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
Gorga Simeol-Meol
The Gorga Simeol-meol is a pattern of plant tendrils. it is regarded as a symbol of longevity and
Desa Na Tolu
The Desa Na Tolu characteristic pattern symbolizes the Batak philosophy of existence and
Discover
Indonesian
Batik
Motifs
Parang Seling
Parang Seling or “alternating daggers” is a royal batik motif. It is a feminine variant of
Daun Lada Hitam
The black pepper motif represents the main commodity of Bangka Belitung
Tabir Tanjung
Tanjung flower is a type of Cherry tree flower, which is commonly found in
Kerawang Tegak Aceh
The Vertical Upright (Kerawang Tegak) Motif symbolizes a person who has a strong
Bekantan Pakis
This motif represents Pakis Haji (Polystichum setiferum), an endemic plant in
Bintik Tujuh
The Bintik Tujuh (Seven Dots) motif has 7 white spots and green color gradation as
Manguni Minahasa
Manguni is identified as the symbol of the Minahasa people. Manguni is known as a
Enggang Dayak
Local people beliefs that hornbills are an incarnation of the Commander of the Birds. It has supernatural
La Galigo
La Galigo is a literary work of the Buginese Epic that has 300 thousand epic lines. It is considered even
Rumah Mamuju
the Batik motif illustrates the house of Mamuju King with the stairs, located on the left of the wooden stage house
Buketan Bali
The Balinese bouquet (Buketan Bali) is a floral arrangement and the name is
Taiganja
Taiganja is a precious gold pendant that shows the social status of the Kaili family. It is
Lontara
The Lontara script itself is a typical ancient script of Bugis and Makassar communities. History records that
Ake Patra
Ake is related to the divinity and the composition of the universe. It is a symbol of
Tongkonan
Toraja’s traditional house is called Tongkonan. Tongkonan is a place for
Sido Mulyo
Sidomulyo is one of the classical motifs, which is specifically used for the bride’s costume in
Bale Lumbu
This motif signifies the welfare of the ancient Sasak society. Bale also symbolizes the
Kaharingan
The Kaharingan or ‘tree of life’ based on the Dayak tribes’ belief system. This tree symbolizes
Cengkeh
The clove flower motif is the main commodity of the Tolitoli Regency. This motif represents
Srimanganti
The name of the Srimanganti motif is derived from Palace’s hallway that connects to
Paqbarre Allo
The word “Barre” means round and “Allo” means the sunlight. This motif is interpreted as
Pinawetengan
The Pinawetengan Batik pattern was taken from a prehistoric inscription in
Gajah Way Kambas
The motif illustrates the Lampung’s natural reserve, the Way Kambas. it also symbolizes
Sekar Jati
Sekar means flower and Jati refers to teak trees that symbolizes a strong mental character that
Jumputan Bintang
The word Jumputan means the tie-dye technique, while the word “Bintang” refers to
Wakatobi
It symbolizes the coastal beauty of the Wakatobi island and the symbol of Patra symbolizes
Gentala Arasy
Built as high as 80 meters, the tower also highlights the historical side of
Sandeq
Sandeq Boat is a symbol of the maritime importance of the West Sulawesi region. The greatness of
Gonggong Beruntun
This motif illustrates that a person should maintain a positive attitude and
Durian Pecah
Broken Durian motifs depict the foundation of faith. The second half signifies the mastery of
Leuit Sijimat
This motif reflects the daily activities of the Baduy tribe in Banten. The main ornaments of batik motif consist of:
Lipaq Sabe
Lipaq Saqbe contains a simple geometric classical motif with various flower decorations. This textile is
Mahkota Siger
Siger is the crown of a noblewoman in ancient time. It is a symbol of femininity, strength, and
Tengkawang Ampiek
With its many advantages, the Dayaks use this leaf in ritual ceremonies. This plant is a symbol of
Insang Ikan
Insang refers to the gills of the fish. This is a typical pattern of Malay ethnic who inhabits
Kawung
The Kawung motif was created by Sultan Agung Hanyokrokusumo (1593 – 1645) as a symbolic gift for
Kuda Kupang
Horses symbolize wealth. It contains noble values of virtuous characters that bring
Kasih Tak Sampai
‘Kasih Tak Sampai’ is an idiom in the Indonesian language which refers to
Awan Berarak
Awan Berarak is a combination of Dayak motifs and Malay patterns. The word ‘Awan Berarak’ means the
Malinau Cultural Festival
You will witness a unique competition that might not be found other than in
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
Rangkiang
The word “Rangkiang” refers to the rice granary in the Minangkabau language. It symbolizes
Keluak Daun Pakis
The word “Keluak” is a Minang language which means twisted or tangled. The Motif of
Tampuk Manggis Sasirangan
The motif illustrates the philosophy of the mangosteen fruit, which is
Dayak Kamang
Kamang motif is generally found in the Dayak tribe shield because it is believed to
Gigi Haruan Lidi
The Gigi Haruan Lidi motif is taken from the name of the cork fish and is a symbol of
Honai
The Honai is inspired by the traditional house of the Papuan community living in
Parang Rusak
Another meaning behind this motif is an unconquerable spirit, symbolized by
Pala Salawaku
This motif illustrates the unique weapons of the Maluku region, namely
Tifa Totobuang
The batik motifs illustrate Maluku’s traditional music instrument called
Gedhog Kembang Waluh
a combination of Javanese cultural motif of the Majapahit kingdom (XII-XIV century) with
Desa Na Tolu
The Desa Na Tolu characteristic pattern symbolizes the Batak philosophy of existence and
Dayak Taghol
Dayak Taghol has a distinctive style of four curved lines and small dots. This motif represents
Wirasat
Wirasat or divine inspiration is a gift from God. This inspiration is symbolized by
Besurek Rafflesia
The term “Basurek” refers to a textile that contains letters or inscriptions
Bomba Mawar
This motif means sacred love for family, kingdom, and God; It also illustrates
Besurek Rembulan
This batik illustrates praise for God who created the wonderful universe
Pattimura
Pattimura is the name of an Indonesian hero who fought against colonialism in
Tikar Natuna
The Tikar Natuna motif is adapted from the traditional making of pandanus mats in
Angsa Duo
According to legend, the Angso duo batik motif is a pair of swans that are believed to have led Princess
Bultiya
The word ‘Bultiya’ is an acronym of the three major tribes in North Kalimantan, namely
Tubo Kelapa
Coconut tree is a symbol of a good character and strong mentality. It illustrates the more success a person, the more
Pucuk Rebung Riau
Pucuk Rebung symbolizes heart determination in achieving goals, good luck, and
Karawo Pinang
Pinang refers to the Palm areca tree. This motif is considered as the original
Pohon Hayat (Tree of Life)
The Batik motifs in Lampung are dominated by the acculturation of Buddhist and
Tangerang Herang
Tangerang Herang motif is a symbol of Tangerang city. The Tangerang Herang batik motif consists of
Merak Ngeram
The hatching peacock motif has a very deep meaning which refers to the sacrifice and
Ukir Sentani
The Ukir motif is a batik motif that is inspired by various traditional Sentani wood carvings
Biji Kopi
The coffee seeds motif illustrates the pride of local coffee specialities in
Prada Papua
The word “Prada” in the Javanese-Indonesian dialect means a batik textile that
Salakanagara
Salakanagara batik motif illustrates the first kingdom in the Betawi land
Teguh Bersatu
This batik motif shows the strength of the people of Kupang. It also represents a sense of


