Swaying with Maninjau Wave Mei 16, 2008

A silence of Lake Maninjau enable people to sooth their mind in peace. Its slow wave is a melody of nature that flies you high. Seing scenery around Maninjau bordered by hills lets you hear a mysteriuos rythm of nature.
Fresh wind blows down smoothly from the hills calling for bilih fish to jump over the lake. The lake is clean and pure affecting the perfect of nature. Thanks to community’s commitment to keep it clean and beautiful.

If you are such beachy persons fond of wave and shore sound, then Maninjau can be you next destination for leisure. Its difference yet still watery atmosphere will take you to a new experience of natural singing.

Just like in a sea, Maninjau Lake  also has small island. For local community Maninjau is a source of their economical resources. Besides fishing bilih, they also collect pensi-tiny mussels- which is delaicious for traditional food.

Around the lake, local fishermans go down the lake to fish fishes traditionaly. Besides fising, breeding fishes is also their activities at presents.

Enjoying the lake view will be more pleasrue while eating spicy pensi. Pensi of Maninjau is welknown across West Sumatra. If you visit Maninjau without trying pensi, your visting  is incomplete.
Do not bother the cost. Pensi is cheap. You can decide how much you want. If you feel that you just want to try it, you can grab Rp 1000 – Rp 2000. Not too much for a try.

Feeling enough with pensi, you can explore Lake Maninjau by rowing small boat. Unfortunatley, boat owners do not fix the cost. If you give more time for a bargaining, you will get the boat cheaper. On the boat you can see the fish swiming bellow the boat. Fishing on the boat is another alternative activity adding more value to your vacation.

Want some more local culibary? Palai rinuak is a particularly delicious rice’s companion on your plate. This  local food is made of coconut and small fish. Those who are used to eat it syas palai rinuak is the best clossing of all journey. Well, have a nice time in Lake Maninjau. yuhendra

Twilight at Singkarak Mei 8, 2008

Actually the name Singkarak is well-known for any Indonesian especially West Sumatra. It cannot be counted how many time this biggest lake of West Sumatra have been visited by people, just hanging around or enjoy it with the family for vacation. Some people who have visited this place could think that the talk about Singkarak a little bit boring, but there is a thing which is kept away from people, it is the sunset view of Singkarak.

 

Many visitors may start to pack up and ready to go home when the sun begins to move to the west for a reason that the light condition is no more enjoyable. But, this rather means missing very amazing scenery at the end of a day.

 

Popular perception that the view of a moment where the sun start to go down before the night only best to see on the top of a mountain either at the beach is wrong. The sunset view of Singkarak lake is a very magnificent comparing to the beach view which offer the warm light of dawn, even some light condition cannot be seen somewhere else. This condition in Singkarak is actually supported by its position and geographical condition which located on a rather higher land from the sea level. The Barisan mountain range which located at the west of this lake also aids to create a dramatic condition at the end of the day. It is often that the Barisan mountain range is covered by clouds and fogs at the time before dawn, when the sun is closer to the horizon, to generate beautiful colors above the sky. Then, the clean lake water will reflect the light into an amazing reflection. Sometime (I’m very lucky captured it into photographs), the clouds move away and the sunlight struck between while creating an incredible ray of light.

 

If you feel excited to enjoy those beauties, try to find an appropriate time. Those conditions gradually occur in the dry season or between April to September every year. As a valuable information, try to see toward the east sky between 3p.m to 5p.m, it is a sign of a beautiful dawn if the moon starts to show up, even the weather cannot be predicted exactly. Seek a comfortable location at the east side of this lake. Who knows if you are lucky enough to see it?  Muhammad Fadli

Sikuai in Viewfinder April 23, 2008

When we talk about natural beauty of Sumatra Barat it will be edgeless. most of tourism objects in this province offer refreshing views. The toursim has records for them. Despite all, Sumatra Barat has more unexplored beautiful sites for tourism though. Sikuai Island for instance.

The island located on the west coast of Sumatera island is fame for its white sand beach. Playing on the shore is joyful there. To reach Sikuai Island will only takes around one hour from Muaro harbour, Padang. The distance is around 25 KM from the capital of Sumatra Barat. The best timing to see fine-looking view is in the morning. During the trip on the boat will impress you that you are around natural silent fort under the dim of morning sunlight.

