Bukittinggi, Indonesia, meaning “High Mountain” in Malay, is a small town in the middle of the Minangkabau area, in West Sumatra. High up in the mountains, this little town in Indonesia, is a major tourist attraction, and people from all over the world come here to vacation. There are many wonderful and interesting things to see in the town of Bukittinggi, Indonesia, and AsiaRooms.com has made a comprehensive list of all of these.
Fort De Kock and the Museum, at Bukittinggi, Indonesia # From Fort De Kock a footbridge takes one over the main street of Bukittinggi to the Museum and the Zoo. The museum has a wonderful collection of Minangkabau art and culture put on display for tourists. The Zoo is also a place one can visit, though it is not really well-kept.
Sianok Canyon, in Bukittinggi, Indonesia # The Sianok Canyon or Ngarai Canyon covers an area of bout four kilometers southwest of the town of Bukittinggi, Indonesia. One can walk trough the canyon and climb up a small steep trial. It is quite a heavy climb, but leads to a flat green ricefield, that will lead to Kota Gadang, which is at about two hours walking distance from Bukittinggi, Indonesia.
Kota Gadang, lying about eight kilometers from Bukittinggi, Indonesia, is famous for it crafts, such as silwerware, and shawls. One can get to see the silversmiths at work with filigree or see the weaving of shawls.
Batu Sangkar, about 40 km from Bukittinggi, Indonesia, is the traditional Minangkabau village, with traditional Minangkabau buildings, structures, and architecture. The major attraction here is the palace known as Balai Janggo.
Ngalau Kamang and Ngalau Indah, two caves that lie north east of Bukittinggi, Indonesia with many stalagmites and stalactites.
Rafflesia Arnoldy Sanctuary, 16 km away from Bukittinggi, Indonesia, is a place where one can get to see the Rafflesia, which is the largest flower on earth, and is renowned for its foul smell.
Harau valley/Lembah arau, is about 45 km from Bukittinggi, Indonesia, to the north east and is a land of waterfalls, and many steep cliffs. The highest waterfall here is 110 meters high.
Lake Maninjau, about 40 km from Bukittinggi, Indonesia, is one most beautiful spots in west Sumatra. The path to the Lake is impressive in itself, with 44 hairpin bends that afford spectacular views over the lake.
Apart from these, there are a few more attractions in and around the town of Bukittinggi, Indonesia, such as –
Lobang Jepang, or the Japanese Caves - a network of underground bunkers & tunnels built by the Japanese during World War II
Jam Gadang - a large clock tower built by the Dutch in 1926.
Taman Bundo Kanduang park, has a replica of a Rumah Gadang, literally a big house, with the distinctive Minangkabau roof architecture, which is used as a museum of Minangkabau culture.
