Bet with rain, I left Kinantan Zoo. I think it would be very disadvantage to just let go of Bukittinggi’s natural fracture charm. Going through same path as I entered Fort de Kock, Limpapeh Bridge and TMSBK, now I was standing again at front gate of that square fort.
A young age man came with a smile approaching me. He was an online motorcycle taxi that I was waiting to take me for next destination. On fast journey, he said “Brother, your signal will be bad at valley , if you want to be picked up after finishing your visitation, I’m ready to take“. Because my habit that doesn’t want to be rushed in enjoy something, especially about the beauty of nature, I refuse it subtle.
Dr. Abdul Rivai Street had finished to be passed until the end. That is the road name to remember a “Bumiputera (local people)” who had fought against Dutch colonialism through journalism realm. Next, the road started to sharply swoop when I turned to the right.
One kilometer swoop down trip presented a breathtaking view of valleys on either side of Binuang Street. Janjang Koto Gadang like a Great Wall of China miniature looked in a flash of eyes. I didn’t have time to visit it because I had to bet with travel services schedule to Padang.
“Welcome to Kenagarian Sianok Anam Suku“, written at top of a gate which is located precisely in middle of bridge which connecting two valley sides which is cut off by Batang Sianok River. On right pillar told that I was in Sub-Districts IV Koto, while the left one told that I was in Agam Districts.
The shallow Batang Sianok River.
The twenty meter wide river never seemed to be angry with spilling flood. My estimation is very reasonable with existence of semi-permanent and even permanent buildings in river banks. And somehow, sandy soil deposits in the middle of river were delivered from some where by river currents.
The other side of Batang Sianok River.
I can’t imagine how two sides of cliff that were originally fused then shifted in opposite direction to form a perfectly perpendicular fracture and created an elongated valley which was then invaded by water to form a natural river.
And…. Heavy rain was really falling…..
Made me to escape from canyon and looked for a shelter. “Gulai Itiak Lado Mudo Ngarai” restaurant terrace became a comfortable place to shelter even though I was closely watched by its owner. Finally I dared myself to ask permission for temporarily took shelter .
It was true, I really didn’t get a phone signal to call a online motorcycle taxi when it started to rain. I tried to find a higher place and then get two signal cell bars. I struggled to order an online motorcycle taxi that was repeatedly rejected. Until finally, on fifth call I was picked up by a middle-aged woman with her scooter matic and delivered me to my last destination in Bukittinggi.
Sianok canyon was captured from Panorama Park.
Sianok Canyon view with Singgalang Mountain background… Isn’t it beautiful?
My steps at eastern end of Limpapeh Bridge became unstoppable. On Cubadak Bungkuak Hill, I followed paving block lane with yellow diagonal pattern and most of green fences on either side. And then mingle with visitor crowds who are enjoying display of cute animals.
A row of beautiful aves welcomed my first step when entering the zoo which was more than a century old. Producing beautiful sounds in circle of an iron cage was a way for them to entertain visitors.
Kuau bird from Taiwan.
Two beautiful peacocks.
While rodentia were present on other side. Threat of their thorns had to be held back by a half-body concrete wall in combination with an iron fence above it. They stayed in an artificial tree with holes on several sides.
Cute hedgehogs were getting ready for breakfast.
Proving itself as the most complete zoo in Sumatra, a herd of primates welcomed visitors in middle of area. Some long-tailed monkeys didn’t seem to care about visitor arrival because of their busy eating favorite fruit.
Incurious….
Before entering the most striking spot, there was an elephant with albino-trunk complete with two long tusks which getting around a giant cage to warm its body in morning sun.
Precisely on right of elephant cage, there is a Minangkabau traditional building with three peaks of “gonjong” on both sides and perfected with a main “gonjong” on the porch. roofed with palm fiber, walled with carved wood and have stage floors. Nearly fifty meters long and about twenty meters wide, this Baanjuang Traditional House looks dashing in the center of Kinantan Zoo.
85-year-old cultural preserve.
Continuing through to east, a white-walled and green roof musalla appears to mediate the location between Baanjuang Traditional House in the centre and Zoological Museum at the eastern end.
Small musalla.
The Zoological Museum itself is green with a Sumatran tiger statue on its roof. To its right, the goldfish-shaped building functions as an aquarium show. The museum which was established in conjunction with a similar museum at Bogor in 1894, has a collection of two thousand species which are preserved and exhibited.
