Where?
Solok lies an hour and a half drive from Padang, to the South East. Be aware that Solok covers a large area and after four hours driving you will still be in Solok Selatan (South Solok).
Why Visit?
For outstanding natural beauty, as well as a wide range of activities, Solok is hard to beat. Lakes, mountains, tea fields and rice terraces, Solok has it all. Not to mention hot water springs and fresh strawberries, plus ‘Seribu Rumah Gadang’; 100 traditional Minangkabau houses – what’s not to love?
Fun fact; the city of Solok is known as ‘Kota Beras’ or, the Rice City. The rice from Solok is famous for its quality, so good in fact, there’s a song about it.
How to get there?
Local transport from Padang is available at Indah Rung, and takes about an hour and a half to arrive.
Where to stay?
Why not rent a small villa by the side of Singkarak lake and enjoy some time in beautiful surroundings, relaxing with the friendly local fishermen, or stay in one of the many home stays and guesthouses in central Solok for easy access to mount Talang.
Where next?
Interested in adventure? Kerinci in neighboring Jambi province is the place to go. Home to Sumatra’s largest national park, and encompassing numerous mountains and lakes, including the impressive Kerinci Mountain – the highest peak in Western Indonesia, Kerinci guarantees a trip to remember. For nature lovers Kerinci is of particular note as it is home to a population of Sumatran Rhino, Tigers, Elephants…
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…
