Padang, the bustling capital of West Sumatra, is more than just a gateway to the Mentawai Islands or Bukittinggi.
It’s a vibrant coastal city that blends stunning natural beauty, rich Minangkabau culture, and some of the best food in Indonesia.

Whether you’re here for a few days or just passing through, Padang has plenty of surprises.

From golden beaches and heritage sites to world-famous cuisine, this Padang travel guide covers everything you need to know.

From top attractions, must-try foods, where to stay, and how to get around.

Why Visit Padang?

While often overlooked compared to Bali or Yogyakarta, Padang is a hidden gem worth exploring. Here’s why:

• Beaches & Islands – Easy access to Padang Beach, Air Manis Beach, and day trips to nearby islands.
• Food Paradise – The birthplace of Rendang (once voted the world’s best dish!) and iconic Padang cuisine.
• Minangkabau Culture – Discover unique traditions, architecture, and heritage.
• Travel Hub – Convenient transport with Minangkabau International Airport and ferry links.

If you’re planning a trip to Sumatra, Padang is the perfect starting point.

Top Things to Do in Padang

1. Relax at Padang Beach (Taplau)

• Known locally as Pantai Taplau (tapi lauik in Minang, meaning “seaside”).
• A favourite spot for sunsets in Padang, stretching from Purus to Batang Arau.
• Lined with coffee stalls and street food vendors — perfect for evening hangouts with family or friends.
• Entry is free (parking: Rp 2,000 motorbike / Rp 5,000 car).

2. Visit Air Manis Beach

• Famous for the legend of Malin Kundang — a rock formation said to be the cursed sailor.
• Wide sandy shoreline ideal for relaxing, photo-taking, or ATV rides.
• ATV rentals start from Rp 100,000/hour.
• Entrance fee: Rp 5,000 (children) / Rp 10,000 (adults).
• Parking: Rp 3,000 (motorbike) / Rp 5,000 (car).

Insider Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for cooler weather and fewer crowds.

3. Explore Padang’s Chinatown & Old Town

Padang’s Chinatown and Old Town (Kota Tua Padang) are full of character — a mix of colonial buildings, temples, and historic mosques.

Highlights include:

• Siti Nurbaya Bridge (1916) – Stunning river views, especially at night.
• Chinese Temples – 19th-century klentengs still active today.
• Muhammadan Mosque – Early 20th-century mosque with Indian-style architecture.
• Street Food & Nightlife – Affordable local eats and lively night markets.

Parking fees: Rp 2,000 (motorbike) / Rp 5,000 (car).

4. Visit the Adityawarman Museum

If you’re curious about Minangkabau heritage, the Adityawarman Museum is a must-visit.

• Built in 1977, named after a 14th-century Malayapura king.
• Housed in a traditional Rumah Gadang with its distinctive curved roof.
• Features over 10 collections: archaeology, ethnography, numismatics, fine art, and more.
• Admission: Rp 5,000 per person.
• Parking: Rp 2,000 (motorbike) / Rp 5,000 (car).

Location: Jl. Diponegoro No. 10, Padang Barat.

5. Take a Short Hike to Gunung Padang

For a mix of nature and history, hike up Gunung Padang Hill in Padang Selatan.

• Height: 80 meters above sea level (easy 15–30 min hike).
• Access: Via the Siti Nurbaya Bridge.
• Along the trail: remnants of Japanese bunkers from WWII.
• At the top: the tomb of Siti Nurbaya, heroine of a famous Minangkabau novel.
• Reward: Panoramic views of Padang city and coastline.

Best time to visit: Early morning or sunset for cooler temperatures and breathtaking views.

6. Spend a Day on the Islands: Pagang & Pasumpahan

No Padang itinerary is complete without an island-hopping adventure.

Just an hour’s drive south of the city lies Sungai Pisang, the departure point to some of the most beautiful islands in West Sumatra.

Getting There

• From Padang City to Sungai Pisang (32 km, about 1h15m) by Grab taxi: ~Rp 130,000 ($8.50).
• Customary tip for the return (driver’s empty trip): Rp 50,000 ($3.20).
• Pro tip: Pre-arrange your return pick-up with the driver since you won’t find Grab rides in Sungai Pisang.
• Alternative: Rent a car in Padang for more flexibility.

Boat Rental

• Local fishermen rent boats for island-hopping: ~Rp 600,000 (USD $39) per day.
• Explore multiple islands from morning until sunset.
• Before departure, you might catch locals performing Maelo Pukek, a traditional way of pulling nets from the sea.

Pagang Island

Located in Bungus Teluk Kabung, Pulau Pagang is a paradise for beach lovers and snorkelers.

• Powdery white sand & turquoise waters.
• Excellent snorkeling: coral reefs and colorful fish.
• Activities: swimming, fishing, camping among coconut groves and mangroves.

