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Sumatera Utara Hidden Treasures
13 posts
A guide to North Sumatra
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sumutgems-blog · 8 years ago
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Sorake and Lagundri Beach
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As far as surfing goes in Indonesia, the bays of Sorake and Lagundri on Nias island is the ultimate destination. Nias’ Sorake Bay is an internationally renowned surfing spot, and has become one of surfing’s most exotic wave-searching destinations. Every year, surfers flock from across the globe for a chance at its legendary point break. International surfing competitions have been held in Nias since 1993, and even the world championship surfing competition in 2000. Touted as the second best surfing spot in the world after Hawaii, the bay is located in the district of Teluk Dalam on the Southern tip of Nias Island.
Sorake Bay is enclosed by the beaches of Lagundri and Sorake, giving it both left and right hand breaks. Unaffected by winds and tides, the constant flow of waves is perfect for novice and professional alike to practice, play and perform! Waves are typically 3 to 5 meters, but have been said to reach as high as 15 meters. Some start from as far as 200 meters from the beach, can have up to 5 levels, and even rolls unbroken all the way to shore. The catch-phrase “All time Nias,” comes with the understanding that unlike most parts of the world, Sorake Bay delivers non-stop waves throughout the entire year, making any time of year the best time for surfing. The highest waves are between May and September, with most competitions being held from June till July.
On December 26, 2004, an earthquake of enormous proportions struck just a few kilometres north of Pulau Nias. Measuring 9.2 on the Richter scale, it was one of the deadliest recorded natural disasters in history. The tsunami that followed the earthquake changed the island’s coastline remarkably, with the coast moving 50 meters inland in some areas, and as much as 100 meters of new land exposed in others. Hundreds were killed and much of Nias was destroyed. The number of tourists declined dramatically after that, but now they are slowly beginning to filter back in.
Source: http://indosurflife.com/2012/11/surfing-indonesias-nias-magical-sorake-and-lagundri/
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sumutgems-blog · 8 years ago
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Fahombo
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Stone jump (Fahombo) is a cultural attraction performed in traditional villages in South Nias. Fahombo was originally a training ground for young people to prepare before going to war to get away from the enemy or jump over the fence around the enemy village.
This attraction is amazing, only brave and trained people can do it. By jumping 210cm high stone, jumpers must be extra careful because if miscalculated, injuries can happen.
Source: Java Gonias Review on https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1006017-d4135391-Reviews-Lompat_Batu_Fahombo-Nias_Island_North_Sumatra_Sumatra.html
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sumutgems-blog · 8 years ago
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Tureloto Beach
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Tureloto is a well-known location for local people and domestic tourists. On any given Sunday between 100 to 300 locals come here to eat, drink, relac, and swim. In front of Tureloto is a large lagoon protected by a house reef which makes this a very safe plave for swimming with smooth sandy bottom. What makes Tureloto special are some very unique geological fprmations, created by the 2005 earthquake. During this seismic event the western coastline of Nias Island was uplifted, in places up to three meters. It dramatically changed the north west coastline of the island. As a result the old pre-earthquake beach now lays 300 metes inland. The coral reef, usually submerged, is now exposed and very interesting coral formations can be seen here. The main site where most of the cafes are located is approximately 300 meter long. The area with uplifted corals continues for several hundred meters on both sides. There are many small shack used by local fishermen here as well.
Access: 6 kilometers from Lahewa. From Lahewa drive out of town in a northerly direction. After 2 kilometers turn right and continur for 4 kilomoteres to the beach. At the next turn off there is a sign for Tureloto Beach (Pantai Indah Tureloto). If unsure, ask the locals who are very friendly.
Source:http://www.northniastourism.com/package/tureloto-beach/
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sumutgems-blog · 8 years ago
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Gawu Soyo Beach
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This beach indeed has unique look if we compared with other beach. Its sand is blood red or pink. In Nias language, Gawu Soyo means Red Sand Beach. Gawu Soyo is the only pink beach in Sumatra.  It is said, the pink color is from Haria snake (Nias’ dragon) that has been killed by Laowomaru in snake cave which there’s 8 km from Gawu Soyo. The blood is flooded to Ombolata Afulu and became eternal until now.
This beach is stretching as far as 1 kilometer. Sand in this place also has a soft structure. So very comfortable to walk on foot. Along the coast is also overgrown with lush trees, so this beach does not seem arid and hot. This beach is still a natural and virgin beach in North Nias. There are still few visitors who come to this place. Not only that, the available facilities are also very minimal.
