The Minangkabau people live in the province of West Sumatra, Indonesia. They are gifted with a unique culture that sets them apart from any other people in the world. A traditional Minangkabau style roof
When you travel throughout the land of the Minangkabau, you see various traditional Minangkabau houses which have the shape of a buffalo's horns. Similarly, Minangkabau-style hats also have this shape of the buffalo's horns. There is a legend about the origin of the Minangkabau which explains this interesting traditional style.
According to legend, once there was a disagreement between the Minangkabau people and the Javanese. Rather than involve themselves in a war, however, which would cause much needless bloodshed, the two peoples agreed upon having a fight between their buffalos. The Javanese had a huge, strong buffalo, fierce, and powerful. On the other hand, the Minangkabau people had a small calf. The Javanese were confident that their huge, powerful buffalo would easily defeat this tiny calf. How could a tiny calf beat a huge, ferocious buffalo? What the Minangkabau did was they took the calf away from its mother, and did not feed it any milk for a several days before the big fight. Just before the fight, they attached sharp, iron knives to the tip of their calf's horns. As the buffalo and the tiny calf were let into the ring, the calf, starving of milk, saw the buffalo, and thought it was its mother. Hurriedly, the calf went to the underside of the buffalo, looking for milk. As it did so, the sharp knives on the calf's horns pierced the under-belly of the huge buffalo. The huge buffalo was killed, and the Minangkabau won the war. This is how the Minangkabau got their name, according to legend, for "minang" means "victory," and "kabau" means "caribou" or "water buffalo" in the Minangkabau language. This is also the source of those buffalo's horn-shaped rooves and hats of the Minangkabau people. Because of stories such as this, the Minangkabau people are known for their cleverness. The story also symbolizes the strength of the more nurturing system of the Minangkabau culture, represented by the calf looking for its mother's milk, which is able to defeat a more brutish system which on the outside appears strong, represented by the buffalo.
Perhaps the best known fact about the Minangkabau is their matrilineal cultural tradition. The Minangkabau are, In fact, the world's largest matrilineal group. In this tradition, the family name is not passed down from the father to his children, as it is in most cultures. Instead, the family name is inherited from the mother. Furthermore, inheritance continues through the generations from mother to daughter. This is especially true of the ancestral home, which remains the property of the Minangkabau women. Due to their matrilineal culture, Minangkabau women play an important role in the leadership and decision-making process of the traditional village government.
Another interesting aspect of Minangkabau culture is the religion of Islam. The traditional way of inheritance in Islam is from the father to both sons and daughters. The Minangkabau tradition of inheritance therefore clashes with the general Islamic understanding regarding inheritance. The Minangkabau have solved this problem by finding a middle ground between the traditional Minangkabau inheritance system, and the one prescribed by Islam. In this system, some items (such as the ancestral home) are passed down from mother to her daughters, while other items follow the traditional Islamic method of inheritance. The family name continues to be passed from the mother to both her daughters and sons. In this way, the Minangkabau have managed to keep their culture, and yet continue to be known throughout Indonesia as strong Muslims.
Within Indonesia, the Minangkabau people are well-known to be good businessmen. This comes partly from Minangkabau culture. In Minangkabau culture, a young man has to leave his house to seek his fortune. Thus, young Minangkabau men are, according to traditional customs, put in a "make or break" situation, they have to succeed or they cannot support themselves. Once they succeed in their business, these Minangkabau men send money home back to their families and usually return to their village to live in their wife's house or bring their wife to their home away from home. This is one of the reasons why, throughout Indonesia and even now some parts of the rest of the world, you can find traditional Padang-style Minangkabau restaurants, serving food in a Minangkabau style. You will also find the many Minangkabau as both small and large merchants all over Indonesia.
The Minangkabau have a fascinating history and culture. Why not visit West Sumatra and sample Minangkabau hospitality for yourself?
