The name Minangkabau means triumphant buffalo. It leads a community and family life based on a matrilineal system which clusters around mosques and the traditional adat houses. As it is the women who own the properties, the men are known for their wanderlust and entrepreneurship. Proof of this is the many Minang or Padang restaurants, serving very spicy food, found in all major towns in the nation. The people are hospitable and eloquent in a poetic style of speech and ceremonies.
Festivals are colorful occasions.
West Sumatra has a coast line where the capital is situated. The hinterland is a range of high mountains which dip into picturesque valleys and lakes. Padang's Tabing Airport is the main gateway to West Sumatra. Garuda Indonesia has three daily flights to Jakarta, one daily flight to Palembang and Medan. Three flights weekly to Pekanbaru, three direct flights to Singapore and two flights to Batam.