Padang, the capital of West Sumatra, is a city where tropical coastlines meet rich Minangkabau traditions. Known worldwide for its cuisine—especially Rendang—Padang is more than just a culinary capital. It’s a gateway to surfing beaches, lush highlands, cultural architecture, and offshore islands like the Mentawais.
For golf travelers, Padang offers a quiet, scenic experience. Surrounded by green hills and cooled by sea breezes, its main course provides a laid-back yet rewarding round, especially for those pairing golf with exploration or business travel.
Regions or Areas
- Padang Beachfront & City Center
A scenic stretch with colonial buildings, cafes, and ocean views. Ideal for walking, dining, and watching sunset. - Kampung Cina & Historic Core
The old city quarters filled with shophouses, Chinese temples, and small museums. - Air Manis & Bungus Bay
Popular beach areas just outside the city. Great for day trips and boat tours. - Minangkabau Highlands (toward Bukittinggi)
Lush hills, waterfalls, and rice paddies—ideal for nature excursions and cultural immersion. - Mentawai Islands (via ferry or charter)
A globally renowned surf destination accessible from Padang. Often paired with eco and island escapes.
Quick Highlights
- World-famous for Rendang and Minangkabau cuisine
- Rich in traditional architecture and markets
- Access to Mentawai Islands and Bukittinggi
- Peaceful golf experience near city edge
- Coastal drives, scenic beaches, and hills
- Great base for exploring West Sumatra
- Less touristy, more authentic
- Direct flights from Jakarta, Medan, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore
Best Visiting Season
Padang has a tropical climate with consistent warmth and humidity. Dry season is most comfortable for golf and outdoor exploration:
- Dry Season: May to September (less rainfall, pleasant for golfing and beach visits)
- Wet Season: October to April (afternoon showers common but brief)
- Midweek Tee Times: Easier to secure and less crowded
Recommended Duration
- 3 to 4 Days – Culinary tour, golf, and nearby beach
- 5 to 6 Days – Combine golf with highland excursions or surf trips
- Weekend Trip (2D/1N) – Ideal for domestic visitors from Jakarta or Malaysia
Padang is perfect for mixing active travel, cultural immersion, and relaxed play.
Local Travel Tips for Padang
Padang is a safe, navigable city with a welcoming vibe and rich culture. Respect local customs and enjoy the slower pace.
- Getting There: Minangkabau International Airport (PDG) connects to major domestic and select international cities.
- Transport: Use taxis or Grab for city travel; hire cars for highland trips.
- Food: Try Sate Padang, Rendang, and Teh Talua (egg tea). Dishes are typically spicy.
- Culture: Predominantly Muslim; modest attire is appreciated in traditional areas.
- Language: Bahasa Indonesia is spoken; limited English outside hotels.
- Shopping: Visit Pasar Raya for batik, local snacks, and wood crafts.
Handara Golf & Resort Bali
Discover Handara Golf & Resort Bali, a spectacular highland golf course in Bedugul with panoramic mountain...
Royale Jakarta Golf Club
Royale Jakarta Golf Club is a world-class 27-hole course in East Jakarta, known for pristine conditions,...
Damai Indah Golf – BSD Course
Experience the Jack Nicklaus-designed BSD Course at Damai Indah Golf—an award-winning course in Serpong,...
Jagorawi Golf & Country Club
Jagorawi Golf & Country Club in Bogor features 45 holes across the Old, New, and Z-Nine Courses, offering...
Top Golf Courses in Padang
Padang may not be crowded with courses, but it does offer an enjoyable and scenic option for golf lovers:
- Padang Golf Bukit Barisan – This 18-hole course is nestled in green foothills just outside the city. It’s well-maintained, peaceful, and perfect for both locals and visitors. Offers rental equipment and basic clubhouse amenities.
The course is open to non-members, and tee times are easy to secure, especially on weekdays.
Why Visit Padang?
Padang is a destination that balances urban vitality with authentic cultural experiences. As the heartland of the Minangkabau people—famous for their matrilineal society—Padang offers striking traditional architecture, vibrant markets, and warm hospitality. The city itself is compact, with a walkable waterfront, heritage buildings, and a strong sense of local pride.
Padang’s culinary reputation is second to none. Beyond Rendang, visitors can enjoy Dendeng Balado, Sate Padang, and spicy sambal-laden feasts at family-run eateries or riverfront warungs. Many restaurants even serve food in the signature Padang style—dozens of dishes laid out for the table to share.
The city also acts as a hub for outdoor adventures. Travelers can head west to Bungus Bay and the Mentawai Islands for surfing, east to Bukittinggi and the Harau Valley for waterfalls and hiking, or simply stay in town to explore nearby beaches like Air Manis with its rock legends and ocean breezes.
Padang’s international airport and relatively low tourist traffic make it a great destination for travelers who seek cultural depth, natural beauty, and local authenticity—with a side of golf.
Latest Travel Stories from Padang
Discover real experiences, expert tips, and local highlights from recent travelers in Padang. From scenic escapes to food adventures, our latest stories help you explore smarter.
Useful Resources in Padang
Expedia – Hotels + Packages
Book top-rated golf resorts and bundled deals in Asia, all in one place with Expedia.
Hotels.com – Golf Resorts in Asia
Discover and compare the best golf-friendly hotels and resorts across Asia with ease.
Orbitz – Travel Deals for Golfers
Find hotel and travel deals near Asia’s top golf courses with Orbitz.
