Bukittinggi
Southeast Asia · Indonesia
Did you know?
- The highland town stands at 930 metres, with temperatures described as 16–25°C.
- The Jam Gadang clock tower gained a Minangkabau-style roof after independence.
- Nearby Harau Valley draws rock climbers, while Puncak Lawang overlooks Lake Maninjau.
See also
Padang
Indonesia0.95°S 100.35°E · 3 m
Overview
Bukittinggi is a cool highland base for Minangkabau culture and scenery. Canyon views and excursions toward Maninjau and Harau complement its markets.
Languages: Indonesian
Why go?
Bukittinggi is a city in West Sumatra popular for its pleasant climate, central location, and as a shopping destination for cheap textiles and fashion, especially for Malaysians. It is located in the Minangkabau highlands at 930 m, with cool temperatures between 16° and 25°C.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Understand
Bukittinggi (Indonesian for 'high hill') is one of the larger cities in West Sumatra, located in the Minangkabau highlands. It is near the volcanoes Mount Singgalang (inactive) and Mount Marapi (active). At 930 m above sea level, the city has a cool climate with temperatures between 16° and 25°C.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get in
Bukittinggi is about 2 hours north-east by road from Minangkabau International Airport. The only way to get there is by car. Roads are good and smooth, but try to avoid traveling on weekends as traffic can be bad especially uphill.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get around
Angkot shared taxis cost Rp 4,000 per trip. Red ones terminate at Pasar Bawah. Shout 'siko pak' to stop and pay when you get off. Motortaxi apps Gojek and Maxim operate; Maxim offers cheaper rides under 3 km for Rp 8,900. Motorcycle rental costs Rp70,000 per day.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
See Sianok Canyon (Rp25,000), Fort de Kock (Rp50,000), the House of Bung Hatta (free), and the Clock Tower. For adventure, try rafting on the Anai River, paragliding at Puncak Lawang, or trekking on Mount Merapi. Traditional dances are performed nightly from 21:00.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Eat
Local snacks include cassava chips and Ikan Bilih (small fish) for Rp5,000. Most restaurants serve Padang cuisine, creamy and spicy, for about Rp15,000 per person. After dark, hawkers near Jam Gadang sell nasi goreng, mie rebus, Roti Bakar, and martabak mesir for Rp7,500-10,000. Try Martabak Bandung with many flavours. Notable restaurants: B and J's, Simpang Raya Kantin, Turret Cafe, Bedudal Cafe, and TARUKO caferesto.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connect
Internet cafes are along Jl. Ahmad Yani and Jl. Pemuda, with local prices around Rp4,000 per hour. Most hotels and restaurants offer complementary Wi-Fi, though speeds vary.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Budget
A daily budget for a backpacker: accommodation from Rp75,000 (dorm) or Rp80,000-150,000 (private room), meals around Rp15,000-30,000 per day, local transport Rp4,000 per ride, and attractions from free to Rp50,000.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Day trips include Lake Maninjau (with paragliding at Puncak Lawang), Harau Valley (rock climbing), Padang Panjang, Payakumbuh, Batusangkar, and Padang. Arrange tours through local guides at Bedudal Cafe or through agencies.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Hello Guesthouse
Nice staff and clean hostel with small breakfast included.
Recorded price: Dorm Rp75 000, double room Rp150 000 (2017)
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Cindua Mato
Around 10 rooms. No hot water.
Recorded price: Rp85,000
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Murni
Old building. Rooms with two beds: Rp80,000
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Tigo Balai
smallish rooms but reasonably clean and nice staff. Rp80,000.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Kareem Syariah Hostel
shared bathroom, hot water, towel, soap, Wi-Fi - careful as very slow on all floors but 1F. small double, either double bed, either bed bunk, fan (but noisy), power plugs, internal window. toilets: mix squat and western with toilet paper and toilet gun. water fountain, free tea and coffee. rooftop that can be used to eat. no kitchen, fridge or microwave. Receptionists kind and caring but limited English, help of online translation and not much tours or advice for backpacker travel. No laundry service but shops nearby.
Recorded price: no dorm, room Rp 90-125,000 (online cheaper than walk-in)
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
B and J's (formerly Apache Cafe)
Great, reasonably priced food and friendly staff that speak very good English. They can also arrange tours and give information on transport.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Bedudal Cafe
Fruit juices, beer, soft drinks, Indonesian + European dishes - reasonably priced and excellent quality. English spoken.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Simpang Raya Kantin
Traditional Minangkabau food.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Internet cafes cost Rp4,000/hour. Free Wi-Fi in many hotels and restaurants.
Food
Padang cuisine is creamy and spicy. Try Ikan Bilih (Rp5,000) and Martabak Bandung. Street food near Jam Gadang from Rp7,500-10,000.
Money
Bargaining is expected at markets. Carry small notes for angkot and street food. Credit cards accepted at Ramayana Shopping Mall only.
Safety
Anti-diarrhea medicine recommended due to food. Avoid traveling on weekends due to traffic.
Transport
Angkot shared taxis cost Rp4,000 per trip. Shout 'siko pak' to stop. Motortaxi apps Gojek and Maxim available.
Water
Tap water not recommended for drinking. Bottled water available.