Getting close to the dock is a another different sensation. Fishes are clearly seen swiming under the wood dock welcas if they welcome you to the island. On the side of that small island, coconut tree leaves swing because of the wind.

There are two options you can take right after you are there. First you can have some break time in the hotel or wander around the island. Its small size enable you to walk across the island.

Around the island is white clean beach. Unlike other famous beaches, laying down there is pleasure and gives you privacy for it is not crowded. Rock and coral complete the beuty themselves.

On a good weather, sunset is a best moment to wait in Sikuai Island. This moment will be a prescious time for you who love photography. Many angles and spots you can capture. Wild animals such as sea eagles and various bird species credit your shots. If you are lucky you will alos run into goanna. Do not worry for them since they will move away to avoid seeing human.
It’s time for you to experience the nature in Sikuai Island. If you are curious, do not for get to take your family and your camera with you and enjoy the other beauty of Sumatra Barat.Yuhendra

Popping in Lembah Anai April 3, 2008

“Darek” regions are the most interesting sites to visit in West Sumatera. This regions includes higher areas from sea level such as Bukittinggi, Agam, Tanah Datar, Padangpanjang, Limapuluhkota,  Payakumbuh, Solok, Sawahlunto, Sijunjung, Pasaman etc. Besides their beauty, “darek” has soothing and cooler air.

The most famous darek region is Bukittinggi which is known as the gate of tourisms places in darek. Driving up from Padang, the capital city of West Sumatera, gives a relaxing nuances along the way. Trip which takes 1,5 to 2,5 hours by car will never be boring for we can pop in some interesting spots.

One of refreshing and worth dropping in spot is Lembah Anai. This valley has many things to see and more places to enjoy in druing a trip break. Once you arrive in Kayu Tanam, Padang Pariaman, valleys and hills on the rights side of the street gives you impression that you are entering the new scene of the trip.  First sight of the series of Anai Valleys is Malibou Anai. Here you will see greeny forest with river flows bellow the hills. Thanks to the beauty of the site, this area becomes a favourite place for glofers. This is also used to be a place for outbound activities, swimming, and family gathering on weekends.

Only few metres from Malibou Anai, you are welcome by another interesting site, Lembah Anai which is a right place to stop the car engine and relaxing your feet.  Lembah Anai is a tropical forrest area which is registered in Kecamatan Sepuluh Koto, Tanah Datar regency. Lembah Anai merupakan kawasan hutan tropik Lembah Anai has various plants and animals. In addition, the valley is beautified with 40 metres waterfall from the hill.

Do not worry about food. There are food vendors along the side of the street. You can taste some lokal culinary like bika, pancake, salty egg, various fruits, pergedel jagung and many more.

The waterfall itself flows down from Singgalang Mountain. Fresh air, cool water and nice view make Anai Valley become a great place for photography. Those who want to feel the cold water can also swim in the pond bellow the waterfall.

Moving upward, there is a terrace named “Pesanggerahan Mega Mendung”. Unfortunately, the terrace that was ever visited by Indonesia former vice president, Mohammad Hatta, is not well cared. Not far from this site, we can find small camp area with clean river flowing its side. It is told, Lembah Anai is a silent witness in Indonesian history during the war between Indonesia against Dutch and Japan colonialization. Number of heroes were buried there.

Driving upward, we will pass exquisite panorama which take us to the top of the valley named Silaiang Kariang with its flowery hills. It is the end of Lembah Anai area which is close to Minangkabau Village, the other beautiful site of different story of your trip.

yuhendra

Visit the Land of National Figures Maret 28, 2008

Agam has a particular note in Indonesian history. It is a region where national figures were born and gave contribution to Indone­sian Independence. Popular figures like Buya Hamka, Rasuna Said, M. Natsir, Isa Anshari, Abdul Karim Amurullah are associated to Agam regency.

Starting first step from Maninjau Market. 50 Metres from that central trading stands a yellow old house with Rumah Gadang ornament on the roof. That house belonged to one of national leader M. Natsir.

