Harau Valley, Natural Tourism Reminiscent of Konoha Village in Lima Puluh Kota
Harau Valley in Lima Puluh Kota offers natural beauty similar to Konoha Village in the Naruto anime, complete with majestic cliffs, waterfalls, and various exciting tourist activities.
Recently, Harau Valley has gone viral on social media, especially among Naruto anime fans. Many have compared the towering cliffs of this valley to the scenery of Konoha Village, where the ninjas live in the anime.
However, Harau Valley is not only interesting for anime fans, its beauty has long been recognized as one of the best natural tourist destinations in West Sumatra.
A Glimpse into the History of Harau Valley
The name “Harau” comes from the word “parau,” which in the local language means hoarse voice. It is said that this area used to often experience floods and landslides that caused a loud noise, so the locals named it “Harau.”
In addition, based on geological research, this valley was once part of the seabed, as evidenced by the presence of breccia and conglomerate rocks found on its cliffs.
The Unique Geology of Harau Valley
One of the biggest attractions of Harau Valley is its spectacular cliff formations. The breccia and conglomerate rocks that make up these cliffs are estimated to be around 40 million years old.
Not only that, many of these rocks also contain organic carbon, indicating that they were formed from the remains of marine organisms millions of years ago.
Due to its geological richness, Harau Valley has been designated as a Nature Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary. This area is home to various species of flora and fauna, including long-tailed monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) and various types of plants typical of tropical rainforests.
So, for nature and environmental lovers, Harau Valley offers an experience that is not only visually beautiful, but also full of scientific uniqueness.
Charming Waterfall
Harau Valley is known not only for its majestic cliffs, but also for its beautiful waterfalls. There are six waterfalls in this area, including Sarasah Aie Angek, Sarasah Bunta, and Akar Berayun.
Akar Berayun Waterfall is the highest in Harau Valley, with a height of around 200 meters. This waterfall is one of the first sights you will see when you arrive at Harau Valley, and below it is a natural pool that is often used for swimming.
For those looking for a quieter atmosphere, you can go trekking to Sarasah Murai Waterfall, which is located in the forest. This waterfall has seven levels with a height of around 10-15 meters.
The name “Sarasah Murai” comes from the Murai bird which is said to have often perched around this waterfall in the past.
Thematic Tourism in Harau Valley
In addition to its natural attractions, Harau Valley now also offers several thematic tours designed to attract more tourists.
One of the most popular is Harau Sky, which provides various facilities such as a water park, restaurant, Instagrammable photo spots, and accommodation that offers exotic views of the valley.
Not only that, you can also explore Kampung Sarosah, which features traditional Minang architecture, as well as the Korean, Japanese, and European Villages that were built as thematic tourist attractions.
Each village is equipped with photo spots and play areas, making it suitable for tourists who want to experience an international atmosphere without having to go far abroad.
Location and Access to Harau Valley
Harau Valley is located in Lima Puluh Kota Regency, West Sumatra, about 50 km from Bukittinggi. The trip to this valley takes about 1.5 hours, and along the way, you will be treated to beautiful views that make the trip more enjoyable.
With an area of 270.5 hectares, Harau Valley is surrounded by towering rock cliffs with heights between 100 and 500 meters.
Interesting Activities in Harau Valley
Harau Valley offers many exciting activities that can be enjoyed by all ages. Here are some of them:
Enjoying the Panorama of Harau Valley The scenery in Harau Valley is truly stunning, with high cliffs, green rice fields, and a river flowing in the middle of the valley. Many photo spots have been provided for visitors, making the holiday moment even more memorable.
Staycation at Exotic Accommodation If you want to experience the tranquility of Harau Valley for longer, there are various accommodation options available. From traditional Minangkabau homestays to comfortable modern accommodation. Some recommended accommodations are Sarasah Bunta Homestay, Abdi Homestay, and Dangau Pitossa.
Trekking Around the Valley Harau Valley is also a paradise for trekking enthusiasts. You can climb the hills around the valley, such as Bukit Jambu and Bukit Air Putih. The hike usually takes about 3 hours, and it is recommended to use a local guide.
Pasa Harau Festival Every year, Harau Valley hosts the Pasa Harau Festival, where various local art and culinary performances are presented. The festival is held in August to September and is a major attraction for tourists.
Rock Climbing With more than 70 rock climbing routes of varying difficulty, Harau Valley is a paradise for extreme sports lovers. The cliffs here are notoriously difficult, but offer an unforgettable experience for both professional and novice climbers.
Harau Valley offers a unique combination of natural beauty, geological history and modern tourism experiences. Whether you’re an anime fan, nature lover, or adventurer, Harau Valley has something for everyone.
The beauty of its towering cliffs, stunning waterfalls, and various thematic tourism facilities make Lake Maninjau a destination worth visiting.