Padang Travel Guide
The capital of West Sumatra and centre of Minangkabau matrilineal culture, where Padang cuisine originates. A coastal city that serves as the gateway to the Mentawai Islands (a surfing mecca), Bukittinggi, and Kerinci Seblat National Park. Rebuilt after major damage in the 2009 earthquake.
Why Go to Padang
Padang is home to a cuisine whose name has gone global — rendang, sate Padang, gulai — served hidangan-style: dozens of side dishes set on the table at once, and you only pay for what you actually eat. The city itself is the heart of Minangkabau culture, one of the world's largest matrilineal societies, where the husband moves into his wife's home and property passes down the maternal line.
The city also lives on an active fault line — the 2009 earthquake killed over 1,100 people and damaged many historic buildings, including part of its old Chinatown. Most has since been rebuilt, and the striking Masjid Raya Sumatera Barat, with its Minangkabau gonjong roof, rose afterward as the city's new landmark.
For most travellers Padang is a stepping stone to elsewhere: world-class waves in the Mentawai Islands, the cool air of Bukittinggi (~2 hrs by minibus), and the forests of Kerinci Seblat National Park. But the city rewards a stop of its own, for Pantai Air Manis and its Malin Kundang legend, and of course, Padang food eaten where it comes from.
- Masjid Raya Sumatera Barat — a modern mosque with a Minangkabau gonjong roof
- Pantai Air Manis — the Malin Kundang stone and its legend of an ungrateful son
- Gateway to the Mentawai Islands — world-class surf breaks
- Authentic Padang food served hidangan-style — rendang, sate Padang, gulai
- Museum Adityawarman — Minangkabau history and culture in a traditional spire-roofed building
Current Conditions in Padang
Districts & Where to Base Yourself
- Centre & Pantai PadangHotels, food, and the city beach for an evening bendi (horse-cart) ride or seaside rujak.
- Kampung Cina (Old Town)Old Chinese-colonial shophouses, partly restored after the 2009 earthquake.
- Jl. Khatib SulaimanHome to Masjid Raya Sumatera Barat, a more modern district.
- The port & Teluk BayurThe departure point for boats to the Mentawai Islands.
What to See in Padang
- Jl. Khatib Sulaiman Masjid Raya Sumatera Barat The provincial grand mosque, in a modern Minangkabau style with a curved gonjong roof instead of a conventional dome, built after the 2009 earthquake and now the city's new landmark.
- Selatan kota Pantai Air Manis & Batu Malin Kundang A beach with a tidal island and a rock shaped like a prostrating man — believed to be Malin Kundang, an ungrateful son cursed to stone by his mother.
- Jl. Diponegoro Museum Adityawarman A state museum in a traditional Minangkabau spire-roofed building, exhibiting West Sumatra's history and culture with bilingual Indonesian-English text. Open 07:30–15:00, entry around Rp5,000.
- Pusat kota Pantai Padang & Siti Nurbaya Bridge The city beach for a bendi (horse-cart) ride and evening rujak; the nearby Siti Nurbaya Bridge, named for a classic literary character, looks striking lit up at night.
- Pusat kota lama Kampung Cina (Kota Tua Padang) A row of old Chinese-colonial shophouses, some badly damaged in the 2009 earthquake and gradually restored — a trace of Padang's trading history before the quake.
- Berangkat dari pelabuhan Padang Gerbang Kepulauan Mentawai Padang is the departure point for surf-boat operators heading to the Mentawai Islands, one of the world's best wave destinations, along with indigenous Mentawai culture.
Local Food
- Rendang — beef cooked in spices and coconut milk until dry, originating here
- Sate Padang — meat satay in a thick curry sauce, served with ketupat rice cakes
- Soto Padang — crispy beef in an aromatic clear broth
- Ayam pop — chicken poached then briefly fried, giving it a pale colour
- The Padang restaurant hidangan system — you pay only for what you eat
Getting There
Minangkabau International Airport (PDG), ~23 km north-west of the city, has domestic flights plus an international route to Kuala Lumpur (AirAsia). The airport train costs Rp10,000, the DAMRI bus Rp25,000 to the centre.
Getting Around
Angkots ~Rp2,000; Grab and Blue Bird taxis are available via app. For out-of-town trips (Bukittinggi, etc.), a car with driver is recommended over self-driving given road conditions and traffic.
Practical Tips
- The city sits on an active fault line — know your hotel's evacuation route.
- Minangkabau people are known as skilled traders; a slightly inflated price is normal, don't argue over small amounts.
- Nightlife is limited — the devout Muslim majority means alcohol and bars are mostly hotel-only.
