Padang is West Sumatra’s capital. It’s the starting point for tourists to take ferry boats to Siberut, Sipura, and other islands.
Padang’s old town is near the Batang Arau River, where Chinatown is located, and the Dutch colonial building faces the river. In Chinatown, a row of shophouses is built for living and trading. The 19th-century old temple is the community’s center as well as the clan associations down the road.
Port of Muara was used by the Dutch since the 17th century. Colonial buildings are on Jalan Batang Arau, some are abandoned or used as warehouses. Gedung Padangsche Spaarbank is a white building, palm trees grow on the porch.
Cross Siti Nurbaya Bridge to Padang Hill for a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean. The beach in Padang is a disappointment. There does not seem to be much efforts from the government to keep it clean. Outside of Padang, the beach is rocky.
Half-Day Tour in Padang Old City
Padang’s old town is near the Batang Arau River, where Chinatown is locate,d and the Dutch colonial building faces the river. In Chinatown, a row of shophouses is built for living and trading. The 19th-century old temple is the community’s center as well as the clan associations down the road.
Port of Muara used by the Dutch since the 17th century. Colonial buildings are on Jalan Batang Arau, some are abandoned or used as warehouses. Gedung Padangsche Spaarbank is a white building, palm trees grow on the porch.
Cross Siti Nurbaya Bridge to Padang Hill for a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean
Where to Eat in the Old Town?
There are so many restaurants in the old town, ranging from Chinese to burgers and pasta in cafes.
Drop by Weekend Cafe
to enjoy a cup of ice-cold coffee or a plate of any Asian cuisine. With a modern interior design against an exterior white-washed colonial building, this cafe serves a diverse menu of Southeast Asian food.
Craving for seafood? Joni Kun Ikan Bakar Padang is where you will get a nice grilled fish.
Coffee Shop Hopping in Padang
Young generation Indonesian Coffee enthusiasts take advantage of fertile Indonesian soil. Countable coffee shops in Padang. I’d recommend these two roasteries and try Ache Gayo. That is my favorite bean.
Dua Pintu Coffee Roastery is 8km from the Old Town, and offers a traditional coffee selection and decent price. They carry Solok, Kerinci, Ache, and some other places in Indonesia. ($6 for 200 gram)
Rimbun Espresso & Brew Bar Padang is crowded with young locals. It also provides a traditional menu of coffee and a few selections of fruity cold drinks. They have freshly roasted beans.
Dinner
Restoran Sari Raso
Resto Selamat locates in the busy shopping area. They are known for beef rendang. The restaurant is an old-style interior design.
Beach
The coastal Padang is a place for sand and beer under coconut trees. The beach in Padang city is a disappointment, which is dirty and lacks maintenance. It comes to life after sunset, many bbq vendors along the beach. Forty km from Padang, a popular Suwarnadwipa Beach is isolated by road. No road connected to it. Resort and homestays offer boat transportation to their resorts. Around here, Sirandah Island is a gateway to a quiet vocation.
How to Get to Padang by Flight
Flying in Padang is a convenient option that connects to other cities. Another international airport is in Pekanbaru, Riau. The night bus is available to connect to Padang and Bukittingi.
How to Get to Padang from Bukittingi
We took a daily van from Bukittingi to Padang (96km). We had already spent two days in the serene paddy fields of Bukittingi and returned there again in a scooter. This is a circuit road trip.
We checked in Yani Homestay and rented a Yamaha Mio S 125 cc scooter from him. He has some selections. We rented one scooter for two people. We traveled with 30 30-liter backpacks.
Tip: Get a SIM card in the airport
Where to Stay in Padang?
Yani Homestay $9; This guesthouse has properties opposite from each other. They are clean and with basic amenities. The owner’s service is exceptionally helpful.
Kokos Hostel
Riverside Hostel Padang $20
