Padang, Indonesia: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Padang is home to the world’s most famous beef rendang? This iconic dish, voted the “World’s Most Delicious Food” by CNN Travel, originated in the Minangkabau highlands of West Sumatra and has become the culinary ambassador of Padang around the globe. As the gateway to West Sumatra’s natural wonders and the capital of Indonesia’s only matrilineal society, Padang offers travelers a fascinating blend of colonial architecture, stunning mosques, beautiful beaches, and some of the most flavorful cuisine in Southeast Asia.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

Padang is served by Minangkabau International Airport (PDG), located about 23 km (14 miles) north of the city center. The airport connects Padang with major Indonesian cities like Jakarta, Medan, and Batam, as well as international destinations like Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

From the Airport to the City

Once you arrive at Minangkabau International Airport, you have several options to reach the city center:

• Train: The most economical option at just 10,000 IDR (about $0.65 USD). The DAMRI shuttle takes you from the terminal to the airport train station, and from there it’s a 45-minute ride to Padang.
• Grab/Gojek: Indonesia’s ride-hailing apps offer convenient door-to-door service for around 80,000-100,000 IDR ($5-7 USD).
• Taxi: Airport taxis are available but tend to be more expensive than ride-hailing services.

Visa Information

Most visitors can enter Indonesia with a Visa on Arrival (VOA) valid for 30 days at a cost of 500,000 IDR (approximately $32 USD). This can be extended once for another 30 days. Alternatively, you can apply for an e-Visa before your trip through the official Indonesian immigration website.

Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips

Padang has a tropical rainforest climate with consistent temperatures year-round and significant rainfall throughout the year. However, there are better times to visit than others:

Getting Around Locally

Navigating Padang is relatively straightforward once you understand the available transportation options:

Ride-Hailing Apps

Grab and Gojek are the most convenient ways to get around Padang. Both offer car and motorcycle options, with motorcycles being cheaper and often faster in traffic. Prices are fixed by the app, eliminating haggling, and you can pay by cash or card.

Angkot (Minivans)

These colorful minivans follow set routes throughout the city and cost only 5,000-10,000 IDR per ride. They’re an authentic way to travel like locals, though routes can be confusing for visitors.

Rental Vehicles

For maximum flexibility, especially if you plan to explore beyond the city, consider renting a car or scooter.

Where to Stay

Padang offers accommodations for every budget, from backpacker hostels to upscale hotels. Most visitors prefer staying in the city center or near the beach for convenience.

Best Areas to Stay

Accommodation Options

Dining & Local Cuisine

Padang cuisine is renowned throughout Indonesia and beyond for its bold flavors, generous use of coconut milk, and fiery chilies. The dining style is unique – restaurants display dozens of prepared dishes, and you only pay for what you eat.

Must-Try Padang Dishes

Where to Eat in Padang

• Padang Old Town Resto Gallery – Located in the historic district, this restaurant offers a wide selection of authentic Minangkabau dishes in a charming setting.
• Rumah Makan Sepakat – A local favorite in Chinatown serving affordable, authentic Padang food.
• Pagi Sore Restaurant – A no-frills eatery beloved by locals for its consistent quality and reasonable prices.
• Warkop Nipah – Great for breakfast, serving excellent kopi susu (coffee with milk) and local morning favorites.

Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities

1. Explore Padang’s Old Town

Step back in time as you wander through Padang’s historic district, where Dutch colonial buildings stand alongside traditional Chinese shophouses. This area north of the Batang Arau River offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s multicultural past.

Key spots to visit include:

• Padangsche Spaarbank – A beautifully preserved Dutch colonial building that once housed a bank and now serves as a restaurant and boutique hotel.
• Geo Wehry & Co Building – A recently renovated colonial structure that was formerly an office for a Dutch trading firm.
• Kejayaan Road – Known for its colorful street art and historic architecture.

2. Visit Padang’s Chinatown

Adjacent to the Old Town, Padang’s Chinatown offers another layer of cultural heritage. The highlight is the See Hin Kiong Temple (Kelenteng See Hin Kiong), a Taoist temple built in 1861 by Chinese traders. The temple features impressive sculptures and decorations that showcase the influence of Chinese culture in West Sumatra.

While in the area, don’t miss Masjid Muhammadan, the oldest mosque in Padang, which demonstrates how different religious communities have coexisted peacefully in the city for centuries.

3. Cross the Siti Nurbaya Bridge

This iconic bridge spans the Batang Arau River and is especially beautiful in the evening when it’s illuminated. From the bridge, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the old town, the river with its wooden boats, and the hills beyond. The bridge is named after a character from a famous Indonesian novel and has become a symbol of the city.

4. Marvel at the Grand Mosque of West Sumatra

Completed in 2014, the Grand Mosque of West Sumatra (Masjid Raya Sumatra Barat) is one of the most striking buildings in Indonesia. Its design combines traditional Minangkabau roof forms with Islamic geometric patterns, creating a unique architectural masterpiece. The mosque can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers and is open to non-Muslim visitors outside prayer times (modest dress required).

5. Learn About Minangkabau Culture at Museum Adityawarman

Named after a 14th-century Minangkabau king, Museum Adityawarman offers insights into the rich history and culture of West Sumatra. The museum is housed in a traditional Rumah Gadang (Minangkabau house) with its distinctive buffalo horn-shaped roof. Inside, you’ll find ethnographic collections related to the Minangkabau and Mentawai cultures, including traditional attire, weapons, and household items.

Entrance fee: 5,000 IDR
Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM (closed Mondays)

Beaches & Natural Attractions

1. Relax at Padang Beach

The main beach in Padang stretches along the city’s western edge, offering stunning views of the Indian Ocean and offshore islands. While not ideal for swimming due to strong currents, it’s perfect for sunset strolls, people-watching, and sampling street food from the many vendors that set up in the evenings.

