Four islands make up the Mentawai cluster of the West Sumatra coast; Siberut, Sipora, Pagai Utara and Pagai Selatan. These people of these islands still live in comparative isolation, maintaining their age-old ways. Siberut is becoming increasingly popular is an area for trekking and visiting these ancient cultures.

Rimba Panti Nature Reserve, 103 km from Bukittinggi, is a refuge for the Rafflesia Arnoldi, the largest flower in existence, blooming only once a year. A guide can be obtained from the office at the reserve. The provincial office of the Directorate of Nature Conservation (BKSAA) at Padang can give you complete information.

On the road from Bukittinggi to Payakumbuh, these caves extend deep into the mountainside. The domain of thousands of bats, the main entrance is the outline of an elephant visible on its face. The path through these caves leads out to the top of the mountain and panoramic views.

Steep granite walls shelter this fertile valley. The harau valley is a nature and wildlife reserve, where tapir, siamangs, boars, wild goats and tigers still roam.

Sumatra’s largest national park, the Kerinci sprawls across four provinces. It is home to rhinos, tigers, elephants, bears and orangutan. The scenery is magnificent, dominated by volcanic cones, including the highest peak in western Indonesia, Mt. Kerinci.

The 70,000 hectare botanical garden lies at 1,000 m above sea level, on the way to Solok. Monkeys and other indigenous are protected by Park Warden, as are innumerable varieties of exotic flora. The cool mountain air and panoramic views make this area a popular resort for both the young and old.

36 km from Bukittinggi is another ideal place for recreation and water sports at Singkarak Lake, the longest in West Sumatra. There are several hotels and restaurants in the area. A nice side trip from the lake is up to the village of Sulitair, where there is huge 64-meter communal house now occupied by four families.

A winding road with 44 sharp turns descends to Lake Maninjau, one of West Sumatra’s famous sights. A crater lake, its scenery rivals Lake Toba, on a smaller scale. There are facilities for swimming and water skiing, and a good selection of hotels and restaurants. The village of Matur, overlooking the lake, arranges dance performances on request.

Legend has it that this is the cradle of the Minangkabau culture, the first village of the Minangkabau culture, the first village of the Minang ancestors who descended from Mt. Merapi. It is a village of traditional houses, some said to be over 300 years old. The surau or men’s house is one of the last of its kind still in use.

50 km southeast of Bukittinggi, this is the largest town in the tanah datar area, and a center of the ancient Minangkabau culture. Fascinating historical sites abound, among them Pagaruyung, home to ancient inscribed at Batu Basurat, literally meaning ‘Inscribed Stone’.