The smouldering summit of Gunung Merapi (2891m), one of Sumatra’s most active volcanoes, looms large over Bukittinggi around 16km to the east. If Merapi is benign, then visitors typically hike overnight to view sunrise from the summit from the village of Koto Baru; it’s a 12-hour round trip. You’ll need good walking boots, warm clothing, a torch, food and drink and a guide. Travel agencies in Bukittinggi do guided trips to Merapi for around 400,000Rp per person (minimum two people).
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
5.92 MILES
Handicraft and textile fans should not miss this place near Simpang Bukit Batabuah, 7km southeast of Bukittinggi. Dedicated to revitalising the…
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House of Rafflesia Luwak Coffee
12.65 MILES
At this plantation in Batang Palupuh, friendly owner Umul Khairi is happy to explain the process of harvesting, drying and roasting kopi luwak – a smooth,…
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12.74 MILES
This reserve, 16km north of Bukittinggi, is home to many orchid species, as well as the massive Rafflesia arnoldii and Amorphophallus titanum, the largest…
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7.44 MILES
In the village of Silinduang Bulan, 5km north of Batu Sangkar, the heartland of the red Tanah Datar clan of Minangkabau, is this epic palace, a replica of…
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9.41 MILES
Climbing dormant Gunung Singgalang (2877m) is a more adventurous undertaking than Gunung Merapi. Highly recommended English-speaking guide Dedi (0813 7425…
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9.24 MILES
Benteng de Kock was built by the Dutch during the Padri Wars. Other than a few cannons and ramparts, there’s not much to it now apart from the nice…
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9.11 MILES
This extensive network of underground WWII Japanese bunkers built into a cliff face stretches for nearly 1.5km. It was built by local forced labour in…
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9.12 MILES
Taman Panorama, on the southern edge of Bukittinggi, overlooks the deep Ngarai Sianok (Sianok Canyon), where fruit bats swoop at sunset, as well as the…
Nearby West Sumatra attractions
5.92 MILES
Handicraft and textile fans should not miss this place near Simpang Bukit Batabuah, 7km southeast of Bukittinggi. Dedicated to revitalising the…
6.96 MILES
Near the Grand Palace in Silinduang Bulan, 5km north of Batu Sangkar, is the much smaller and lower-key, but equally ornate, Istano Silinduang Bulan. It's…
3. Conservatorium of Traditional Music
7.01 MILES
Ethno-musicologists make the pilgrimage to the town of Padangpanjang, 19km south of Bukittinggi, to this university where Minangkabau dance and music are…
7.37 MILES
Pandai Sikat ('Clever Craftsmen') is famous for songket weaving and building decorations carved out of wood. The village is 13km south of Bukittinggi…
5. Grand Palace of Pagaruyuang
7.44 MILES
In the village of Silinduang Bulan, 5km north of Batu Sangkar, the heartland of the red Tanah Datar clan of Minangkabau, is this epic palace, a replica of…
8.94 MILES
Pasar Atas is a large, colourful daily market crammed with stalls selling fruit and vegetables, second-hand clothing and crafts.
8.95 MILES
Built in the 1920s to house a clock that was a gift from the Dutch queen, Jam Gadang is Bukittinggi's town emblem and focal point. Independence in 1945…
8.99 MILES
More of a landmark than genuine sight, this central undercover market is popular with locals here to shop for fresh produce and everyday items.