Clock Tower (Jam Gadang)

Bukittinggi - Since its inception, the location of the Clock Tower is the heart of Bukittinggi. Building such a monument as high as 26 meters with a circle at the four sides of the upper part was built in 1826 as a gift from the Queen of the Netherlands to Controleur or the Secretary of Bukittinggi time, Rook Maker. So, age was more than 180 years. Construction is completed by the architect Yazin and Sutan Dental Ameh and development costs 'gift' of this reach 3,000 Gulden at the time.

Clock Tower roof forms have been amended three times the adjustment from time to time. In the Dutch era, the roof is round with a statue of a rooster on it. At the time of Japan's ruling in the homeland, they change shape like the roof of the pagoda roof. Then, after independence was proclaimed, the shape of the roof was changed to four such bergonjong Minangkabau traditional house roof and bamboo shoots shoots motivated. The top of the Clock Tower is still visible from the area Jempatan Limpapeh which is about 1 km from the site.

Rounded clock located at the top on all four sides of this pillar diameter of 80 cm with white background while the text figures and black dial. There is the uniqueness of writing numbers on the Clock Tower. Figures for four that should be denoted with a 'IV' in Roman form, is written "IIII '.

Clock Tower which plan is essentially measuring 13x4 meters standing on Sabai Nan Aluih Park area in front of the Istana Bung Hatta. In this area, planted some trees so that more felt shady. Local governments also complete with concrete chairs for relaxing. The park is always busy, from morning, noon, afternoon until evening. Young and old always utilize this area for relaxing. In fact, many young parents bring their children to play in this place in the afternoon.

In this area also available carriage or sado-called Bendi to wander the downtown area. For ordinary people, the rates charged are usually Rp 2,500 is much closer. While specifically for tourists, the charge could swell up to Rp 25,000-Rp 50,000 based on negotiation.

Nearby, there is also an Upper Market is an important trading center in Bukittinggi. This market is usually crowded on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Various goods sold in this market, ranging from vegetables and fruits, clothing up to a wide range of woven handicrafts, silver handicrafts, T-shirts and clothing to show the image of the Minangkabau. Everything is sold at low prices.

In Bukittinggi, there are many attractions that can be visited. However, the Clock Tower is usually the center of the tourists before heading to other attractions. Selecting a number of guesthouses scattered around the Clock Tower area can also be an option if you want to look at these freely posed at the time the light or dark, ie along Jalan Laras Dt. Soekarno-Hatta road Bandaro-Jalan Dr. A. Rival-Jalan Jenderal Sudirman.

If you looked up to see the top of the Clock Tower in the morning until late afternoon, looks perfect splendor, supported by a blue sky background. While during the night, the lights dim yellow garden make this park seem exotic and romantic. Never leave the Clock Tower area without photos. However, do not worry, if it comes to this area without a camera, the visitor can use the services of itinerant photographers to immortalize themselves with the background of the Clock Tower.