Indonesia
/ Sumatra / West Sumatra
West Sumatra
is composed of three regions: volcanic highlands, a long coastal
plane and a series of jungle-covered islands just offshore. Much
of the province is still wilderness; virgin jungle inhabited by
elephants, tigers, leopards and rhinos. It is the traditional
homeland of the Minangkabau, who are known far and wide through
the archipelago for their shrewd business sense, their firey-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 colorful ceremonies
and festivals. Legend has it the Minangkabau are descendants of
the youngest son of Alexander the Great, King Maharjo Dirajo.
West Sumatra’s
center of culture and tourism is Bukittinggi, nestled in the highlands
north of the provincial capital of Padang. Surrounded by high
mountains, picturesque valleys and lakes, Bukittinggi considered
by many tourists to be the most hospitable sity in all of Sumatra.
Padang’s
Tabing Airport is the main gateway to west Sumatra and is serviced
by Merpati Nusantara airline. The MV Kerinci sails every two weeks
for Jakarta from Teluk Bayur harbour. Smaller vessels from Muara
harbour sail to small towns along the entire West coast of Sumatra.
Regular bus services run between Padang, Bukittinggi and other
major cities of Sumatra, as well as via the Trans-Sumatra Highway
to Jakarta.
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