Bukittinggi is one of the larger cities in West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is situated in the Minangkabau highlands, 90 km by road from the West Sumatran capital city of Padang. Bukittinggi is connected to Padang by road, though a dysfunctional railway line also exists. For inner-city transport, Bukittinggi employs a public transportation system known as Mersi (Merapi Singgalang) and IKABE that connect locations within the city. The city also still preserves the traditional horse-cart widely known in the area as Bendi, although the use is limited and more popular to be used as vehicle for tourist, both domestic and foreign.
It is a city popular with tourists due to the climate and central location. Attractions within the city include: Sianok Canyon, Lobang Jepang (Japanese Caves) - a network of underground bunkers & tunnels built by the Japanese during World War II; Jam Gadang - a large clock tower built by the Dutch in 1926; Pasar Atas and Pasar Bawah - traditional markets in downtown; Taman Bundo Kanduang park; Lake Maninjau and the Harau Valley.