Padang

Lake Maninjau

A large crater lake, Lake Maninjau offers a great place to relax and experience the rural lifestyle and culture of Padang. A romantic getaway for couples, you should surely visit this place for the view of the sunset.

Pagaruyung Palace

A three-storeyed building with a unique style of architecture, the Pagaruyung Palace is completely made of wood and houses some ancient antiques and costumes and is revered by the Minangkabau culture. The Palace has been renovated multiple times to maintain its charm after it was damaged in a fire.

Anai Valley

Started during the period of the Dutch, the Ana Valley is one of the top tourist destinations, located between Padang and Bukkitingi. The valley is located on the main route and hence not easy to miss! you can sit on the rocks near the waterfall and enjoy the beauty of it. Weekends are usually crowded, so make sure to plan accordingly and go.

Mentawai Islands

One of the most isolated places in Indonesia, the Mentawai islands are inhabited by the Mentawai tribe, who have very little contact with the outside world. Subjected to outside influences only from the 20th century, the people here still abide by their traditions and have a strong spiritual relationship with the forests. Immerse yourself in the tropical rainforests, away from the chaotic city life and experience in the traditions of the native tribes.

Air Manis Beach

A favourite tourist site, Air Manis beach offers an ecstatic view of Mount Padang. The beach has a historical significance attached to it; there is a replica of a boat and a man, who is considered to be Malin Kundang. Legend has it that the man was turned to stone by his mother after he failed to acknowledge his mother once he became rich. The beach is serene and a good place to relax.

Museum Adityawarman

This iconic museum in Padang has to be explored by everybody who visits Padang as it stores the rich history and heritage of the Mianang culture. A major attraction here are the "Rumah Gandang", which are basically the traditional community houses of the Minangkabau tribe. These houses have now been converted into museums for people to get a glimpse of the native life. There are fascinating artefacts and antiques along with the traditional costumes and accessories of the people. It is popular among the tourists for its architecture and the displays that are available in the museum.

Chinatown

Although Chinatown is a small part of the city of Padang, it is quite famous for the presence of a Chinese temple, which proves the presence of Chinese settlers in the past. You will also find many places to eat in this clean and organised part of the city.

Bung Hatta Nature Reserve

A tropical paradise for anybody who loves to spend time in lush greenery, the Bung Hatta Nature Reserve houses some rare and exotic plants. The most unique plant you'll find here is the giant flower called Rafflesia Arnolldi, which is considered to be the biggest flower in the whole world. It's a rare wonder as the flower takes 10 months to mature but blooms only for 15 days in a year, generally between July and September. Apart from this, you're sure to find plants and flowers here that you won't find in any other part of the world.

Ganting Grand Mosque

A predominant Sunni mosque, the Ganting Grand Mosque was constructed in 1805, making this one of the oldest mosques in Indonesia. What's so unique about the building is that involved many people from different cultural and religious backgrounds in its construction. The mosque was severely damaged in the earthquakes that took place in 2005 and 2009 but portrays a European neoclassic style of architecture and is a famous tourist spot in Padang. Other places you should visit are Pamutusan Island, Pulau Pagang and Pasumpahan Island.