Surfer ride in a barrel wave. Bali, Indonesia. April 17, 2019.

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West Sumatra

In Sumatra Barat (West Sumatra), fertile uplands ring jungle-clad volcanoes, waterfalls cascade into deep ravines and nature takes a breath in deep, still lakes. Rainforest still clings to the steepest slopes, while rice, tapioca, cinnamon and coffee bring in the wealth.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Gunung Kerinci

    Gunung Kerinci

    West Sumatra

    Dominating the northern end of Kerinci Seblat National Park is Gunung Kerinci (3805m), Southeast Asia’s tallest volcano and one of Sumatra’s most active…

  • Colonial Quarter

    Colonial Quarter

    Padang

    Although badly damaged in the 2009 earthquake, Padang’s colonial-era quarter around Jl Batang Arau is still worth a lazy stroll. Crumbling old Dutch and…

  • PT Songket Bernhard Bart

    PT Songket Bernhard Bart

    West Sumatra

    Handicraft and textile fans should not miss this place near Simpang Bukit Batabuah, 7km southeast of Bukittinggi. Dedicated to revitalising the…

  • Danau Gunung Tujuh

    Danau Gunung Tujuh

    West Sumatra

    At 1996m, the beautiful caldera of Danau Gunung Tujuh is the highest in Southeast Asia and makes for a pleasant day ascent or part of a multiday trek. It…

  • House of Rafflesia Luwak Coffee

    House of Rafflesia Luwak Coffee

    West Sumatra

    At this plantation in Batang Palupuh, friendly owner Umul Khairi is happy to explain the process of harvesting, drying and roasting kopi luwak – a smooth,…

  • Batang Palupuh Nature Reserve

    Batang Palupuh Nature Reserve

    West Sumatra

    This reserve, 16km north of Bukittinggi, is home to many orchid species, as well as the massive Rafflesia arnoldii and Amorphophallus titanum, the largest…

  • Grand Palace of Pagaruyuang

    Grand Palace of Pagaruyuang

    West Sumatra

    In the village of Silinduang Bulan, 5km north of Batu Sangkar, the heartland of the red Tanah Datar clan of Minangkabau, is this epic palace, a replica of…

  • Danau Kerinci

    Danau Kerinci

    West Sumatra

    Danau Kerinci, 20km south of Sungai Penuh, is a sizeable lake nestled between Gunung Raya (2535m) and rice paddies. Stone carvings around the lake suggest…

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Articles

Latest stories from West Sumatra

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Hiking on the forested slopes of Gunung Tujuh, Kerinci Seblat National Park, Sumatra. Image by Mark Eveleigh

Wildlife & Nature

Exploring Sumatra’s Kerinci Seblat National Park: where tigers still roam

Feb 2, 2015 • 5 min read

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Go Beyond

West Sumatra and beyond

Beyond West Sumatra
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