The High Hills of Bukittinggi

Bukittinggi located 90 km north of Padang. At 930 meter above sea level, it is the coldest town in West Sumatera, with night temperature can reach 18°C. This little town has many unique historical sites that cannot be found in other town.

Jam Gadang, The Big Ben of Indonesia
The object that you should visit at Bukittinggi is Jam Gadang, which also the landmark of the town. Jam Gadang tower located at Taman Sabai nan Aluih, a plaza right in the heart of Bukittinggi. The clock tower was built by Controlleur Rook Maker in 1926, and used to put the giant clock given by the Queen of Dutch. Today we can see the traditional gonjong roof on top of the 26 meters clock tower, designed by Jazid and Sutan Gigih Amen.

Literary, “Jam Gadang” means the Big Clock. The name was given since the clock’s diameter was 80 cm, much bigger than ordinary clock. The clock use manual clock machine named Brixlion, the same type used by clock at Big Ben, England. People from all over Bukittinggi often came to the plaza just to relax and enjoy the cool weather of the town.

Ngarai Sianok, The Grand Canyon of Indonesia
Ngarai Sianok, literary means Silent Canyon, is a 100 meter deep valley at the heart of Bukittinggi. The canyon is stretched 15 km from south of Koto Gadang to Palupuh, Agam. “Sianok” means silent, and the name was given because in 1940s the valley was the place to throw “silent corpses” of war victims.

Visitor can enjoy the view of Ngarai Sianok from observation tower at Taman Panorama. At the bottom of the valley is River Sianok. In the past, buffalos roam and drink in the river. Today, visitor can go to the bottom of valley by car. At the bottom of the valley you find the tavern with their specialty menu Gulai Itiak Lado Mudo (green chili duck curry).

Lubang Jepang
At Taman Panorama, you can find network of tunnels use by Japanese troops as their headquarters in Bukittinggi. The tunnels — called Lubang Jepang — were built at 1942 under the command of General Watanabe. In 1945, the tunnel was abandoned when Japan surrended to Allied Force, before discovered by local resident in 1946. Laying in 50 meter depth under the town, the 1470 meters tunnel is the longest Japanese tunnel in Indonesia.

Visitor can enter the tunnel from main entrance at Taman Panorama. Climb down 128 steps, the 2 meters wide tunnel already renovated. Lamps were installed inside the tunnel, so visitor does not need to walk in the dark. A certified guide will accompany visitor to explain about the history of Lubang Jepang. Not only the network of tunnels, Lubang Jepang also has 12 military barracks, 12 sleeping rooms, 6 ammunition stores, 2 dining lounge for romusha, 1 court room, kitchen, and jail.