Why Ox Ville?

I came to know about this hotel only around October 2013. After invitations from the Owner and its Sales Manager, Wulansari, I decided to accept them and visited the place. My first reaction was WOW. This little accommodation must be the best kept secret of the tourism industry of West Sumatra. Why didn't I hear about it earlier? I have been looking for a hotel in the Capital of West Sumatra where I can relax, feel at home, enjoy its more than enough facilities. and still be within striking distance from the commercial district and conference centers.

What makes this cozy and homey hotel so intriguing was its very unique interior which reflects the classy and colorful taste of its owners. Unlike many hotels within West Sumatra d'Ox Ville can be characterized as traditional but modern, The name Ox Ville is expressed through the presence of many ox figurines all over the place. For those of you new to the cultural history of West Sumatra, the ox or in the local Minangkabau language "kabau" (kerbau in Indonesian) is a symbol of the birth of the largest ethnic group in the province. It was through an oxen duel that the locals retained its independence from the invading Javanese Hindu King Adityawarman. To avert bloodshed in an open warfare the leaders of the local army suggested each side chose an ox to fight. If the local ox wins then the invaders will not continue with their occupation. Ingeniously the locals chose a very hungry baby ox, with its small horns fitted with very sharp knives. The Invading army chose a very big ox to do the duel. Obviously, the baby ox saw the big ox and considered it as its parent and went under the big one in order to drink its milk. The movements of the baby ox's head trying to suckle brought its horned-knives ripping the belly of the big one. Slowly but surely the big ox collapsed for loss of blood. The victory, which in the native language means Minang (Menang in Indonesian), became part of the new name of the natives. Minang, victory, and Kabau, Ox. From then on, the natives are called Minangkabau. West Sumatra is one of Indonesia's provinces but most people call it The Land of the Minangkabaus, Ranah Minang.

My fascination with the Minangkabau culture and crafts plus the modern interpretation of the owners of this accommodation have made me fall in love with d'Ox Ville Hotel.

Why don't you make a visit to this place and even stay for a few days. It is a perfect jump off point to the exotic Land of the Minangkabaus.

Yours warmly,


A. Rudolf Smit