Zoological Museum.
Kinantan Zoo which is officially named Kinantan Wildlife and Culture Park (TMSBK) has had several famous names such as Strompark, Puti Bungsu Park, Bukittinggi Zoo and Fort de Kocksche Dieren Park. Founded by Storm Gravenande, a Dutchman who had served as Assistant Resident of Agam.
Not only all animals which I mentioned above, TMSBK has several other animals such as spotted deer, camels, tigers, orangutans, gibbons, binturung, crocodiles, snakes and many more. It need more time to visit it, so we can enjoy the presence of animals in this zoo.
“There’s still time“….Inner continued to force steps.
TMSBK ticket was grasped, then at the end of Fort de Kock I saw a crowd on next hill. While the mind continued to imagine an exquisite Sianok canyon, while a iconic suspension bridge welcomed me at front.
I couldn’t dodge its charm…..
Six Gonjong Roofs in the center, four giant steel strands hold bridge deck along 90 meters. Connecting two strong hills which are quite popular in Bukittinggi, namely Jirek Hill and Cubudak Bungkuak Hill with 3 meters footing width.
Is Limpapeh Bridge which looked mighty straddling on Ahmad Yani Street. It had played a role for about 28 years in connecting Kinantan Wildlife and Cultural Park (TMSBK) with Fort de Kock fortress area.
Limpapeh Bridge itself was the first greeter for my arrival in Bukittinggi a day before.
“Limpapeh” itself means “Centre Pillar“. The uniqueness of this bridge is besides in structure centre, its twin pillars also limit both sides of Ahmad Yani Street so that it form a welcome gate for city guests on its protocol road.
Limpapeh Bridge with two layers of six Gonjong roofs.
Whereas on my second visitation on my first night, alphabets board “Limpapeh Bridge” which glowed bright red was decorated with a splash of purple light on both of its twin pillars. Really become city gate which is very beautiful in eyes view.
In evening, Limpapeh Bridge is culinary activities condiment in an area known as Kampung Cino.
Like Janjang which is spread in many city corners, this beautiful link is also a integration manifestation of city facilities. That are a Fort de Kock tourism and Wildlife Cultural Park Kinantan (TMSBK) tourism which are be exposed objects from construction reason of this bridge. It makes easy for tourists to exploring in the city with its nicknamed Parijs van Sumatra.
Gonjong roof with floral batik motifs.
In order to maintain security and maintain bridge’s age of use, venue management only allows a maximum of 200 visitors who can simultaneously be on this bridge and each visitor can only take pictures on the bridge for a maximum of 3 minutes. Okay….Let’s obey the rules if you visit it !….Hehehe.
Marapi Mountain which is shrouded in fog looked from the bridge.
Finally I had an opportunity to enjoy views of this tiny city which had ever been Indonesia capital from a height. Not skyscrapers which appeared in view, but an expanse of citizen’s houses, commercial shops which extend along Ahmad Yani Street curves and green trees dominance which are relied upon as a water catchment area of the city.
Sirabungan Mountain was seen from the bridge.
Being a sensation when you are on the bridge in a condition which alway sway as a main characteristic of suspension bridge. Being a satisfaction when enjoying the charm of Bukittinggi from the bridge which became a city’s flagship icon after its first icon, i.e Gadang Clock Tower.
So….You have to come here if you travel to Bukittinggi.
I instantly realized that I hadn’t fulfilled yet Maghrib Prayer. While time had shown at 19:10 hours and prayer sounds had disappeared since earlier. Then time forced me to immediately move from Bukittinggi Plaza courtyard.
Walking through Cinduo Mato Street, I didn’t find a crowd like I imagined. Many shops on either side of road had begun to close its door. Only few shops still opened because they still had to serve some customer who passing through on streets.
I arrived at Bukittinggi Grand Mosque. A holy building with eight arched windows on second floor. Right on road side and marked by a green glowing tower in one of its front corners.
The front yard of Bukittinggi Grand Mosque.
Entering its terrace area, one thing which attracted my attention was concrete seating provision for women on left side, while men seating was placed on right wing. Separation began since entering its terrace.
Women’s seat behind a concrete fence.
I fulfilled Maghrib Prayer on red carpet, while other worshipers were solemnly listening sermon from religious leader who preached from pulpit. I calmed my mind, sat cross-legged and watered my hard heart with heavenly advice, something I rarely followed.
Ostad’s sermon which I followed to the end.
