10 Must-Visit Tourist Destinations in West Sumatra

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Explore the best tourist attractions in West Sumatra, from the serene Singkarak Lake to the challenging Kelok Sembilan Bridge, perfect for a holiday full of adventure and natural beauty.

West Sumatra, with its extraordinary natural and cultural richness, offers a variety of captivating tourist destinations. From calming lakes to towering mountains, West Sumatra offers an extraordinary natural panorama.

Each tourist spot here has its own charm, combining natural beauty with rich local history and culture. Here are the 10 best tourist destinations in West Sumatra that you must visit.

1. Lake Singkarak

Lake Singkarak is located between Padang Panjang and Solok City and is the largest lake in West Sumatra, with an area of 107.8 km².

This lake is not only known for its large size, but also for its enchanting beauty. Surrounded by green mountains, Lake Singkarak offers the perfect tranquility for your vacation.

Around the lake, you can enjoy various activities, from boating on the clear water to renting water bikes. One of the things that makes Lake Singkarak unique is the presence of Bilih fish, a species that can only be found in this lake and cannot live anywhere else.

Among the Things to do in Padang, visiting Lake Singkarak is perfect for nature lovers and educational tourism enthusiasts.

2. Sweet Water Beach

Air Manis Beach is famous for the legend of Malin Kundang who turned to stone after being disobedient to his mother. This beach offers stunning natural charm, with golden brown sand and calm waves, perfect for swimming or just relaxing.

Apart from enjoying the beauty of the beach, you can also visit Batu Malin Kundang which is a symbol of the folk tale. The beach is surrounded by Pisang Kecil and Pisang Besar islands that can be explored by boat.

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Around the beach, you can buy fresh fish sold by local fishermen, making this a perfect place to enjoy a family vacation.

3. Clock Tower

Jam Gadang is the main icon of the city of Bukittinggi, West Sumatra. This clock tower has been standing for more than 90 years and still maintains its original shape.

Jam Gadang is located in the city center, surrounded by a lush garden, making it the perfect place to relax while enjoying the city view.

Jam Gadang was built in 1926 with the help of the Queen of the Netherlands who gave the clockwork as a gift to the Secretary of Bukittinggi City at that time.

Now, this clock tower is one of the most popular places to take pictures and witness the beauty of Bukittinggi city. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this historical landmark when visiting West Sumatra.

4. Pagaruyung Palace

Istano Basa Pagaruyung, located in Tanah Datar, is the remaining glory of the legendary Pagaruyung Kingdom.

The palace building that exists today is not the original building, but rather a reconstruction after the original palace burned down. Despite this, this palace still exudes the grandeur and beauty of Minangkabau architecture.

During your visit, you can rent traditional Minangkabau clothing and learn more about the history of the Pagaruyung Kingdom which once triumphed in West Sumatra. Istano Basa Pagaruyung offers an in-depth experience of the very rich Minang culture.

5. Harau Valley

Harau Valley is one of the most amazing natural tourist attractions in West Sumatra. Located about 100 km from Minangkabau Airport, Harau Valley is surrounded by high cliffs that form a spectacular natural panorama.

The atmosphere here is very calm and soothing, making it a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Harau Valley is also known for its local culture and history which is still very strong. You can learn about the traditions of the local people, who are very friendly to visitors.

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For those who like challenges, you can try rock climbing which has a height of more than 50 meters in this valley.

6. The Great Wall of Saok

Ngungun Saok is one of the hidden tourist destinations located in Lubuk Minturun, Padang. The beauty of this area is similar to a painting, with clear water, majestic rocks, fresh air, and waterfalls that add to the natural impression.

Ngungun Saok is an ideal place for nature lovers who seek peace and tranquility away from the crowds.

Its location in the middle of the forest and mountains makes the journey to Ngungun Saok quite challenging, but the views are so enchanting, making it worth the effort to get there.

7. Devil’s Island

Devil’s Island, whose name may sound scary, offers extraordinary natural beauty. This uninhabited island is surrounded by clear blue sea and lush green hills. The waves around this island are relatively small, so it is very safe for swimming.

In addition to swimming, you can do other activities such as going around the island by boat. Devil Island is the perfect tourist destination for those looking for tranquility and natural beauty.

8. Shadow Root Bridge

Bayang Root Bridge is a unique bridge that connects two areas in Nagari Puluik-puluik, Pesisir Selatan. This bridge is formed from the roots of a banyan tree that have grown and intertwined with each other, forming a natural bridge that stretches more than 15 meters.

Besides enjoying the unique view of the bridge, you can also enjoy the beauty of the calm flow of the Batang Bayang River. For the adventurous, you can try jumping from the bridge to swim in the river which is 2-3 meters deep.

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9. Japanese Hole

The Japanese Hole in Bukittinggi is a historical site that was once used as a shelter by Japanese soldiers during World War II. This tunnel stretches 9 km with the main entrance at Panorama Park.

While visiting the Japanese Hole, you can walk through small corridors that were once used for meetings, ambushes, and ammunition storage.

Japanese Hole is an interesting tourist destination for those who want to know more about Indonesian history, especially during the Japanese colonial period.

10. Nine Bends Bridge

Kelok Sembilan Bridge is one of the tourist attractions that offers spectacular views in West Sumatra. Located about 30 km east of Payakumbuh City, this bridge connects Riau and West Sumatra, with a curved and very sharp road shape.

The bridge stretches over 300 metres and is situated between two hills, overlooking two beautiful nature reserves.

Kelok Sembilan Bridge is now more beautiful thanks to various developments carried out around it. This bridge is not only interesting to look at, but also a challenge for drivers who pass through it.

West Sumatra offers a variety of very interesting tourist destinations, both for those who love natural beauty and those interested in history and culture.

From stunning natural charms such as Lake Singkarak and Harau Valley, to historical sites such as Lubang Jepang and Jam Gadang, West Sumatra is a must-visit place for an adventurous and peaceful vacation.

Additionally, exploring Tourist Attractions in Palembang can offer a rich cultural and historical experience to complement your trip.

With its natural beauty, rich culture, and the friendliness of its local people, West Sumatra is one of the best tourist destinations that should be included in your travel list.