Padang, Sumatra – Indonesia

Rumah Gadang.

Padang in the second largest city in Sumatra after Palembang in Indonesia, it is also one of the cleanest. Padang has been awarded with “Adipura” (cleanest and greenest city) award for 17 times and “Adipura Kencana” for 3 times until 2009. This city had been hit by an earthquake on 30 September 2009 with magnitude of 7.9 that resulting more than 1,100 fatalities with 313 of which occurred in Padang.

Padang has become a trade center since 16^th century. Pepper was the main item for the trade during 16^th and 17^th century. Among countries traded with Padang include India, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Anyway by 1663 this city came under the authority of Dutch, then under British twice and many other changes taken place here.

Imam Bonjol Park.

Adityawrman Museum.

Besides all of the colorful histories of time, Padang also rich with their unique cultures that can be seen almost in instant represented in their architectures, dresses, dialect, dishes and in every aspect of their lives. In fact this trade of cultures spread into their nearest neighbor; Malaysia (where one state in Malaysia has ancestors who came from Padang long time ago).

There are many things to see and do for visitors in Padang in the form of local’s activities or the nature of its surrounding. Local’s activity such as “songket weaving” is called “Pandai Sikek” in local dialect or there also wood-carving workshop in the area of Bukit Tinggi. While for the nature’s lover the Anai Waterfall in the Anai Valley will surely awaken your nature’s spirits.

Most of the visitors to Padang will never miss their chance to visit to Batusangkar known as the land of Minangkabau. All along the route visitors also can see the beautiful landscape of surrounding areas. The main attraction here will be The Great Palace of Pagaruyung with its unique architecture with high curved roof together with Silinduang Bulan Palace. Pariangan Village is the oldest Minangkabau village located in the foot of Mount Marapi. You can also try one of local’s best ‘Kawa Daun’, a traditional coffee leaves drink.

Danau Maninjau.

Kelok 44 route. 

Minangkabau traditional wedding costume.

Ubud, Bali - Indonesia

Ubud landscape with their popular paddies.

Ubud is one of important town in centre of Bali Island in Ubud District surrounded with beautiful landscape of rice paddies and steep ravines. The town was originally important as a source of medicinal herbs and plants; Ubud gets its name from the Balinese word ubad (medicine). One of popular attraction in Bali, this area has transformed to accommodate different types of travellers need.

Because of its location, it also makes a good base for visiting other Balinese attractions, but there is plenty to see and do here. Ubud is surrounded by the traditional stunning landscape that Bali is known for including rice paddies, scenic villages, art and craft communities, ancient temples, palaces, rivers, unique character and friendly locals.

Local people at temple.

Local people activity.

Ubud has been a ‘royal town’ for well over a hundred years and its princes, who bear the title ‘Tjokorda‘ or ‘Agung’ still live in traditional palaces, called ‘Puris’, that dot the countryside.

In the south of the town is a small reserve called Monkey Forest, housing an abundance of long-tailed macaques that clamber over the temple. Bananas are on sale so that tourists can feed them. Just beyond the Monkey Forest is one of the many craft villages in the area which specialises in wood carvings. The Museum Puri Lukisan (Museum of Fine Arts) has a wide collection of traditional and modem Balinese arts and the wood carvings are particularly good.

Perfect vacation at Ubud, Bali.

Another temple at Ubud, Bali.

Ubud is bursting with colour and light, perhaps it is this profusion of plants, flowers, palms and rice paddies that inspire the creative minds of the population. The town and area has a number of art museums, such as the Blanco Renaissance Museum, the Puri Lukisan Museum, Neka Art Museum, and the Agung Rai Museum of Art. Close-by is the Museum Rudana in Peliatan,