Ocean sunsets
Over open water.
Christine Anggeline — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Dody.bukittinggi — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Undeka 11 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Sandi rambe — CC BY-SA 4.0
Padang's seafront on the Indian Ocean, which locals call Taplau, short for the edge of the sea, their favourite evening promenade. The beach runs along a long coastal road, with Gunung Padang hill and the mouth of the Arau River at its southern end. The highlight is sunset: the sun sinks over the open ocean, the pavements fill with families and young people, and stalls spread out selling grilled corn, cold drinks and coconut sweets, alongside seafood restaurants. Big letters spelling the city's name stand on the beach for photos. It is free and always open. The waves are strong on most days, so swimming is unsafe; the beach is for strolling and sitting. The beach is in the city centre, close to the Grand Mosque of West Sumatra and the Adityawarman Museum, so end your day in Padang here.
Over open water.
Grilled corn and coconut.
Where Padang gathers.
Jalan Samudra, west of central Padang
Grilled corn with butter and chilli, coconut drinks and grilled fish; and in the city nearby don't miss rendang and the famous nasi Padang restaurants.
