Padang is a lovely city if you're interested in the history of Indonesia and if you are a food lover! Originally it was a port for traders of gold, spices and timber with a lot of trade from/to China. Thus many Chinese immigrated to Padang that's the reason why Padang has an amazing China Town with many restaurants and spice shops. Padang Old Town, is the old part of Padang where you can see many colonial Dutch buildings that are still intact along Batang Arau River. Padang is famous for its tasty food, you can go everywhere in the street and taste the delicious Sumatran cuisine! The most famous dish is Beef Rendang (Sapi Rendang).
If you are looking for nice beaches where to chill and swim, head to Bungus Bay, located 25kms south of Padang and can be reached by mini bus in 45 minutes. Bungus Beach is on a beautiful calm bay with white sandy beaches. From Bungus Beach you can take a boat to the nearby islands and do some island hopping. If you are looking for stunning brown-white sand beaches, visit Air Manis Beach and Sweet Water Beach located 10kms south of Padang. Padang is a good starting point for surfinf tours organized by different tour agencies. 

Pulau Mentawai

There are about 70 Mentawai Islands off the west coast of Sumatra which are home to the Mentawai people, an indigenous tribe of hunter-gatherers also called "Flower People". The Mentawai culture is fascinating : customs include traditional tattooing and sharpening of the teeth and many traditional activities such as dancing, fishing, hunting... But the Mentawai islands are also a famous spot for experienced surfers! The unforgettable, world-class waves break over reef and rock. Adventurous travelers are going there for trekking, diving/snorkeling, to learn about indigenous culture, to get traditional tattoos and of course to surf the amazing waves.

Bukkitinggi

Easily reachable from Padang, a nice journey across hills and valleys, through plantations and small villages will lead you to Bukittinggi, the cultural centre of Minangkabau culture. The town is surrounded by volcanoes, lakes, canyons and traditional villages and is located on the Agam plateau above a deep river valley. You can walk into town discover the market and most of all the Minangkabau culture in which the women play the dominant role. Their wealth is expressed in beautifully woven traditional dress and the adat houses with their distinctive roofs.
If you feel like an adventurer, you can explore the amazing surroundings of Bukittinggi which is full of wonderful unspoilt places : Ngarai Sianok Canyon, cliffs covered in tropical vines, ricefields and volcanic lakes. Lake Maninjau is a big crater lake 22 miles west of Bukittinggi perfect to chill, swim and spend lazy days of reading, fishing and maybe even watching a seasonal pacu jawi (cow race) event in West Sumatra. You can rent a bike, explore the area by foot or rent a canoe.