Nias people had become the largest minority group in the 19th
PADANG century. VOC take them as slaves since the beginning of the 17th
Padang is the capital city of West Sumatra, and it becomes
the largest city on the western coast of Sumatra Island. During the
Dutch colonial, Padang was one of major cities in Sumatra, together
with Medan, Batam, Palembang and Pekanbaru. Has awarded by
Adipura Award for 17 times and Adipura Kencana for 3 times as the
cleanest and greenest city in Indonesia, make Padang increase their
quality in everything.
Padang is the gateway to the Minang highlands. With the
largest port on Sumatras West Coast; this is a merchant town
attracting ships trading in goods such as rubber, cinnamon, coffee,
tea, cement and coal. If you take a stroll down to the old colonial
waterfront you will see century old warehouses stocked with
fragrant cinammon and other spices waiting to be shipped to
Jakarta and Singapore.
The Batang Arau River flows through the city and it is quite
a sight to see the collection of small boats and hand paddled ferries
that line the riverside. Padang city is the center of the economy with
the highest income number per capita in West Sumatra. In addition,
the city became a center of education and health in the region of
central Sumatra, it supported by the existence of a number of
universities and health facilities.
As a city of art and culture, Padang popular with the legend
of Malin Kundang and Sitti Nurbaya, and it annually been held the
festival to support the tourism sector.
Padang residents are mostly from Minangkabau ethnic
group. Another Ethnic settled are Javanese, Chinese, Nias,
Mentawai, Batak, Acehnese, and Tamil. Minang people in Padang
are immigrants from other regions in the province of West Sumatra.
1
century. Slavery system was terminated in 1854 by the Padang
District Court. At first they settled in Kampung Nias, but then mostly
living in Mount Padang. There are also numbers of people who are
married to residents of Nias Minangkabau. In addition, some are
married with Europeans and Chinese. The number of mixed
marriages is lowering the percentage rate of Nias in Padang.
Among the people of Indonesia, the name of the city is
generally associated with the Minangkabau ethnic cuisine and they
are commonly known as Masakan Padang or Padang cuisine. If you
like a little spice in your food then Padang is the place for you.
Famous throughout Indonesia for its distinctive cuisine, Padang is
the place to go to sample the famous spicy nasi padang food that
has spread throughout the country and the world. Padang food
includes such delicacies as the spicy coconut curry rendang and soto
padang. Experience the unique way Padang food is served. Watch
how waiters expertly carry more than ten plates with all kinds of
delicacies on both arms. These dishes will then be spread out on the
table for diners to pick and choose. You will be charged only for
those dishes you have tasted.
Padang Beach
For citizens meadows, coastal meadows often also
called the Taplau (But Lauik), Coastal desert is one of the
tourist destinations if the city field. But if night here very
crowded the young couple hanging out dambil enjoy
roasted corn or bananas. if on a week night there is always
the attraction persimpang four cars.
Museum adityawarman
Museum Adityawarman one of the most famous
museums in the city of Padang. The museum has become an
 icon in the city of Padang is in Padang tourist attractions
that you must visit. Adityawarman Museum was built in
1974 is also the Taman Mini His Padang city where there are
many kinds of historical relics Padang.
Niagara Nyarai
Attractions Niagara Nyarai located in Forest
Gamaran, Jorong Gamaran, Korong Salibutan, district. Alung
depths, Kab. Padang Pariaman, West Sumatra. Waterfalls
that were once hidden in the Forest Gamaran has now
become one of the prime tourist spot in West Sumatra.
Even Gamaran already famous name to the national scale.
Tabuik
One of the unique traditions that exist in West Sumatra is
Tabuik Feast. Tabuik celebration is a tradition of Pariaman
society, West Sumatra to commemorate the death of the
grandson of Prophet Muhammad, Hasan and Hussein. This
procession usually lasts for one week with a peak
celebration called "Hoyak Tabuik" which is held on 10
Muharram every year. One sentence about Pariaman and
Tabuik is a Pantun which reads: "Pariaman tadanga langang,
batabuik mangkonyo rami."
At the peak of Tabuik celebration is usually people
from all over West Sumatra will meet the City of Pariaman
to witness "Hoyak Tabuik". Not only from West Sumatra,
those who witnessed Tabuik party procession even came
from abroad. The annual event of Pariaman City is always
anticipated every year.
Pacu Itiak
Pacu Itiak (Duck Racing) is one of the unique
traditions of West Sumatra especially in Payakumbuh and
Limapuluh Kota areas. Event Pacu Itiak usually held in 11
different places in Payakumbuh and Limapuluh Kota.
The race procedure of Pacu Itiak is by throwing
ducks so duck flies towards the finish line. The fastest duck
to the finish line will be declared the winner. The distance of
one track Pacu Itiak is usually along the 800 meters.
Pacu Jawi
One of the unique traditions that became the
favorite of West Sumatra is Pacu Jawi. Pacu Jawi is a unique
tradition of Tanah Datar community, especially people in
Tarab River sub district, Rambatan, Limo kaum, and
Pariangan. In addition Pacu Jawi is also implemented in the
District of Limapuluh Kota and Payakumbuh.
At a glance, Pacu Jawi is similar to Karapan Sapi in
Madura. But what distinguishes both is the land used. If
Karapan Cow uses dry paddy fields, then Pacu Jawi uses wet
and muddy fields. In addition to speeding up the cow run,
jockey Pacu Jawi does not use a stick like Karapan Sapi, they
usually bite the cow's tail.
Pacu Jawi tradition is most awaited by
photographers from all over the archipelago. Some photos
of Pacu Jawi photographer Minang shoot ever won an
International award.