Home / Batik Regions – Western Indonesia – Northern Sumatra – North Sumatra / Samosir Island – Toba Lake
Cultural Destination
Embrace the spirit of the place!
Huta Siallagan – Samosir Island
The traditional dance of Samosir island (photo: netralnews)
The Batu Pasidangan and Samosir traditional house (photo: @Yusantaavi)
Toba Lake – Samosir Island
The historical Toba Lake has never deprived of cultural amusement. It has an iconic ancient village that exudes a unique culture of the Batak ethnic group. Visiting this place, you will feel the sensation of traveling back in time. Tourists can visit ancient Batak traditional settlements with their two-meter high stone walls, as well as watch the ritual ceremonies of the local people. You could also overlook the breathtaking panoramic view of Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world.
Tourist Attractions in North Sumatra
Maria Annai Velangkani Catholic Church
The unique church building was made for and by Catholics of Tamil Indian descendants in
Floating Batak House
The boat tours that adopt the concept of floating Batak house. With this boat,
Al Mashun Historical Mosque of Medan
This mosque was built during the reign of Sultan Ma’mun Alrasyid Perkasa Alam in
North Sumatra
Batik Motifs
Desa Na Tolu
The Desa Na Tolu characteristic pattern symbolizes the Batak philosophy of existence and
Gorga Simeol-Meol
The Gorga Simeol-meol is a pattern of plant tendrils. it is regarded as a symbol of longevity and
Discover
Indonesian
Batik
Motifs
Angsa Duo
According to legend, the Angso duo batik motif is a pair of swans that are believed to have led Princess
Hiu Taliyasan
Indonesia is also home to the world’s largest fish, the whale shark (Rhincodon typus). Hiu Taliyasan refers to
Taiganja
Taiganja is a precious gold pendant that shows the social status of the Kaili family. It is
Kain Cual
Cual textile tradition has existed since the 17th century. The word “Cual” refers to
Pohon Hayat (Tree of Life)
The Batik motifs in Lampung are dominated by the acculturation of Buddhist and
Gigi Haruan Lidi
The Gigi Haruan Lidi motif is taken from the name of the cork fish and is a symbol of
Bale Lumbu
This motif signifies the welfare of the ancient Sasak society. Bale also symbolizes the
Tabir Tanjung
Tanjung flower is a type of Cherry tree flower, which is commonly found in
Daun Lada Hitam
The black pepper motif represents the main commodity of Bangka Belitung
Ukir Sentani
The Ukir motif is a batik motif that is inspired by various traditional Sentani wood carvings
Parang Seling
Parang Seling or “alternating daggers” is a royal batik motif. It is a feminine variant of
Salakanagara
Salakanagara batik motif illustrates the first kingdom in the Betawi land
Parang Rusak
Another meaning behind this motif is an unconquerable spirit, symbolized by
Bultiya
The word ‘Bultiya’ is an acronym of the three major tribes in North Kalimantan, namely
Burung Bidadari
Bidadari birds are endemic birds in Halmahera. This motif represents an
Buketan Bali
The Balinese bouquet (Buketan Bali) is a floral arrangement and the name is
Kerawang Tegak Aceh
The Vertical Upright (Kerawang Tegak) Motif symbolizes a person who has a strong
Kuda Kupang
Horses symbolize wealth. It contains noble values of virtuous characters that bring
Teguh Bersatu
This batik motif shows the strength of the people of Kupang. It also represents a sense of
Sido Mulyo
Sidomulyo is one of the classical motifs, which is specifically used for the bride’s costume in
Tubo Kelapa
Coconut tree is a symbol of a good character and strong mentality. It illustrates the more success a person, the more
Merak Ngeram
The hatching peacock motif has a very deep meaning which refers to the sacrifice and
Paqbarre Allo
The word “Barre” means round and “Allo” means the sunlight. This motif is interpreted as
Karawo Pinang
Pinang refers to the Palm areca tree. This motif is considered as the original
Desa Na Tolu
The Desa Na Tolu characteristic pattern symbolizes the Batak philosophy of existence and
Srimanganti
The name of the Srimanganti motif is derived from Palace’s hallway that connects to
Gonggong Siput
Gonggong (Strombus Turturella) is one type of sea snail found around
Pala Salawaku
This motif illustrates the unique weapons of the Maluku region, namely
Ake Patra
