West Sumatra, Indonesian province in western Sumatra
Description
West Sumatra is an Indonesian province on the western side of Sumatra island between the Indian Ocean and the mountainous interior. The territory ranges from coastal plains through volcanic highlands to the offshore Mentawai Islands separated by shallow seas.
History
The Pagaruyung Kingdom ruled much of this territory from its highland capital between the 14th century and the late 1700s. Dutch trading posts appeared along the coast during the 1600s before the region came under full colonial administration in 1821.
Culture
The Minangkabau people of West Sumatra maintain a matrilineal social structure where property, family names, and land pass down through the maternal line.
Practical
Padang on the coast serves as the main hub with an airport and ferry connections to the rest of Sumatra. The rainy season between September and January brings frequent downpours while the drier months offer easier travel inland.
Did you know?
Rendang, a slow-cooked meat dish with coconut milk and spices, originates from this province and is now served worldwide. Minangkabau cooks spread their cuisine by opening restaurants across Indonesia and beyond.
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Mount Kerinci
115.2 km
Jam Gadang
78.7 km
Kelok 9
105.9 km
Pagaruyung Palace
60.4 km
Grand Mosque of West Sumatra
17.5 km
Ngarai Sianok
78.5 km
Kerinci Seblat National Park
191.9 km
Mount Ophir
133.2 km
Fort de Kock
79.3 km
Marapi
67.9 km
Al-Hakim Mosque
16.9 km
Ombilin coal mine
46.1 km
Mount Singgalang
70.3 km
Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra
200.7 km
Riau Main Stadium
192.6 km
Mount Talang
20.2 kmAnai Waterfall
60.2 km
Tesso Nilo National Park
167.2 km
Mount Tandikat
66.5 kmBatu Batikam
60.1 km
Adityawarman Museum
16.8 km
Talamau Mount
133.2 km
Minangkabau Culture Documentation and Information Center
60.5 km
Padang Beach
17.6 km
Haji Agus Salim Sport Complex
17.6 km
Ganting Grand Mosque
15.4 km
Fort van der Capellen
61.5 km
Batang Gadis National Park
221.2 km
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