Minang people are definitely friendly people, very rarely in bad moods nor with bad intentions, youngsters frequently approach foreigners in a charming and funny way, sometimes even forcing themselves to overcome their modesty. Padang is one of the safest city in Indonesia.
Although the population of West Sumatra is diverse, the main ethnic group is the Minangkabau people (buffalo in local dialect), well known over Indonesia for its matrilineal system and its uniquely buffalo–like roof architecture. They speak their own dialect of the Indonesian language known as Minang.
Islam is the predominant religion throughout the Province and Catholic and Buddhist minorities are well integrated; churches and temples stand next to the numerous Mosques in an open–minded atmosphere. The bustling and noisy historical centre of the city extends from the old harbour and merges old buildings from the Dutch colonial era with Chinese influences; it suffered sever damages during the 2009 earthquake.
The Padang spicy cuisine is famous all over Indonesia. In no time the waiter will fill the whole table with plates, containing kari – chicken and fish prepared in coconut curry, Rendang (meat in coconut gravy) and Dendeng Balado, thin slices of dried and fried beef served with red & green (!) chilies.
Day 1 (padang )
Old Town of Padang. This historical town of Padang with many old
buildings and a colouful harbour with Dutch architecture is Padang’s
main attraction. It’s located beside the Muaro River. Walk along the
beautiful pedestrian at the river bank with a row of old Dutch
buildings. On the river there is a historical harbour of Padang built by
Dutch. Now the harbour and the river is full of colourful little boats.
There’s also a beautiful bridge on the river, Sitti Nurbaya Bridge with
colourful lights on night. Still in the old town, there’s an old
Chinatown with many old shophouses. There’s a beautiful old Chinese
temple, See Hien Kiong Temple and a beautiful old mosque, Muhammadan
Mosque.
Adityawarman Museum A museum about culture and heritage of West Sumatra.
