Situated on the west coast of Sumatra, Padang is the capital of the province of West Sumatra. It’s a bustling, vibrant city, home to close to a million people, and the gateway to some of the most beautiful scenery in Indonesia. The city is spread out over a wide area, and is centred on the main square, which is flanked by the grand mosque and the governor’s palace. There’s a lively market here, and a great selection of restaurants and cafes. The beaches are close by, and make for a great escape from the city. Padang is also a great base for exploring the rest of Sumatra. There are some wonderful national parks in the area, and the island is home to some of the most active volcanoes in the world.