Harau Valley in Lima Puluh Kota offers the charm of high cliffs similar to Konoha Village in the Naruto anime, as well as the uniqueness of nature and other interesting tourist activities.
Recently, the name Lembah Harau has been in the spotlight on social media, especially among Naruto anime fans. Many say that Lembah Harau has similarities to Konoha Village, where the ninjas live in the series.
One of the reasons is because of the towering cliffs which are considered similar to the iconic Hokage cliffs. However, despite its similarities to the anime world, Harau Valley does have extraordinary natural attractions.
Getting to Know the History of Harau Valley
Harau Valley is located in Lima Puluh Kota Regency, West Sumatra, about 50 km from Bukittinggi or about 1.5 hours drive.
With an area of about 270.5 hectares, this valley is surrounded by cliffs of 100 to 500 meters high that surround the expanse of rice fields and green forests.
The name “Harau” comes from the word “parau” which means hoarse voice. According to local legend, this area is often hit by floods and landslides, which causes a loud, hoarse-like sound.
Geologically, the Harau Valley is thought to have once been part of the ocean, with evidence of breccia and conglomerate rocks found around its cliffs.
Unique Geological Attractions
1. Its similarity to Konoha Village
The uniqueness of Harau Valley lies not only in its similarity to Konoha Village, but also in its extraordinary geological formations. The breccia and conglomerate rocks that form the cliffs of this valley originated from the seabed millions of years ago.
The age of the rocks in the Harau Valley is estimated to be 40 million years, and many of them contain organic carbon, which is formed from the remains of marine organisms.
2. Nature Reserves and Wildlife Sanctuaries
Due to this natural wealth, Harau Valley has been designated as a Nature Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary. The valley is also a habitat for various species of flora and fauna, including long-tailed monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) and a variety of plants typical of tropical rainforests.
3. Enchanting Waterfall
Apart from the towering cliffs, Harau Valley also has six waterfalls that add to its natural beauty. Some of them are Sarasah Bunta Waterfall, Sarasah Aie Angek, and Akar Berayun.
Akar Berayun Waterfall, which has a height of about 200 meters, is the highest waterfall in the area and can be seen immediately when visitors arrive at the parking area.
For those who like adventure, you can trek for 10 minutes to Sarasah Murai Waterfall, which has seven levels of waterfalls with a height of around 10-15 meters. This waterfall is named Sarasah Murai because it is said that Murai birds often visited it in the past.
4. Thematic Tourism in Harau Valley
To increase the attraction of tourists, Harau Valley now also offers several modern thematic tourist destinations.
One of the most famous is Harau Sky, which provides various facilities such as water parks, restaurants, photo spots, and accommodation amidst the exotic scenery of the valley.
In addition, visitors can also enjoy various other thematic tours, such as Kampung Sarosah which displays traditional Minang buildings, Korean and Japanese Villages, and European Villages.
Tourists can feel the international atmosphere with the backdrop of the magnificent cliffs of the Harau Valley.
Location and Access to Harau Valley
Harau Valley is located in Harau Village, Lima Puluh Kota Regency. If you depart from Bukittinggi, the distance traveled is approximately 51 kilometers. Access to Harau Valley is quite easy, either using private vehicles or public transportation.
If using public transportation, visitors can take a bus to Payakumbuh, then continue with a white public transportation to Harau Valley.
Fun Activities in Harau Valley
Harau Valley offers various tourist activities that can be enjoyed by visitors from various circles. Here are some interesting activities that can be done there :
Enjoying the Panorama of Harau Valley Harau Valley offers stunning views with a backdrop of high cliffs, green rice fields, and a river flowing in the middle of the valley. This panorama can be enjoyed from several photo spots that have been provided.
Staycation in Harau Valley For those who want to enjoy a calm and peaceful atmosphere, Harau Valley provides various accommodation options.
Starting from traditional Minangkabau homestays to modern accommodation with complete facilities. Some recommended accommodations are Sarasah Bunta Homestay, Abdi Homestay, and Dangau Pitossa.
Trekking Around the Valley Tourists who like trekking can explore the hills around the valley, such as Jambu Hill, Air Putih Hill, and Singkarak Hill. The climb to the top of the hill usually takes about 3 hours, and tourists are advised to use the services of a local guide.
Harau Pasa Festival Every year, the Harau Pasa Festival is held, which features various cultural arts performances and culinary specialties from Nagari Harau. This festival is usually held in August-September and is a special attraction for tourists.
Rock Climbing The cliffs in Harau Valley are a paradise for rock climbers. With more than 70 rock climbing routes of varying difficulty, this place is very popular among extreme sports lovers.
Harau Valley is one of the best natural tourist destinations in West Sumatra, with the charm of stunning high cliffs, beautiful waterfalls, and various interesting activities that tourists can enjoy.
Additionally, not far from Harau Valley, you can explore the breathtaking Lake Maninjau, a serene volcanic lake surrounded by lush hills.
The combination of natural beauty in Harau Valley and the tranquility of Lake Maninjau makes this region a suitable destination for all groups, from nature enthusiasts to adventurers.
