PADANG Summer Gateway

Jam Gadang.

This is a clock tower which is well known as the landmark of Bukittinggi, a city which two hours away driving from Padang.

Pantai Air Manis (Air Manis Beach)

Do you notice whats the rock forming of?... Yes, it is resembling a guy kneeled down to the ground. Although the truth still haven't been confirmed yet wether or not it was a real human, this stone is a reminder of one of the famous folktale from Padang, Malin Kundang. It was about a boy who insubordinate to his mother. He raised in a poor family. He decided to sail to find a better future as he reached adulthood. Short story, he came back to his village as a rich honoured men. As he in about to sail, leaving the village, the mother managed to meet him in person. He was ashamed and refuses to recognise his miserable mother who still looking dirty and crumpled in front of a lot of people. The mother was very disappointed and upset. He cursed him to be a stone and thus he become one.

The tasty Padang night meal : satay padang, soto padang plus ice cream durian as the desert. Yummm!

Pantai (Carocok Beach)

I had my time enjoying fresh coconut water right from the shell while eating sweet jackfruits under the blazing sun.

Introducing my holiday team in Padang! Start from the right its my uncle, moi, granny, mum, my sister and aunty. We posed at Novotel Hotel's front desk. I love the mellow yellow wall colour against wooden ornament. Isnt it lovely?

Novotel Bukittinggi.

I very very recommend this hotel if you are staying in Bukittinggi. The location is just few miles a way from Jam Gadang. Despite the stunning open air, high ceiling architecture, you can enjoy the mountain as the view. Very refreshing!

The good part to dine in at Padang restaurant: you dont need to take order. As soon as you are seated, the waiters will immediately set plenty dishes in front of you, together with their signature Padang green chilli. You better dont get tricked, you will pay everything that you had eaten. Rendang (a spicy meat stew), daun pepaya (papaya leaves) and paruh (fried beef lung) are my favourite which is a must for you to have! a little explanation about Padang cuisine, Padang food are rich in coconut milk for the thick curry and spicy chilli. To enjoy the most of Padang food: eat it by hand. It is very common for the local to eat that way.

Museum Adityawarman.

The museum was so magnificent, which was placed in a Minangkabau traditional house called Rumah Gadang. It was free admission to wandering around the building. The interior is lacking of partition which make it feel so spacious. There were lots of artefacts displayed for you to see. Also dont forget to pay attention to the handcraft woodcraft details on the outer wall. It was mesmerising! you can also feel to be Minang by renting the traditional clothes for pictures.

Puncak Mandeh Tarusan.

It was such a breathtaking view of the blue ocean you will see above here. There were lots of small island disperse throughout the sea like a painting. Padang was such a nice gateway from the busy Jakarta I've been living in. Gateway from the traffic, enjoying natural view and spoiling myself eating good food. Despite only 4 days staying, its enough for me to charge my soul to feel blessed and thankful of God creation. Indeed I'll go back to Padang sometimes in the future!

XX

Kevina