Travel to Padang

Entering Indonesia

Foreign nationals may enter the country through various land checkpoints, airports and seaports all over the country. The most direct way to get the conference venue is to fly using commercial airline to Padang. There are some flights that transit in Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (IATA code: CGK) before flying to Minangkabau International Airport (IATA: PDG), in Padang, West Sumatera. Soekarno-Hatta is a well-connected airport servicing many major carriers from all over the world.Currently, citizens from a selected number of nations may enter Indonesia for tourism purposes without a visa for a limited time period. That being said, many nationalities are still required to apply for a visa upon arrival or obtain a visa from the Indonesian consulate from their home country.

We strongly advise participants to check entry and visa requirements related to visitors from your country before making travel arrangements. For accurate information please contact the embassy/consulate of the Republic of Indonesia in your home country or visit the Directorate General of Immigration website.

Disclaimer

  • We strongly advise participants to personally check entry and visa requirements before making travel arrangements as there might be country-specific conditions that you are not aware of. For most accurate information please contact the Indonesia embassy/consulate in your home country.
  • The secretariat will NOT issue any Letter of Sponsorship or Letter of Guarantee if you are required to do so by the immigration department. It is the participants’ sole responsibility to obtain such documents.
  • The secretariat will not refund anyone for cancellations due to visa rejections or participant’s inability to enter the country.
  • We cannot change the decision of the Indonesian Embassy or any other government departments, nor will we appeal to the embassy on behalf of the applicant.
  • All questions/concerns regarding the status of your visa should be directed to the Indonesian Embassy in your home country.
  • In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the information provided on this page.

 

Travel to  Padang, Indonesia

By plane

Minangkabau International Airport (Bandar Udara Internasional Minangkabau – BIM) (IATA: PDG), located 23km north-west of Padang, is the main gateway to West Sumatra, with frequent flights to destinations throughout Sumatra and Java such as Indonesia.

Some arlines serving Padang:

If you are coming from Bukittinggi, ask a local how to take an angkot from wherever you are to Jambu Air. This should cost you Rp.2,000-3,000. From Jambu Air, take a minivan to Padang. This costs Rp.20,000-30,000 and will take 2-3 hours. It will only leave when relatively full. This van can get excessively crowded. Ladies are advised to wear long pants and at least a t-shirt with sleeves as you are entering a conservative city. Be aware that the men can get overly forward and cheeky.

Get around

Crazily-decorated Angkots run along the two main roads. Prices for a trip start at Rp4,000 (though most commonly Rp5,000). You can get taxis from the Minangkabau International Airport to town for less than Rp50,000 if you speak the language.

You may have to haggle a little, but be fair.Angkot in Padang (Source: http://cdn2.tsatic.net)

There are several alternatives that you can choose for transportation in Padang, such as bus kota (for city bus transportation), angkutan kota (Abbreviated “Angkot” for transportation in the city), taxi, car rental and Ojek (Motor Taxis). Most public transportations are not very safe and clean compared to international standard. During rush hour, you can see the buses overcrowded. Be careful with your valuables as sometimes there are pickpockets and thieves taking advantage while riding on the public transport, though this is very rare.

If you’re looking to spend a few days in Padang, car rental is the preferred way to go around. All car rentals include the driver, who can also act as your guide. It’s not recommended for tourists to drive around because road signs are not followed by the locals and courtesy while driving almost do not exist in Indonesia.