Bukit Tinggi - West Sumatra Travel Guides
Bukittinggi (Indonesian for "high hill") is one of the larger cities in West Sumatra, Indonesia, with a population of over 91,000 people and an area of 25.24 km². It is situated in the Minangkabau highlands, 90 km by road from the West Sumatran capital city of Padang. It is located at 0°18′20″S, 100°22′9″E, near the volcanoes Mount Singgalang (inactive) and Mount Marapi (still active). At 930 m above sea level, the city has a cool climate with temperatures between 16.1°-24.9°C.The city was known as Fort de Kock during colonial times in reference to the Dutch outpost established here in 1825 during the Padri War. The fort was founded by Captain Bauer at the top of Jirek hill and later named after the then Lieutenant Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies, Hendrik Merkus de Kock. The first road connecting the region with the west coast was built between 1833 and 1841 via the Anai Gorge, easing troop movements, cutting the costs of transportation and providing an economic stimulus for the agricultural economy. In 1856 a teacher-training college (Kweekschool) was founded in the city, the first in Sumatra, as part of a policy to provide educational opportunities to the indigenous population. A rail line connecting the city with Payakumbuh and Padang was constructed between 1891 and 1894.
During the Japanese occupation of Indonesia in World War II, the city was the headquarters for the Japanese 25th Army, the force which occupied Sumatra. The headquarters was moved to the city in April 1943 from Singapore, and remained until the Japanese surrender in August 1945.
During the Indonesian National Revolution, the city was the headquarters for the Emergency Government of the Republic of Indonesia (PDRI) from December 19, 1948 to July 13, 1949. During the second 'Police Action' Dutch forces invaded and occupied the city on December 22, 1948, having earlier bombed it in preparation. The city was surrendered to Republican officials in December 1949 after the Dutch government recognized Indonesian sovereignty.
The city was officially renamed Bukittinggi in 1949, replacing its colonial name. From 1950 until 1957, Bukittinggi was the capital city of a province called Central Sumatra, which encompassed West Sumatra, Riau and Jambi. In February 1958, during a revolt in Sumatra against the Indonesian government, rebels proclaimed the Revolutionary Government of the Republic of Indonesia (PRRI) in Bukittinggi. The Indonesian government had recaptured the town by May the same year.
Place to Visit:
It is a city popular with tourists due to the climate and central location. Attractions within the city include:
* Ngarai Sianok (Sianok Canyon)
* Lobang Jepang (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.
* Pasar Atas and Pasar Bawah markets
* Taman Bundo Kanduang park. The park includes a replica Rumah Gadang (literally: big house, with the distinctive Minangkabau roof architecture) used as a museum of Minangkabau culture, and a zoo. The Dutch hilltop outpost Fort de Kock is connected to the zoo by the Limpapeh pedestrian overpass. Notable nearby destinations include Lake Maninjau and the Harau Valley.
During the Indonesian National Revolution, the city was the headquarters for the Emergency Government of the Republic of Indonesia (PDRI) from December 19, 1948 to July 13, 1949. During the second 'Police Action' Dutch forces invaded and occupied the city on December 22, 1948, having earlier bombed it in preparation. The city was surrendered to Republican officials in December 1949 after the Dutch government recognized Indonesian sovereignty.
The city was officially renamed Bukittinggi in 1949, replacing its colonial name. From 1950 until 1957, Bukittinggi was the capital city of a province called Central Sumatra, which encompassed West Sumatra, Riau and Jambi. In February 1958, during a revolt in Sumatra against the Indonesian government, rebels proclaimed the Revolutionary Government of the Republic of Indonesia (PRRI) in Bukittinggi. The Indonesian government had recaptured the town by May the same year.
Place to Visit:
It is a city popular with tourists due to the climate and central location. Attractions within the city include:
* Ngarai Sianok (Sianok Canyon)
* Lobang Jepang (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.
* Pasar Atas and Pasar Bawah markets
* Taman Bundo Kanduang park. The park includes a replica Rumah Gadang (literally: big house, with the distinctive Minangkabau roof architecture) used as a museum of Minangkabau culture, and a zoo. The Dutch hilltop outpost Fort de Kock is connected to the zoo by the Limpapeh pedestrian overpass. Notable nearby destinations include Lake Maninjau and the Harau Valley.
