North Sumatera

This is the place showing different cultures and interesting kaleidescope Indonesian society. North Sumatra has a miracle can realize the desire of your travel. The natural beauty of North Sumatra is a stunning stretch of beautiful Lake Toba, the largest lake in Southeast Asia, up to a forest in Bukit Lawang is inhabited by a group of orangutans. The natural beauty and culture in this region attractive for the visit could provide a place for the adventurous spirit that challenges.

The plains of the region have formed from volcanic activity thousands of years. Lake Toba was formed about 75,000 years ago from one of the most devastating volcanic eruptions of the world, until now was still fuming is Mount Sibayak. Here volcano dominates the stunning natural scenery.

Culture in North Sumtera very unique, quaint and charming. The inhabitants, known as the Batak tribe still adhere to their cultural heritage and traditions of their ancestors. Batak culture and tradition can encounter in some indigenous villages that offer real face of North Sumatra.

In North Sumatra, there are a variety of rare and exotic wildlife Indonesia. You can find incredible and unique species such as orangutans, white-handed gibbons, and 17 species of birds. For nature lovers and adventure then this is the right place to see how this remarkable ecosystem.

Medan is the capital city and is one of the largest cities in Indonesia. Residents of this city so diverse that you can find a variety of ethnicities here. You can also find Indian villages in Medan which is inhabited by the majority of India. Terrain plays an important role in the economic relations, giving business area such as oil companies and export plantations that operate productively.

Do your own adventure exploring the forest? Vacation around a natural cool or feel directly interact with native Batak culture? If not, then prepare yourself for a tour in North Sumatra that will impress the heart and unforgettable.

ENTRANCE

The main airport in the region is the Polonia Airport, Medan. There are daily flights to Medan from many other large cities in Indonesia.

Airlines flying to Medan are:

Garuda Indonesia

sea ​​lion

Air Asia

Batavia Air

Sriwijaya Air

Riau Airlines

Mandala Airlines

Merpati

Kartika Airlines

Direct international flights to Medan.

Air Asia flies from Thailand and Malaysia to Medan.

Lion Air provides flights from Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam to Medan.

Garuda provides flights from Thailand to Medan.

Regular buses that operate to destinations throughout North Sumatra available through the Trans Sumatra. Bus station Jl. Singamangaraja Medan.

Belawan Port is the sea lane to Penang, Malaysia.

Pelni Lines

Jl. Krakatau 17A Tel. (061) 6622526

Train PERUMKA

Jl. Station 1 Medan Tel. (061) 514114

HISTORY

North Sumatra is the place for all the wealth of culture and tradition is ready to amaze you when it is displayed. There are ancient tombs of the kings Batak, typical dances, and ceremonies are unique, and arts and crafts are beautiful to take home as souvenirs.

CULINARY

Sumatra is famous for its food spicy taste as well as North Sumatra.

When you are in this city, try the local cuisine such as chicken rice, Kweetiaow terrain, and others. Most dishes here are influenced by the culture of the Malay, Chinese and Indian.

Batak typical dishes that are worth your taste is, arsik, ikau average (young cassava leaves cooked in coconut milk mixture and anchovy) and nadiura (carp raw materials with special spices and flavorings mixture of lemon juice).

For those of you who want to taste the exotic cuisine of North Sumatra offers unusual dishes for you are with materials such as dogs, frozen blood, and pork. You can easily find these dishes at specific restaurants.

While in Berastagi, make sure you visit a traditional market and the available exotic fruits. A glass of passion fruit syrup typical of this area will release your thirst and can be consumed hot or cold. It also can be a perfect gift for your loved ones.

SOCIETY AND CULTURE

With a population of approximately 12 million people, the population of North Sumatra is divided into five major ethnic groups and languages ​​namely Malay people living along the coastal waterway, the Batak people, Angkola or Mandailaing from southern Tapanuli and Nias island off the western coast. These groups each had a dialect, religion, art, customs and culture of its own trademark. Some other ethnic groups also live in Medan and other cities of North Sumatra, the largest are the Chinese and Indians.

In the field there are many ethnic groups from all over Indonesia who come to this city to do business. The city is also home to Chinese and Indian citizens were enough to dominate.

A very beautiful area in North Sumatra is around Lake Toba, the Batak people living here are divided into six culture, each has its own language, ceremonies, and traditions are different. Although geographically isolated but Batak people have a history of relations with the outside world. Trade relations between the highlands and other areas was a good walk is the exchange of goods such as salt, cloth, and iron, and then imported into the region such as gold, rice and cassia (cinnamon types)

The Europeans were the first to trade in Batak region are missionaries, they explore remote inland areas by the end of the 18th century. The missionaries reported that the local community area was cannibalism. Before the beginning of the 9th century, an Arabic text mentions that the inhabitants of Sumatra was eating human flesh. However, this time the anthropologists believe that this is a form of punishment that is rare and may appear normal to the Batak people. Many people Batak are the bones of their ancestors are misunderstood by outsiders as horrible cannibalism.

Batak traditional beliefs centered on spiritual understanding that the universe is divided into three, namely: the world above where God is, the world of human beings, and the lower world is home to spirits and demons.

In terms of medical care Batak culture will take a deeper look at the condition of the soul. They believe that the disease is caused when the soul apart from the body therefore shaman (traditional healer) is required to come and help summon souls wandering back to the patient.

In the Batak highlands, you will see traditional houses with pointed roofs and high horizontal line. These houses are shaped stage so that the family pets such as pigs and buffalo can live underneath.

In North Sumatra, you will find a wealth of cultural heritage to be ready to be explored. You can visit the ancient tombs of the kings Batak, watch performances of traditional dances, or see beautiful art and crafts produced locally.

tourist agency

Jl. Jend. A. Yani No. 107, Medan. 20111

Tel. (061) 4538101, 4520559, 4524908 Fax. (061) 4528436

www.northsumatratourism.info