2. Visit Air Manis Beach

Located about 10 km (6 miles) south of the city center, Air Manis Beach offers a more secluded beach experience with soft brown sand and gentler waves. The beach is famous for the Malin Kundang rock formation, which resembles a prostrating man and is tied to a local legend about a son who disowned his mother and was turned to stone as punishment.

During low tide, you can walk to nearby Pulau Pisang Ketek (Small Banana Island). The beach also offers ATV rentals for rides along the shore.

3. Hike Up Gunung Padang

For spectacular views of Padang and the surrounding coastline, hike up Gunung Padang (Padang Hill) on the south side of the Batang Arau River. The trail takes about 15-20 minutes to climb and offers rewarding vistas at the top. It’s best to go in the late afternoon to catch the sunset over the city.

Entrance fee: 10,000 IDR
Hours: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM daily

4. Explore Offshore Islands

Padang is surrounded by more than 15 small islands that make for perfect day trips. Islands like Pulau Pisang Gadang, Pulau Pisang Ketek, and Pulau Sirandah offer pristine beaches, snorkeling opportunities, and a chance to escape the city. Boats can be chartered from Air Manis Beach or Semen Padang Port.

Cultural Experiences & Festivals

Experience Minangkabau Matrilineal Culture

The Minangkabau people of West Sumatra are known for their matrilineal society, where property and family names are passed down through the female line. This unique cultural aspect influences everything from architecture to social customs. To learn more, visit traditional villages outside Padang or attend cultural performances in the city.

Attend Local Festivals

If your visit coincides with local celebrations, don’t miss the opportunity to experience Padang’s vibrant festival culture:

• Tour de Singkarak (usually in November) – An international cycling race that passes through Padang and showcases West Sumatra’s beautiful landscapes.
• Tabuik Festival (during Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar) – A Shia Muslim commemoration featuring large decorative structures carried through the streets.
• Minangkabau Cultural Festival (dates vary) – Celebrates local traditions with dance performances, music, and culinary exhibitions.

Shop at Traditional Markets

For an authentic cultural experience, visit Pasar Raya, Padang’s main market, or Pasar Tanah Kongsi in Chinatown. These bustling markets offer everything from fresh produce and spices to traditional crafts and textiles.

Day Trips from Padang

1. Bukittinggi

Located about 90 km (56 miles) northeast of Padang, Bukittinggi is a charming highland town surrounded by volcanoes. Highlights include Sianok Canyon, Fort de Kock, and the Japanese Caves. The cooler climate and beautiful scenery make it a popular escape from Padang’s heat.

2. Harau Valley

Often called the “Yosemite of Indonesia,” Harau Valley features dramatic 100 m (328 ft) limestone cliffs, waterfalls, and traditional villages. It’s about 2.5 hours from Padang and offers excellent hiking opportunities.

3. Mentawai Islands

For surf enthusiasts, the Mentawai Islands are world-renowned for their perfect waves. Fast ferries depart from Padang’s Mentawai Fast Harbor, making day trips possible (though overnight stays are recommended to fully experience the islands).

Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs

Safety Considerations

Padang is generally safe for travelers, but it’s always wise to take standard precautions:

• Be aware that Padang is in a seismically active region. Familiarize yourself with earthquake safety procedures.
• Stick to bottled water and be cautious with street food if you have a sensitive stomach.
• Use reputable transportation services, especially at night.
• Keep valuables secure and be vigilant in crowded areas.

Cultural Etiquette

The Minangkabau people are predominantly Muslim and relatively conservative. Respecting local customs will enhance your experience:

• Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Women should cover shoulders and knees, and both men and women should remove shoes before entering mosques.
• If invited to a home, remove your shoes at the entrance.
• When eating with your hands (as is traditional), use only your right hand.
• During Ramadan, be respectful by not eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.

Language Tips

While English is limited in Padang, learning a few basic Indonesian phrases can go a long way:

• Selamat pagi/siang/sore/malam – Good morning/day/afternoon/evening
• Terima kasih – Thank you
• Permisi – Excuse me
• Berapa harganya? – How much does it cost?

Practical Travel Tips

Money Matters

The Indonesian currency is the Rupiah (IDR). While Padang has ATMs throughout the city, it’s advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting markets or smaller establishments. Credit cards are accepted at higher-end hotels and restaurants but aren’t universally accepted.

Internet & Communication

Getting a local SIM card is highly recommended for internet access and navigation. Telkomsel offers the best coverage in West Sumatra, with packages available at their office in central Padang. Many cafes and hotels also offer free Wi-Fi.

What to Pack

• Lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for hot, humid weather
• Modest attire for visiting religious sites
• Rain jacket or umbrella (regardless of season)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat
• Universal adapter for electronics
• Basic medications and first-aid supplies

Health Precautions

No specific vaccinations are required for Padang, but it’s advisable to be up-to-date on routine vaccines. Consider hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus vaccinations. Malaria is not a significant concern in Padang city but may be if you’re traveling to more remote areas of Sumatra.

Experience the Heart of West Sumatra

Padang offers travelers a genuine Indonesian experience away from the well-trodden tourist paths of Bali and Java. From exploring Dutch colonial architecture and Chinese temples to savoring the world’s best rendang and watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean, the city provides a perfect introduction to the cultural richness of West Sumatra.

Whether you’re using Padang as a gateway to the surf breaks of Mentawai, the highlands of Bukittinggi, or the jungles of Kerinci Seblat National Park, take time to appreciate this coastal city’s unique charm and hospitality. The blend of Minangkabau traditions, colonial history, and natural beauty creates an unforgettable destination that rewards curious travelers willing to venture beyond Indonesia’s more famous attractions.