PLACE TO STAY IN BUKIT TINGGI
01. Novotel Bukit Tinggi Resort
02. Royal Denai Hotel
Jl. Dr.A. Rivai No. 26 Bukittinggi 2610
Ph: (0752) 32920
03. Pusako Hotel
Jl. Sukarno Hatta No.7, Bukittinggi
Ph: (0752) 22111
04. Beteng Hotel Ph: (0752) 21115
05. Marmay Hotel Jl. Kesehatan Ph: (0752) 23342
06. Hotel Bagindo Jl. Sudirman 45 Ph: (0752) 23100
07. The Singgalong Hotel Ph: (0752) 21576
08. Hotel Tropic Ph: (0752) 23207
09. Merdeka Homestay (0752) 21253
Jl. Dr.A. Rivai No. 26 Bukittinggi 2610
Ph: (0752) 32920
03. Pusako Hotel
Jl. Sukarno Hatta No.7, Bukittinggi
Ph: (0752) 22111
04. Beteng Hotel Ph: (0752) 21115
05. Marmay Hotel Jl. Kesehatan Ph: (0752) 23342
06. Hotel Bagindo Jl. Sudirman 45 Ph: (0752) 23100
07. The Singgalong Hotel Ph: (0752) 21576
08. Hotel Tropic Ph: (0752) 23207
09. Merdeka Homestay (0752) 21253
Lake Meninjau - West Sumatra Travel Guides
Lake Maninjau (Indonesian: Danau Maninjau, Meninjau means Overlook or Observation ) is a caldera lake in West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is located 16 km to the west of Bukittinggi, at [show location on an interactive map] 0°19′S, 100°12′E.Formation
The Maninjau caldera was formed by a volcanic eruption estimated to have occurred around 52,000 years ago. Deposits from the eruption have been found in a radial distribution around Maninjau extending up to 50 km to the east, 75 km to the southeast, and west to the present coastline. The deposits are estimated to be distributed over 8500 km² and have a volume of 220–250 km³.[2] The caldera has a length of 20 km and a width of 8 km
The lake
Lake Maninjau has an area of 99.5 km², being approximately 16 km long and 7 km wide. The average depth is 105 m, with a maximum depth of 165 m. The natural outlet for excess water is the Antokan river, located on the west side of the lake. It is the only lake in Sumatra which has a natural outlet to the west coast. Since 1983 this water has been used to generate hydroelectric power for West Sumatra.
Most of the people who live around Lake Maninjau are ethnically Minangkabau. Villages on the shores of the lake include Maninjau and Bayur.
Maninjau is a notable tourist destination in the region due to its scenic beauty and mild climate. It is also used as a site for paragliding.
Local agriculture
The lake is used for aquaculture, using karamba floating net cages. The technique was introduced in 1992, and by 1997 there were over 2,000 cage units with over 600 households engaged. Each cage may have 3-4 production cycles each year. There is evidence of pollution around some karamba area.
On the edge of the lake, the landuse includes rice fields in the swamps and the lower slopes. The villages are bordered uphill by a large belt of forestlike tree gardens, which dissolves into the upper montane forest on the steepest parts of the slopes up to the ridge of the caldera.
The tree gardens include three typical components:
* Fruit trees including durian, jack fruit, cempedak, rambutan, langsat, golden berries and water apples.
* Timber species including Toona sinensis and Pterospermum javanicum.
* Spice trees including cinnamon, coffee, nutmeg and cardamum.
Despite the hair-raising entrance, Lake Maninjau is a place to relax, away from the hassles of everyday travel. Days are bright and sunny and evenings cool with little to distract you from the important task of doing nothing. In the morning the still water so perfectly reflects the sky and surrounding crater that it is easy to think the lake is naught but a mirror and not a terrifying 400 meters deep
The lake and mountains are open invitations to swim, canoe, walk, hike, cycle, jog, explore the local villages, markets and local flora and fauna, or just relax generally while you enjoy the scenery, climate, friendly locals and the beautiful sunsets.Lake Maninjau is a beautiful, 18 km x 18 km x 460 m deep, clear, fresh water crater lake, surrounded by tree covered mountains, and encircled by a 66 km road.
There are some small hot springs in the area. Although set some 471 m above sea level, with air temperatures averaging 27°C, the water in the lake is commonly about 30°C.