This beach can be reached by two-wheeled vehicles or four wheels. But for those of you who want to visit this beach is recommended to bring food or snack, because there’s no available restaurant in here. In this place, you also have the opportunity to see more closely the presence of rare turtles. But to see the existence of rare turtle is a special luck here. This beach area is often visited by turtles that are out of habitat where they live and cross this beach.
Source: https://ksmtour.com/informasi/tempat-wisata/sumatera-utara/pantai-gawu-soyo-pantai-berpasir-merah-di-sumatera-utara.html
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sumutgems-blog · 8 years ago
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Sipiso-Piso Waterfall
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Sipiso-piso waterfall, is one of the tallest waterfall in Indonesia. The name Sipiso-piso mean ‘like a knife'; it has 120m high and it located in Tonggiang village, 45 Kilometers from Berastagi at the northern end of Lake Toba.
This waterfall is formed by a small underground river of the Karo Plateau and flows out into the Lake Toba caldera. To get to Sipiso-Piso falls catch a local mini-bus from Berastagi to Kabanjahe At the bus terminal in Kabanjahe catch any bus going to Siantar and ask to get off at Sipiso-Piso. From the main road the falls are 2.5km from the main road. There are becak drivers waiting at the turnoff and go to the falls.
Sipiso-Piso Waterfall has beautiful scenery and fascinating sightseeing. Among the cliffs that look greenish, the fall water is looking majestic by its grace. As we stand or sit far from the location, we can enjoy the beauty Sipiso-piso and Lake Toba from a distance at the same time.
To reach the bottom of the waterfall, we do have to spend a little extra energy. For the peak of the waterfall is located at an altitude of about 800 meters above sea level. Moreover, the walking trails are steep and winding. But do not worry, once reached the bottom of the waterfall, the tiredness is going to be replaced with the satisfaction gratefulness.
Near the waterfall, the local government has built such kind of comforting places for visitors and tired travelers. They can just sit and enjoy the spectacular sparkling fall of Sipiso-piso or go shopping around for some distinctive souvenirs. One may find pleasure going down to the very lowest fall of the water.
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sumutgems-blog · 8 years ago
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Two Color Sibolangit Waterfall
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Two Color Sibolangit Waterfall is located in the village of Durin Sirugun, the foot of Mount Sibayak, North Sumatra. Can be reached through land route, across the Sibolangit Campgrounds. Mileage from Medan - Sibolangit around 75km, and from the Main Door Campgrounds Sibolangit takes about 2-3 hours to arrive at Waterfall Two Colors. The roads to Waterfall Two Colors, you can go back fresh for forest scenery and the air is still fresh. Unspoiled state that can be used for refreshing the body from any fatigue. However, on weekends, Waterfall attraction Sibolangit Two Colors in this very crowded with local tourists. It is advisable to come on a weekday if you would just walk in there. Upon entering the Village Campgrounds Sibolangit Bandar Baru, you can along the forest with hiking or walking leisurely for 3 hours, and to avoid getting lost, you'll want to be assisted by a local guide. Sign up at checkpoints and will report into the Waterfall Two Colors. Waterfall Two Color altitude of 100 meters, sourced from Mount Sibayak, and the water that falls from the upper river will be collected into a small lake. The color of this waterfall of light blue and grayish-white, because the content of phosphorus and sulfur that will produce warha blue. Because it contains sulfur, you are prohibited from drinking water from Falls Two Colors. Preparations to be carried over to the Falls Two Colors also have you think. Shoes for hiking, drinking water and a change of clothes if you want to shower for at Waterfall Two Colors. Do not wear regular sandals, high heels let alone ya! Waterfall Two Colors, also known as Blue Lake Sibolangit.
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Source: http://www.indonesia-tourism.com/forum/showthread.php?1229-Two-Color-Sibolangit-Waterfall-North-Sumatra-Indonesia
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sumutgems-blog · 8 years ago
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Rahmat International Wildlife Museum
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Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery is a natural history museum in Medan, Indonesia. The museum displays various collections of wildlife from the smallest to the largest according to the habitat.[1] After the development was completed in October 2007, the Museum & Gallery has an area of 2970 m² building.
Its founder is a fan of sport hunting and the conservation of nature. Through the museum, he invites visitor to better understand the diversity of wildlife that exist in the world and their importance.
