West Sumatra is located in the western part of the middle of the island Sumatra. This province has a low in the west coast, and high vulcanic formed Bukit Barisan which extends from northwest to southeast. Mentawai Islands, located in the Indian Ocean, including in this province. The whole coast of West Sumatra with the Indian Ocean along 375 km.
In this province we can find almost all kinds of natural objects such as marine tourism, beach, lake, mountain and canyon, in addition to cultural tourism object. Accommodation hotels have started a lot of class from economic to four stars. To complete supporting facilities of tourism, the government also offers train tours that operate on certain hours.
Tourism and the many tourists visited include Lake Maninjau, Singkarak Lake, Lake Diatas and Dibawah, Lembah Anai in Padang Panjang, Ngarai Sianok in Bukit Tinggi, Fort de Kock and Jam Gadang in Bukit Tinggi, Air Manis Beach in Padang, Muaro Beach in Padang, Caroline Beach in Padang, Istana Pagar Ruyung in Batusangkar, Harau in Payakumbuh, Gunung Merah Putih in Sulit Air.
Nuance of the Minangkabau in West Sumatra any music that is mixed with any type of music at this time will be seen from each of the songs are outstanding in masyarat. This is because the Minang music could be mixed with the flow of any type of music so well that can be heard and accepted by the community. Elements of the music consists of a traditional music instrument Saluang, Bansi, Talempong, Rabab, and Gendang Tabuik.
Tradition of classical dance originating from West Sumatra perform by men and women generally have active dynamic movement but remain in the special flow and order. This uniqueness lies in the principle that learning Minangkabau dance to nature, the dynamism of movement in Minang dance always typify elements of nature. The influence of Islam, a unique matrilineal tradition also give the influence of the soul in a dance tradition of Minangkabau.
A traditional dance Pencak Silat from Minangkabau is the merging of dance movement and martial arts typical Minang. Pencak Silat in Minangkabau have some flow, its flow among Harimau Kumango. This is usually taught to the men in Minangkabau since the age of akil baligh (the age of 6 to 12 years).
West Sumatra custom house called Rumah Gadang. In original custom house each tower was not vertical or horizontal but have a slope. Ship design is imitated in this building. Its do not use nails but using wood pegs for earhquake disaster anticipation.
Traditional weapon in West Sumatra is Keris. Keris is usually used by men and placed on the front, while now only used for men’s bridegroom. Different types of spear, long sword, chopsticks are also used by kings in Minangkabau to maintain themselves.
In the culinary world, West Sumatra is familiar with Padang cuisine and restaurant. Padang is famous with the spicy cuisine can be found in almost all corners of the archipelago, and also can be found overseas. Some examples of food from West Sumatra is a very popular Rendang, Sate Padang, Dendeng Balado, Ayam Pop, Soto Padang, and Bubur Kampiun. In addition, West Sumatra also has hundreds of recipes, such as Galamai, Wajik, Kipang Kacang, Bareh Randang, Dakak-dakak, Rakik Maco, Krupuk Balado and Krupuk Sanjai.
