The capital of the province of West Sumatra, Padang offers a number of attractions, from the sights of the old town and the harbour, to the huge selection of restaurants and street stalls serving the renowned Padang cuisine. Padang also provides the perfect starting point if you are looking to take it easy on the beach at Bungus Bay, or make the most of the excellent surfing opportunities on the Mentawai Islands. Alternatively you might prefer to head inland to explore the wonders of the Kerinci Seblat National Park and the hills at Bukittinggi.
Areas & Neighborhoods in Padang
Padang Old Town — The oldest part of Padang, the riverside area is festooned with vibrant colonial Dutch buildings, whilst the harbour itself, which was a significant regional port until the 19th century, offers plenty of historical intrigue for you to unearth.
Chinatown — Whether you’re hoping to discover traditional Chinese architecture, including an old Buddhist temple, or simply want to sample the delights of Minang-Chinese food, Padang’s Chinatown has it all. Here you’ll also find Chinese herbalists, coffee shops and much more.
Kerinci Seblat National Park — Sumatra island’s largest national park, Kerinci Seblat National Park is more than twice the size of Bali, and offers you the chance to experience the spectacular landscape of Indonesia at its wildest. From its deep river valleys and gorges, to the sweeping forested slopes of the Barisan Mountains, the park is an absolute feast for all nature lovers.
Mentawai Islands — For those looking for something a bit more energetic in your adventures, the beautiful Mentawai Islands have it all. From surfing, snorkeling and fishing to a whole host of beach sports and more, the islands also offer cultural tours and even the opportunity to reserve a private beach for the day!
Things to See in Padang
With its rich heritage as a historical staging post for traders and merchants, Padang offers a wealth of sights to take in. From its Dutch colonial architecture, to the traditional Chinese streets, lanes and temples to be found in Chinatown, you will feel its fascinating history come to life before your eyes. And venturing further afield you’ll be able to absorb the dizzying delights of Indonesia’s mountain forests, stunning shorelines and dramatic river gorges.
Things to Do in Padang
You’ll never be short of things to do in Padang. The city itself provides the perfect destination for families looking for a melting pot of culture and history to discover, whilst couples looking for a romantic getaway will be spoilt for choice for places to dine, walk hand-in-hand, and enjoy glorious sunsets. And with such easy access to the wilds of Indonesia nature-lovers can dive headlong into some of the world’s most spectacular untouched forests and seafronts, whilst those of you looking to get active can hit the surf, or work up a sweat with the wealth of available beach sports and activities.