West Sumatra – Cultural Discovery Tour
28 January – 08 February 2024
West Sumatra is a breathtakingly beautiful region with fertile valleys, spectacular crater lakes, towering volcanoes, pristine montane forests, lush green rice fields, waterfalls, and it is home to one of the most fascinating cultures in Indonesia—the Minangkabau.
Why is it so interesting? Home to around 4 million Minang people, they form the largest Matrilineal society globally. The Minang people are known for being among the warmest and friendliest in Indonesia, taking immense pride in their unique culture. The area receives very few visits from foreign tourists. The Minangkabau have captivated anthropologists due to their uncommon combination of a matrilineal family system with a strong Islamic connection. Each Minang belongs to their mother’s descent group, and family houses, along with paddy fields, are the property of women.
Would you like to join me for 12 captivating days in February as we explore this beautiful area and immerse ourselves in Minang culture? We will visit traditional villages, learn about their rich culture from the Minang people themselves, view their unique houses with distinctive curved roofs, explore communities that craft Pakaian Adat (traditional clothing) with colorful and intricately designed patterns, witness their cultural dances and music, visit Sianok Canyon, wake up on the shores of peaceful Lake Maninjau, experience Pacu Jawi—the unique bull race event held in Padang, and savor some of the tastiest food in all of Indonesia.
This trip, beginning in Padang on January 28, includes two days there, followed by two nights at Lake Maninjau, two more nights in Bukittingi, a journey south to the historical heart of Minangkabau country—Batusangkar—before venturing inland to the charming town of Sawahlunto. The trip concludes with a final night back in Padang on February 7th.
This promises to be an unforgettable cultural education experience ideal for those interested in history, discovering one of Indonesia’s most unique cultures, enjoying delicious Minang food daily, and connecting with warm, friendly people who seldom encounter foreign tourists. It’s also perfect for photographers seeking creative opportunities with diverse subjects.
Highlights:
- Immersive experience into Minangkabau Culture
- Rumah Gadang: Observe Traditional Minang houses
- Food: Learn about and Taste Delicious Local Meals Every Day
- Songket: Visit the Weavers and Learn About This Ancient Artistic Craft
- Experience Traditional Minang Dance and Music, Including Tari Piring Dance and Silet
- Visit Sianok Canyon: A stunning Natural Attraction Near Bukittinggi
- Take a Private Boat on Lake Maninjau at Sunset
- Visit a Sustainable Forest Preservation Project at Lake Maninjau
- Visit the Famous Raya Padang Masjid
- Walking tour Through Chinatown in Padang and Visit a Traditional Fishing Village
- See Buffalo Racing in the Paddy Fields
- Visit the Royal Court in the Batusangkar Area, Learn about the History, and Discover Megalithic Stones
- Visit Museums in Sawahlunto and Wander the Streets of This Charming Town
- Walk through Beautiful Rice Fields and Towering Volcanoes near Bukittingi
- Visit the Natural Luwak Forest, Taste Delicious Coffee, and Learn About This Program that Harvests Coffee from Wild Animals
- We will stay in comfortable accommodation, the best available, travel in air-conditioned vehicles, and use the services of local guides. The group size is limited to a maximum of 8 people.
Includes:
- 11 Nights Accommodation
- All Food
- All Transport
- Entrance and Park Fees
- Special Dance Performance
- Local Guides
Excludes:
- Domestic Flights to and from Padang
- Alcohol
- Tips