Bukittinggi Hotels from SG$19

As the second largest city in West Sumatra within Indonesia, Bukittinggi is seated upon a volcanic area. Both the inactive Mount Singgalang and the active Mount Marapi lie nearby. This city was once known as Fort de Kock, and retains a great deal of its original architecture. It is a major tourist city and carries numerous landmarks and areas of historical importance. From its meagre origins of just five villages, Bukittinggi is now a sprawling city filled with things to do. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Bukittinggi one of the best holiday destinations in Indonesia.

About Bukittinggi

One of the best features of this town is the fact that almost everywhere is within walking distance. Bukittinggi holds diversity in its dense cross of urban setting and natural splendour. The surrounding area is lined with greenery and a great amount of plant and animal life. The views over the gorge from places such as Tabiang Takuruang, make the entire trip worth it.

Best Place to Stay in Bukittinggi

Hotels with pools in Bukittinggi are quite common. Shop around the city centre for a range of 3 to 4-star hotels which supply the very best in service and amenities. Most of the hotels with pools also provided in-house restaurants, business services and also cater to children.

Most of the three-star hotels also supply an airport shuttle service, so keep this in mind when shopping for hotels near the airport. The rates towards the centre of Bukit Tinggi are extremely affordable and the easy access to transport ensures that travel is no problem. In the region of Benteng de Kock, near to Taman Bundo Kanduang Park, holds a great range of places to stay.

Best Things to Do in Bukittinggi

Jam Gadang is the primary landmark of Bukit Tinggi. This word means “The Great Clock” and references the towering clock tower of Dutch origins, with its Bagonjong roof, a key feature of Minangkabau architecture. Dead centre to Bukit Tinggi is this archaic structure surrounded by many tourists and food stalls. Around this square you can also hail a horse carriage, which is one of the most memorable ways to travel during your stay.

There is no place as beautiful as the long, steeping green hills and crevices of Sianok Canyon. A two-storey observation tower overlooks the park itself, while within the green expanse you can find friendly monkeys, who should be watched, as they know all too well that tourists carry food. Head to the canyon at dusk to witness droves of bats dipping and weaving through the gorges of the forest, as they feed on the fruit of the trees.

While visiting Sianok Canyon, no trip would be complete without a walk through the Great Wall of Koto Gadang. A clear river waits, as you travel through rice fields and a forest. Some of the most mystifying places in Sumatra lie on this hike. Don’t forget to bring a camera along.

Best Food & Shopping in Bukittinggi

No visitor will be able to miss the massive market at the Jam Gadang city centre, marked by the clock tower. Nearby there are also two other traditional markets termed Pasar Atas and Pasar Bawah, with the first being the larger of the two. For wholesale bargains, head to Pasar Aur Kuning, but remember that purchases in small quantities are frowned upon or even outright disallowed.