Bengkulu is the name of a city in Bengkulu Province. Apart from being the provincial capital, Bengkulu is also the second largest city on the west coast of Sumatra Island. In the history of Indonesia, Bengkulu is known as the hometown of Bung Karno's wife, Fatmawati. The city was also the place of exile of Bung Karno during the years 1939 - 1942.

Bengkulu City tourism generally offers the attraction of historical sites. The city also has a beach length of around 525 kilometers so that the potential for marine tourism is very interesting. In addition, many people bought plane tickets to Bengkulu because they were interested in trying out various specialties.

Tourists from various regions can reach Bengkulu by air transportation. The airport took the name of its major figure, Fatmawati Soekarno. Fatmawati Soekarno Airport is located on Jalan Raya Padang Kemiling, Selebar, Bengkulu. The city that sells flight tickets to Bengkulu includes Jakarta, Palembang, Batam, Medan, Bandar Lampung, Jambi, Padang, Pekanbaru, and Bandung.

Most Popular Destinations in the City of Bengkulu

Although it is not as busy as other tourist cities in the island of Sumatra, Bengkulu able to pamper tourists in various forms. Some of the most popular destinations are:

1. Pantai Panjang

Location: Jalan Pariwisata, Pantai Panjang, Lempuing, Ratu Agung.

As the name implies, this beautiful beach stretches up to 7 kilometers making it the longest beach in Bengkulu. This beach is loved by many people not only because of its beautiful scenery with white sand and trees. The waves are also very challenging, and so many people from outside the city deliberately come to conquer it. This beach tourism facility is fairly complete because it provides shopping centers, culinary centers, inns, and children's playgrounds.

2. Rumah Pengasingan Bung Karno

Location: Jalan Soekarno-Hatta, Anggut Atas, Ratu Samban, Bengkulu.

This was the residence of Bung Karno during his exile by the Dutch during the years 1939 - 1942. The house which was once owned by a Chinese businessman was also the place where Bung Karno met with Mrs. Fatmawati. Here, tourists can see various historical objects belonging to Bung Karno. While climbing every inch of the room, imagined the figure of Bung Karno who was persistent in developing a strategy for the struggle for independence of Indonesia.

3. Bukit Kaba

Location: Desa Sumber Urip, Selupuh Rejang, Rejang Lebong.

With an altitude of 1,952 masl, Bukit Kaba actually includes an active volcano with eight craters. The journey to reach Bukit Kaba is quite challenging because visitors have to climb more than 300 rocky steps. At the top of Bukit Kaba, a beautiful panorama of the Barisan Bukit Barisan and Curup City is welcoming the tourist. The most beautiful scenery is best witnessed before sunset.

The Most Popular Places to Eat in Bengkulu City

Pampering your tongue and stomach in Bengkulu is fairly easy because the city has many good places to eat. The most popular spots that always come in recommendations include:

1. Rumah Makan Inga Raya

Location: Jalan Bencoolen, Pantai Pariwisata, Pasar Bengkulu, Sungai Serut.

Open every day, 09:00 - 21:00 WIB (Sunday only opens from 05:00).

The beachfront restaurant invites visitors to enjoy Bengkulu food while watching the high seas. Saung-saung on the outside becomes the favorite place for guests who come here. The food here is served directly in small plates on the dining table like a Padang restaurant. The obligatory menu is  Gulai Kepala Kakap, Bagar Hiu, Tempoyak Udang, Rebung Asam, and Pendap Ikan Pais.

2. Pindang 77

Location: Jalan Sedap Malam nomor 26A, Nusa Indah, Ratu Agung.

Open every day, 09:00 - 22:00 WIB.

Sumatran pindang fans must stop at Pindang 77. It is because pindang here is really delicious and poured with a lot of sauces. The popular menu includes Pindang Patin, Pindang Tulang, and Tempoyak Patin. The ambience of the restaurant is also quite comfortable with several lesehan areas which are very suitable for friendly events with large groups.

3. Pempek Saskia

Location: Jalan Natadirja, Gedang, Gading Cempaka.

Open every day, 09:00 - 21:00 WIB.

Visiting a city in Sumatra certainly not miss the opportunity to eat pempek. Pempek Saskia in Bengkulu offers special pempek that uses cork fish instead of mackerel fish. It tastes different but still good, even softer. Especially if it is combined with a spicy and sour black cuko.