Mentawai Islands - West Sumatra Travel Guides
The Mentawai Islands are a chain of about seventy islands and islets off the western coast of Sumatra in Indonesia. Siberut (4,030 km²) is the largest of the islands. The other major islands are Sipura, North Pagai (Pagai Utara) and South Pagai (Pagai Selatan). The islands lie approximately 150 km off the Sumatran coast, across the Mentawai Strait. The indigenous inhabitants of the islands are known as the Mentawai people. The Mentawai Islands have become a noted destination for surfing.History
Following the Pleistocene glaciation, the Mentawai Islands were separated once more from the Sumatran mainland by rising sea levels. The Mentawai people are estimated to have arrived on the islands somewhere between 2000 and 500 BCE, migrating from the north through Siberut and then moving south to Sipora and the Pagai islands. Their Austronesian language, their customs and habits of life indicated as early as Crisp's report an origin that was distinct from the nearby coast of Sumatra.
The Portuguese were aware of the islands early in the 17th century: a map dated 1606 shows Siberut as "Mintaon". In August 1792 John Crisp, an employee of the British East India Company, visited the Pagai ("Poggy") islands at his own expense to study the Mentawai people. His account was published in 1799,[1] providing the first details of the Mentawai people in western literature. The Mentawai Islands officially became part of the Dutch East Indies on 10 July 1864, not having been subject to the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824. In 1901 the German Royal Missionary Society established a presence on the south coast of North Pagai island at the invitation of the Dutch colonial authorities. The first missionary was murdered, and it wasn't until 1915 that the first person was converted, with the program then being extended to other islands.
After Indonesian independence, Catholic Italian missionaries established a presence in the islands. Post-independence government policies relocated the indigenous population into villages, in contrast to their traditional dispersed house groups (uma), with the aim of promoting "development". Cultural tourism started to develop in the late 1980s, and when in the mid-1990s world-class waves were discovered by some Australian surfers, surfing tourism started to develop.
The island of Siberut was extensively logged from the 1970s after the government granted logging permits for most of the island. In 1993, the logging concessions were revoked and about half the island was declared a national park. In 2001 logging recommenced after a new logging permit was granted for an area of 500 km².
Administration
The Mentawai Islands have been administered as a regency within the West Sumatra (Sumatera Barat) province since 1999. The regency seat is Tua Pejat, located on the island of Sipura. Padang, the capital of the province, lies on the Sumatran mainland opposite Siberut. The regency is divided in four subdistricts (kecamatan): Pagai Utara Selatan, Sipora, Siberut Selatan, and Siberut Utara.
Ecology
The islands have been separated from Sumatra since the mid-Pleistocene period, which has allowed at least twenty endemic species to develop amongst its flora and fauna. This includes four endemic primates: the Mentawai or Kloss Gibbon (Hylobates klossii), Mentawai Macaque (Macaca pagensis), Mentawai leaf-monkey (Presbytis potenziani), and snub-nosed monkey (Simias concolor). Some areas of the Mentawai Islands rain forest ecoregion are protected, such as the Siberut National Park.
Geology
That the Mentawai Islands lie on an active and powerful earthquake zone lining the south side of Sumatra island, capable of producing tsunami was brought home at the time of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake.
The Mentawai have one of the earth’s most fascinating and best-preserved indigenous cultures. Tragically, it is perilously close to being extinguished by the unchecked tidal wave of Indonesia’s modernization. Our photographs and essays will draw you into the daily lives of these shamans and hunters. See the price they are paying for their government-initiated relocation into poorly planned and built villages, their prospects for the future and how Native Planet aids them in cultural preservation and self-empowerment.
The Mentawai Islands Rain Forests [IM0127] have had a long geographic isolation that has resulted in numerous endemic mammal species, including four primates. There are seventeen endemic mammal species (39 percent), which on a per-unit area ranks it with Madagascar in endemic mammal species, notably primates. Of the four endemic primate species, these forests have the world's only exclusively monogamous leaf-monkey, the Mentawai leaf-monkey.
The Mentawai Islands Rain Forests [IM0127] have had a long geographic isolation that has resulted in numerous endemic mammal species, including four primates. There are seventeen endemic mammal species (39 percent), which on a per-unit area ranks it with Madagascar in endemic mammal species, notably primates. Of the four endemic primate species, these forests have the world's only exclusively monogamous leaf-monkey, the Mentawai leaf-monkey.
