Welcome In Padang
Padang is the gateway to the Minang
highlands. With the largest port on Sumatra’s West Coast, this is a
merchant town attracting ships trading in goods such as rubber,
cinnamon, coffee, tee, cement and coal. If you take a stroll down to the
old colonial waterfront you’ll see century old warehouses stocked with
fragrant cinnamon and other spices waiting to be shipped to Jakarta and Singapore.
Air Manis
is Padang’s most popular beach, located about one hours walk along the
coast, or a quick trip in a minibus. The legend of the beach says that
once a young man named Malin Kundang went out to sea to become a rich
merchant. Famous throughout Indonesia for its distinctive cuisine,
Padang is the place to go to sample the famous spicy nasi padang food
that has spread throughout the country and the world, includes such
delicacies as the spicy coconut curry rendang and soto padang.
Experience the unique way Padang food is served. Watch how waiters
expertly carry more than ten plates with all kinds of delicacies on both
arms. These dishes will then be spread out on the table for diners to
pick and choose.
Get There
Padang is half-way up Sumatra’s west coast
and is served by a good network of land, air and sea routes. Padang’s
new airport is the Bandara Internasional Minangkabau, 20 km north of the
centre of town. Domestic flights go daily between Padang and Jakarta,
Medan and Palembang. Airlines operating flights to Padang include
Garuda, AirAsia and Lion Air. Padang’s Bengkuang bus terminal is located
12 km from town.
