Around Bukittinggi

Many of the sights and places of interest listed here are under separate headings following the Bukittinggi entry. These are: , and the , and , and . Seeing these sights, particularly if time is short, is easiest on a tour. Getting around the Minang area on public transport is time consuming (renting a motorbike for the day makes for greater mobility).

A guide should, in theory, be able to offer some insights into the rich Minang culture. It is worth asking around and getting some first-hand assessments from travellers who have just returned from tours and who may be able to recommend a guide. If possible, find a guide and arrange a tour directly; the tour companies usually use the same guides and because they take a commission the rate rises. The guides working out of the , the have been recommended.

There are a range of tours organized to Danau Maninjau, Batusangkar, Danau Singkarak and other sights around Bukittinggi. Tours tend to take one of three routes: the Minangkabau tour, featuring many different places that are representative of the Minangkabau culture, past and present (including Batusangkar, Pagaruyung and Danau Singkarak). Secondly, the Maninjau line (including Kota Gadang and Danau Maninjau), and finally, the Harau Valley line (including Mount Merapi and the Harau Valley).

Many of the tour operators also organize tours further afield, for example, 10-day trips to the Mentawai Islands. Bukittinggi is an excellent place to arrange a tour to the islands off the West Sumatra coast, but bear in mind that it can take up to three days to get to Siberut Island, Mentawai. Again, ask fellow travellers for feedback regarding guides.

A rewarding and spectacular hike from Bukittinggi, easily possible in a day for even the modestly energetic, is to walk to the crater edge at (Lawang Top) and then down the steep crater sides to the lake-side village of , before catching a bus back to Bukittinggi. Check there is no mist before departing.

The Minang area's other lake is Danau Singkarak. It is not as beautiful as Maninjau, but it is possible to come here on a circular journey via Batusangkar.

This reserve, situated 12 km north of town, is for the monstrous rafflesia flower. Ask staff at your guesthouse when the flower will next be in bloom.

One of a number of villages specializing in traditional craft production. It is situated 13 km south of town at the foot of Mount Singgalang, 3 km off the main road to Padang Panjang, and is a cloth and woodcarving centre. The carvings tend to use natural motifs (trees, animals, flowers, etc), as does the famous cloth that is produced here. About 1000 women weave richly patterned cloth. Note that the warp may be rayon, imported from Japan, and only the weft, cotton or silk. Other craft villages include , 17 km south of town, which specializes in brasswork; and , on the slopes of Mount Merapi, which specializes in metalwork (knives, swords).

This active volcano, southeast of town, stands at a height of 2891 m and last erupted in 1979. The difficult climb to the summit takes between four and six hours. Enquire at the Police Station in Kota Baru for more information. Register here before ascending and ask for directions; the route is indistinct in places. The best way to see the volcano is to hire a guide and climb up at night, arriving at the summit for sunrise and thus avoiding the heat of the day and the mist that envelopes the mountain by 1100. Wear warm clothes as it is cold on the summit. The ground around the crater is loose and hikers

Singgaland, which lies to the southwest of Bukittinggi, stands at a height of 2878 m and offers a less arduous climb than Mount Merapi. The trail starts at the village of Pandai Sikat, and the climb takes about four or five hours. It's a disappointing dirty footpath. Near the summit, the ground is scree, so good footwear is recommended. Start early, as mist often descends over the mountain later in the day.

This key centre of Minang culture lies about 10 km east of Bukittinggi . En route is the colourful local Friday market at , while on the other side of Payakumbuh is the .

The canyon lies around 44 km from Bukittinggi, off the road leading through Payakumbuh towards Pekanbaru.

Pariangan is a peaceful Minang village on the slopes of Mount Merapi. Balimbiang is about 10 km south of Batusangkar, and 1 km off the main road.