14 Jun
We flew Tiger Airways to Padang, tasted Minang food for lunch
and stayed a night at Hotel Nuansa by the beach. Looking out at
the ocean, we wondered about the possibility of tsunami...
15 Jun
We left early for Bukittinggi, a highland town that's supposed
to be cooler and nicer. The shared Toyota Kijang we took negotiated
the traffic and bends skilfully and the journey took only 2 hours.
The clock tower Jam Gadang ("Big
Ben") is where the town centre is in Bukittinggi. People
are seen sitting in the park around the tower throughout the day.
I love taking a romantic
ride on a bendi - a horse-driven cart - around town. But you must
always bargain as the asking price is set above the fair value.
The market sells everything and is delightful
to venture about. The stall sellers there are good mannered and
never resort to touting.
Enjoying the sunset mountain
view of Merapi from our Ambun Suri Hotel balcony.
16 Jun
Sianok Canyon is a spectacular 4km long and over 100m deep canyon.
We decided to venture into the canyon bed to explore around and walk
in the flowing streams there.
Alvin and Robyn on a suspension bridge, hanging
over the canyon.
After some searching, we found our way down to the
canyon bed.
Friendly companions at the canyon bed...
It was a perfect place to munch apples...
It was a perfect place to do some nature sketching.
Walking in the cold flowing stream
was a most refreshing way to soak in the beautiful place.
...