I went out with congregation, the Adam and Eve folk regularly came out on track. Married couples left the mosque one by one by riding motorbikes, some rode bicycles. While youths were seemed to entering narrow alleys towards their homes.
The end of Canduo Mato Street was gradually deserted. Bright shades of shophouses began to be abandoned by visitors. While some traders were still patient waiting for remaining buyers who would came.
Hunting for crowds, I crossed Minangkabau Street then entered Ahmad Yani Street. I really found it. Parking lots along shophouses were still packed with four-wheeled vehicles, making me even more excited to postpone my returning to the inn.
Ahmad Yani Street at southern end.
I continued to step past a T-junction which is cuted by Ahmad Karim Street from south left. Then continued with found tent stalls which lined lengthwise on one side of Ahmad Yani Street with Limpapeh Bridge view which was full of lights.
Row of culinary stalls along Ahmad Yani Street.
Ahhhh….Padang Satay was only USD 1.1.
Satay scent which a minute ago was completely chewed by sense of taste, instantly drove out drowsiness which clung my eyelids since Ostad’s heavenly sermon at Bukittinggi Great Mosque.
Continued with displacing meatball bench to a coffee maker, my time slowly depleted at the same time with increasingly disappearing of “iron horses” bustles with vehicle license plate BA.
Temperature degree that night quickly diminished, I who didn’t wear jacket really felt Bukittinggi cold air, forced me to immediately withdrawed from street and slowly walked towards the inn. Tomorrow I would early wake up and walking around the city in early morning.
Memasuki lantai satu penginapan, Noah, Si Insinyur Amerika itu mEntering the first floor of hotel, Noah, an american engineer waved his right hand and greeted me with a big smile. A large beer bottle was in his left hand. “I will sleep early“, I told him. He raised his right thumb while saying a short word, “See you tomorrow”.
Walking through Veteran Street, I slowly approached De Kock Hotel to check-in. Cool and peaceful is an image in my head about Bukittinggi when I arrived.
1. Limpapeh Bridge
Halfway to hotel, I was fascinated by a suspension bridge. It is the Limpapeh Bridge which stretches over Ahmad Yani Street. It was built in 1992 and have function as a link between Wildlife Cultural Park Kinantan and Fort De Kock Fortress area. Stretching along ninety meters with approximately three meters in width, making this bridge so dashing visible from Ahmad Yani Street.
2. GadangClock Tower
A bottle of coca cola closed my check-in session as well as a starting marker for my exploration around Pasar Atas that afternoon. Walking through Yos Sudarso Street with up-down contour, my steps arrived at a phenomenal landmark which is famous throughout Indonesia.
Gadang Clock Tower, a landmark which was given by Queen Wilhelmina, looked dashing. Needed long time in waiting for different color lights to appear and illuminated entire this giant clock tower as a marker of switching from evening to night. Because of its fame, Gadang Clock Tower has been designated as Kilometer Zero Point of Bukittinggi City. “Gonjong” shaped roof or roof style which was commonly used in “Gadang House” (typical house of West Sumatra) makes this European architectural art possess a local customs wealth.
3. Bukittinggi Plaza
Major renovations at Sabai Nan Aluih Park, made me only able to enjoy the beauty of Gadang Clock Tower from mall courtyard which is located opposite this big clock tower.
Bukittinggi Plaza in the last few years had became the best mall in Bukittinggi. Ramayana (Indonesia’s prominent department stores) becomes main player which occupies seventy percent of overall mall capacity.
4. Bukittinggi Grand Mosque
Fun in enjoying the beauty of Gadang Clock Tower almost made me lose Maghrib Prayers. I tried to trace azan origin several minutes before. Heading north, I finally arrived at Bukittinggi Grand Mosque.
The mosque which in earthquake 2007 became a refuge for residents who evacuated because of damage which was caused by the massive earthquake.
5. Pasar Atas Bukittinggi
Cindua Mato Street towards Pasar Atas
Grand mosque which is precisely located in the center of Pasar Atas (a famous market in Bukittinggi) made me interested to explore road towards Pasar Atas. Dark which continued to devour the day, made shop owners began to close them one by one.
Pasar Atas is a market which places several sellers of Kapau Rice, Ampiang Dadiah Ice and Sanjai Crackers which are favorite crackers for souvenirs which were bought by Bukittinggi visitors.
