Bukittinggi, which means "high hill", is a jewel in the dazzling geographical necklace of smoking volcanoes, coloured lakes, rainforest and swamps that extend 1,600km along Sumatra's spine. The town is located 930 meters above the sea level and covers an area 25 sqkm of Agam Plateau. The smouldering 2,440 metre volcano Gunung Merapi can be seen over the horned rooftops and across the valley.
The town of Bukittinggi developed when the Dutch built Fort de Kock in 1825.
Bukittinggi is the largest town in the province and the center of tourism, about 92 kms from Padang or two hours drive from Tabing Airport. The road to Bukittinggi passed between two volcanoes - Mount Merapi and Mount Singgalang.
The Minang Big Houses, which can be seen in the countryside around Bukittinggi, have distinctive roofs with a print at each end.
Recommended side trips from Bukittinggi include the spectacular lake Maninjau, lake Singkarak and the Kerinci Seblat Nature Reserve.Tourist spot worth to visit :