Padang Things to Do Tips by khal2zu Top 5 Page for this destination

Malin Kundang

While in Padang, you may want visit a beach Pantai Air Manis, about half an hours drive from the city centre. There are probably better beaches elsewhere in Indonesia despite facing the Indian Ocean. Thats not what you are there for though.
Look out for a piece of stone in the shape of a human in a kneeling position with the head touching the ground as if asking for pardon. Legend has it that this young man - Malin Kundang was cursed by the mother and was turned into a stone while on board a ship trying to sail away from his original homeland. I leave you to judge the authencity of it all.
Just want to caution you that as you get nearer the beach, you may be stopped and asked to pay an 'entrance fee'. Our local guide did the negotiation and paid a certain sum before we were allowed through.

Address: Pantai Air Manis

Directions: Half an hour to 40 mins drive from the city centre

Anai Valley

On the way down from Bukittinggi, stop at Anai Valley at the site of a waterfall. Not exactly a sight to behold but a place to stretch your legs perhaps.

Address: Anai Valley

Directions: Main road from Bukittinggi to Padang

Lake Maninjau

Catch the breathtaking view of Lake Maninjau from Embun Pagi (Morning Dew). Embun Pagi is about one and a half hours drive from Bukit Tinggi and is about 700m above the lake such that it gives you a fantastic view of the lake below.
If you want to get down to the lake from here, be prepared to go through a winding road with 44 hairpins.
If you are at Embun Pagi in the mornings or evenings, be prepared for strong winds...

Address: Embun Pagi

Directions: One and half hours away from Bukit Tinggi up and down hilly roads.

Istana Pagaruyung

Bt Tinggi is like a staging point for you to visit surrounding areas and travel is usually by roads which are usually narrow and winding (not recommended for self drive). The view can be breathtaking at times with sceneries of terraced rice fields. Go to Pagaruyung to where the Palace (Istana Pagaruyung) is located. This is a replica of the original palace which was burnt down by the Dutch Colonial masters then. If you want you can also try on the royal attire for a fee and get yourself photographed.

Address: Jl St Alam Bagagarshar, Pagaruyung

Directions: about an hour and half drive from Bt Tinggi to Pagaruyung

Bendi

Ride around town on a horse cart for between Rp 30k - 50k. Start and end at the town square otherwise known as Jam Gadang (Big Clock) and for a 15 min ride or so you get a quick view of Bukit Tinggi Town.

Address: Jam Gadang

Directions: Somewhere near the big clock and you cant miss it...

Sianok Canyon / Japanese Tunnel

While at Bukit Tinggi, go to the Panorama Park for a good view of the Sianok canyon which separates Mt Singgalang from Bukit Tinggi.
Located in the same vicinity is one of the 3 Japanese Tunnels of World War 2 found in Indonesia (according to a local guide but not verified). Its 40m deep and was in the process of being refurbished to accommodate tourist. Hence its not in the original form. To catch a glimpse of its original form, go right in to where the torture chamber is located. It is well ventilated and echo free though

Address: Panorama Park

Directions: Straight ahead from Novotel past China Town