Minang people are definitely friendly people, very rarely in bad moods nor with bad intentions, youngsters frequently approach foreigners in a charming and funny way, sometimes even forcing themselves to overcome their modesty. Padang is one of the safest city in Indonesia.

Although the population of West Sumatra is diverse, the main ethnic group is the Minangkabau people (buffalo in local dialect), well known over Indonesia for its matrilineal system and its uniquely buffalo–like roof architecture. They speak their own dialect of the Indonesian language known as Minang.

Islam is the predominant religion throughout the Province and Catholic and Buddhist minorities are well integrated; churches and temples stand next to the numerous Mosques in an open–minded atmosphere. The bustling and noisy historical centre of the city extends from the old harbour and merges old buildings from the Dutch colonial era with Chinese influences; it suffered sever damages during the 2009 earthquake.

It is the homeland of Minangkabau people, one of the largest ethnic group in Indonesia with its rich and beautiful culture and heritage. It is also home of many majestic natural scenery like mountains, canyons, valleys, lakes, beaches and national parks.

Solok and South Solok are on the Trans Sumatra Highway, 64 km from Padang and 76 km from Bukittinggi. The town has some fine examples of Minangkabau architecture with hornshaped roofs and outer walls of wood, completely carved and painted in briljant colours. 60 km from Solok are the twin lakes ( Danau Di Atas and Danau Di Bawah ), which are becoming popular as holiday resorts. Cool mountain air and beautiful landscapes, with impressive thea plantations as far as you can see, have made this spot extraordinary. One of the lakes, set only 1 km apart, is on a slightly higher elevation than the other. The spot offers an impressive panorama of the surrounding countryside and offers excellent opportunities for camping and hiking.

See
Village of Thousands Rumah Gadang. Located in nagari Koto Baru. Old village with many old beautiful rumah gadang side by side. There are many types of rumah gadang there based of different tribes of Minangkabau. It’s proposed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rajo Balun Palace. Located in nagari Sungai Pagu. The palace of Alam Surambi Sungai Pagu. It’s a beautiful rumah gadang. The palace also contains some historical collections of the kingdom.
Taman Hutan Raya Bung Hatta is a botanical garden covering 70,000 ha, with a rare collection of flora and fauna, situated on the way to Solok, about 300-1,000 m above sea level. The cool mountain air and panoramic views make this area a popular resort for both young and old. Monkeys and other animals can be found here, and they are protected by the park garden. Transportation to Taman Hutan Raya Bung Hatta is easy as it lies on the highway to Solok.
Mount Talang. A green volcano with picturesque tea field scenery.
Lake Diatas and Lake Dibawah. The twin lakes in the foot of Mount Talang. Lake Diatas means, upper lake and Lake Dibawah means, lower lake.
Tuo Kayu Jao Mosque. Located in the foot of Mount Talang. It’s the oldest mosque in West Sumatra, built with beautiful Minangkabau architecture.