- Regular public transport is crowded and less comfortable at rush hour — keep an eye on your belongings.
- At a Padang restaurant, start with a small portion if unsure — the hidangan system makes it easy to over-order.
Full Padang Guide
🧭 Kenali Kota
The city is very pleasant with a nice promenade along the beach, distinctive Padang architecture and wonderfully friendly people. The city is also the home of the delicious Padang food and the town is stuffed with restaurants and street stalls. The locally available guidebook 'Sozzie Sumatra' can be referred to on arrival for upcoming local events and a current 'what to do' section. Padang is a considered to be the main centre of Minangkabau culture. Unusually among the world's Muslim peoples, the Minangkabau are matriarchal, with husbands moving into their wives' homes after marriage, and with family possessions being passed from mother to daughter rather than father to son.
✈️ Cara Menuju
By plane: 1 Minangkabau International Airport (Bandara Internasional Minangkabau - BIM PDG IATA) (located 23 km north-west of Padang). The main gateway to West Sumatra, with frequent flights to destinations throughout Sumatra and Java (such as Garuda-Indonesia, Sriwijaya Air, Lion Air, Citilink, and Wings Air), and to Kuala Lumpur (AirAsia). Direct flights to Padang are available from: Jakarta, Batam, Medan, Bandung, Surabaya, Bengkulu and International from Kuala Lumpur. From the airport, the cheapest way to get into the city is by Minangkabau Express Airport Train, for a fare of Rp 10,000 per person, departs only five times a day, due to the single-track railway operation. Damri bus also connects the airport with the city for a fare of Rp 25,000 per person. Its route passes by the coast and major hotels in Padang, to end in the Imam Bonjol terminal. The bus departs the city every hour from 04:30 and the last one at 18:00. The trip takes roughly 45 minutes depending on the traffic. Taxis and rental cars are also available at the airport. By train: Rail transport to Padang are limited, the only passenger trains running is a service from Pariaman several times per day. This connection can be quite useful if traveling from Jakarta overland. The main station is 2 Stasiun Padang, located just off Jl. Dalam Gadung road. By bus: There are many luxury buses from Java to Padang, mostly from Jakarta and Bandung. It is a good option for the budget if you don't mind being on the road for two to three days, since flight tickets can cost more than three times of their normal price, especially during Eid Al-Fitr season. From Bukittinggi, minibus Rp20,000, duration ~2h. From Harau Valley, minibus from shop/loket 'Pt.Ricky RA. Transport', near an AgenBRILink, Rp30,000, duration ~5h. Likely to drop around Basko grand mall. Take an orange angkot to reach the Plaza Andalas mall in the centre for Rp5,000.
🚌 Transportasi Lokal
Crazily-decorated angkots run along the two main roads. Prices for a trip are approximately Rp 2,000. You can get taxis from the Minangkabau International Airport to town for less than Rp 50,000 if you speak the language. If you are obviously foreign, Minang people are well known to be good business people and are quite skilled at making you pay a few extra thousand rupiahs. But don't bother squabbling over 50 cents here or there. There are several alternatives that you can choose for transportation in Padang, such as bus kota (for city bus transportation), angkutan kota (for transportation in the city), taxi, and car rental. Most public transportation is not safe and clean by international standards. During rush hour, the buses are overcrowded. Be careful with your valuables, although pickpocketing is very rare. If you're looking to spend a few days in Padang, car rental is the preferred way to go around. All car rentals include the driver, who can also act as your guide. It's not recommended for tourists to self-drive, because road signs are not followed by the locals and courtesy while driving is virtually nonexistent in Indonesia. If you need a taxi, Argo, Blue Bird Taxi and Grab Taxi apps can be downloaded for free. Fill the departure and arrival points and Google Maps will show the map and the taxis and also estimate the cost in a range. Taxis arrive within 5 minutes after being summoned. Only qualified taxis and qualified drivers can join the apps. The service is available in Bukittinggi and Payakumbuh as well. Jacktour Padang Car Rental, ☏ +62 751 445655. Padang and Bukittinggi car rental services. CV Budi Jaya, Jl. Aur Duri Indah XVI No. 1, ☏ +62 751-841939, +62 751 7892205, +62 751 7850275. Car rental: Innova, Avanza, Kijang, Panther, Xenia, APV, Altis, tour bus. Rp 275,000 per day (Xenia car and chauffeur). Padang Rent Car, ☏ +62 8 1166 8389. They provide cars for rent and tout their experience, cheap price and good service.
