Pantai Bungus

Bungus Beach is located in a quiet bay Bungus. Beautiful natural scenery. The hills that surround the beach looks like tower of view toward the sea.

Sloping beaches with white sand that is suitable for a variety of recreation such as swimming, diving, sunbathing or boating towards small islands not far from the beach Bungus.

Located 20 km south of Padang, or 1.5 hours of travel, the beach is easily reached by land transportation. On the beach available tourist facilities such as beach umbrellas and chairs for lazy sunbathing.

Shape resembles a crescent beach. Warm seawater and is safe for swimming. From here, you can menjelejahi oceans to shore-Nearest beach off the coast of Padang as Sirandah Island, Sikowi, Bintangur, Pasumpahan and other islands.

The islands are very good as a tourist attraction marina, have white sandy beaches and colorful marine park colorful surrounding. To get there, you can hire a speedboat or sailboat owned by residents in the Gulf Bungus. From the Coast Bungus to the islands it takes ± 75 minutes.

If you do not want wasteful of energy, simply relax on the beach while enjoying the sunset at this amazing bay. Sitting under a shady palm tree in the vicinity of the beach is also exciting. Or eat seafood (seafood) and other dishes at the restaurants that dot the beach.

There is one activity that is also often acted on the Beach Bungus travelers, namely fishing. Really delicious.

On holidays it is always crowded tourist invaded visitors. The height from sea level of about 1 meter. Beach temperatures between 24-30 degrees Celsius and humidity 85% on average. From silhuet sun in the eastern horizon, looming Banana Island and the Gulf Bayur in the south.

All that beauty can be enjoyed through a number of facilities. Among them, hut Minang architecture tours, children's pool, several seating (shelter) for the relaxed look at the high seas, jogging track, parking area and safe, children's play area and camping ground capacity of 300 people.

The breeze was cool when entering the gates of the Garden of Nirvana. Palm trees around the park was seen waving. Shore wind made the atmosphere around grow cool. Meanwhile, jogging along the path can be done while enjoying a variety of flora and fauna that live in the surrounding forests, such as Weasel (Paradoxorus Hermaproditus), Tupai (Callosiorus Notatus) and monkey (Presbytis Cristata).

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Pesta Tabuik Pariaman

Residents Pariaman City has a tradition unique to enliven the Islamic new year, called "Tabuik". The tradition has been maintained since the year 1829, it lasted from 1 to 10 Muharam. Tabuik party presents nuanced cultural attractions are legendary Islamic.

The party marked the opening of this Tabuik Taaruf thousands of students march MDA, TPA, TPSA and communities around the city. After the parade Taaruf, the feast began. During that time, made two "Tabuik", which will be paraded on 10 Muharram.

During these ten days, also held a variety of cultural arts performances Pariaman Nagari children, namely Rabab Pariaman, Gandang Tassa, Randai, Kuruang Shirt Contest, Poetry and Dance Minang.

Also held fairs and exhibitions of various products of small and medium enterprises and export commodities of Pariaman. Hundreds of thousands of visitors arrive for the party "Tabuik", both domestic and foreign tourists.

"Tabuik" is a three-tiered casket made of wood, rattan and bamboo with a height of 15 meters and weighs about 500 pounds.

The bottom Tabuik large horse-shaped body with wings wide and headed "woman" beautiful long hair.

Horse fat is made from rattan and bamboo with smooth velvet upholstered black and on four legs there are pictures of scorpions facing upwards.

The horse is a symbol Bouraq, vehicles that have the ability to fly as fast as lightning.

The middle Tabuik arch-shaped patch of that size getting onto the bigger. At the gate was attached carving motifs typical Minangkabau.

At the bottom and top gate plugged "Bungo salapan" (eight flowers) shaped umbrella with a base color paper or batik-patterned carving.

Peak Tabuik large umbrella decorated with velvet cloth and wrapped in decorative paper which is also patterned carvings. Above the statue is plugged umbrella white dove.

Tabuik leg consists of four wooden beams cross with a length of about 20 meters. Blocks were used to carry and "menghoyak" Tabuik performed by 100 adults.