Ake is related to the divinity and the composition of the universe. It is a symbol of
Kasih Tak Sampai
‘Kasih Tak Sampai’ is an idiom in the Indonesian language which refers to
Sandeq
Sandeq Boat is a symbol of the maritime importance of the West Sulawesi region. The greatness of
Jupri Kembang Teh
Kembang Teh illustrates the tendrils of tea plants that grow in the highlands of
Kaganga Tanah Rejang
If Batik Besurek combines Arabic calligraphy motifs, then the Kaganga batik takes
Karawo Mahkuta
Mahkuta refers to Gorontalo’s traditional crown. It represents noble characters of
Tengkawang Ampiek
With its many advantages, the Dayaks use this leaf in ritual ceremonies. This plant is a symbol of
Dayak Kamang
Kamang motif is generally found in the Dayak tribe shield because it is believed to
Tifa Totobuang
The batik motifs illustrate Maluku’s traditional music instrument called
Tikar Natuna
The Tikar Natuna motif is adapted from the traditional making of pandanus mats in
Pati-Pati Pinehiku
It symbolizes the hierarchy in society and the social status of the Mekongga
Durian Pecah
Broken Durian motifs depict the foundation of faith. The second half signifies the mastery of
Bomba Mawar
This motif means sacred love for family, kingdom, and God; It also illustrates
Gajah Way Kambas
The motif illustrates the Lampung’s natural reserve, the Way Kambas. it also symbolizes
Tenun Bima
The motifs are adopted from Bima woven textile. This pattern has received a great
Pattimura
Pattimura is the name of an Indonesian hero who fought against colonialism in
Honai
The Honai is inspired by the traditional house of the Papuan community living in
Kaharingan
The Kaharingan or ‘tree of life’ based on the Dayak tribes’ belief system. This tree symbolizes
Gurdo Solo
Gurdo or garuda bird is the mount of the Indian god Vishnu. As the Sun Bird,
Sero Tangga
The Sero Tangga illustrates an endearing feeling and sacrifices of a person to fulfil
Lok Baintan Floating Market
As you can imagine, the most authentic thing is that you can buy things and even
Tampuk Manggis Sasirangan
The motif illustrates the philosophy of the mangosteen fruit, which is
Gonggong Beruntun
This motif illustrates that a person should maintain a positive attitude and
Sekomandi
Its philosophical meaning is the eternal union which refers to a saying “until death do us part”
Leuit Sijimat
This motif reflects the daily activities of the Baduy tribe in Banten. The main ornaments of batik motif consist of:
Rangkiang
The word “Rangkiang” refers to the rice granary in the Minangkabau language. It symbolizes
Besurek Rembulan
This batik illustrates praise for God who created the wonderful universe
Rumah Mamuju
the Batik motif illustrates the house of Mamuju King with the stairs, located on the left of the wooden stage house
Manguni Minahasa
Manguni is identified as the symbol of the Minahasa people. Manguni is known as a
Gorga Simeol-Meol
The Gorga Simeol-meol is a pattern of plant tendrils. it is regarded as a symbol of longevity and
Enggang Dayak
Local people beliefs that hornbills are an incarnation of the Commander of the Birds. It has supernatural
Keluak Daun Pakis
The word “Keluak” is a Minang language which means twisted or tangled. The Motif of
Lontara
The Lontara script itself is a typical ancient script of Bugis and Makassar communities. History records that
Malinau Cultural Festival
You will witness a unique competition that might not be found other than in
Wirasat
Wirasat or divine inspiration is a gift from God. This inspiration is symbolized by
Daun Sirih
This motif illustrates betel leaves that are used by Lombok communities as traditional
Cengkeh
The clove flower motif is the main commodity of the Tolitoli Regency. This motif represents
Kawung
The Kawung motif was created by Sultan Agung Hanyokrokusumo (1593 – 1645) as a symbolic gift for
Gamolan
This motif illustrates Gamolan, a bamboo musical instrument of Lampung that is
Singayaksa
The Singayaksa motif comes from the name of a place where Sultan Hasanuddin used to
Jumputan Bintang
The word Jumputan means the tie-dye technique, while the word “Bintang” refers to
Sekar Jati
Sekar means flower and Jati refers to teak trees that symbolizes a strong mental character that
Wakatobi
It symbolizes the coastal beauty of the Wakatobi island and the symbol of Patra symbolizes