Pasumpahan Island

Just 20 minutes from Pagang, Pasumpahan Island is the perfect next stop.

• Clean, well-maintained, with gazebos and shady coconut trees.
• Ideal for relaxing beach walks or water sports.
• Activities: swimming, jet skiing, snorkeling, diving.
• Marine life: vibrant corals and species like Chaetodon (butterflyfish).

Best time to visit: Weekdays for a quieter, more serene experience.

Food & Culinary Highlights in Padang

Padang is world-famous for its food — rich, spicy, and unforgettable. Here are the must-tries:

Rendang – The King of Padang Cuisine

Voted “World’s Best Dish” by CNN Travel, Rendang is slow-cooked beef simmered in coconut milk and spices. Tender, fragrant, and deeply flavorful.

Where to Try Rendang in Padang

1. Rumah Makan Lamun Ombak – Jl. Khatib Sulaiman No.99.
2. Sederhana Restaurant – Jl. Rasuna Said No.81A.
3. Randang Rajo-Rajo – Jl. Raya Jondul Raya No.2.
4. Rumah Makan Silungkang – Across from Padang Train Station.
5. Rumah Makan Ampalu Raya – Jl. Jhoni Anwar No.17.

Sate Padang – Skewers with a Twist

Unlike other Indonesian satay, Sate Padang is served with a thick, spicy, yellow-red sauce made from rice flour and rich spices. Each stall has its own secret recipe.

Best Places for Sate Padang

• Sate Pono – Jati Baru, Padang Timur.
• Sate Bahagia Indah – Jl. Adinegoro, Parupuk Tabing.
• Sate Ajo Cahaya Muda – Near Basko Grand Mall.
• Sate Mega – Pasar Lubuk Buaya.
• Sate One – Jl. Adinegoro, Lubuk Buaya.
• Sate Inyiak Datuak – Jl. Dr. Sutomo, Padang Timur.
• Sate KMS – Lubuk Lintah, Kuranji.

Tip: Try sate in the evening when the stalls are busiest — a sign of freshness and flavor.

Day Trips from Padang

If you have extra days, Padang is the perfect base for exploring West Sumatra’s mountains, lakes, and culture.

Bukittinggi – Culture & Highlands (2–3 hours drive)

• Jam Gadang Clock Tower – Iconic landmark.
• Lembah Anai Waterfall – Stunning roadside stop.
• PDIKM – Minangkabau Cultural Documentation Center.
• Puncak Lawang & Kelok 44 – Scenic mountain roads with views of Lake Maninjau.
• Museum Buya Hamka – Dedicated to the great Minangkabau scholar.

Sawahlunto & Batusangkar – History & Royalty

• Silungkang Village – Famous for traditional songket weaving.
• Gudang Ransum Museum & Mbah Soero Mine – Colonial-era coal mining heritage.
• Istano Baso Pagaruyung – A stunning Minangkabau palace.

Nagari Sumpu & Puncak Gagoan – Villages & Views

• Nagari Sumpu – Traditional village with 70 authentic Rumah Gadang still standing.
• Puncak Gagoan – A breathtaking viewpoint over Lake Singkarak, accessed via a challenging but rewarding drive.

How to Get Around Padang

• Taxis & Ride-Hailing – Grab, Maxim, and Gojek are the most convenient.
• Public Transport (Angkot) – Cheap but confusing for tourists.
• Motorbike Rental – Best for nearby beaches and off-the-beaten-path spots.
• Trans Padang Bus – 6 corridors (only 3 currently operate).
  • Payment: E-wallets only (Brizzi, GoPay, Dana, LinkAja, OVO, ShopeePay).
  • Fares: Rp 1,500 (students) / Rp 3,500 (adults).
  • Operating hours: 6am–7pm.

Where to Stay in Padang

Budget: Bat & Arrow, Hotel Musafir Inn, The Sriwijaya Hotel Syariah, Hotel Hangtuah.
Mid-Range: Ibis Padang, Pangeran Beach Hotel, Whiz Prime Hotel, Favehotel.
Luxury: Hotel Santika Premiere, ZHM Premiere Hotel, Mercure Hotel.

Pro Tip: Stay near Padang Beach for sunsets or near Chinatown for nightlife and street food.

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Best Time to Visit – Dry season (April–October).
• Language – Bahasa Indonesia and Minangkabau; English limited outside hotels.
• Money – Cash is preferred, carry small notes.
• Safety – Padang is safe, but traffic can be chaotic.

Start Your West Sumatra Adventure in Padang

Padang is more than just a gateway — it’s a destination in its own right.

From legendary beaches and heritage districts to world-famous cuisine, Padang is the perfect introduction to West Sumatra.

Spend at least 2–3 days in Padang before venturing into the highlands or islands — you’ll leave with memories, flavors, and stories you won’t forget.