Sejuta Manikam
Pariwisata Sumatera Utara. The landscape of North Sumatra Province has been shaped by thousands of years of volcanic activity. From the incredible Lake Toba which was formed around 75,000 years ago in one of the biggest volcanic eruptions ever known. Home to a diverse array of cultures and a
fascinating kaleidescope of Indonesian life, North Sumatra has many wonders
places and things to explore. North Sumatra’s spectacular natural beauty
spreads from the magnificent Lake Toba, Berastagi, Langkat, Karo Land, Dairi,
Simalungun, ect.
Lake Toba, the biggest
lake in Southeast Asia. The jungle of Bukit Lawang which organgutans make their
home. The natural and cultural wonders here make this is a region to come and
have a true adventure.
North Sumatra is
home to rare and exotic wildlife. Discover exceptional and unique species like
the orangutans, the white-handed gibbon, and 17 types of bird. For nature
lovers, the extraordinary ecosystems which exist here are well worth a visit.
The largest city
in this region, Medan, is a thriving metropolis, and one of the biggest cities
in Indonesia. The population of the city is diverse, representing virtually
every ethnicity in Indonesia. As one of the most important economic hubs
in the country, Medan is also a place to do business with a number of oil and
plantation export companies operating here and in the surrounding region.
Whether you’re
after a jungle adventure, a relaxing holiday in pristine natural surrounds or
an authentic experience of native Batak culture, this is a region which has it
all.
HISTORY
North Sumatra is a
treasure chest of culture and tradition waiting to be explored, with ancient
graves of Batak kings, unique dances and ceremonies plus beautiful arts and
crafts.
ENTRY
The main airport
in this region is Polonia Airport, Medan. There are daily flights between Medan
and most major cities in Indonesia.
Airlines that fly to Medan are: Garuda Indonesia, Air Asia, Lion Air, Susi
Air, ect
International
flights also go directly to Medan.
Air Asia has flights from Thailand and Malaysia to Medan.
Lion Air has flights from Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam to Medan.
Garuda has flights from Thailand to Medan.
Regular buses which run to destinations throughout North Sumatra are available via Trans Sumatra. Bus station Jl. Sisingamangaraja Medan.
Belawan seaport is the sea link to Penang, Malaysia.
PELNI Lines
Jl. Krakatau 17A Phone. (061) 6622526
Train station PERUMKA
Jl. Stasiun 1 Medan Phone. (061) 514114
Air Asia has flights from Thailand and Malaysia to Medan.
Lion Air has flights from Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam to Medan.
Garuda has flights from Thailand to Medan.
Regular buses which run to destinations throughout North Sumatra are available via Trans Sumatra. Bus station Jl. Sisingamangaraja Medan.
Belawan seaport is the sea link to Penang, Malaysia.
PELNI Lines
Jl. Krakatau 17A Phone. (061) 6622526
Train station PERUMKA
Jl. Stasiun 1 Medan Phone. (061) 514114
NORTH SUMATRA PEOPLE AND CULTURE
With a population of around 12 million people, the people of
this region can be divided into five main ethnic groups and languages: The
coastal Malays, living along the Malaka Straits, the Bataks, the Angkola or
Mandailing of the southern Tapanuli, and the Nias Islanders off the western
coast of the province. These groups each have their own dialects, religious
beliefs, arts, custom and cultures. Several other ethnic groups also live in
Medan and other towns of North Sumatra, the largest of these being Chinese and
Indian.
In the capital city of Medan there are ethnic tribes from all
over Sumatra and Indonesia who’ve come to the city to do business. The city is
also home to a sizeable Chinese and Indian population.
Living in a spectacularly beautiful part of North Sumatra around
Lake Toba, the Batak people are divided into six cultures, each with their own
language, ceremonies and traditions. Although geographically isolated, the
Bataks have a history of regular contact with the outside world. Trade
between the highlands and other regions saw the exchange of goods such as salt,
cloth and iron which were imported into the region for gold, rice and cassia (a
type of cinnamon).
The first Europeans to venture into Batak territory were
missionaries, who began to explore the remote inland region in the late 18th
century. Missionaries would send reports home of a fierce and defiant local
society with frequent mentions of cannibalism. As early as the 9th century, an
Arab text mentions that Sumatra’s inhabitants eat human flesh. Today
anthropologists believe this was a rare form of capital punishment that may
have seemed more common than it actually was as many Batak kept the bones of
their tribal ancestors which may have been mistaken by outsiders as grisly
trophies.
Traditional Batak beliefs center on a spiritual understanding
that the universe is divided into three, the upper world where the God’s
reside, the middle world which belongs to humans and the lower world which is
home to ghosts and demons.
Medical care in Batak culture focuses on the condition of the
soul. It’s believed that sickness is caused when the soul flees the body in
which case a shaman (traditional healer) is needed to come and help call the
wandering soul back to the patient.
In the Batak highlands you will see traditional houses with
distinctive high pointy roofs line the landscape. These houses are on stilts so
that the family’s animals such as pig and buffalo can live
underneath. In North Sumatra
you’ll find a treasure chest of cultural and heritage attractions waiting to be
explored. Soak up the culture here with a visit to the ancient graves of Batak
kings, a performance of traditional dance or look at the locally produced
beautiful arts and crafts.
CUISINE
Sumatra food is famous for being spicy and cuisine from North
Sumatra is no different.
When you’re in town, try local dishes like Chicken Rice, Medan Kweetiaow and others. Most of the dishes here are influenced by Malay, Chinese and Indian culture. For those who want to embrace exotic cuisine, North Sumatra offers unusual dishes including with ingredients like dog, congealed blood and pig. You can easily find those in certain restaurants, just ask around.
While in Berastagi, make sure to visit traditional markets and sample the exotic fruits. A glass of marquisa syrup will quench your thirst, and it can be consumed hot or cold. This is also a perfect souvenir for your loved ones.
When you’re in town, try local dishes like Chicken Rice, Medan Kweetiaow and others. Most of the dishes here are influenced by Malay, Chinese and Indian culture. For those who want to embrace exotic cuisine, North Sumatra offers unusual dishes including with ingredients like dog, congealed blood and pig. You can easily find those in certain restaurants, just ask around.
While in Berastagi, make sure to visit traditional markets and sample the exotic fruits. A glass of marquisa syrup will quench your thirst, and it can be consumed hot or cold. This is also a perfect souvenir for your loved ones.