Location and General Description
This ecoregion covers the moist forests of Mentawai Islands and Enganno Island, off the west coast of central Sumatra, Indonesia. Approximately 70 million years ago, the Indian subcontinent collided with the Asian landmass, forming the Himalayas. An associated thrust formed Sumatra's Barisan Mountains, and as the Barisan Range buckled upward, it formed a deep water channel to the west of Sumatra. During this time the islands of Simeulue and Enggano were formed. The Mentawai Islands separated from the Sumatran mainland via the Batu Islands more than half a million years ago. The rainfall on these islands is approximately 4,500 mm/year (Whitten et al. 2000). Based on the Köppen climate zone system, this ecoregion falls in the tropical wet climate zone (National Geographic Society 1999).
Mentawai Surfing Information - West Sumatra Travel Guides
MENTAWAI SURFING INFORMATION
The Mentawai Islands lie roughly 100 km off of the west coast of Sumatra in Indonesia. They consist of 4 main islands with many smaller islands scattered throughout. From north to south, the main islands are Siberut, Sipora, North Pagi, and South Pagi. These islands block most swells from reaching the mainland on Sumatra, but they offer some of the most perfect surf in the world. Access to the islands is by sea only with regular ferries to the main trading ports, but by far the best way to access the surf is by charter boat.
The Mentawais is the ultimate surf trip. The Mentawais are located some 130 km off the west coast of West Sumatra and the island chain offers some of the best surf to be found anywhere in the world
Selecting your surf charter boat may frankly be the most important decision you make while planning your Mentawais trip. The quality and maintenance of the vessel, the charter operation at large, and the experience of the captain and crew will make or break your trip. Wavehunters offers 9 surf charter boats in the Mentawais. We have opted to work with these vessels because each of these boats in our experience offers a competitive or tactical edge over other Mentawais vessels. Each of these vessels and their crews have logged a minimum of 3-10 years experience in the Mentawais islands. Each of these boats and/or their skippers and crews have a positive track record for a minimum of 3-10 seasons which speaks for itself.
When to go:
The Mentawais receive large swells between the months of May and October with waves ranging up to (and over) fifteen feet. When the swells are large there is often the opportunity to surf smaller breaks. There are swells year round and always good waves to be found for all skill levels, from pro to amateur. There is also good fishing, diving, and trekking
The best spots:
There are four large Mentawai islands and many smaller islands scattered throughout. The most northerly is Siberut which contains an amazing area of world class in a five mile radius. Also to the North there are the Tellos Islands and the island of Nias.
Immediately to the south is Sipora which is home to world famous waves such as Telescopes and HT's. A little way to the south are North and South Pagai. Home to Maccaroni's, Thunder's, and many more world class spots you've never even heard of.
Indonesia is one of the most consistent surf destinations in the world. The Mentawai islands block most swells from reaching the mainland on Sumatra, but they offer some of the most perfect surf in the world. Access to the islands is by sea only with regular ferries to the main trading ports, but by far the best way to access the surf is by charter boat.
The Mentawais is the ultimate surf trip. The Mentawais are located some 130 km off the west coast of West Sumatra and the island chain offers some of the best surf to be found anywhere in the world
Selecting your surf charter boat may frankly be the most important decision you make while planning your Mentawais trip. The quality and maintenance of the vessel, the charter operation at large, and the experience of the captain and crew will make or break your trip. Wavehunters offers 9 surf charter boats in the Mentawais. We have opted to work with these vessels because each of these boats in our experience offers a competitive or tactical edge over other Mentawais vessels. Each of these vessels and their crews have logged a minimum of 3-10 years experience in the Mentawais islands. Each of these boats and/or their skippers and crews have a positive track record for a minimum of 3-10 seasons which speaks for itself.
When to go:
The Mentawais receive large swells between the months of May and October with waves ranging up to (and over) fifteen feet. When the swells are large there is often the opportunity to surf smaller breaks. There are swells year round and always good waves to be found for all skill levels, from pro to amateur. There is also good fishing, diving, and trekking
The best spots:
There are four large Mentawai islands and many smaller islands scattered throughout. The most northerly is Siberut which contains an amazing area of world class in a five mile radius. Also to the North there are the Tellos Islands and the island of Nias.
