Just on the outskirts of the hill town of Bukittinggi in the Minangkabau highlands, lies this breathtaking canyon which the locals call Ngarai Sianok, or the Sianok Canyon. Its panorama is particularly beautiful in the early morning light when the first rays of the sun pierce through the mist covering this deep valley that has majestic Mount Singgalang looming at its background.
In Panorama Park, visitors could enjoy the beautiful scenery while eating in gazebos. You can take pictures of this scenery from the gorges beautiful vistas which draw many photographers and painters to visit Ngarai Sianok. This park also has a mini theater for local performing arts.
If you want to enjoy the beauty of Ngarai Sianok from Panorama Park, you can use the gazebos while watching monkeys playing around in the park. There is a 20 meter tall tower near souvenir shops where you could see the beauty of Ngarai Sianok clearer. Alternatively, visitors could travel 2 km using private car to small settlements and paddy fields at the foot of this gorge.
The beauty of Sianok can be seen from Panorama Park in Bukittinggi or you can also walk down into the gorge, where are a settlement and paddy fields. Then crossing a bridge over the river, climb up to Kota Gadang, home of silversmiths who produce the finest filigree ornaments.
Get There
From Minangkabau international airport, you can take a rented car or minibus plying the Padang-Bukit Tinggi route to Bukit Tinggi. The distance between Padang and Bukit Tinggi is 90 KM. Ngarai Sianok has abundant natural resources and culture. It is located about 1 KM southwest of Bukit Tinggi. Visitors can take a private car or sado/andong (traditional carriage) from the city center to Panorama Park which is located at Panorama Street while enjoying the cool weather in Bukit Tinggi.
Get Around
If you want to enjoy the beauty of Ngarai Sianok from Panorama Park, you can use the gazebos while watching monkeys playing around in the park. In addition, there is a 20 meter tall tower near souvenir shops where you could see the beauty of Ngarai Sianok clearer. Alternatively, visitors could travel 2 KM using private car to small settlements and paddy fields at the foot of this gorge.
Well, I just love Bali so much, and we fell in love with the culture, people, the food. Everything was just amazing. I feel like in Bali, you can find serenity anywhere, literally. It's our favorite place that we've been to on our entire trip.