📸 Yang Bisa Dilihat
1 Museum Adityawarman, Jl Diponegoro, ☏ +62 751 31523. TU-F, 07:30-15:00. State-run museum exploring regional history & culture in a traditional spire-roofed building. Has both Indonesian and English texts. Rp5,000. (updated Apr 2024) 2 Taman Budaya (Cultural Park). (updated Mar 2021) 3 Pantai Air Manis (Sweet Water Beach). It is most famed for Batu Malin Kundang (Stone of Malin Kundang), a stone shaped like a prostrating man. According to local legend, this stone is Malin Kundang, the ungrateful son who disowned his poor mother after coming home as a rich man from his travels. His mother cursed him into stone, as well as the remains of his ship, which can also be seen near his stone. There is a tidal island from the beach here, with nice clean (by Indonesian standards) water and sand. (updated Jun 2018) 4NOT EXISTING IMAGE Grand Mosque of West Sumatra (Mesjid Raya Sumatera Barat), Jl Khatib Sulaiman. A new modern large mosque that is built with Minangkabau architecture. (updated Jun 2018) 5 The Great Mosque of Ganting (Mesjid Raya Ganting), Jl Ganting. It is the oldest mosque in Padang and one of the oldest in Indonesia. (updated Jun 2018) 6 Pantai Padang (Padang Beach). You can ride the bendi (a horse-drawn carriage) along the beach, and stop by the rows of shops to eat some rujak as you watch the waves. (updated Mar 2021) 7 Siti Nurbaya Bridge (Jembatan Siti Nurbaya). A beautiful bridge especially at night. Siti Nurbaya is the eponymous character in a classical literary novel. (updated Jun 2018) 8 Masjid Al-hakim, Jl. Samudera, Berok Nipah, Kec. Padang Bar., Kota Padang, Sumatera Barat, ☏ +62 751 442603. Nice all white mosque on the seaside, especially at dusk. Side entrance on north to see sunset which seems enjoyed a lot by locals. Free. (updated Apr 2024) You go down the south of Teluk Bayur, up and through steep hills (don't try to take a bus, there is an [Angkot] that goes all the way).
🎯 Yang Bisa Dilakukan
Relaxing is the main thing to do here. This is a mainly administrative city. Honestly, there isn't too much to do downtown. But if you go uptown, some interesting spots await to be explored. These include Sikuai Island, Lubuk Minturun river (a 'natural jacuzzi') and Bungus Bay (crystal water river), all in southern Padang. Pool/Billiard is a popular sport to play and there are a few places dotted around. The nightlife is relatively dull because Padang is a minor city and a rather devout Muslim community. Bars are available at some hotels but don't expect alcohol. If you can find your way down to Chinatown and get some kripik Padang (crackers, available in two flavours: spicy and sweet), that could be a good idea, too. In Chinatown, you also can explore the mixture of Minang-Chinese food. 1 dMess, Jl Thamrin No 5 (Located behind the restaurant area.). 11:00-02:00. A spacious pool hall with 21 international standard tables (updated Jun 2018) 2 Hike Bukit gado gado. Recommended: good shoes, long pants, trekking poles, water, snack, mosquitos repellent. Avoid if rainy. Start early to avoid heat. Route mixed: concrete, dirt, asphalt. Many parts are steep and can be very slippy if after rain. Start from Siti Nurbaya Bridge, take one of the two paths (stairs) uphill and turn left on the road (not in the many houses around). You will see multiple Chinese tombs, walk right of 'Mushalla Nurul Ikhlas'. The stairs have much moss, which can make it more slippery if recently rained. There is a ´Selamar Datang’ (welcome) sign just before a rest area with sign ´Anak Nagari Bukit Kandang´. A bit further concrete road will be replaced by dirt road only. At the next intersection, continue straight. Pass a small blue house/shop, with possibly barking dogs. On the following inhabited house, continue on the path left of it. Ask if unsure. Part of the path is not really clear, well maintained. Follow up hill. You should see few gum trees before reaching destination. Antennas top is reached after 60–75 min total hike up. On the left, view on Padang. On the right, antennas and media house (PT. Iindostar Padang Televisi, Bukit Gado Gado) and way down. On the way down, you can use either the previous path, or another, also more or less mix of asphalt and dirt road. More asphalt, more detour and longer but also some view of seaside and nearby islands. Dirt roads may not be very visible/maintained. Even when back on main road, it does not seem to have angkot/minibus back (or partial 