Tabuik made by two community groups Pariaman, a group of Market and Subarang group. Tabuik made jointly, involving cultural and historical experts and community leaders since the 1-9 Muharam a cost of tens of millions of dollars.

History of "Party Tabuik"

In the history of Pariaman, Tabuik first introduced members of the Islamic forces "Thamil" which became part of British forces head Gen. Thomas Stamfort Raffles.

pestatabuikdipariaman2pg5.jpgSaat the British ruled the province of Bengkulu in 1826. Thamil forces, the Muslim plumpness Tabuik party held every year, which in Bengkulu named "Tabot".

After the agreement March 17, 1829 London, UK should leave the Bengkulu and receive a Dutch colony in Singapore.

In contrast the Netherlands are entitled to British colonial areas in Indonesia, including Sumatra, Bengkulu and other areas.

British troops "leave" from Bengkulu, but the troops "Thamil" chose to survive and escape to Pariaman, West Sumatra, who was famous as a busy port area on the west coast of Sumatra island.

Because the majority Muslim Thamil forces, they can be accepted by society Pariaman who was also being entered into the teachings of Islam.

There was integration and unity, including in the field of socio-cultural.

One of the cultural assimilation is shown through Feast Tabuik. Even Tabuik eventually become an integral tradition of civic life Pariaman.

Meaning Tabuik party intended to commemorate the deaths of two grandsons of Prophet Muhammad SAW, namely Hasan and Husayn, who led the Muslim army in a skirmish against the Bani Umayyad in the war of Karbala in Mecca.

In battle, Husayn's death is not natural. Some Muslims believe the corpse was carried into the sky Husain using "Bouraq" with the coffin called Ark.

Vehicle Bouraq symbolized by the form of horse-headed fat beautiful women into the main part of building Tabuik.

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Danau Singkarak

Danau Singkarak or Lake Singkarak located in the geographical coordinates of 0, 36 degrees south latitude (LS) and 100.3 east longitude (BT) with a height of 363.5 meters above sea level (masl). Water surface area reaches 11,200 hectares of Lake Singkarak with a maximum length of 20 kilometers and 6.5 kilometers wide and a depth of 268 meters. This lake has a water catchment areas along the 1076 kilometers with rainfall up to 252 melimeter 82 per month.

It can not be denied, scenery surrounding natural attractions are so charming. So fantastic. The eyes are not tired of seeing the expanse of clear blue water with small ripples with it. Also, grains of fine sand which stretches across the lake edge. In the middle of the lake, the fishermen's small boats sailed the lake is quiet, the dwelling place of various fishes. Also fro motor boat or a rented rickshaw lake for tourists.

The trees growing along the banks of the lake are a barrier between land and water. In fact there is some corner of verdant rice fields, make the atmosphere more peaceful. Moreover, the spread of the Bukit Barisan background without limit, and can be seen from Mount Singgalang kejahuan and Marapi who stood proudly as if to keep calm lake.

Beautiful environment, the cool weather, the atmosphere is calm, peaceful, safe and comfortable to be the charm for those who visit it. Enchantment Lake Batur, is never finished when told. Hence the second biggest lake in Sumatra, after Lake Toba Sumatra to be excellent for a leading tourist destination, as well as a complementary destination for tourists who travel to the province.

Lake Singkarak located in two districts in West Sumatra, Kabupaten Solok and Tanah Datar. With an area of 107.8 sq km lake is the 2nd largest lake on the island of Sumatra. This lake is upstream Ombilin Trunk. The water of the lake was partially drained through the tunnel through the Bukit Barisan to Batang Anai Singkarak hydropower generator to drive near Lubuk Alung, Padang Pariaman.

Location Lake area of 129.70 km2, is also very strategically located on the roadside between Tanah Datar and Solok. Because of its location within easy reach, so that tourists can enjoy the view from the side that you want on the edge of lakes that meander. Even tourists who come to use private vehicles could enjoy its beauty from the top of his car.

