I am posting the link below to my webshot photos of
Painan and surrounding area in West Sumatra.
Painan is a small fishing village about 2 hrs by bus from Padang the captial of West Sumatra.
I discovered Painan in August 2000 on a bus from Bengkulu with my Indonesian friend Bobby. Bobby originally from Padang wanted to stop in Painan and have a look around, so that is what we did.
It is a real gem of an area and usually not noted in any of the travel books so is quite untouristy which suits me fine.
Accomodation in Painan was limited, but we were lucky enough to be taken 2 km outisde of Painan to a gorgeous little beach house called Edi's Homestay that also had an open air warung next door.
It had such atmosphere we decided to stay for 5 days and since then I have revisted in 2001,2003, 2004 and 2005.
The area has been very lucky in regard to the recent spate of earthquakes and so remains untouched unlike places north in Aceh.
Edi's details are as follows if anyone wants them.

Edi Homestay     (Edi Usmardi or Muli.)
Batembak Beach, 2km Painan West Sumatra
Landline Phone 00116275621085
Handphone      +628126788881
If in Padang and catching a bus south write down the address and show to the bus driver.
All the bus drivers know Edi so you should be dropped off outside his house.
If anyone wishes to know more you can reach me at
pamelajoyfuge@hotmail.com

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