Immediately to the south is Sipora which is home to world famous waves such as Telescopes and HT's. A little way to the south are North and South Pagai. Home to Maccaroni's, Thunder's, and many more world class spots you've never even heard of.
Indonesia is one of the most consistent surf destinations in the world. The Mentawai islands block most swells from reaching the mainland on Sumatra, but they offer some of the most perfect surf in the world. Access to the islands is by sea only with regular ferries to the main trading ports, but by far the best way to access the surf is by charter boat.
Mount Kerinci Trekking - West Sumatra Travel Guides
MOUNT KERINCI MOUNTAIN TREK - PADANG WEST SUMATRA
Explore the Sumatra's largest national parks the Kerinci Seblat National Park, the home to rhinos, tigers, elephants, bears and orangutan. We will trekking up the highest peak in western Indonesia and the highest volcano in South East Asia Mt. Kerinci (3,805 m above sea level), while enjoying the magnificent scenery. The Lake Kerinci, the highest altitude volcanic lake in Indonesia, is perfect place to watch the bird life: hornbills, banded-broadbills and drongos, and many more …
Bukit Tinggi Highland is centre of the colourful cultures of the Minangkabau, the indigenous people of West Sumatr, nestled in the highlands north of the provincial capital of Padang at about 930 m above sea level.
WEST SUMATRA
Also known as the Land of Minang, or Minagkabau, is an intensely green natural tapestry of rolling hills and tall forest clad volcanoes, dotted by lakes, rice field and villages nestled peacefully against the foothills. The province’s virgin natural beauty and the serenity of its landscape seldom fail to impress visitors and their penchant for travelling and settling elsewhere. The mountains, lakes, islands, beaches, flora and fauna all are just waiting to be explored.
It is the traditional home land of the Minangkabau, who are known far and wide through the archipelago for they're shrewd business sense, their fiery-hot dishes and ancient matriarchal customs. The women own property and the men leave home to seek their fame and fortune.
Travelling is considered a mark of success and West Sumatrans and their Minang or Padang restaurants are found in all major towns across the nation. The people are hospitable and eloquent, with a poetic style of speech. West Sumatran days are filled with colourful ceremonies and festivals. Legend has it the Minagkabau are descendants of the youngest son of Alexander the Great, King Maharjo Dirajo. West Sumatra's centre of culture and tourism is Bukittinggi, nestled in the highlands north of the provincial capital of Padang. Surrounded by high mountains, picturesque valley and lakes, Bukittinggi is considered by many tourists to be the most hospitable city in all of Sumatra.
KERINCI SEBLAT NATIONAL PARK
Located in the 4 provinces of Sumatra island: West Sumatra, Jambi, Bengkulu and South Sumatra province, the park consist of 1,484, 650 hectares. Started as a game reserve for the protection of the Sumatran endemic mammals such as Sumateran tigers (Panthera tigris sumatrensis), Sumateran Rhinos (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) etc. and was upgraded to a National Park in 1982. It is the only protected area in South East Asia, which is located in the high land. The park also functioned as an important hidro-orologis for the area surroundings with large rookeries that provide breeding grounds for a wide population of mammals.
THE SUMMIT OF Mt. KERINCI (3,805 m asl): The highest active volcano in South East Asia, reachable by 12 hours trekking up the mountain from Kersik Tuo (Day 1 starting in the early morning to the last camp (3,100 m asl) in 8 hours; Day 2 continue hike up for 4 hours to the summit -- total 12 hours).
Explore the Sumatra's largest national parks the Kerinci Seblat National Park, the home to rhinos, tigers, elephants, bears and orangutan. We will trekking up the highest peak in western Indonesia and the highest volcano in South East Asia Mt. Kerinci (3,805 m above sea level), while enjoying the magnificent scenery. The Lake Kerinci, the highest altitude volcanic lake in Indonesia, is perfect place to watch the bird life: hornbills, banded-broadbills and drongos, and many more …
Bukit Tinggi Highland is centre of the colourful cultures of the Minangkabau, the indigenous people of West Sumatr, nestled in the highlands north of the provincial capital of Padang at about 930 m above sea level.