In this resort you can do boating activities until the middle of the lake by using a canoe rental. The water was clear and cool, add the beauty of this charming lake nan. The sound of water ripples menghempas lake to the sand on the outskirts, also add to the atmosphere becomes serene. Not far from the lake area there is a resting place Biteh Nuts, precisely that is on the edge of Lake Singkarak.

Lake Singkarak also known as a place that is promising as a regional tourist fishing. This is evidenced by the crowded area in seputaran Lake Batur with the anglers who come from cities around the lake or from outside the province of West Sumatra. Among the fish species commonly fished the asang, piyek, balingka, baung, and fish that become legend Sasau, which is said to achieve sizes up to 8 kg weight. Other activities that can be done is to paddle sports. Rowing competitions are often held at Lake Singkarak, and is one of the local government program to promote the tourist attractions of the lake Singkarak.

From Padang Minangkabau Airport is just about 1.5 hours-2 hours by public transport fare is about Rp 25,000 to Rp 30,000. Also, when riding from Padang through the intersection of three weeks of Solok, must pass through this lake. And if along the edge of Bukittinggi telaknya only about 36 km from Bukittinggi, will pass the muffled Banjaran mountain on the left side of the road. At the foot of the mountain, the atmosphere is filled with patches of rice paddy children who terliuk-contortion blown away by the wind.

Besides the exciting tour, Lake Singkarak also be used as a place of sport (sport tourism), such as on land can be used for trekking, jogging, calisthenics. On the lake for swimming sports, fishing, rowing and air sports like paragliding, skydiving, parasailing, paragliding floating in free air with beautiful scenery. Moreover, the lake is situated at an altitude of 36.5 meters with hilly atmosphere is very suitable for paragliding.

Indeed today, more lively activities Singkarak. Moreover, various national and international events were held in this lake region. Even the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (ministry) to cooperate West Sumatra provincial government held the first bicycle race in the region of Lake Batur titled 'Tour of Singkarak 2009', which was held on April 30 to May 3, 2009 ago. This Singkarak Tour consists of five stages are preceded by surrounding the city of Padang, Padang-Stage II is as far as 92.3 km of Bukittinggi, Bukittinggi-Sawahlunto as far as 85.1 km, Sawahlunto Singkarak 90.2-km and the last is the Stage V-Singkarak twin lakes (lakes above and below) and then returned to Lake Batur along 188 km.

One more uniqueness located on Lake Batur, the Fish Bilih. Fish Bilih (Mystacoleucus padangensis) is an endemic fish species (which is expected to only live in this lake), and become one of the specialties. Research experts reveal 19 species of freshwater fish living in habitats of Lake Batur, Solok and Tanah Datar district, West Sumatera (Sumatra), with the limited availability of food materials. Of the 19 species, three species of which have high density populations, namely fish Bilih / Biko (Mystacoleusus padangensis Blkr), Asang / Nilem (Osteochilus brachmoides) and Rinuak. Other fish species that live on Lake Batur is, Turiak / turiq (Cyclocheilichthys de Zwani), Lelan / Nillem (Osteochilis vittatus), Sasau / Barau (Hampala mocrolepidota) and Gariang / Tor (Tor tambroides).

Then, Kapiek fish species (Puntius shwanefeldi) and Balinka / Belingkah (Puntius Belinka), Baung (Macrones planiceps), Kalang (Clarias batrachus), Jabuih / bloated (Tetradon mappa), Kalai / carp (carp Osphronemus lac) and Puyu / Betok (Anabas testudeneus). Furthermore, fish species Sapek / Sepat (Trichogaster trichopterus), Tilan (mastacembelus unicolor), Jumpo / Cork (Chana striatus), Kiuang / Cork (Chana pleurothalmus) and Mujaie / Mujair (Tilapia pleurothalmus).

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Danau Maninjau

Maninjau Lake is a lake in the district of Tanjung Raya, Agam regency, West Sumatra province, Indonesia. The lake is located about 140 km north of Padang, the capital of West Sumatra. Maninjau which is a volcanic lake is located at a height of 461.50 meters above sea level. Size Maninjau approximately 99.5 km ² and has a maximum depth of 495 meters. Cekungannya formed by the eruption of Mount Marapi. According to the legend in Ranah Minang, the existence of Lake Maninjau closely related to the story of Bujang Nine.