Hungry stomach has forced myself to immediately look for dinner. Dinner under Limpapeh Bridge finally closed my two hours exploration on my first night in Bukittinggi
6. Unknown Hero Monument
My second day exploration began with leaving the hotel on a quiet morning. Even residents’ activities hadn’t been seen. Quiet and cold didn’t dampen my steps to visit Unknown Heroes Monument.
This monument was built to commemorate heroes who couldn’t be identified in opposing Dutch Colonialism on 1905. The monument with a circular shaped ornament of large dragon and on its top stands a statue of a young man who holding a flag.
7. Bung Hatta Proclamator Park Monument
While across the front of monument, there is a park with a black statue of Bung Hatta. Known as Bung Hatta Proclamator Park, this park was dedicated to Mohammad Hatta, the native son of Bukittinggi who proclaimed Indonesian independence with Ir. Sukarno.
8.Janjang Ampek Puluah
Returning to Cindua Mato Street which I passed last night, I headed for a connecting stairway between Pasar Atas and Pasar Bawah also Pasar Banto (three markets in Bukittinggi). A steep concrete staircase with forty stairs which is 112-year-old. This is embodiment of public facilities integration in past time. At that time, Dutch East Indies Government and several local powers agreed to connect every market in Bukittinggi, one of which was by making janjang or stairs.
9. Bung Hatta Birthplace Museum
Coming out of lower gate and passing through Banto Trade Centre which looked unkempt, I headed to Bung Hatta residence when he was a child. Even though this house is actually only a reconstruction building, but its interior arrangement and exterior appearance are made as closely as possible to condition of the original house which has collapsed. If you want to know about life history behind Muhammad Hatta glory in his political career, then come to this place.
10. Fort De Kock
After visiting Bung Hatta Birthplace Museum, I intended to walk to Fort de Kock through Pemuda Street with quite a long climb walking and meanders from south to north. But apparently I wasn’t strong in middle of journey, I called for online transportation to drive me at Fort de Kock front gate.
Fort de Kock was built by Captain Bauer in 1825 on Jirek Hill as the defense dome of Dutch East Indies Government in facing popular resistance i.e Paderi War which led by Tuanku Imam Bonjol (Indonesia’s national hero).
11. Wildlife Cultural Park Kinantan
From Fort de Kock, I just needed to cross Limpapeh Suspension Bridge to a famous zoo in Bukittinggi.
Wildlife Cultural Park Kinantan is one of the oldest zoos in Indonesia and the only one in West Sumatra with the most complete collection of animals on Sumatra island.
12. Baanjuang Traditional House Museum
As the zoo grew, in 1935 the Baanjuang Traditional House was built in it.
Functioned as a museum, this traditional house is dedicated to elevating the traditional culture of Minangkabau people. Its inside were exhibited various clothes, jewelries and typical Minang art tools.
13. ZoologicalMuseum
Not far away….In northeast of the zoo, there is a Zoological Museum with Sumatran tiger and goldfish as its icons. The museum was established in conjunction with a similar museum at Bogor in 1894. Two thousand species of animal are preserved and exhibited in this museum.
14.Sianok Canyon
I left Fort de Kock from its entrance. My next destination was Sianok Canyon. A valley formed by natural fracture, has a wall which is perpendicular to Sianok River which flowing in the middle. But it was unfortunate that the rain fell so heavily. After getting off from an online motorcycle taxi, I felt like I was hopeless and just waited for rain to stop. Under a tree, I continued to observe valley in a side of Sianok Canyon.
15. Japanese Tunnel
The rain began to thin but still never let up. It caused my hope to enjoying the canyon for a longer time had to ending. I get a online motorcycle taxi with middle-aged women as the rider. Under light drizzle, I headed for Panorama Park.
Before exploring Panorama Park, I made time to explore the longest defensive hole in Asia. A Japanese tunnel made by order of Lieutenant General Moritake Tanabe, 25th Division of Japanese Army Commander. Very deep, long and amazing.
16.PanoramaPark
Finally the closing visit fell at Panorama Park, a large park with two entrances on edge of Panorama Steet. With a ticket for USD 1.1, I tried to enjoy this shady garden in my last seconds in Bukittinggi.
Leaving the park and returning to hotel, I prepared to go to a travel agent office to reach Padang city. On 13:00, I finally left Bukittinggi. Goodbye Bukittinggi.
So for you who intend to go to West Sumatra….Visit Bukittinggi and enjoy the cool air there.