402). Longer path (asphalt until main road, cut back smaller concrete road before Masjid Jabaldiin – about 2h. Free. (updated Apr 2024) Surfing: Pantai Air Manis (Sweet Water Beach) This is a very good surf spot fort beginners with a beach break and not to big waves. It is working during low season, too, but waves can be inconsistent. A few options for renting surfboards along the beach. Price around Rp 50,000/per board/per day. Direction: Angkot from the market to the beach, fare Rp 5000, last trip at 17:00. Mentawai Surfing Barrels. Jalan Siteba. ☏ +6281374006060 The Mentawai Islands' waves make it one of a kind surfing spot. Pulau Asli Tour, Jalan Raya Siteba No. 14, ☏ +62 851-6575-6942, pulauasli@gmail.com. Community-based operator run by a family native to Siberut Island, arranging both a Mentawai surf camp and multi-day cultural tours to Sikerei host families on Siberut. Handles Mentawai Fast ferry tickets and all logistics from Padang as part of every package. Surf camp packages from around US$950 per person; multi-day Mentawai tribal tours from around US$200 per person. (updated Aug 2026) ```
🛍️ Belanja & Oleh-oleh
There are a lot of stores on the side of the road, much like anywhere else in Indonesia. There are two malls, Minang Plaza, which is smaller and better for your more supermarket and basic clothing needs. There is a bit of Western Food at Plaza Andalas in the form of Papa Ron's Pizza. Shopping at Andalas is a little bit better, but at this point in time, the malls are more downscale, mainly local products and local shops. No big retailers here. Brand names aren't really easy to find. You could find a few surfing items at Andalas plaza - but that's about it. There is a Gramedia across the road from Andalas Plaza also. 1 Ramayana (Plaza Andalas), Jl Pemuda. Shopping district, locally famous. Great bargains can be picked up here. 2 Basko Grand Mall, Jl Prof Dr Hamka. KFC, Pizza Hut, J.CO, Bread Talk, Matahari, Solaria, Foodmart, etc.
🍜 Kuliner
Padang is famed throughout Indonesia for spicy Padang food (masakan Padang). These days nasi padang (Padang rice) restaurants can be found all over Indonesia, but of course, nothing beats eating it at its place or origin. Ordering at a Padang restaurant couldn't be easier: just sit down at a table, and watch the dishes pile up. Eat what you like, as you'll only pay for dishes you've actually consumed. Dishes are meant to be shared, but each person gets their own individual portion of rice. Famous dishes include: Beef Rendang, spicy curried beef cooked until the sauce is dry. Soto Padang, crispy beef in spicy clear soup. Ayam Pop, chicken that has been boiled in coconut juice and then fried for a short time. Sate Padang, beef satay in curry sauce, served with ketupat (Indonesian rice cakes). Padang dishes can use rather unusual ingredients though, including internal organs like hearts, lungs and even brains. One notable dish is Gulai Tambusu, which consists of cooked egg wrapped in cow intestines and served with a curry. All Padang/Minang dishes are Halal due to the Islamic roots of Minang people. 1 Lamun Ombak, Jl Khatib Sulaiman. Busiest Minangnese restaurant due to its location in the heart of the city. 2 Sederhana, Jl. Rasuna Said No 81A, ☏ +62 751 447774. A national chain restaurant. Along Jalan Ahmad Yani, you can find a few international fast food chain restaurants, including Pizza Hut, KFC, and McDonald's. Some local Westerner-friendly restaurants: 3 Safari Garden Cafe & Restaurant, Jalan Nipah No.21, Berok Nipah, West Padang. Daily 10:00-00:00 price=. One of the restaurants that serves Angus beef steak. Popular amongst the tourists for the extensive menu of western foods. 4 Waroenk Kito, Jl Thamrin No 3. Daily 11:00-22:00. Asian foods. The menu is extensive. Has indoor and outdoor seatings. If Travelling during Ramadan, bakery nihon no pan (attached to a hotel, 10–20k), Hoya Bakery & Resto and Restoran Sari Raso (meal 29k, drink 7–15k) are opened for lunch (and breakfast for bakeries). Other places may be but with a closed-like front door so need to pay attention to find them. Local delicacies: 3 Rohana Kudus, Jl. Rohana Kudus No. 74, ☏ +62 751-23386. One of the favorite places to buy snacks to bring home as gifts, including the snack the area is famed for, Kripik Balado or Kripik Sanjay. Mama Tiyo homemade food, Jihad I No.08, RT.01/RW.05, Kubu Dalam Parak Karakah, Kec. Padang Tim., Kota Padang, Sumatera Barat 25126, ☏ +62 82169715348.
