| The town
of Bukittinggi (lit: "High Hill") lies
at the center of the Agam valley -- one three valleys
which together form the Minang heartland. While
Padang is the modern commercial, educational and
administrative center of the province, Bukittinggi
is the cultural capital of the Minang realm. Located
around 90km north of Padang. The largest city in
the highlands, Bukittinggi grew up around a Dutch
post, Fort de Kock, built in 1825 during the Paderi
conflict. This attractive, bustling town was the
birthplace of many Indonesian intellectuals, cabinet
ministers and diplomats-including Mohammad Hatta,
the nation's first vice president. Although less
than a degree south of equator, Bukittinggi has
a cool climate due to its elevation -900 meters
above sea level. It rains frequently, but may tourists
nevertheless find this to be the most hospitable
city in Sumatra- everything is within walking distance,
food and lodgings are good, there is lots to see
and the residents are very friendly.
A Walking Tour
Bukittinggi's principal landmark is the Jam gadang
("Great Clock")- a clock tower with
a miniature Minang house on top overlooking the
main square. Visible from many point for and exploration
on foot. On Saturdays and Sundays, the lively
Pasar Atas central market next door spills out
into the streets. All kinds of fruits, vegetables,
spices and meats (except pork) are sold in open-air
stands run by assertive Minang ladies. There are
sections for everything-brightly colored plastic
wares seem to be the main attraction. Bargaining
is a popular social activity here rather than
a test of wills or an attempt to cheat the unwary
traveler. Keep your sense of humor, and bargain
hard if you are buying.
From here, walk up Bukittinggi's "main street"
Jalan Ahmad Yani, which is lined with antique
and souvenir shops, restaurants, coffee shops
and offices. To get a good view of the town and
the surrounding area, climb up Jl.Cinduamato to
Taman Bundo Kanduang Park at the top of the hill,
where a zoo and museum are located. The name of
the park refers to the legendary "Great Mother"
symbolic of the matrilineal Minang. The zoo is
crowded on Sundays, when it is the principal place
in town to see and to be seen. The Museum in the
parks is housed in a traditional Minang Rumah
Gadang complete with thatched roof and flanking
granaries. Inside are examples of wedding costumes
and tanduk headdresses in the shape of buffalo
horns. A small fortune in fine gold jewelry is
on display; for several centuries this area was
the archipelago's leading producer of the precious
metal. The museum also displays old matchlock
rifles used against the Dutch, as well as antique
musical instruments.
How to get there:
By Taxi (ca.Rp.75.000,-) or by Public Bus (ca.Rp.5000)
from Padang. The Padang's Public Bus Terminal
is located at Jalan Pemuda.
Interesting Places:
Sianok Grand Canyon, japanese Tunnel, Fort de
Kock, Zoo, Museum, Clock Tower (Jam Gadang), Traditional
Market (Pasar diatas & Pasar dibawah).
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