The Rest of Japan in Panorama Park

Middle-aged woman driver picked me up at “Gulai Itiak Lado Mudo Ngarai” restaurant.

Me: “Mrs, I had canceled my order because it was too long, but I also haven’t managed to order another motorcycle taxi, Mrs“

She: “In my application, it haven’t canceled. I was stuck in traffic because a car broke down on top. Come on, just go up, Sir. It’s hard to get signal here, you won’t easy to get a motorcycle taxi again, Sir. “

Without long thinking, I rushed to sit in back seat and refused to use a raincoat which offered by her because I was sure soft drizzle wouldn’t make me wet.

Opposing the direction which I came and turned right when it was at top of Binuang Street which was cut off by an intersection, then I traced the same street name to the name of a city park which I was going to.

She just dropped me in front of park entrance which was very crowded. I tucked USD 0.5 on her motorcycle dashboard as a tip even though she persistently tried to refused. Salute to her.

Not as much time as other visitors, made me walked in a hurry to ticket sales counter which is protected by a roof with three shoots of “gonjong“, then gave USD 1.2 to get entry access.

Japanese Tunnel was the first site which I looked for when I entered park area. I was so curious about the shape of this longest defense tunnel in Asia. Not hard to find, statue of two Japanese soldiers who stand in opposite directions is a marker of its existence.

A tour group appeared and closes gate of Japanese Tunnel because of focusing in hearing a direction from their tour guide. There is also a floor plan which illustrates path in this defensive tunnel.

While at right of entrance, park main area is dominated by ceramic floors which form a performances podium with one of its sides being a view point of Sianok Canyon and Singgalang Mountain.

In some spots, there are garden canopies with four shoots of “gonjong”. Bukittinggi topographic contours with hilly-valleys appear to be described by this park shape. One side of park appears to be higher than the other side, many stairs are provided, making it easier for visitors to access each side of park.

While on left side, there is a flat area which is used for children playground with a single pillar as centre. Also visible a small glass-walled musalla is on a side of children playground.

This is Panorama Park which closed my journey in Bukittinggi. I will come back to this city if I had a chance. I will return to enjoy delights of this town’s Kapau Rice.

It was time to pack up and heading to Padang City.

What’s in Padang? Come with me!