Only few steps from that house on Jl. H. Oedin Rahman, Panyinggahan there is another two-floor old house. It is now functioned as a small mosque. In that house in 1910, Rasuna Said, a female national figure was born.

After having relaxed in Rasuna Said’s house, take the time to pay a visit to Hamka’s House. Hamka was one of national profile whose popularity reached international level. In his time he was known as an influential author producing phenomenal works.  Just like his legendary, his house is well maintained. Visitor could get the impression of Hamka by seeing his historical pictures and house designed.

 Fairly further from Hamka’s residence, in Batu Gadang there is also another old dwelling where KH. Isa Anshari- a national leader of Masyumi Party- was born. Due to his communication skill as orator, he was called “a lion of podium”. The way he delivered a speech could influence spectators’ spirit. Despite his critical thought to Soekarno, his love to Soekarno was timeless. At least it is shown by the picture of Soekarno picture in that house.

 According to Anshari’s grand child, Irvan, nearly a monument and a museum will be built. The building is aimed to enliven Anshari’s spirit and to keep historical assets. Today, more than 60 percent of Anshari’s stuffs have been collected.

 Visiting Agam, particularly Maninjau will widen our knowledge and soothe our mind. There we can experience priceless trip by enjoying the respectable combination of historical sites and beautiful sceneries.  Yuhendra

Pilgrimage and Maritime Tourism in Ulakan Pariaman Maret 21, 2008

 

Visiting Pariaman means seeing a lot of tourism sites. Being located by Samudera Hindia makes Pariaman famous of its wondrous beach. There is Pantai Gondoriah which is close to Pariaman City and well-known of its specific food, Nasi Sek.  Moving further 15 KM to northern side are locations of Pantai Kata, Lubuk Bonta, Tapian Puti dan various beautiful tourism objects.

            Besides those beaches, Pariaman has other worth seeing places; Pulau Piai and other religious tourism objects in Ulakan, Pariaman. Pulau Piai itself has fabulous natural resources with beautiful coral beneath.   No wonder many tourists enjoy diving there. Not much further, there is Ulakan located around 10 KM from central Pariaman. The 1 KM-length beach is precious and has white clean sand.

Ulakan is also famous of a grave of Syekh Burhanudin, a very popular Islamic preacher in his times. It is known that he was a great moslem leader who successfully spread Islam around Sumatera Barat. His dedication resulted many followers and increased Islam spreading. He died in  When he died, his burial took place in Ulakan.

            Up to present, his legendary makes people want to visit his grave. People come there both for pilgrimage which is known as Basafa, and sight-seeing.  Basafa procession is conducted annually based on Islamic calender, every Syafar.  

            Entering Syekh Burhanuddin’s grave  yard will be welcome by street vendors selling pilgrimage stuffs, souvenirs and local food. Even the number of vendors are many more on Basafa days to greet visitors and expect benefit from them.

            Those who come for Basyafa are usually from Syafei and Syatariah tuitions  followers. But, according to community living around Ulakan, those from Naksabandiyah and Sammaniyah tuitions sometimes do the same thing there.

            Visitors are normally 50 year-aged people.Their intention is not only  for pilgrimage but  to get their spiritual close to the Almighty.   

In Syafar month, people can even stay in Ulakan for 40 days. They do not need to worry about homestay since there are Surau to stay which are only open in Syafar for visitors.

            It is also known that some high rank officers came to Syekh Burhanuddin’s grave. There were Gus Dur, Wiranto, Taufik Kiemas, and many more. Uniquely, some local officers also pay a visit to the grave before a public election.

            Syekh Burhanuddin was a moslem who believe in Syafei teachings and Syattariah. He was named Pono when he was a child. He learned about Islam to Syekh Abdul Alif. When Syekh Abdul Alif got old, he suggested him to learn more about Islam in Aceh to Syekh Abdul Ra’uf. He returned home and started teaching what he got in his home town before continue across West Sumatera Barat.

            There are some historical stuffs he left and now become objects to see in Ulakan. Some of the sutuffs are clothes, belt, hat and Holly Quran which is assumed 200 year old. Those stuffs are safely kept in a cabinet of small surau. Visitor can only see them during Basyafa. Yuhendra