WEST SUMATRA
Also known as the Land of Minang, or Minagkabau, is an intensely green natural tapestry of rolling hills and tall forest clad volcanoes, dotted by lakes, rice field and villages nestled peacefully against the foothills. The province’s virgin natural beauty and the serenity of its landscape seldom fail to impress visitors and their penchant for travelling and settling elsewhere. The mountains, lakes, islands, beaches, flora and fauna all are just waiting to be explored.
It is the traditional home land of the Minangkabau, who are known far and wide through the archipelago for they're shrewd business sense, their fiery-hot dishes and ancient matriarchal customs. The women own property and the men leave home to seek their fame and fortune.
Travelling is considered a mark of success and West Sumatrans and their Minang or Padang restaurants are found in all major towns across the nation. The people are hospitable and eloquent, with a poetic style of speech. West Sumatran days are filled with colourful ceremonies and festivals. Legend has it the Minagkabau are descendants of the youngest son of Alexander the Great, King Maharjo Dirajo. West Sumatra's centre of culture and tourism is Bukittinggi, nestled in the highlands north of the provincial capital of Padang. Surrounded by high mountains, picturesque valley and lakes, Bukittinggi is considered by many tourists to be the most hospitable city in all of Sumatra.
KERINCI SEBLAT NATIONAL PARK
Located in the 4 provinces of Sumatra island: West Sumatra, Jambi, Bengkulu and South Sumatra province, the park consist of 1,484, 650 hectares. Started as a game reserve for the protection of the Sumatran endemic mammals such as Sumateran tigers (Panthera tigris sumatrensis), Sumateran Rhinos (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) etc. and was upgraded to a National Park in 1982. It is the only protected area in South East Asia, which is located in the high land. The park also functioned as an important hidro-orologis for the area surroundings with large rookeries that provide breeding grounds for a wide population of mammals.
THE SUMMIT OF Mt. KERINCI (3,805 m asl): The highest active volcano in South East Asia, reachable by 12 hours trekking up the mountain from Kersik Tuo (Day 1 starting in the early morning to the last camp (3,100 m asl) in 8 hours; Day 2 continue hike up for 4 hours to the summit -- total 12 hours).
MT. KERINCI VOLCANO TREKKING
05 DAYS / 04 NIGHTS
05 DAYS / 04 NIGHTS
DAY 01: PADANG – KERSIK TUO VILLAGE
Upon arrival at Padang airport, our guide met you then transfer by bus/minivan for about 6-7 hours drive to Kersik Tuo village at 1.425 m above sea level. En route sightseeing and stop for refreshment and lunch at local restaurant. Dinner and overnight in Kersik Tuo home stay, local guest house with very simple facilities. Packing up and last preparation. Go to bed earlier for an early start tomorrow!
Upon arrival at Padang airport, our guide met you then transfer by bus/minivan for about 6-7 hours drive to Kersik Tuo village at 1.425 m above sea level. En route sightseeing and stop for refreshment and lunch at local restaurant. Dinner and overnight in Kersik Tuo home stay, local guest house with very simple facilities. Packing up and last preparation. Go to bed earlier for an early start tomorrow!
(L, D).
DAY 02: KRESIK TUO VILLAGE – BASE CAMP MOUNT KERINCI (3.100 m)
Early morning after breakfast, walk about 2 hours or by local transportation (ox-cart) to the Kerinci Seblat National Park Entrance Gate. Continue by 4-5 hours trekking to base camp (shelter) at 3.100 M asl. Dinner will be prepared by our cooks and overnight in tent (B, L, D).
DAY 03: SUMMIT of MOUNT KERINCI – KERSIK TUO VILLAGE – PADANG
Early morning wake up! A cup of hot coffee or tea then we start to climb the summit of Mount Kerinci (3,805 M). Reach the summit while sun is rising, taking photograph and some rest then descend down base camp for breakfast. Return to Kresik Tuo Village. After lunch, by bus/minivan we are heading Padang, overnight at Natur Muara, a 3 star centrally located hotel (B, L)
DAY 04: BUKITTINGGI
Full day tours of the Minangkabau Highland, the hill town of Bukittinggi features the visits of: Pandai Sikat Village, where the traditional hand weaving and wood carving process can be seen, Sianok Canyon, Fort de Kock, Museum Putri Bungsu for the Minangkabau historical and cultural exhibits and the colorful traditional market of Bukittinggi that is crammed with stalls of fruit and vegetable, clothing and crafts. Return to Padang for overnight at hotel (B, L).
