Harau
Sumbar Valley, the name appears in the search engine when we take the
time to search for tourist attractions we could visit while in
Payakumbuh.
West Sumatra
Harau
Sumbar Valley is located in the Fifty Cities Regency; the kurleb is 115
km away, which is taken within 3 hours. We arrived at Minangkabau
Airport, Padang Pariaman, at exactly 12.00 WIB and immediately continued
the journey to Harau Valley by car.
We
intend to stay in Payakumbuh. The journey to Payakumbuh is usually
taken through the city of Padang Panjang, but the path is cut off due to
landslides in the Anai Valley area, so we take a detour. We had to hurry
because the trip is still a long journey of 4-6 hours through Malalak, a sub-district in Agam Regency, which is an alternative path to Padang-Bukittinggi.
Still
in the Pariaman area, we stopped by for lunch and enjoyed our first
Sumbar meal. This bamboo restaurant is located on the beach. At that
time the water was receding so we could enjoy the ripples calmly.
Another story is when the tide comes, that can cause floods that can
reach a row of stalls across the street.
The
dishes served are, of course, typical West Sumatran cuisine that is
very appetizing. It feels like looking at a plate containing a variety
of foods that (formerly) became my favorites. Gulai Kapalo Laluak (fish
head), sala (rounded fish frying pan), grilled fish, or bacucu shrimp.
Unfortunately, this menu is dominated by spicy flavors that I have to
avoid.
After
Pariaman, the path we took was a steep, hilly lane with a narrowed road
at some point. Even so, Menong's friends will be treated to a beautiful
view that is mesmerizing, typical of the hills.
Fresh
air greeted us through a window that was left open. Since my right hand
is still completely unmoved, there are not many photos that I can take.
The streets are getting uphill with the hills in front of us. Our
colleague said we had to pass the hill that was in front of us in order
to get to Malalak (imagine how high we were going).
Arriving at Malalak, we stopped for a moment and took a picture on a stone that read 'Malak' (It was like riding a cliff)
Many
people stop to enjoy the valley while resting, eating satay (inflad, of
course), or going to the toilet (the water is super cold).
This
location reminds me of the Peak Pass. Even without a tea garden, there
are only trees. Every once in a while we pass through the lush tree spot
with a tributary draining clear water like the forest in the film
Twilight.
During
the weekend or homecoming season, this path can be severely jammed and
enforced open. The distance that usually takes 4 hours can take more
than 8 hours. The landslide on the left side of the road is also a threat
to motorists.
Mount Marapi
Entering
the Kab area. Agam, I saw a gray cloud hanging in front of us. The sky
looks somber. Our colleague showed Mount Marapi, which was eruptive two
weeks earlier. And when I arrived at the hotel, I just read the news.
When we passed by, Mount Marapi was 'coughing,' throwing volcanic ash as
high as 300 meters.
 |
| Mount Sigantang from a distance |
We
can also see the rest of the flash flood that had hit this area in May
2024. To be honest, I admire the beauty of West Sumatra from every inch
we went through on the way to Harau Valley. Mount Sigantang, upright to
our right, looks charming to shade the valley, decorated with a typical
Minang house.
 |
| Post-flood sights in Agam Regency |
We
are also told of the disaster that befell 3 sub-districts that were buried
in landslides in Kab. Agam, leaving no one of the residents. In fact,
there was a resident who went to Jakarta, returned home to attend a kenduri, and also died with another.
Gadang Clock
We
arrived in Bukittinggi ahead of Asr. Jam Gadang, the icon of
Bukittinggi, became our destination. This city reminds me of the coldness
of Bandung.
Jam
Gadang, built in 1926 by the original Minangkabau architect Yazid Rajo
Mangkuto Sutan Gigi Ameh, is located in the city center. This white
building is built without cement and steel but looks sturdy. It is said
that cement is replaced with egg whites. This time pointer of the LED engine Hour Gadang in Germany is written in Roman with
the letter "IIII" to show the number "IV."
Teman
Menong can enjoy the beauty of Jam Gadang without having to pay for
tickets. We also looked for the best photo spot, including on the side of
the fence overlooking the beautiful valley (I forgot the
name).
Because
we had to continue the journey, we did not have time to stop by the
Sianok Canyon and the Japanese Horse of Bukittinggi, which is not far
from Jam Gadang.
We
passed the edge of Sianok Gorge when we returned to Padang City a few
days later. We were forced to pass through the super-extremely winding
road (45 degrees) behind the Sianok Gorge to avoid the initial lane
due to total traffic jams ahead of Eid al-Adha. It feels like 'horror' once
made us pray all the way.
Every
steep turn we have to pass carefully because the narrow road is only
enough for one car, while we can't see the vehicle that is driving from
the opponent's direction. Thank God our drivers are very deft; assisted
by locals who drive at every corner, we can get through it safely.
 |
| Steep turns in Sianok Canyon |
Payakumbuh
Payakumbuh
is located in the middle of Kab. Fifty Cities, bordered by Kab. Flat
Land, and is located on the expanse of Mount Sago, Bukit Barisan. We
arrived at 18.00 WIB, but the atmosphere was still bright because the new
Magrib time arrived at 18.24 WIB. Our destination is a hotel because,
honestly, we are tired and want to rest immediately.
The hotel we chose was 30 minutes from the Harau Valley that we would visit at leisure. It's time to rest. 😪
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