Bukittinggi

Set in the Minangkabau Highlands north of Padang, the market town of Bukittinggi is considered the cultural heartland of West Sumatra. The city was established as a colonial outpost known as Fort de Kock by the Dutch in 1825. Although it is less than a degree south of the equator, Bukittinggi has a refreshingly cool climate due an elevation over 900 meters above sea level. Bukittinggi is also known as ‘Tri Arga’, which refers to the three majestic volcanoes encircling the town that have blessed the region with fertile soil. There are some excellent trekking opportunities in the hills around Bukittinggi, and the nearby Ngari Sianok Canyon is one of the most spectacular sights in all of Sumatra.