Discovering Bukittinggi's Treasures

We had a two-day assignment in Bukittinggi that was quite exciting. Surprisingly, we only needed one day to finish our task, which gave us an extra day to explore the city's attractions. Despite our early arrival at 2 a.m., we had booked a hotel ahead of time. This strategic move allowed us to check in early for a slightly higher fee that included two breakfasts. Our hotel was not only comfortable, but also clean and safe. Furthermore, the breakfast options were impressive, with delectable flavors.

On our first night, we explored Bukittinggi after finishing our assignment. Our first stop was at Jam Gadang, which was conveniently located just a short distance from our hotel. Jam Gadang, with its distinctive Minangkabau architecture, is a prominent landmark in Bukittinggi. While I had previously visited this location during the day, seeing it at night was an entirely different and captivating experience. The vibrant lights of surrounding buildings brought the area to life, and Jam Gadang itself changed colors on periodically, creating a mesmerizing sight.

There were numerous souvenir stalls around Jam Gadang, and it was clear that many people were spending their leisure time there. However, as is often the case with tourist destinations, the food was more expensive and less flavorful than in other parts of town.

On the second day, we decided to take a stroll to Kinantan Zoo. At first, I wasn't enthusiastic, as I thought all zoos were more or less the same. However, I'm glad I didn't decline the invitation because Bukittinggi has a clever way of connecting its attractions. Thanks to its relatively compact city layout, visitors can purchase a single entrance ticket that covers multiple famous spots, making it a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the city.

Kinantan Zoo was a delightful surprise, offering a diverse range of animals to observe and the chance to explore the Baanjuang Traditional House Museum, conveniently located within the zoo premises. This museum provides an immersive cultural experience, highlighting the distinctive Minangkabau architectural style and showcasing the rich heritage of the region.

Crossing the Limpapeh Bridge from the zoo opened access to several significant locations, with Fort de Kock being the final stop on our morning journey. The bridge provided breathtaking panoramic views of the picturesque Sianok Canyon and the lush surrounding landscape. It was a multifaceted attraction that seamlessly combined natural beauty, wildlife conservation, and cultural enrichment into one experience.

Taking the advice of a rujak vendor, we decided to take a leisurely stroll through the residential area, and to our surprise, we soon realized that our hotel was much closer than we had initially thought. It almost felt as if we had just visited a neighbor's house, adding a warm and familiar touch to our exploration of Bukittinggi.

After checking out of the hotel at 1 p.m., we left our luggage in the lobby since our ride was scheduled to pick us up at 11 p.m. With plenty of time to spare, we decided to revisit Jam Gadang for some Batik shopping. Still having many hours left, we used an online taxi to take us to the Bung Hatta Birth House Museum.

This museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the life and achievements of Bung Hatta. Inside, visitors can explore a wide range of exhibits, displays, and memorabilia that offer valuable insights into his early life, education, and political career. It provides an educational experience that helps us better understand the history and context of Indonesia's struggle for independence.

The Bung Hatta Birth House we visited is truly unique. It's a meticulously crafted replica created by the Bukittinggi government with an unwavering commitment to historical accuracy. The primary aim behind this replica was to provide visitors with an immersive experience closely resembling the original house where Mohammad Hatta was born.

After exploring the museum, we arranged for another online taxi to take us to Panorama Ngarai Sianok, which also features the Japanese Hole. Panorama Ngarai Sianok was a serene spot for unwinding, although the presence of numerous monkeys made us a bit apprehensive.

We spent the evening in the city park, waiting for nightfall and enjoying the beautiful sunset as the sun gradually descended. As the sky darkened, we decided to have dinner at the highly recommended Nasi Kapau stall, although it didn't quite meet my taste expectations.

After dinner, we returned to the hotel, offered our Maghrib prayers, and patiently waited for our ride to pick us up.

Bukittinggi had left a lasting impression on me - its cool climate and picturesque landscape made it an unforgettable experience. I couldn't help but feel grateful to Bukittinggi for providing us with such a wonderful adventure!