"TOP AMAZING TOURISM DESTINATION ON INDONESIA FROM SABANG TO MERAUKE"

WEST SUMATERA

West Sumatera is located at Northern Sumatera island which Padang its capital.It covered an about 42.200 km square with about 5.375.080 population.Minang is native of West Sumatera who very famous as reliable trader in Indonesia.They has a unique traditional house called "Rumah Gadang". West Sumatera could reach from Jakarta within an about 2 hours by plane.West Sumatera has many interesting tourism objects and attractions.They spreads across the area,The government already managed tourism well, as effort to increase their income.Few of them already wellknown across the country, even to overseas.They include

1. Singkarak lakes

Represents the largest lake in West Sumatera with a lenght 21 km which lies on the edge of the road Padang panjang-Solok.We could reach it in about 2.5 hours from Padang.Arround the lake there several spot rest and relax while watching Singkarak scenery.There are also lodging facilities and boat various boat services to arround the lake with beautiful scenery.

2. Maninjau lakes

An attractive and quite beautiful lake which located approximately 36 km from Bukit Tinggi,can be reached by passing through a winding road known winding 44.There are available several facilities include representative hotels, water bicycle to arround the lake, swimming spot and fishing corner that promising tourist's satisfied.

3. Twin lakes

The lake is also known as "Danau di atas" and "Danau di bawah"cause their location are close.Both lake are located at Simpang Market village, District of Lembayang Jaya,an about 47 km from Solok and 56 km from Padang.The uniqueness of the twin lakes is to get to the lake in above, we have to go through a declining path while to get to the lake below, we have to go through a ascending road.In the vicinity of the lake is planted with a passion taste fruits, vegetables and potatoes.On the way to the lake Maninjau, we will pass a resort called "Embun Pagi" in Padang Gelanggang village.

4. Jam Gadang

Jam Gadang or Clock Tower is a high rise tower with magnificent,distinctive Minangkabau roof which located in the middle of the city Bukit Tinggi as landmark and symbol of the town.It was built on hill called Mount Enclosure Buffalo at the time of The Dutch Government in 1872 by Contraleur (City Secretary) Rook Maker.We can see and enjoy how beautiful nature arround city of Bukit Tinggi is decorated Mount Merapi, Mount Singgalang, Mount Sago and Sianok Canyon.In addition Jam Gadang is also useful as guide time for local communities.The uniqueness is in Jam gadang number 4 is written IIII.

5. Japanese Tunnel

This tunnel is 1.400 meters winding made by The Japanese army during the period of 1942 which located in the middle of Sianok canyon, beneath the town of Bukit Tinggi, with more than 2 meters wide.Inside the cave, there is various needs spaces for office, foods,hospital and weaponry.The entrance taking some places, like from Sianok canyon, besides Bung Hatta palace, and from Bukit tinggi zoo.The local people called it Japanes hole.

6. Lembah Anai

Lembah Anai environments is admirable, covered tropical forest with an impressive density as protected forest. Batang Anai river flowing beneath the water is very clean and we could see an about 40 meter- high waterfall closely from the highway.In addition, this area also has an international golf course with 18 hole which is the best golf course in West Sumatera, designed by International Golf Course designer Thomas and Perret.Complete range of facilities available at the location of bungalows like a pool and restaurant.

7. Ngalau Indah

Ngalau Indah is a natural cave with stalagmites on the cave ceiling is quite interesting which located an about 2 km from Payakumbuh.Inside the cave, we will hear the sound of flying bats without being able to see it.Outside the cave is a beautiful park with a shady trees.

8. Pagaruyung Palace

The palace was built by The royal family of Pagaruyung in Batu Sangkar which has the characteristics of Minangkabau, is located at Tanjung Emas residence, district Tanah Datar.Inside the palace, there is the the kingdom relic's are still well maintained.Arround the palace we can enjoy the beautiful nature scenery.The palace is the centre of government of Minangkabau Kingdom.At present, we could only see the replica of the casttle with originally paintings inside.The characteristics of Minangkabau is the roof which rises the buffalo horn.

9. Harau Valley

Harau valley is a nature reserve with a limestone hill with an altitude 100 to 150 meters, which located 14 km from Payakumbuh.There are five waterfalls, camping activities and packet tours across the nature reserve through path.The planned is this is become the first one of nature reserve outside of Java island.

10. Sikuai Islands

Sikuai island is one of islands of western Sumatran lies only an about a half nautical miles from Padang which take 35 minutes by special transport ship from Air bungus port.There are two stars qualified hotels and several cottages covered the area of island.Besides enjoying beach scenery and maritime tourism, we could trekking arround the island and explore natural forest or doing rock climbing in the area.

11. Lengkisau Hills Regency

Lengkisau Hill has a height of 1000 feet, located between Salido and Painan,west coast.In addition to enjoying a spectacular beach scenery, Langkisau hill region is also has flying kite facilities with Carocok and Salido beach as landing spot.

12. Root bridge at West coast

Root bridge at westcoast is the most unique tourist attraction in West Sumatera, located about 30km from Painan.The brigde, which an about 30 minutes from Painan is made from two roots of Banyan tress interlocked crossing Bayang river.It is said the brigde was designed by a famous scholar named Pakih Sokan in the early of 1900's.

13. Mentawai Islands

Mentawai Islands is one of district in West Sumatera which located an about 135 km from Padang, It can be reach an about 6-10 hours from Padang by Boat.Its capital is Old city Pejat-Sipora.In addition has a beautiful sandy beach, this island also has several surfing spot ,as at Sipora island and Siberut Island.There are accomodation for tourist in several place in the island.Local tribe in Mentawai islands have a habbit tattoing the whole body.It said Mentawai's tatto is the oldest in the world.