The founder is DR. H. Rahmat Shah, a sports fan and a professional hunting conservationist and nature lover who has traveled around various parts of the world to study directly the concept of conservation that has been adopted by many countries including USA, Canada, Russia, Germany, Turkey, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, China, Kazakhstan, Romania, Mongolia, Iran, Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand, almost all of Africa and other countries in order to prevent extinction and increase wildlife populations and their habitats that remain stable throughout the period
Located on  Jl. S.Parman No.309, Medan, North Sumatra - Indonesia
Entrance fees: 
-Adult : Rp. 50.000 -Child 3-12 years old : Rp. 40.000 -Student : Rp. 25.000 ( minimum 25 persons ) -International : Rp. 150.000
Souce: http://www.rahmatgallery.com/ and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rahmat_International_Wildlife_Museum_%26_Gallery
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sumutgems-blog · 8 years ago
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Kampung Madras
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Kampung Madras (Madras Village), also known as Kampung Keling, is the Little India of Medan, Indonesia, and one of the city's significant ethnic enclaves alongside Kesawan Chinatown. Kampung Madras encompasses an area of approximately 10 hectares, and hosts a large Indian community (mostly Tamil). Now a now part of the Medan Polonia district, Kampung Madras is home to many sporting goods resellers, sari stores, and other shophouses.
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Picture: Kampung Madras’ Residents
In the mid-nineteenth century, the colonial Dutch began importing Indian labor to work on Sumatran plantations and to construct roads, trenches, and dykes; today, Sumatra is home to as many as 60,000 people of Indian descent, many of whom reside in Medan.[1]
This area was originally called Patisah (Tamil: பெடிசாஹ்), and the name became a district in Medan called Petisah. The enclave's name changed to Kampung Madras to reflect the native land of the people of Indian descent who reside there. However, many people still refer to the place as Kampung Keling, a more derogatory term that may be offensive to some of its residents and others.
Every year, Kampung Madras becomes a meeting point for Hindu and/or Tamil festivals such as Thaipusam, Thai Pongal, and Deepavali.
Kampung Madras is located along Jalan Zainul Arifin, near Sun Plaza.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kampung_Madras
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sumutgems-blog · 8 years ago
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Tjong A Fie Mansion
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Called "a historical jewel in Medan", the 35-room, 2-storey Tjong A Fie Mansion was built in 1895 on an area of 8000 sq. meter. It is a registered historical landmark as well as a cultural heritage building and museum.
The Mansion has Chinese, Malay and Art Deco influences in its architecture style. The structure was built observing feng-shui principles. The rooms are on four sides of the structures and surround a big open-air courtyard in the middle, signifying the "Well of Heaven".
The Tjong A Fie Mansion and Museum opened to the public for the first time in June 2009. Since then, thousands of visitors from all over the world had been inspired by the story of Tjong A Fie, his work, and the mansion as his legacy.
The entry fees includes a guided tour of the mansion by our knowledgable staff. You can ask for an English or Indonesian speaking guide to accompany you on your tour.
The Mansion and Museum received the Trip Advisor Excellence award in 2014 and, in the same year, it was also voted as one of the top 10 places to visit in Indonesia alongside Candi Borobudur
Entrance fees: Rp 35,000 per entry.
Located on 105 Jl. Jend. A. Yani Medan.
It opens every Monday - Sunday 9AM - 5PM and closed on Chinese New Year Day.
Source: http://tjongafiemansion.org
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sumutgems-blog · 8 years ago
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Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni
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Our Lady of Good Health Church, Indonesian: Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni, is a Catholic temple in Indo-Mogul style opened in 2005 in Medan, Indonesia. It is devoted to Our Lady of Good Health and is also known as Our Lady of Vailankanni (Tamil: ஆரோக்கிய மாதா Ārōkkiya mātā). This particular Saint knows its origin with an apparition in the 17th century in Velankanni Town, Tamil Nadu, India The temple is an imposing building, of two storeys and a small tower of seven storeys in Indonesian style, that already attracts attention from the main road
It is located on Jl. Sakura III No. 7, Perumahan Taman Sakura Indah, Medan. It opens everyday and there’s no entry ticket since it is a church.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graha_Maria_Annai_Velangkanni
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sumutgems-blog · 8 years ago
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Maimoon Palace
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Maimoon Palace (Istana Maimun), Jalan Brigjend Katamso (5 mins walk from Great Mosque). A royal palace of Sultanate of Deli, built by Sultan Makmun Al Rasyid Perkasa Alamsyah in years 1887–1891, the palace covers 2,772 m² and has 30 rooms. It has unique interior design, mixing elements of Malay cultural heritage, Islam, Spanish, Indian and Italian style. Only a small number of rooms can be visited, with a history of the sultan family and a few artefacts, portraits and photographs. Quite busy and popular place with locals and tourists.