The lake is listed as the eleventh largest lake in Indonesi. While in West Sumatra, Maninjau is the second largest lake after Lake Batur which has an area of 129.69 km ² are located in two districts of Tanah Datar and Solok district. In the vicinity of Lake Maninjau there are dozens of tourist facilities like hotels.
 
Danau Maninjau or Lake Maninjau, meaning ' to look out across', is a volcanic crater lake located 38km west of Bukittinggi. Situated at 461m above sea level, the air is cool and pleasant. The lake is 17kms long and 8kms at it's widest and reaches to depths of 480m in some places.

Lake Maninjau is one of the top travel destinations in Sumatra. A peaceful, relaxing place to sit and relax and enjoy the views of the lake.

The road from Bukkittinggi offers some spectacular views of the blue lake and surrounding hills. On the way down there are terraced rice fields. There are quiet a few coffee shops perched on the hill to stop and enjoy the view.

There are 44 hairpin turns on the journey down to the lake from the top of the mountain. Each of these turns are conveniently numbered on cigarette advertising billboards.

About a third of the way down the road is lined with small monkeys waiting for fruit or food to be thrown from passing cars. These are wild monkeys and should not be approached too closely as they are vicious.

On the other side of Lake Maninjau, directly across from Maninjau village are some hot volcanic springs, close to the village of Mukomuko.

Getting to Danau Maninjau

To get there go to the bus terminal in Bukittinggi and there are regular buses going to Danau Maninjau. Cost is 13,000Rp and the trip takes around one and a half hours traveling past scenic terraced rice fields and great views of the Lake as you pass down through 44 hairpin turns to get to the lake.

To get back to Bukittinggi just wait on the main road and there are regular buses.

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Pacu Kudo

The tradition of horse racing has long been recognized in Bukittinggi. This was proved by the construction of horse racing facilities in the Mount Ambacang since 1889 by the Dutch colonial government. Not surprisingly, the maintenance of the horses racing well developed, even horse owners to bring a lot of seeds from abroad.

Horse Racing is actually a game people, especially for fans of horses and horse breeder in West Sumatra used to be. Now this activity has become an event supporter of West Sumatra tourism. Usually the distance is contested 800, 1200, 1400 and 1600 meters, and this activity is held once a year.

This activity has also been designated as a national tourism as a calendar event tourism by the Department of Tourism Arts and Cultural Affairs.

Horses spur each in July held in Bukittinggi, is traditionally the most popular sport in West Sumarera. Each horse represents a contested area where the horse came from. Every jockey wearing a costume with a certain color that symbolizes the place of origin.

Agenda horse racing is also held regularly every year in Payakumbuh, Padangpanjang, Batusangkar, Solok, Sawahlunto and Pariaman. The race who represents the area make this horse racing arena will also be a prestige among the regions.

In addition, horse racing horse racing bogi or use the train jockey is still often competed in Solok, West Sumatra. Although the participants are much reduced, some areas still have a horse like Sawahlunto bogi, Padang, Solok, Agam, Bukittinggi, and Payakumbuh never absent in every game. This is to maintain our existence bogi horse racing that is not extinct.

Runway horse racing horse bogi different from usual. When normally jockeys use saddle on horseback, but wearing bogi horse two-wheeled cart. Runway bogi horses are well known in Minangkabau since the Dutch era.

Spur a horse in West Sumatra effectively generate tourism activity at local level. Community enjoys it as activity tourism, culture and entertainment.

Runway horse is not just a sport, but also the agenda of West Sumatra tourism activities. This phenomenon is not in line with the reality on the west coast of Sumatra, especially in the vicinity of Padang. Tourism activities tend to be quiet after the recent earthquake. Domestic tourists reluctant to visit tourist attractions in the vicinity of Padang as traumatized by the earthquake or tsunami.

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