THE GREAT WALL OF WEST SUMATRA

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Image by Rahmat Irfan Denas - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

If you don’t have the opportunity to visit the Great Wall of China, it’s time to go to Bukittinggi in West Sumatra. There, you will find the Janjang Koto Gadang that look somewhat like the real Great Wall.

Janjang Koto Gadang is the tourist attraction, which is a one and seven tenth kilometer stone steps, situated between Agam regency and Bukittinggi town in West Sumatra.

In fact, Koto Gadang is the name of a village in Agam regency. As the concrete stairway lies between Agam regency and Bukittinggi town, there’re two entrances for those who want to set foot on this little Great Wall.

From Bukittinggi, visitors can go in through the entrance that isn’t too far away from the Japanese Cave. Children and old guys should be more careful while walking down the sloping road.

The shape of the staircase is similar to China’s Great Wall, but it’s much shorter and is only one thousand steps from the Japanese Cave in Bukittinggi to Koto Gadang of Agam regency.

When you feel tired, you can take a rest and eat a piece of chocolate or drink coca cola. It is so relaxed and cool while the gentle breeze blows softly against your face. You’ll realize that life is so lovely and meaningful. The sensation of wandering like a cloud, floating above hills and valleys is indeed fantastic.

Janjang Koto Gadang was formerly a part of Janjang 1000 that links villages as well as the route to Batang Sianok at the valley floor.

In earlier times, Janjang 1000 (the thousands of steps) wasn’t as popular as the other tourist attractions. Fortunately, the authorities creatively turned the Janjang 1000 into the Great Wall of West Sumatra. Since then, the location has been crowded with domestic and international tourists.

It’s a good place for those who want to go trekking. Everything looks so natural and it is amazing while walking along the snakelike winding path. It’s recommended that you take an umbrella because it is very hot at noontime.

The scenery at Janjang Koto Gadang won’t let you down. Green grass and trees grow fertilely in this beautiful place. The meandering river at the valley floor gives you the awesome view from the height of 200 meters.

There is also a suspension bridge that will let your heart beat like hammer while you’re walking on it and look at the river below. You need a good stamina for not being fainted.

Although it is not as long as China’s Great Wall, the panorama at Janjang Koto Gadang is worth admiring. It is a good idea to go with some friends and take photos there. Therefore, you can keep all the photos in your digital album and show them to your grandchildren in your old age.

It’s advisable to bring your lunchbox and water bottle, so that you can fill your stomach whenever you’re hungry. It’s extremely enjoyable while you’re having lunch with your friends and family members at the rest area on the half way.

Janjang Koto Gadang is 90 kilometers from the north of Padang and you need three hours to arrive there. This tourist attraction is a source of great pride to minangkabau people.

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