Bukittinggi

Bukittinggi

Bukittinggi is the cultural capital of the Minang realm. It is the largest city in the Minang highlands, built around a Dutch post, Fort de Kock, which was established in 1825. Although Bukittinggi is lying just below the equator, it has a pleasant cool climate, thanks to its elevation of 900 metres above sea level. Tourists will find it the most hospitable city in Sumatra. There is a lot to see, all within walking distance, the food is good and there is plenty of accommodation, ranging from budget guesthouses to five star hotels. Due to its central location in the Minang highlands, Bukittinggi is perfect to be used as a starting point to explore the highlands in a series of day trips.
Right: Bukittinggi's landmark, the Jam Gadang, with Mount Singgalang at the background.
	Bukittinggi itself has a lot to offer. The principal landmark on the main square is the Jam Gadang ("Great Clock"), which overlooks the market square and the magnificent surroundings. At the other side of the square is the lively Pasar Atas central market, where you can buy almost anything, ranging from fruit, vegetables and meat to textiles, shoes and so on. The market is proof of the salesmen spirit of the Minangkabau. Bargaining is seen as a social activity, rather than an attempt to cheat the customer. Therefore, bargain hard before buying something, but always keep your sense of humor.
	Old colonial buildings adjacent to the lively Pasar Atas central market

Behind the central market you can walk to the top of one of the two hills in the centre of Bukittinggi to visit the Taman Bundo Kanduang. Here, a zoo and a museum are housed. The zoo has a surprising collection of animals, among others elephants, Sumatran tigers, honey-bears and orangutans. However, the conditions the animals are kept in are not optimal, and their daily menu is for a great deal determined by what the visitors throw in their cages.
Bukittinggi's zoo

On the top of the hill is a museum, housed in a traditional Minang Rumah Gadang. Inside the museum is a collection of Minang costumes, old rifles used against the Dutch and musical instruments.
Right: Rumah Gadang in Bukittinggi, now a museum Below: Old canon guarding what is left over from Fort de Kock
	A bridge connects Taman Bundo Kanduang to the hill on which the Dutch built Fort de Kock. Little is left of the original fort, except for some stone ruins and a few canons.

At the south side of Bukittinggi, a panorama overlooks the Ngarai Sianok canyon. The lookout point known as Panorama Park offers a spectacular few over the river, which flows some 100 metres below through the canyon. From the park, a path leads down into the canyon, passing Japanese-built tunnels under the park.

Spectacular view over Ngarai Sianok canyon at Panorama Park