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Bukittinggi facts for kids

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Bukittinggi
Clock tower and main square
Clock tower and main square
Official seal of Bukittinggi
Seal
Nickname(s): 
Londen van Andalas
Motto(s): 
Saayun Salangkah
(Minangkabau: Same turn, same step)
Location of Bukittinggi
Country Indonesia
Province West Sumatra
Area
 • Total 25.24 km2 (9.75 sq mi)
Elevation
930 m (3,050 ft)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total 110,954
 • Density 4,396.0/km2 (11,385.5/sq mi)
Time zone UTC+7 (WIB)
Area code(s) +62 752
Website www.bukittinggikota.go.id

Bukittinggi is a cool city in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Its name means "high hill" in Indonesian, which makes sense because it's located in the mountains! It used to be called Fort de Kock a long time ago. About 120,000 people live here.

Bukittinggi is famous for its beautiful scenery and interesting history. It even became the capital city of Indonesia for a short time from 1948 to 1949. This happened during a tough period when Indonesia was fighting for its freedom from the Netherlands.

Discover Bukittinggi

Bukittinggi is a lively city known for its cool mountain air and friendly people. It's a popular spot for tourists who want to explore the natural beauty and learn about the local culture. The city is surrounded by stunning volcanoes and deep valleys.

A Bit of History

Bukittinggi has a special place in Indonesia's past. During the Indonesian National Revolution, when Indonesia was fighting for independence, the city played a very important role.

Temporary Capital

From 1948 to 1949, Bukittinggi served as the capital of the Republic of Indonesia. This was because the main capital, Yogyakarta, was occupied by Dutch forces. So, Bukittinggi became the center of the Indonesian government during this critical time. It showed how strong and determined the Indonesian people were to gain their freedom.

Cool Places to Visit

Bukittinggi has many exciting places to explore. From historical sites to natural wonders, there's something for everyone.

Jam Gadang (The Big Clock)

One of the most famous landmarks in Bukittinggi is the Jam Gadang. This is a huge clock tower that looks a bit like Big Ben in London. It was built during the Dutch colonial period and is a popular meeting spot. You can't miss it when you visit the city center!

Sianok Canyon

Just outside the city, you'll find the incredible Sianok Canyon. This is a deep, narrow valley with steep cliffs and a river flowing through it. It's a truly breathtaking natural sight. You can enjoy amazing views from different viewpoints or even go trekking down into the canyon.

Ngarai Sianok
The stunning Sianok Canyon near Bukittinggi.

Fort de Kock

The city's old name, Fort de Kock, came from a Dutch fort built here. Today, you can still visit the remains of this fort. It's a historical site that reminds us of the city's past. Near the fort, there's also a zoo and a cultural park.

Pasar Atas and Pasar Bawah

Bukittinggi is also famous for its traditional markets, Pasar Atas (Upper Market) and Pasar Bawah (Lower Market). These markets are bustling with activity. You can find all sorts of things here, from fresh produce and spices to traditional crafts and clothing. It's a great place to experience local life and try some delicious snacks.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Bukittinggi para niños

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