Some Of The Interesting Place In West Sumatra

 INDONESIA HIGHLIGHT EXPLORING WEST SUMATRA

JAM GADANG

The landmark of Bukittinggi is the clock tower, its own Big Ben. It is called Jam Gadang (Big Clock in the local language of the Minangkabau people). The Dutch queen gave it as a present to the city (at that time still called Fort de Kock, after the fortress in the centre of the city) in 1926. It was constructed by the Dutch, but the design is local. The Minangkabau changed the roof several times over the years.

Inside the tower is a staircase with 86 steps. Every hour the clock strikes. Funny is the IV that is written as IIII. By the way, the clockwork is German.

ANAI RESORT & GOLF COURSE

Design by the world renowned golf course architects Thomson, Coleridge and Parrott, the Anai Resort & Golf Course is offering a unique setting and a challenging but equally entertaining round of golf for golfers of all levels. The course is set within virgin forest flanking the fairway of its course, creating a spectacular backdrop and a stunning golfing sensation. The Anai Resort & Golf Course is   approximately 45 minutes from the hotel.

This golf package includes green and caddy fee for 18 holes and lunch at the golf resort. Transportation is optional. On Monday the Anai Golf Course is closed.

WILD WATER RAFTING

West Sumatra is the scene of some splendid rivers and guaranteed rafting-fun for everyone. Rafting on the Ombilin river, sprouting from Lake Singkarak, is ideal for beginners and families and is combined with a visit to Balimbing, a village with some centuries' old traditional houses. For the Batang Anai river Valley and  Sri Antokan Rapids downstream of Lake Maninjau you need some experience and be able to swim. The Ombilin river is save for everyone.

This tour includes air conditioned transport, a guide, lunch box and entrance fees. Experinced guides and professional gear is used during this adventure.

MINAGKABAU HIGHLANDS

The Highlands around Bukittinggi are home to the Minangkabau people, the world's largest matrilineal society. Discover their traditional way of live and cultural heritage and enjoy the natural beauty of the Merapi volcano and lake Singkarak.This most scienic through the countryside includes visits to the rebuilt former king's palace in Pagaruyung, Balimbing village with some centuries' old traditional houses and handicraft village Pandai Sikek.

This tour includes air conditioned transport, a guide and entrance fees. Lunch can be enjoyed in local restaurant. (not included)

SIANOK CANYON DISCOVERY

The Sianok Canyon is a landmark of Suatra. Best views are from nearby Panorama Park, where you can also enter the famous Japanese tunnels. A small trail crosses the limestone gorge and leads to Koto Gadang, famous for its filigrain silver work some colonial houses. Nearby, thousands of flying foxes can often be seen near the edge of the impressive canyon. A longer tour is possible starting north of Bukittinggi, leading through the canyon.

The standard tour takes only half day, but a full day tour is also available. This tour includes guide, entrance fees, tranfer and lunch box fr fulll day tour.

CRATER LAKE MANINJAU

The crater lake of Manijau is one of Sumatra's jewels and Puncak Lawang, the highest point of the crater rim., offers the most spectacular views. The steep, forested crater walls and terraced rice paddies are reflected in the lake's blue water. The trip to the lake's shore is following a road with 44 hair pins with as many different views. Alternatively, you can also walk down, passing through forest, plantations and rice paddies. The lake is inviting for refreshing swim.

This tour included air conditioned transports guide and entrance fees. Lunch can be enjoyed in a restaurant at  the lake. (not included)

JUNGLE HIKE

Sumatra is known for its rain forests and a  unique flora and fauna. One of the more accessible places to experience the wonderd of real jungles is in the small nature reserve of Palupuh. Although wild life is rare, the diversity of flora is unique. The reserve is also known as Rafflesia, the world's largest flower, is often blooming here. Rain forest is usually not an easy terrain, but this jungle trek will be adjusted to personal wishes and condition.

This tour takes only half day and includes air conditioned transport, guide and entrance fees. A general good condition, good shoes anf long pants are necessary for this tour.

RICE PADDY HIKE

The scenery around Bukittinggi is dominated by small villages, terraced rice paddies, plantations and volcanoes. A walk through this scenery is an ideal way to experience the rural life of the local people and enjoy the beauty their highlands. For this walk a good health is all you need. A lunch box will be provided for a picnic on the way. Before ret urning Bukittinggi a stop can be made in handicraft village Pandai Sikek, famous for its wood carving and weaving (Songket).

This tour includes air conditioned transports, a guide, lunch box and entrance fees. Wednesday and Saturday traditional bull fights might be attended