HARAU VALLEY
A Paradise in West Sumatra
Harau valley is a canyon near the town of Payakumbuh, Limapuluh Koto
regency, West Sumatra province. Harau valley flanked by steep rocky
hills with height of 150 meters. Harau valley is also surrounded by
steep colorful sandstone, with height of 100 to 500 meters.
Harau Valley or sometimes called the Arau valley is the place
where lush green ricefields are hemmed in between huge granite cliffs.
There are dozens of waterfalls tumble down from 80 to 300 meters height
into the valley below, cutting by the Batang Arau River. No wonder, that
the Harau Valley is sometimes known as the Yosemite of Indonesia.
Gibbons and Macaques and variety of wildlife is still roam
freely as this area in the Lima Puluh Kota district that has actually
been designated a nature conservation, covering some 669 acres. This
place is truly has beautiful landscape, peaceful serenity that only
interrupted by the calls of the macaques and the chirping birds.
There is waterfall named the Bunta Waterfall or locally called
Sarasah Bunta that pours down fresh water from the highlands with three
other waterfalls nearby. It was first visited in 1926 by a Dutch mayor. A
carved stone indicating the year when the mayor visited the waterfall
is still there expressing the beauty of this valley. Other waterfalls
are called the Akar Barayun, Sarasah Luluh, and Sarasah Murai.
The most direct way to reach Harau from Bukittinggi is by
renting a motorbike or taking an ojek for two hours. Alternatively,
take a Po Sarah Group minibus from the bus terminal to Tanjung Pati and
then take an ojek the rest of the way.
Walking towards the Harau valley is very pleasant, with fresh
air and genuine sightseeing of surroundings. The granite cliffs towering
with a unique shape surrounding the valley will also pampering your
sight. Those steep granite cliffs have height for about 80 m to 300 m.
From the start we entering Harau Valley, we will find a lot of
spectacular beauty along the way.
(http://www.indonesia-tourism.com/west-sumatra/harau_valley.html)
West Sumatra is one of the most beautiful areas of Indonesia. It is mountainous and divided by three valleys. There are lovely lakes and spectacular volcanoes. But Minangkabau land is very special and has the most friendly population group of Indonesia. They love to talk with visitors and will tell us about their unique society. If a visitor tries to understand the culture and Minang traditions he will soon feel himself a member of the clan. He will be invited as a guest to their homes - a unique way to become acquainted with real Indonesian life. Most of our hosts and hostesses are English teachers so language will not be much of a problem. They will show us the community and explain their customs. 
The land of the Minangkabau, West Sumatra has a distinct culture, which distinguishes it from the rest of the island. A land of scenic beauty with blue green lakes and mountains, West Sumatra's Centre of culture and tourism is Bukittinggi in the highlands, north of the provincial capital of Padang. Most prominent in the landscape is the horn-shaped roofs of the houses nestled in the coconut groves. The name Minangkabau means triumphant buffalo. It leads a community and family life based on a matrilineal system, which clusters around mosques and the traditional houses. As it is the women who have the properties, the men are known for their wanderlust and entrepreneurship. Traveling is considered a mark of success and therefore many of them are found "merantau" (emigrated) to other parts of the country. This is proof that many Minang or Padang restaurants, serve very spicy food, found in all major towns in the nation. The people are hospitable and eloquent in a poetic style of speech and ceremonies. Festivals are colorful occasions.
Geographically
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