As promised, more pictures of Sikuai and Harau valley.
The top 2 pictures (and also at the head of my blog ) are those of Harau, the biggest and highest rock climbing valley in Asia. The house that you see is actually one of the many bungalows of Echo homestay. Call ahead at (62 752) 775 03 06 if you're interested to stay there as it is often full. The bungalows are well equipped and surrounded by beautiful scenery of the valley. Here, And if you howl your heart out loud, the sound will come several time , therefore the echo...
Meanwhile, Sikuai island can be reached half an hour from Padang. Pristine, powder-sand beach with see-through sea water beckon you. If you want to visit Sikuai island, call this local guy named Jack (62 752 6141) He can arrange travel around west sumatra including Sikuai island and finds you the best rate. He actually owns a cosy "Bagus cafe" at lake Maninjau which serves probably the best western food in Sumatra (He lived in Alaska once). The cafe also provides internet, DVD movie and transportation. If Jack loves you, he may close the cafe and show you around for several days!