DAY 05: PADANG OUT
Morning after breakfast, time is free. At the appropriate time, we transfer you to the airport for your flight to your next destination (B).
PRICE : Rp. 3.600.000/PERSON MIN 02 PERSON
DAY 02: KRESIK TUO VILLAGE – BASE CAMP MOUNT KERINCI (3.100 m)
Early morning after breakfast, walk about 2 hours or by local transportation (ox-cart) to the Kerinci Seblat National Park Entrance Gate. Continue by 4-5 hours trekking to base camp (shelter) at 3.100 M asl. Dinner will be prepared by our cooks and overnight in tent (B, L, D).
DAY 03: SUMMIT of MOUNT KERINCI – KERSIK TUO VILLAGE – PADANG
Early morning wake up! A cup of hot coffee or tea then we start to climb the summit of Mount Kerinci (3,805 M). Reach the summit while sun is rising, taking photograph and some rest then descend down base camp for breakfast. Return to Kresik Tuo Village. After lunch, by bus/minivan we are heading Padang, overnight at Natur Muara, a 3 star centrally located hotel (B, L)
DAY 04: BUKITTINGGI
Full day tours of the Minangkabau Highland, the hill town of Bukittinggi features the visits of: Pandai Sikat Village, where the traditional hand weaving and wood carving process can be seen, Sianok Canyon, Fort de Kock, Museum Putri Bungsu for the Minangkabau historical and cultural exhibits and the colorful traditional market of Bukittinggi that is crammed with stalls of fruit and vegetable, clothing and crafts. Return to Padang for overnight at hotel (B, L).
DAY 05: PADANG OUT
Morning after breakfast, time is free. At the appropriate time, we transfer you to the airport for your flight to your next destination (B).
PRICE : Rp. 3.600.000/PERSON MIN 02 PERSON
INCLUDED:
* Airport transfers
* Private land transportation (Air-conditioned Car/Bus)
* Accommodations as per the itinerary
* Camping gear (Sharing Dome Tent & Kitchen Equipment) for Mt. Kerinci Trekking
* Meals as per the itinerary (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner)
* Tours & Services as per the itinerary
* Permits and Donations
* English speaking guide
EXCLUDED:
Flights, Travel insurance, Extra meals, Alcoholic beverages and mini bar at Hotel, Laundry and other personal expenses, Optional Tours, Tips and Any expenses due to flight delay or cancellation.
WHAT TO BRING:
Good and comfortable trekking shoes, Comfortable suits and T - Shirt, Sandals/slippers, Warm cloth, Rain coats, Day pack, Flash light, Binocular, Camera, Personal medicine and first aid kit and other personal things.
Important: Before you travel please check your Tour Voucher and Arrival Information for the latest joining instructions. This will be sent to you upon receipt of final payment. All itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.
* Airport transfers
* Private land transportation (Air-conditioned Car/Bus)
* Accommodations as per the itinerary
* Camping gear (Sharing Dome Tent & Kitchen Equipment) for Mt. Kerinci Trekking
* Meals as per the itinerary (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner)
* Tours & Services as per the itinerary
* Permits and Donations
* English speaking guide
EXCLUDED:
Flights, Travel insurance, Extra meals, Alcoholic beverages and mini bar at Hotel, Laundry and other personal expenses, Optional Tours, Tips and Any expenses due to flight delay or cancellation.
WHAT TO BRING:
Good and comfortable trekking shoes, Comfortable suits and T - Shirt, Sandals/slippers, Warm cloth, Rain coats, Day pack, Flash light, Binocular, Camera, Personal medicine and first aid kit and other personal things.
Important: Before you travel please check your Tour Voucher and Arrival Information for the latest joining instructions. This will be sent to you upon receipt of final payment. All itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.