfortable sneakers or running shoes and get ready for a scenic adventure.

Located approximately 3.5 to 4 kilometers from Hotel Santika Premiere Padang, the walk from the hotel typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

Depending on your pace and chosen route, followed by an additional 20 minutes for the uphill hike to the summit.

The journey winds through city streets and gradually leads uphill, rewarding you with sweeping views of Padang city and the coastline.

To reach the trailhead, you’ll need to cross the Siti Nurbaya Bridge, a local landmark in its own right.

From there, follow the path up to the hilltop where you’ll find panoramic vistas perfect for photos and reflection.

Entrance to Gunung Padang is IDR 10,000 per person, payable at the gate. Both cash and QRIS (digital payment) options are accepted for convenience.

Be sure to bring a bottle of water and wear breathable clothing, especially if you’re hiking during the warmer part of the morning.

The mix of urban charm, natural beauty, and cultural significance makes this walk a perfect way to begin your 24-hour Padang experience.

Afternoon Lunch: Warung Komar 9

After this walk/morning hike, for sure your will build an appetite for some delicious Padang Food.

On your way back to your hotel, you can stop at Warung Komar 9, located Jl. Koto Marapak No.9, Olo, Kec. Padang Barat, Kota Padang.

This local gem specialises in made-to-order Padang dishes, ensuring every plate is freshly prepared.

Unlike the typical Padang restaurants where you’re charged only for what you touch or eat from the table of pre-plated dishes.

Warung Komar 9 charges based on what you order, so be mindful to order only what you can finish.

But no worries if your eyes are bigger than your stomach, they’ll gladly pack up any leftovers for takeaway.

A must-try dish here is their crispy fried free-range chicken (ayam kampung), paired perfectly with jengkol balado, a spicy, flavorful local favorite.

To cool down and refresh your palate, don’t miss their fresh cucumber drink, light, hydrating, and absolutely revitalising.

Afternoon Activity: Buggy Ride at Pantai Air Manis

After a satisfying lunch, head over to Pantai Air Manis for an exhilarating buggy ride adventure along the beach.

The drive from Warung Komar 9 to Pantai Air Manis is about 7.6 kilometers, typically taking around 18 minutes, depending on traffic.

The route passes through Jalan Siti Nurbaya, offering picturesque views of Padang’s hills and coastline, making the journey just as scenic as the destination itself.

Once you arrive, you can enjoy a thrilling one-hour buggy ride for IDR 100,000. Be sure to stick to this price, as there are plenty of providers available, and they should not charge more.

During the ride, you’ll cruise along the beach from one end to the other. If the tide is low, you can even drive out to Pulau Pisang Kecil.

Along the way, stop by one of the small warungs for a refreshing coconut drink or try a bowl of Langkitang Cucuik, a local delicacy that will add to your experience.

Also Read Why West Sumatra is the Perfect Retirement Destination for Foreigners

Sunset at Marawa Beach Club

The distance between Pantai Air Manis and Marawa Beach Club is approximately 1.5 to 2 kilometers, depending on your starting point along the beach.

Walking this distance typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your pace and the specific route you take.

When walking from Pantai Air Manis to Marawa Beach Club, you can choose between taking the scenic coastal route or going via the main road.

Walking along the coast offers a peaceful and visually rewarding experience, with beautiful ocean views, a fresh sea breeze, and a tranquil atmosphere free from traffic.

It’s a unique and memorable way to enjoy the journey, especially during low tide, when the beach is more accessible.

However, the terrain can be uneven or sandy, and the path is not well-marked, so it may not be ideal for everyone.

On the other hand, walking via the main road provides a more reliable and straightforward route that is always accessible, regardless of the tide.

The paved surfaces make for easier walking, and the path is easier to navigate.

However, it’s less scenic and may expose you to more traffic and midday heat, with little shade along the way.

Upon arrival at Marawa Beach Club, you’ll find a modern beachfront venue that combines local Minangkabau architectural elements with contemporary design.

It’s an ideal spot to relax, enjoy a meal or a drink, swim and take in the stunning sunset views over the ocean.

If you don’t have a reservation, you can simply wait for the host to assist you and pay the minimum spend fee at the reception.

For just IDR 100,000 (approximately $7 USD) per person, you’ll gain access to the beach club.

Without a doubt, Marawa Beach Club is one of the most affordable beach clubs in the world, offering world-class facilities and stunning ocean views.

Every Sunday from 5 PM, you can enjoy a live DJ set, while on weekends, there are live performances by local bands, creating the perfect atmosphere to unwind by the sea.

Dinner at Sate Icap

The distance between Marawa Beach Club and Sate Icap, located near GOR Haji Agus Salim in Padang, is approximately 10 to 11 kilometres by road.

Travel time can vary based on traffic conditions, but it typically takes around 25 to 30 minutes by car or motorbike.

Sate Icap offers a uniquely delicious twist on the classic Padang satay. Unlike most satay vendors, the flavour here leans toward a sweet profile with a subtle spicy aftertaste that lingers pleasantly.

The sauce is rich, flavourful, and consistently excellent, no surprise, since Sate Icap has been a local favourite for decades.

For just IDR 30,000, you can enjoy a generous portion of this beloved dish.

For the ultimate experience, don’t forget to add their crispy spicy cassava chips right into the satay sauce.

Pro tip: order an extra plate of sauce just for your chips. The satisfying crunch of the cassava paired with the sweet and spicy sauce takes the dish to an entirely new level.

Conclusion

Spending 24 hours in Padang is more than just a layover, it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the rich culture, vibrant flavours, and natural beauty of West Sumatra’s capital.

From a sunrise hike at Gunung Padang to cruising the sands of Pantai Air Manis, enjoying sunset vibes at Marawa Beach Club, and ending the night with sweet-and-spicy skewers at Sate Icap, every hour offers a new and memorable experience.

Whether you’re enroute to the Mentawai Islands or squeezing in a quick business trip, this itinerary proves that even a short stay in Padang can be deeply rewarding.

Take your time, savour each moment, and let this coastal city surprise you, one delicious bite and breathtaking view at a time.