Bukittinggi’s countryside and Cow race

Explore Bukittinggi's captivating countryside with our expertly curated itinerary. Discover the Pacu Jawi event and Bukittinggi, Maninjau Lake, and Harau Valley, known for their untamed beauty and cultural immersion. “Pacu Jawi”, the race is very muddy and extreme inthe paddy ricefield, it’s an opportunity for the locals to demonstrate the strength of their bulls with location and blend into the local scene. It’s time to improve your skills as a visual storyteller in locations unlike any other. Set loose your creative side on a photography workshop tour to stunning activities and shoot amazing photographs.

What to expect during this trip

• A photography trip through human interest photography and the culture of the Cow Race or Pacu Jawi
• Experience in one of the world-famous events for photography (Cow race)
• Explore the traditional village of Minangkabau
  
  

Tip Summary

Day 1  Padang – Bukittinggi 

08:00 a.m We will start our journey from Padang city to Bukittinggi city. On the way to Bukittinggi, we will pass through dense jungle, with a view of Malalak, which is famousfor itsh local production of Cinnamon. Arrival in Bukittinggi, visitingthe famous canyon of Sianok Bukittinggi, and a night in Bukittinggi.

Day 2 Bukittinggi – Tanah Datar Cow’s race 

Depart from Padang City at 8:00 a.m., heading toward Tanah Datar Regency, where the traditional Pacu Jawi (Cow Race) takes place. Along the way, we will visit the traditional Minangkabau village of Pariangan, where we’ll explore the village, admire traditional Minangkabau houses, and enjoy scenic viewpoints.

·        Upon arrival in Batusangkar, we will visit the historic Pagaruyung King's Palace.

·        After lunch, we’ll continue to the Pacu Jawi site for a photography session.

·        17:00 Return to Harau valley, arrival in Harau valley, check in at the accommodation, to be expected arrive at night

Day 3 Harau valley trekking & 1000 caves

In the morning visiting local village and we will explore the Harau valley jungle and well known 1000 caves, back to our accommodation, and at the end of the day, we will visit the local production of palm sugar making. Night in Harau Valley

Day 4 Harau Valley – Maninjau Lake and traditional village

After breakfast, 07:30 a.m visiting Maninjau lake and traditional Minangkabau village, exploring the activity with local people in Maninjau village, ( on the way to Maninjau lake, visitinga local factory of Sugar cane ) enjoy jungle scenery all around the village with terrace ricefield, and continue visiting the traditional village and the fisherman village in Maninjau.
After visiting Maninjau, back to Bukittinggi and a night in Bukittinggi

Day 5 Bukittinggi – Back to Padang
In the morning, visit the traditional market in the center of Bukittinggi. Then, continue to explore the town and the traditional village of Koto Gadang before returning to Padang. Tour Ends.

Practical Information

Terms and Conditions

·      When visiting remote villages, you must accept basic living conditions. Comfort and cleanliness are not guaranteed to meet Western standards. However, tolerating this inconvenience is essential to enjoying your entire stay. Pack accordingly and maintain a positive mindset to fully embrace the unique challenges and opportunities that come with the experience.

·      The Sumatra area is covered with rainforest and located right on the equator; it has a tropical climate, and the weather is hot and humid all year round. The driest season normally starts from May to September, although there are sporadic rains that may occur during this period. Rains are abundant between November and January. The average temperature is 30 °C in Siberut Island. Be ready for hot, humid, and hasty conditions.

·      To show respect for the culture of local communities, such as their traditional knowledge, laws, way of life, dress code, and different perspectives on the environment, it is recommended to adhere to certain guidelines. For instance, during a trip to Minangkabau, it is advisable to wear trousers that extend below the knee and T-shirts that cover the shoulders, for both men and women. It is also important to avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, revealing tops, or skirts above the knee. Loose-fitting clothes are recommended to help cope with the heat.

Things to carry

·      Small backpack (we can leave some stuff at the previous place we stayed in (hotel/hostel)  

·      Long trousers, long sleeves, t-shirt, fresh underwear (there will be sweating going on)

·      Rain clothes / poncho

·      We recommend bringing a dry bag/pocket (waterproof) to protect your camera and any other important documents and equipment you need to take care of.

·      Trekking shoes, sleeping bag, a mosquito repellent, high protection sunscreen, a headlamp, toilet paper, a sun hat/cap, sunglasses, water bottle.

·      First aid such as paracetamol, pain killers, anti-diarrhoea, disinfectant, and all other medications you would usually take.

·      Do not overpack! Keep it simple