☕ Tempat Nongkrong
The only real bars you will find are at the major hotels. This is a very Islamic community and therefore the influence of alcohol is minimal. That being said, beer is for sale at the major supermarkets. Bintang is about all you will find. If you are feeling game, the traditional market could be something you might want to visit, as hard liquor such as Johnny Walker may be available there. Hard liquor is also available at several warungs (small shops on the side of the road) and it is quite easy to obtain cheap vodka, whisky or rum. The going rate for a 250-ml bottle of spirits is Rp 23,000. The best nightclubs in Padang are Hotel Pangeran Beach, Rocky Hotel, Ambacang hotel (the newest hotel) and Queen.
🛏️ Menginap
There are many types of accommodation that can be chosen by people if they are in Padang. Such as: Budget: 1 Havilla Maranatha, Jl. Bandar Pulau Karam No. 10-D (in the centre, near the beach and a shopping centre), ☏ +62 751 26321, fax: +62 751 38663, maranatha_homestay@yahoo.com. Homey, have good facilities; Dormitory(backpackers), Single or double room and family room; hot and cold water, hot spot internet, nice lobby, kitchen facilities, international TV channels. Rp 85,000-270,000. 2 Hotel Bintang, Jln. Bandar Pulau Karam 29, ☏ +62 751-39616. Check-out: 12:00. Fan room with own bathroom. Free wifi. from Rp 120,000. 3 Garuda Hotel, Jl Permindo no 4, ☏ +62-751-27143. Check-out: 12:00. Fan single/double rooms with own bathroom. Free breakfast. Rp 145,000/175,000. 4 Grace Hostel Padang, Jl Batang Arau No 88 B/5, ☏ +62 81374006060. Homestay for backpackers. The air in Grace Homestay is fresher than the other place because of the hill Gunung Padang in front of it. Fan, shared toilet; tea and coffee included. Rp 100,000/person. 5 Wisma Mutiara, Jalan Pulau Karam 149. Nice little hotel in the western part of town. It is very clean and a nice breakfast is included. Staff is very helpful and friendly. Doubles Rp 150,000–275,000. 6 Brigitte's Houses - Homestay and Backpackers, Jl Kampung Sebelah I No 14D (near Siti Nurbaya Bridge), ☏ +62 81374257162. Check-out: 12:00. It has airy dorm beds & private rooms & free Wi-Fi. Run by Ms Brigitte, a Batak gal. Located not far from the Airport Damri bus route to the city & walking distance to Padang beach. Old house and equipment (dorm AC often noisy and not very powerful, old washing machine for laundry). kitchen with fridge and stove. Dorm 100k, room 150–300k, laundry 20k/kg, rent bike/day 75k. (updated Apr 2024) 7 Natures Inn (Opposite the Tourist Information Centre). Family-run home stay, clean and modern, dorms and double rooms, bed linen provided, shared bathrooms with seat toilets and showers, hot and cold water showers, free Wi-Fi, fans and air-con. prices start at Rp 125,000, Rp 25,000 extra for breakfasts. 8 Yani's Homestay Backpacker, Jl Nipah no.1, ☏ +62 852-63801686 (mobile). Check-out: 12:00. Dorm beds. Fan/A/C single/double rooms. Shared bathroom free Wi-Fi. dorm bed Rp 80,000 a/c double 160,000. (updated Oct 2017) 9 Riverside Hostel, JL Batang Arau no 66c, ☏ +62-751-8956623. Check-out: 12:00. 5-bed dorm and double rooms. Free Wi-Fi. Free breakfast. Cable TV. Hot water showers. from Rp 120,000 per person. (updated Oct 2017) Splurge: 10 Mercure Padang, Jl. Purus IV No. 8, ☏ +62 751 89118, fax: +62 751 891891, reservation@mercurepadang.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. A walking distance to the beach. Rp 750,000. (updated Jun 2018) 11 Grand Inna Padang, Jl. Gereja No. 34, ☏ +62 751 35600 - 33741, sm@grandinnapadang.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Large hotel with a convention centre. Rp 600,000. (updated Jun 2018) Pantai Air Manis: Adi's guesthouse (Angkot from Padang market to Pantai Air Manis. Rp 5000. Last angkot at 17:00), ☏ +62 82170017779, adi.guesthouse@facebook.com. Family-run home stay, clean and simple, 2 rooms with bathrooms and fan. Located on the beach, it is a small restaurant and meeting place for the local surfing community. They usually serve fried rice, fried noodles and noodle soup (mix rebus), but if the food is included with your room, you will have the chance to try the wonderful curries of Adi. Adi is very reliable and helpful. Rp 200,000 for one person all included, Rp 300,000 for two. Surfboards are included in the package, but can be rented separately at Rp 50,000 per day (prices in 2018).
⚠️ Keamanan
Padang lies right on a fault line and is frequently hit by earthquakes. The last one, in September 2009, killed over 1,100 people, and destroyed many buildings.