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Selasa, 13 Maret 2012

Cruising North Sumatra


North Sumatra is the land of the Batak, a tribe that inhabits the highland areas around Lake Toba. There are six groups of Batak who each posses a distinct language and rituals but who share common values and traditions. Before western contact, the batak were known to be cannibals. They ate human flesh, kept heads as property and used skulls coinage. The fact is that cannibalism was not common and it only occurred during warfare and as punishment for certain crimes. In the present day, Batak traditional society their life, rules, and even the clan system are very well maintained. Culture and traditions are respected among Batak people, even among those who have for many years been living outside their homeland.

Nias, one of the islands in the North Sumatra is known as museum of prehistoric Indonesian civilization. The unique style of their amazing tribal art and architecture has fascinated generations of scholars and collectors. Apart of its unique culture and traditions, North Sumatra has plenty of beautiful landscapes to offer.

Lake Toba and its islands in the middle of the lake has been the jewel of Sumatran highlands. Lake Toba is the largest lake (1,707 sq.km) in Southeast Asia and probably the deepest lake (450 m) on earth.

Medan, the capital city of North Sumatra is the largest city in Sumatra Island and the gateway to the north. The city was established in 1682. The city was also once the centre of trade. Today Medan is still the most commercial centre for North Sumatra. Large quantities of tea, rubber, coffee, tobacco, and other agriculturally based commodities are sent out from Belawan, the seaport of Medan.

Places of Interest
Port Of Belawan


Grand Mosque
The locals call it Mesjid Raya, it is beautifully designed by a Dutch architecture in a 'Moroccan' style with fine black domes and turquoise tiles. Built in 1906 by Sultan Makmun Al Rasyid it contains the tombs of Sultans of the Maimoon Palace, also known as the Deli Sultanate.



The Sultan Palace
Maimoon Palace which is also known as Palace of the Sultan of Deli was built in 1888 by Sultan Makmun Al Rasyid. In one of its wing still live the descendants of the Sultan. Its architecture is a fusion of Italian, Arabian and Oriental element.




Crocodile farm
Asam Kumbang crocodile park used to be a small park in the backyard of a private house , a place for breeding and raising crocodiles in the traditional way. Today, the numbers have reached to over 2,000 with several different species which makes it an interesting place to visit.




North Sumatra Museum
This museum was built with mission to preserve the cultural heritage of North Sumatra. It has a collection of artifacts, fine wood and stone carvings.




Gundaling Hill
From the viewing points of this hill, visitors can enjoy a magnificen view of Mount Sibayak and Mount Sinabung, two active volcanoes in the area.






Brastagi
This lovely little town is located in the Karo Highlands situated at 1,300 meters above sea level. The weather here is cool and pleasant. The local market sells a variety of flowers, vegetables, and fruits. Here Visitors have the opportunity to get close to the life of the Karo tribes.




Sipiso-Piso Waterfall
Get a breathtaking panoramic view of the falls as the water flows out from a ravine, down from over 120 meters high. It is located on the north side of Lake Toba.






Peceran Village
Peceran village is an ancient village where traditional Karo houses and other historical relics are well preserved. In this village, modern houses stand side by side with Batak houses, which demonstrate the adaptability of the people to the changing world.

North Sumatra - Tours Schedule
Medan City Sightseeing                       
Duration : 4 Hours 50 Mins                                        
08:00               Belawan, Departure          
09:00 - 09:30  Grand Mosque                  
09:40 - 10:10  Sultan Palace                     
10:40 - 11:00  Chinese Temple                  
11:20 - 11:50  Shopping Centre                 
12:50              Belawan, Arrival                
Lake Toba Tour
Duration : 11 Hours 45 Mins  
07:30              Belawan, Departure  
10:30              Pematang Siantar, toilet stop
11:30 - 12:30  Parapat and Lake Toba
12:30 - 13:30  Lunch
13:45 - 14:00  Ambarita Village
14:30 - 15:00  Tomok Village
19:15               Belawan, Arrival 

Bohorok Adventure
Duration : 11 Hours 30 Mins
08:30               Belawan, Departure
12:30 - 13:30  Bukit Lawang, Lunch
13:30 - 16:00  Bohorok, Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center.
                        Walking and canoeing
20:00               Belawan, Arrival

Port Of Teluk Dalam
Bawamataluo Village, Nias Island
Bawamataluo means Sun Hill. This village is located on top of the hill where visitors will be amazed by the spectacular view of the traditional wooden houses. These houses at least 200 years old with perhaps the finest traditional indigenous architecture in Indonesia. Beside these houses, this village is also well known to the outside world for its unique stone jumping dance.

Nias, Bawamataluo Village Tour
Duration : 2 Hours 45 mins
08:30              Teluk Dalam, Departure
09:15 - 10:30  Bawamataluo Village: 
                       High roofed traditional house
                       War dance and Stone Jumping
11:15               Teluk Dalam, Arrival


Source: Cruising Indonesia by Ministry of Culture and Tourism Republic OF Indonesia







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