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West Sumatra &
Pacu Jalur Festival 2025

Tour dates: Aug 21 - 30, 2025
The cost is $2,450/person

 

Tour includes:

Local flights, transportation, accommodations, meals, tickets for tourist areas, and tour guide.​

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Itinerary details:

  • Day 1 (Thu 8/21): USA - Jakarta. Arrive in Soekarno Hatta International Airport. Stay overnight at the CBC Airport hotel or Swiss- Belhotel 4**** (D)

  • Day 2 (Fri 8/22): Jakarta flight to Padang - arrive in Minangkabau Airport. Then go to Sawahlunto, explore Sawahlunto villages. Stay overnight at Ombilin Heritage 3*** hotel.(B-L-D)

  • Day 3 (Sat 8/23): Sawahlunto - Teluk Kuantan, Pacu Jalur Festival. Stay overnight at Guesthouse. Explore The Aura Farming Festival. Immerse into the culture of the surrounding areas.(B-L-D)

  • Day 4 (Sun 8/24): Teluk Kuantan - Sawahlunto - Tanah Datar. Stay overnight at Emersia Hotel 4**.(B-L-D)

  • Day 5 (Mon 8/25): Pagarruyung Palace - Harau Valley - Bukittinggi. Stay at Monopoli Hotel 4**(B-L-D)

  • Day 6 (Tue 8/26): Bukittinggi - Sianouk Grand Canyon - Koto Gadang village - Lake Maninjau and Singgalang Mountain view - Pasar Atas and Clock Tower. (B- L- D)

  • Day 7 (Wed 8/27): Return to Padang: City tour, Anai waterfalls and protected forest, stay at Pangeran Beach hotel 4**** (B- L- D)

  • Day 8 (Thu 8/28): Return to Jakarta. Stay at Grand Mercure 4**** or similar.Explore Jakarta at night(B)

  • Day 9 (Fri 8/29): Jakarta - Free time.(B)

  • Day 10 (Sat 8/30): Return to USA.(B)

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NOT included:

  • Ticket to Jakarta (from anywhere before tour starts)

  • Travel insurance

  • Visa entry fee to Indonesia (IDR 500k/USD 36)

  • Personal gifts and necessities

  • Local transportation in Jakarta on free days

  • Tips for drivers and guides

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For more info, contact: info@bramaintl.com

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West Sumatra & Pacu Jalur Tour Q & A

  1. When is the Pacu Jalur Festival taking place?
    The 2025 Pacu Jalur Festival will be held from August 20 to 24, 2025, in Teluk Kuantan along Tepian Narosa on the Batang Kuantan River 

  2. What is the cultural significance of Pacu Jalur?
    Originating in the 17th century, Pacu Jalur means “canoe race.” It began as a community celebration involving decorated longboats used for ritual, harvest, and royal processions. Over centuries, it evolved into a major cultural festival, now recognized as part of Indonesia’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage 

  3. What highlights are included in the festival?

    • Spectacular traditional longboat races with teams of 50–60 rowers steering 25–40 m boats 

    • Cultural parades, music, dance performances, and art exhibitions .

    • This year’s attraction: a viral local boy dancer (“Aura Farming” trend) leading the boat spirit .

    • Additional events like youth workshops and rap performances by popular artists 

  4. How does this trip integrate with West Sumatra?
    The tour combines cultural exploration of West Sumatra—including visits to Jakarta, Padang, Sawahlunto, Teluk Kuantan (for Pacu Jalur), and Bukittinggi (housing Istana Pagarruyung palace)—with dedicated immersion in vibrant Minangkabau heritage.

  5. What’s included in the tour package?
    The all-inclusive package covers:

    • Internal flights (within Indonesia)

    • In-destination transportation

    • Accommodation

    • Meals

    • Entrance tickets to attractions

    • Professional guide services which makes the experience seamless and culturally rich.

  6. What’s the cost and what’s not included?
    Tour cost: $2,450 per person.
    Exclusions: International flights to/from Jakarta and Indonesian entry visa 

  7. Why visit Pacu Jalur during this year?
    It’s officially listed in Indonesia’s 2025 national tourism events (event list “KEN”) and projected to increase tourism by ≈30% 
    The festival has newfound global buzz through viral “aura farming,” offering a rare chance to witness local culture trending worldwide 

  8. What should visitors prepare?

    • Tropical weather: bring hats, sunscreen, and stay hydrated 

    • Book local homestays early in Teluk Kuantan due to post-festival high demand 

    • Consider learning basic Minangkabau greetings—it goes a long way 

  9. Is it family-friendly and immersive?
    Absolutely—it's suitable for all ages. You'll enjoy interactive experiences like:

    • Watching synchronized paddling

    • Boat-front dancing and live drumming

    • Cultural workshops and market visits

  10. When is the last date to book?
    Monday, Aug 11 2025. All payments must be received by this date.

  11. Is there a refund policy?
    50% refund if cancelled before Saturday Aug 16 2025. No refund after that date.

  12. How do I sign up or learn more?
    For booking, visit Brama International’s official page: https://www.bramaintl.com/sumatra‑2025-booking-form

West Sumatra Places

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