Where?
Located about 2 hours north of Padang, Bukittinggi is the hill top center of tourism in West Sumatra.
Why visit?
A cooler climate, spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, a Japanese bunker(!) and a thriving tourism industry makes Bukittinggi a must for visitors to the region. Everything you could want from jungle trekking to spa days can be arranged in this friendly little town.
How to get there?
Bukittinggi can be reached easily from Padang, with buses leaving from the Tranex Station in Ulak Karang.
Where to stay?
Bukittinggi has guesthouses and hotels to suit all budgets and traveler-types and it is certainly worth staying in the town for a night or two. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not venture out to one of the neighboring villages for a more authentic stay at a home stay?
Where next?
Aur Kuning is the place to go for buses out of Bukittinggi. It is 1 hour to Lake Maninjau, 1 hour to Payukumbuh, and 1 hour to Batusangkar.. the choice is yours! Why not rent a motorbike in Bukittinggi and make your own adventure? – Be careful though, the roads come complete with hairpin bends, the occasional goat wandering around and no pedestrian walkway; this option is better for experienced drivers.
Where to get more information?
I hope you’ve found this article helpful. Use the search bar at the top of the page to find our articles on a specific place, or alternatively peruse the rest of the site to find out about some of the other great destinations in West Sumatra. If you have any questions, leave a comment below, or send us an e-mail at westsumatratraveler@gmail.com – we look forward to hearing from you!
Jen is an English girl who found herself in Sumatra one day and never went back. A wife, mother, traveler and book worm, she has lived in Padang long enough to speak the language and unearth plenty of useful hints and tips for the weary traveler…
