Where?
Padang is the capital of West Sumatra, it is also the largest city on the west coast of Sumatra.
Why Visit?
Don’t let the size of Padang put you off! Yes, it’s large, but life here is so far removed from places like Medan and Jakarta that, most of the time, you won’t know that you’re even in a city. Padang has beaches, beautiful islands just off the coast, the remains of a Dutch fort to explore, but most importantly, Padang has wonderful people to get to know during your stay.
How to get there?
Arriving by plane will land you in the Minangkabau International Airport, about a 30minute drive from the city center. Taxis and ojeks are available; we would recommend getting a ‘bluebird’ taxi as they are metered and will charge you a fair price.
There is now a train station at the airport which will take you quickly and easily into the city. We strongly recommend downloading the GoJek application for your smartphone; it works in the same way as Uber, but is much more popular in West Sumatra and particularly Padang City. GoJek drivers are not currently allowed in the airport, however once in the city it is definitely the easiest way to get around.
Where to stay?
There is something to suit every budget and requirement in Padang, we would, of course, recommend our own Padang Homestay for couples/ small families, however there are a number of alternatives available for all budgets and styles.
Where next?
Padang is a wonderful hub for exploring the region, with everything from jungle trekking (trips from Bukittinggi) and mountain climbing, to island hopping and diving within easy reach.
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…
