Discover the best tourist attractions in West Sumatra, perfect for a holiday full of adventure and natural beauty.
West Sumatra, located on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia, is one of the provinces rich in natural beauty, history, and culture.
With a variety of stunning tourist destinations, both calming natural charm and historical sites rich in stories, West Sumatra is a very interesting place to explore.
From stunning lakes to historic bridges, here are the 10 best tourist destinations in West Sumatra that you should not miss.
1. Lake Singkarak
Lake Singkarak, located between Padang Panjang and Solok, is the largest lake in West Sumatra with an area of about 107.8 km².
Surrounded by green hills, the lake offers extraordinary tranquility, making it an ideal place to rest and enjoy the beauty of nature. You can enjoy boating activities or rent a water bike to explore this lake.
Lake Singkarak is also famous for its 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 a must for nature lovers and those interested in educational tourism. It is an interesting destination to learn and enjoy the beauty of nature that is still pristine.
2. Sweet Water Beach
Air Manis Beach is not only known for its beauty, but also for its connection to the legend of Malin Kundang.
It is said that Malin Kundang, who was disobedient to his mother, was cursed to become a rock on this beach. This beach offers golden brown sand and calm waves, making it a perfect place to swim or relax.
Apart from enjoying the beauty of the beach, you can visit Batu Malin Kundang which is a symbol of the folk tale. The nearby Pisang Kecil and Pisang Besar islands can be reached by boat, offering stunning natural views.
3. Clock Tower
Jam Gadang is an icon of Bukittinggi and one of the most famous landmarks in West Sumatra. Built in 1926, Jam Gadang has a long history and is a symbol of the city.
Located in the center of Bukittinggi, the clock tower is surrounded by lush gardens, making it a perfect place to relax while enjoying the city view.
Jam Gadang is a must-see photo spot when visiting Bukittinggi. The tower has maintained its original design despite standing for over 90 years, and serves as a link between the city’s history and modern life.
4. Pagaruyung Palace
Istano Basa Pagaruyung is a legacy of the glory of the Pagaruyung Kingdom located in Tanah Datar. Even though the palace building that exists now is not the original building, because the original one burned down, this palace still exudes the splendor and typical Minangkabau architecture.
When visiting here, you can rent traditional Minangkabau clothes and learn more about the history of the Pagaruyung Kingdom. Istano Basa Pagaruyung provides an opportunity to experience and understand the Minang culture which is rich in tradition and noble values.
5. Harau Valley
Harau Valley is one of the most stunning natural tourist destinations in West Sumatra. Located about 100 km from Minangkabau Airport, this valley is surrounded by high cliffs overlooking a lush green valley.
Its tranquil atmosphere and spectacular views make it a great place to relax or indulge in a variety of outdoor activities.
Harau Valley is also known for its strong local culture, where the local people warmly welcome visitors. You can also try rock climbing on one of the many towering cliffs in this valley.
6. The Great Wall of Saok
Ngungun Saok is a somewhat hidden tourist spot located in Lubuk Minturun, Padang. The beauty of this place is almost like a painting, with crystal clear water, large rocks, waterfalls, and refreshing fresh air.
Ngungun Saok is the perfect place for those looking for tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Access to Ngungun Saok is indeed a bit challenging because it is located in the mountains, but the journey will be paid off with stunning natural scenery. If you are a true nature lover, Ngungun Saok is a place you must visit.
7. Devil’s Island
Devil’s Island is an uninhabited island located off the coast of West Sumatra. Despite its scary sounding name, this island offers extraordinary natural views. Surrounded by clear blue sea and green hills, Devil’s Island is the perfect place for swimming or touring by boat.
The waves around this island are quite calm, making it very suitable for swimming activities or just enjoying the peaceful natural atmosphere. Devil’s Island is an ideal tourist destination for those seeking tranquility and unspoiled natural beauty.
8. Shadow Root Bridge
Bayang Root Bridge is a natural bridge located in Nagari Puluik-puluik, Pesisir Selatan. This bridge is formed from the roots of a banyan tree that intertwine with each other, forming a bridge that extends more than 15 meters. Its uniqueness makes this bridge an interesting tourist spot and is rarely found elsewhere.
Besides enjoying the beauty of this root bridge, you can also enjoy the view of the calm Batang Bayang River. Adventurers often even jump from the bridge to swim in the deep river, making the experience even more exciting.
9. Japanese Hole
The Japanese Hole in Bukittinggi is a historical site which is a former shelter tunnel built by the Japanese army during World War II. The tunnel stretches 9 km and has various passages used for various purposes, such as ammunition storage and prisons.
Visiting the Japanese Hole will take you back in time to learn about the history of Indonesia during the Japanese occupation. You can walk through a tunnel full of stories, while feeling the historical atmosphere that is still thick there.
10. Nine Bends Bridge
Kelok Sembilan Bridge is one of the iconic tourist destinations in West Sumatra. This bridge connects Riau and West Sumatra, and is famous for its winding and sharp road shape.
Located about 30 km east of Payakumbuh City, this bridge stretches more than 300 meters and is situated between two green hills.
Kelok Sembilan Bridge offers spectacular views that are perfect for a photo backdrop. This bridge is also a challenge for drivers who pass through this winding route. Besides enjoying the beauty of the bridge, you can also enjoy the stunning natural scenery around it.
West Sumatra is a place that offers a variety of tourism experiences, be it natural charm, culture, or impressive history. From the calming Singkarak Lake to the challenging Kelok Sembilan Bridge, West Sumatra has many places ready to pamper tourists.
While exploring, don’t miss out on the Tourist Attractions in Palembang, which offer a mix of history, culture, and culinary delights.
A vacation to West Sumatra will provide an experience that will not only amaze your eyes but also enrich your insight into the richness of nature and culture in Indonesia. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the natural beauty and rich history of West Sumatra!
