7.6 quake off Padang, Sumatra

A horse cart in Padang, Sumatra

Before you travel, do you check up on the weather of your destination? I always do. Knowing that it's hot or cold is not enough. I'd like to know how hot is hot and how cold is cold. I'd also like to know if it is the rainy season or the typhoon season. Such knowledge will help you to pack the right clothes, and bring the appropriate stuff.

I had wanted to go to Manila. Thank God I didn't. I'd checked up and discovered that around this time of the year there is the threat of typhoons. Much of Manila now is flooded, and 140 people killed as a result of Typhoon Ketsana.

But one of the things that no one can predict is earthquake - like this one which hit Padang resulting in 75 deaths and thousands being trapped. Although Padang lies on the western side of Sumatra yet tremors were felt in Singapore.

It was only in January this year that I was in Padang. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time can ruin your trip. It may even be disastrous to you.

Padang food

Pic: Padang beach foodstalls

Pic; Tempting Padang food

Pic: Padang beach


What is there to see in Padang? is usually the first question people ask.

Frankly, there is nothing much. Although Padang came under Dutch control there are no grand monuments or buildings except for a row of Dutch houses.

How about the beach? Padang beach is forgettable really. The beach is filled with black sand and littered with all sorts of rubbish. Careless, and you might end up in the emergency ward of Padang Hospital as there are nails and broken glass on the beach.

But watching sunsets at Padang beach is a favourite activity for courting couples.

Those who are interested in surfing head out to Mentawi islands.

Finally, mention should be made of the famous Padang food which has spread to Singapore and Malaysia. Walk into a Padang restaurant, and immediately the waiters slap a dozen small dishes of food on your table. The food range from skinny, tough chicken, curried beef liver, curried fish, chili eggplant, sambals (spicy sauces) and so on.

You pay for what you eat, and the dishes taken away to await the next customer!

If you have a weak stomach, beware. After eating Padang food a few trips to the toilet are guaranteed!