"The volcanic heart of Sumatra" Top 5 Page for this destination Bukittinggi by dabuwan

Bukittinggi Travel Guide: 117 reviews and 262 photos

Bukittinggi is a pleasant hill town located in central Sumatra, a few kms from the Equator.
It stands at an elevation of almost 1000 mt and it is surrounded by three volcanos; the highest of them, Mount Merapi (2891 mt) is still active and it is possible to hike all the way to the top.
Bukittinggi is a fairly recent town, dating back to the Dutch colonial era at the beginning of the 19th century. But the surrounding areas have very old and strong traditions; it is home of the Minangkabau people, with their typical horned roof houses, arts, etc.. The Minangkabau are one of the few matrilineal societies in the world: heritage and property are a female matter.

Last visit to Bukittinggi: May 1994
Intro Updated Feb 24, 2003
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Reviews (18)

Farms Off The Beaten Path (3)

The economy of all the villages around Bukittinggi is based on agriculture. In some of the largest farms they also... more travel advice

Mount Merapi: sulphurous openings Things to Do (8)

On the top of Mount Merapi, amidst the lunar lava landscapes, there are many small openings blowing out hot sulphurous... more travel advice

Views from top of Mount Merapi - Bukittinggi

Mount Merapi: views from top Things to Do (8)

Peaking at almost 2900 mt above sea level, Mount Merapi overlooks the whole Bukittinggi area. Views from the top are... more travel advice

Mount Merapi crater (1) Things to Do (8)

Mount Merapi (Gunung Merapi, same name as the famous volcano in Java)) is one of the three volcanos around Bukittinggi... more travel advice

Favorites (3)
See All Mount Merapi volcano.
Local Customs (3)
See All Carrying goods on the head

Sports & Outdoors (1)
Rafting through the jungle
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Comments (14)

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sachara Nov 24, 2007 at 1:04 AM

This looks like a very interesting area. Great info and pics. Thanks for sharing. I never visited the western part of Indonesia.
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Jim_Eliason Oct 1, 2007 at 6:18 AM

great page!
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bpacker Dec 21, 2005 at 6:54 PM

Omigawd Davide, this is really an adventure! Thanks for sharing your volcanic trek. Yup, Bintang Beer rocks!
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shane_02 Mar 31, 2004 at 1:56 PM

What a great experience you have!!! I've been to Bukittinggi and nearby areas but never the Gunung Merapi. Will try it one day.
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globetrott Nov 18, 2003 at 3:52 PM

an interesting location and great pics ! That king's palace looks great !
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Confucius May 5, 2003 at 11:45 PM

I like equator crossing points. I hope to do it here at Bonjol or perhaps near Pontianak. Bukkitinggi looks like a good destination if I choose the Sumatra equator instead of Borneo.
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daddygila Apr 30, 2003 at 5:29 PM

Bukittinggi was one of my favorite towns in Indonesia. Great job !!!
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Drphoto Apr 9, 2003 at 3:20 AM

Wow , that Bukittttingggggi place is really interesting ! Well done !
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Madasabull Mar 16, 2003 at 1:17 AM

What an amazing landscape. I love volcanic scenes. Great page.
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ExGuyParis Mar 14, 2003 at 4:01 AM

Extremely interesting page on a place that seems like another world.