M u a r a   P a d a n g  -   W e s t   S u m a t r a


P A D A N G  -  C I T Y   O F  S P I C E S


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Population 700,000

Muara Padang believed first settled by Nias Islanders between 500 & 600 years ago.

Visits by Indian, Chinese & Arab spice traders date back to that era and possibly much earlier.

The Dutch arrived in 1663 attracted by spices, timber, coal and gold.

British take over Padang in 1795 and hand back to the Dutch in 1819

1821 Remaining Minangkabau nobles sign treaty giving their homeland to Dutch in exchange for protection
against the "Padri" Islamic extremists.

For a comprehensive colonial history time line click here

Indonesian Independence 1945 declared by Soekarno (Javanese) and Hatta (Minang)

Regional Autonomy 2000 linked to democratic reform.

Today the Province of West Sumatra has a population of just over 3 million

More than 6 million Minang currently live outside the Province and overseas.

Main industries are cement and rubber processing. Gold and coal mining are in gradual decline.

Vast agricultural hinterland produces some of the world's finest coffee, tea and spices.

Matriarchal Islamic Society - extremism not tolerated, education the top priority

On the way to the Mentawais & the Minang highlands

Main hope for the future? - tourism

New international airport opening 2005



Batang Arau Hotel
A converted bank built in  1908

Dominated by jungles, volcanoes canyons and lakes,
the Province of West Sumatra has the potential to be an enormous and magnificent nature park.

It is the home of the Minangkabau, one of Indonesia most interesting and influential ethnic groups.

The Minangkabau are versatile and intelligent people who lead a community and family life based on a matrilineal system which gathers around mosques and traditional adat houses. It is the women who own property and the men who choose to wander.

Traveling is considered a mark of success and therefore many West Sumatrans are found in other parts of the country.
Proof of this is the many Minang or Padang restaurants, serving very spicy food, found in all major towns across the nation.

Click here for details of places of interest in West Sumatra

Click the images to lean more about what to do and see  after you arrive in Padang
(under construction - please return)

Marak Island	Painan Coast	Gibbon Rehab	Highlands	Local Surfing
Historic sites	Maninjau Lake	Air Manis	Fishing & Diving	Charter boats
Handicrafts	Future Plans	Flying Sports	Hotels	Bungus
Dog Rock Fabrics	Shopping	Bukitinggi	Minang Culture	Mentawai Treks
Cultural Tours	Sunset	Maps	Rafting	Ferrys & Air links