Solok Regency is one of the regencies of West Sumatra province. This district is located in the highlands of Bukit Barisan at an altitude of more than 1,000 meters above sea level. Solok Regency's natural beauty includes tea gardens in several main areas such as Kayu Aro and Pauh Duo. Kayu Aro Tea Plantation. Kayu Aro Tea Estate is located in Kayu Aro Village, Gunung Talang District, Solok Regency. This tea garden has been around since the Dutch colonial era. In this tea garden there are various types of tea, such as Camellia sinensis and Camellia assamica, which are grown in an organic and standardized way. The beauty of the Kayu Aro Tea Garden can be seen from the green and beautiful natural scenery.
There are tea plantations stretching out in a row, and between the fields there is a strip of white mist that makes the atmosphere even cooler. This beauty is also enhanced by a flower garden that is carefully arranged in the middle of a tea garden. The flowers that adorn this tea garden are cherry blossoms, alpine flowers, and various other ornamental plants. Kayu Aro Tea Garden is not only the beauty of tea plants and flowers, but also well-preserved Dutch buildings such as old tea houses, tea factories, and tea trading houses. These places are silent witnesses to the history of tea plantations in Solok during the Dutch colonial period. Pauh Duo Tea Plantation. Pauh Duo Tea Plantation is located in Pauh Duo District, Solok Regency. Because it is located on the Bukit Barisan plateau, this garden is also a beautiful tea garden. The beauty of the Pauh Duo Tea Garden can be seen from the expanse of well-maintained rice fields flanked by lush trees.
In the Pauh Duo tea garden there are natural hot springs that are the main attraction. This hot spring can refresh and relax the body after enjoying the green scenery of the charming tea garden. Other than that, the Pauh Duo tea garden also offers evening entertainment and camping. The facilities available include tents, travel equipment and experienced guides. From this tea garden we can also enjoy untouched natural panoramas such as Singkarak Lake and Kerinci Seblat Protected Forest. Culture and traditions in the Solok tea plantation. The area of tea plantations in Solok also keeps no less interesting culture and traditions. The culture and traditions of this area have been around since the Dutch colonial era. One of them is the tradition of washing tea known as the "Dutch Boat". The tea washing process is carried out using tools and methods that combine traditional methods with modern technology. In addition to the tradition of washing tea, there is also a coffee culture in the Solok tea plantation area. Coffee grown on the west coast of Sumatra is known as Sumatran Robusta coffee. This coffee has a characteristic aroma and flavor and is rich in caffeine. In addition, every year there is the Kayu Aro Tea Festival, where you can enjoy the beauty of the tea gardens and the culture and traditions of the tea plantation area. This festival is also a tourism promotion and promotional event where visitors are presented with a variety of typical Solok culinary delights. diploma. Kayu Aro Tea Plantation and Pauh Duo Tea Plantation are very interesting tourist spots in Solok Regency. The beauty of nature that is still beautiful and green combined with the culture and traditions that are still upheld is the main attraction for tourists. It is time for us to preserve the beauty of the tea plantation area in Solok and preserve the existing culture and traditions for future generations to enjoy.