Sawahlunto Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City • Unesco

Facts and practical information

Sawahlunto, located in the West Sumatra region of Indonesia, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. This city is known for its rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and unique cultural experiences.

One of the main attractions in Sawahlunto is the historic coal mining site, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can take a tour of the mining area and learn about the city's important role in Indonesia's coal industry. The site also offers magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and lush greenery, making it a must-see for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

For those interested in cultural immersion, Sawahlunto has a vibrant arts and music scene that reflects the city's diverse heritage. Visitors can explore traditional Minangkabau architecture, sample local cuisine, and experience the warm hospitality of the locals. The city is also home to several museums and art galleries that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Nature lovers will be in awe of Sawahlunto's natural beauty, with its picturesque landscapes and opportunities for outdoor activities. The city is surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and pristine rivers, making it an ideal destination for hiking, birdwatching, and other outdoor adventures. Visitors can also take a trip to Lake Singkarak, a stunning natural wonder that offers breathtaking views and opportunities for water sports and relaxation.

Local name: Kota Sawahlunto Unesco: from 2019Area: 105.58 mi²Elevation: 686 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 0°36'20"S, 100°44'38"E

Location

West SumatraIndonesia

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Sawahlunto Top Attractions

Sawahlunto Attractions - What to See and Explore

Sawahlunto offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Nurul Islam Great Mosque, Nurul Huda Mosque, Ombilin Coal Mine. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Mosque
Nurul Islam Great Mosque
The Nurul Islam Great Mosque or also known as Sawahlunto Great Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Indonesia located in Kubang Subdistrict of North Sirakuak, District of Lembah Segar, Sawahlunto town, West Sumatra.
Mosque
Nurul Huda Mosque
Nurul Huda Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Indonesia, located in Baringin District, Sawahlunto, West Sumatra. The mosque, built during the Dutch occupation, has a rectangular building with a tower blending into the main building.
Mine
Ombilin Coal Mine
The Ombilin Coal Mine is a coal mine near Sawahlunto, West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is located in a narrow valley along the Bukit Barisan mountains, among the Polan, Pari and Mato hills, approximately 70 kilometres northeast of Padang.

Day trips

Sawahlunto – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Sawahlunto, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Minangkabau Culture Documentation and Information Center (Padang Panjang), Nurul Iman Mosque of Koto Gadang (Bukittinggi), Kelok 9.

27 milesW
Museum
Minangkabau Culture Documentation and Information Center, Padang Panjang
Minangkabau Culture Documentation and Information Center is a museum and research center for Minangkabau culture, located in the city of Padang Panjang, West Sumatra, Indonesia. The center building is in the form of a Minangkabau traditional house, with a large garden that slopes up to the main gate.
33 milesNW
Mosque
Nurul Iman Mosque of Koto Gadang, Bukittinggi
Nurul Iman Mosque of Koto Gadang or Tapi Koto Gadang Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Indonesia, located in Koto Gadang Nagari, Agam Regency, West Sumatra. This mosque is the largest mosque in Koto Gadang area.
37 milesN
Bridge
Kelok 9
Kelok 9, a marvel of modern engineering in Indonesia, is a roadway that's as much a spectacle as it is a testament to human tenacity. This impressive bridge, which is part of the road network connecting the cities of Padang and Pekanbaru, winds through the picturesque...
33 milesNW
Tower
Jam Gadang, Bukittinggi
Jam Gadang is a clock tower, major landmark, and tourist attraction in the city of Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is in the centre of the city, near the main market, Pasar Ateh. It has large clocks on each face.
32 milesNW
Natural attraction, Nature, Volcano
Mount Singgalang
Mount Singgalang, Indonesia, is an awe-inspiring natural wonder that rises majestically as one of the many active volcanoes dotting the Sumatran landscape. This stratovolcano, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, is not only a geological marvel but also a prominent...