The entry ticket is Rp 5,000 per person. Open from 08:00-17:00
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sumutgems-blog · 8 years ago
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Lake Toba
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Lake Toba (Indonesian: Danau Toba) is a large natural lake occupying the caldera of a supervolcano. The lake is about 100 kilometres long, 30 kilometres wide, and up to 505 metres (1,666 ft) deep. Located in the middle of the northern part of the Indonesian island of Sumatra, with a surface elevation of about 900 metres (2,953 ft), the lake stretches from 2.88°N 98.52°E to 2.35°N 99.1°E. It is the largest lake in Indonesia and also the largest volcanic lake in the world.
How To Get There
By Plane
From Medan International Airport there is one daily flight with propeller airplane Susi Air to the town of Silangit southeast of Lake Toba. Flights are around US$50 one way and take approximately 40 minutes. However the transportation options at Silangit airport are very limited. From there a taxi to Parapat is around 2 hours for 76 kilometers. The other propeller airplane is Wings Air. And starting on March 23, 2016 there is Bombardier CRJ-1000 jet airplane from Garuda Indonesia with route Jakarta-Kualanamu-Silangit.
By Land
Most visitors fly to Medan and then travel by land to Parapat, the town by Lake Toba. Parapat is about 4 hours by car from Medan (4–6 hours by public bus). You can get from Medan airport to Lake Toba entirely by public transport if you wish. First, you must go from the airport to Amplas bus terminal. Walk through the car park and go out the main car exit of the airport, cross the road and turn left after the petrol station, and then turn right (about a ten-fifteen min walk altogether). There, you can catch a yellow public bus, number 64, to Amplas Terminal for Rp 3,000. From Amplas terminal, you can get a public bus to Parapat for Rp 22,000.
There are also bus directly to Prapat from airport with ticket fare Rp60,000 per person or use travel from the airport with ticket fare Rp450,000 for 3 persons.
Damri bus runs from the airport to the Amplas bus terminal in Medan for 20,000. Then a bus to Parapat is 40,000 - 5 hours. Easier and only a little more expensive there are shared taxis from the airport direct to parapat - 80,000 - the taxis wait until full before leaving - this is quicker than going by public transport, more comfortable and only 20,000 more expensive!
By Ferry
Parapat is connected to Tomok and Tuk Tuk on the Samosir Island by boat/ferry that run every hour, the last one at 18:00 (Rp 10,000). The place to catch the ferry to Tuk Tuk is called "Tiga Raja" harbour/jetty. Some ferry's owner are tourist hunter and will overcharge you for Rp 20-30,000 for the same trip to Samosir Island. In my opinion try to observe the ferry with wooden bench inside and light green colored ferry. Those are the ferries that charge Rp 10,000 and the locals take to cross over. Self-proclaimed 'Tourist Hunters' may befriend you on the boat but are harmless and often helpful. Tuk Tuk is the main town to stay on Samosir. Use the boat service not the large ferry, they will drop you directly at your Tuk Tuk resort.
Source: https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Lake_Toba
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sumutgems-blog · 8 years ago
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About North Sumatra
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North Sumatra (Indonesian: Sumatera Utara), is a province of Indonesia. It is located on the island of Sumatra, and its capital is Medan. North Sumatra is fourth most populous province in Indonesia after West Java, East Java and Central Java and the most populous Indonesian province outside Java, with over 13,5 million inhabitants in 2014 (Wikipedia)
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North Sumatera has two different climates. For Medan, Pematangsiantar, Binjai, Padang Sidempuan, and Tebing Tinggi has tropical rainforest climate. For Jarangdua, Maranti Barat, Natolutali, Sigodang Tua, dan Sibadihon has oceanic climate. As for the best time to visit North Sumatra is on February since during that month rainfall leasts to occur.
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The most popular destination in North Sumatra is Lake Toba. This is the largest volcanic lake in the world. The lake is about 100km long and 30 km wide. The unique part is in the middle of the lake there is an island called Samosir.
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