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still nature of Harau Valley |
A relaxing one-hour drive from the bustling market of Bukittinggi in the province of West Sumatra lies the beautiful Harau Valley, - or sometimes called the Arau valley - where
lush green ricefields are hemmed in between huge granite cliffs. Here
dozens of waterfalls tumble down from 80 to 300 meters height into the
valley below, cut by the Batang Arau River. No wonder, therefore, that
the Harau Valley is sometimes known as the Yosemite of Indonesia.
Here gibbons and macaques and a variety
of wildlife still roam freely as this area in the Lima Puluh Kota
district has actually been designated a nature conservation, covering
some 669 acres. Its beautiful landscape, its peaceful serenity
interrupted only by the calls of the macaques and the chirping of birds,
make the Harau Valley the perfect holiday getaway.
Here one waterfall is 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 the waterfalls are called
the Akar Barayun, Sarasah Luluh, and Sarasah Murai.
One theory has it that the Harau Valley
came into being as a result of a tectonic fracture on an ancient land,
with parallel rivers running through it. As one part of the land sank,
while the other rose, the waterways broke, and waterfalls eventually
ensued from the spillways above the rocky hills. Local scientists
believe that this theory may prove to be true.
On the other hand, German geologists who
had conducted a study here found that the huge granite rocks found in
the area are in fact identical to those found on the ocean bed. Thus,
there is now another theory that the valley may have once laid at the
bottom of the ocean.
Public transportation is available for
those wishing to spend the entire vacation time in and around
Bukittinggi. Else, renting a minivan or a motorbike will guarantee the
time well spent for day trippers to these Minangkabau highlands.

Contack Person :
HP/ Whats App Pin Black Berry Messeger |
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Email : kiki.090290@yahoo.com |
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