By mentioning Padang, the capital of West Sumatra Province must have immediately made people imagine the delicacy of their food. Padang has indeed been known as one of the cities with the best culinary wealth. Padang's signature Rendang is even recognized as the best food in the world.

Speaking of history, the city of Padang comes from the fishing village at the Batang Arau estuary. This area developed into a port and trade center as the Dutch entered with the VOC. In August 7, 1669, the people of Pauh and Koto Tangah resisted the VOC monopoly. The date was then designated as the anniversary of Padang City.

Currently, Padang is developing rapidly into the gateway of western Indonesia. The city has a role as a trade city, an art and culture city, also the best education city outside Java. The city attracts tourist because it offers maritime, historical, and culinary charm.

People from the outside of the city usually enter Padang via the Minangkabau International Airport. The airport is located 23 kilometers from the city center, precisely in the Ketaping area, Batang Anai District, Padang Pariaman Regency. The Airport serves domestic and international flights, through Garuda Indonesia, Citilink, Air Asia, Batik Air, Lion Air, Sriwijaya Air, and others. Flight tickets to Padang are available and can be ordered faster, easier and cheaper through Traveloka.

The Most Popular Destinations in Padang City

In terms of tourism, Padang offers an unforgettable charm. The city's tourist destinations mainly highlight the charm of maritime nature. Some of the most popular names include:

1. Pulau Pagang

Location: Kecamatan Bungus Teluk Kabung, Kabupaten Pesisir Selatan.

In recent years, the island of Pagang has been called the main tourist destination in Padang city. This 10-hectare island is located not far from Sikuai Island and Pamutusan Island. Pulau Pagang offers recreational tropical life surrounded by beautiful white sand beaches. The mandatory agenda here is snorkeling to study the bowels of Pulau Pagang sea.

2. Pantai Air Manis

Location: Kecamatan Padang Selatan, belakang Gunung Padang.

Pantai Air Manis looks exotic with brown sand and relaxing waves. This beach is always crowded every weekend, especially because people want to see Batu Malin Kundang directly. Interestingly, tourists can enjoy paragliding rides from the top of Bukit Air Manis to see the best scenery.

3. Lembah Anai

Location: Nagari Singgalang, Kecamatan Sepuluh Koto, Kabupaten Tanah Datar.

With airline tickets to Padang, tourists can meet this unique natural phenomenon. Lembah Anai offers the charm of waterfall spilling from the green cliff to the edge of the road. You do not need to go far into the forest to find it. It is because, the waterfall can be seen by anyone who crosses the Padang Panjang road, Bukit Tinggi, and Batu Sangkar.

The Most Popular Places to Dine in Padang City

Mentioning Padang is definitely mentioning  the food as well. The city offers extraordinary flavors, some of which are in the following popular places:

1. Sate Padang Mak Syukur

Location: Jalan Sutan Syahrir nomor 250, Padang Panjang.

Open every day, 09:15 - 21:00 WIB.

Finding Satay Padang in Bumi Minang is not difficult. However, the most legendary Satay Padang is only in the Padang Panjang area. Called Sate Mak Syukur (SMS), this restaurant offers a main menu of Satay Padang, accompanied by cow skin crackers, snacks and various fresh drinks. The specialty of this legendary satay is its large and tender flesh, and its savory spicy marinade.

2. Soto Garuda

Location: Jalan S. Parman nomor 110, Padang Utara.

Open every Saturday - Thursday, 07:00 - 21:00 WIB.

If you want to enjoy great food in Padang, the mandatory destination is Soto Garuda. This stall is the pioneer of delicious Soto Padang eating places in West Sumatra. Soto Garuda is established since 1976 and up until now, it is still consistently presenting original family recipes. Some of the most popular menus are Soto Daging Paru and Gado-gado.

3. Es Durian Ganti Nan Lamo

Location: Jalan Pulau Karam 103B dan Jalan HOS Cokroaminoto nomor 31B, Padang Barat.

Open every day at 09:00 - 22:30 WIB.

One of the best places to enjoy the freshness of Padang's sweet food is at Es Durian Ganti Nan Lamo. This shop serves a variety of durian ice, ranging from the original Es Durian Tok, to Durian Juice, Durian Float, Durian Avocado, and many more. Durian ice here is special because it uses the best quality of durian from the southern coast of Sumatra.