Visit Bukittingi, Indonesia

Surrounded by volcanoes, lakes and canyons, the charming and relaxed hill town of Bukittingi is one of the most popular traveller centres in Sumatra.

Formerly a Dutch stronghold, today it is a busy market town and a centre of Minangkabau culture.

Points of interest

The town is quite small and easily explored on foot. Attractions here include the clock tower (which is the main landmark of the town), the large colourful market brimming with stalls of fruit, clothes and crafts, the views from the remains of Benteng Fort, the museum with its Minangkabau architecture and the Japanese caves of Lobang Jepang.

At 930 metres above sea level it can feel cool here, especially at night.