Considered
the center of Minangkabau culture. Batusangkar lies
41 km from Bukittinggi. See the remains of stone
tables in ancients Hindu Scripts. 5 km away from
the center of Batusangkar is Pagaruyung, formally
the seat of Minangkabau Kingdom. A replica of the
the Pagaruyung Place is built here.
Anai Valley. A protected nature reserve, the Anai
Valley is actually a big gorge of impressive scenic
beauty, densely jungled and as wide as it is deep.
The main road from Padang passes through the reserve
as it approaches Bukittinggi. A resting post on
the roadside offers an overview of the gorge at
the point where a viaduct spans the Anai river below
and a pair or railroad tracks disappear into the
mountainside through a tunnel. A water fall throws
its misty spray of water on the road as it crosses
the gorge.
Balimbiang Village
Situated ten kilometers east of Batusangkar. The
village reflects the pure social structure of
Minangkabau dwelling concepts. Some 300 year-old
houses are still remain intact.
Pariangan
The village of Pariangan is said to be the oldest
Minang settlement and is about 15 kms outside
Batusangkar on the slopes of Mount Merapi. Tjis
village seems to be preserved in the past with
its traditional mosques and homes packed in tight
cluster around the community hall. Villages like
there are abundant around the well-traveled town
of Batusangkar
Rao-rao
This village has rows traditional Minangkabau
houses. Rao-rao 15 kms from Batusangkar offers
an insight into the unchanged social life of the
Minangkabau.
Pagaruyung Palace
The palace was rebuilt after the old
one burnt down a few years ago in traditional
Minangkabau architecture style and it is located
about 5 kms from the center of Batusangkar town.
Lake Singkarak
Only half an hour or so from Batusangkar is Lake
Singkarak, which is a little less grand than Lake
Maninjau. It marks the gateway to the incredible
basin of Solok. A well developed recreation and
water sport center are available here.
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