West Sumatra Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
province of Indonesia, on the island of Sumatra
About West Sumatra
West Sumatra bounded in the north by the province ofNorth Sumatra, in the west by the Indian ocean, in the south by the provinces ofBengkuluandJambi, and in the east byRiauprovince. West Sumatra used to be a part of the province ofCentral Sumatra(1948–1957), alongside Riau and Jambi. 85% of the population areMinangkabau, notable in anthropology as the world's largestmatriarchal society: children take their names from their mother's side and, on marriage, the husband moves into the wife's family. Culturally, the hallmarks of Minangkabau culture are their famously spicy food, served all around Indonesia inPadangrestaurants (named after the capital), and the soaring-eavedrumah gadanghouse, shaped like a series of buffalo horns. On the other hand, the tribal inhabitants of the Mentawai archipe
Top Attractions in West Sumatra
Explore the best things to see and do in West Sumatra:
- ★Rumah Gadang Tuanku Lareh
- ★Tan Malaka's Birth House and Museum
West Sumatra Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 14 sections including: