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.

Cultural Tourism Destination

Toba Lake – Samosir Island

Tourist Attractions in North Sumatra

North Sumatra

Batik Motifs

Penari Melayu

Penari Melayu illustrates the traditional dance of Malay ethnic in

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

Desa Na Ualu

The Gorga motif of Ualu Village is the symbol of the eight cardinal

 

Discover

Indonesian

Batik

Motifs

Alam Pantai

The word “Alam Pantai” refers to the natural beauty of

Besurek Rafflesia

The term “Basurek” refers to a textile that contains letters or inscriptions

Sekar Jati

Sekar means flower and Jati refers to teak trees that symbolizes a strong mental character that

Sero Tangga

The Sero Tangga illustrates an endearing feeling and sacrifices of a person to fulfil

Pintu Aceh

The motif is inspired by Aceh’s traditional architecture that has

Daun Lada Hitam

The black pepper motif represents the main commodity of Bangka Belitung

Anggrek Tewu

This motif is created based on the local wisdom and philosophy of

Ake Patra

Ake is related to the divinity and the composition of the universe. It is a symbol of

Angsa Duo

According to legend, the Angso duo batik motif is a pair of swans that are believed to have led Princess

La Galigo

La Galigo is a literary work of the Buginese Epic that has 300 thousand epic lines. It is considered even

Kaharingan

The Kaharingan or ‘tree of life’ based on the Dayak tribes’ belief system. This tree symbolizes

Durian Pecah

Broken Durian motifs depict the foundation of faith. The second half signifies the mastery of

Gentala Arasy

Built as high as 80 meters, the tower also highlights the historical side of

Bomba Mawar

This motif means sacred love for family, kingdom, and God; It also illustrates

Insang Ikan

Insang refers to the gills of the fish. This is a typical pattern of Malay ethnic who inhabits

Desa Na Ualu

The Gorga motif of Ualu Village is the symbol of the eight cardinal

Tabir Tanjung

Tanjung flower is a type of Cherry tree flower, which is commonly found in

Gamolan

This motif illustrates Gamolan, a bamboo musical instrument of Lampung that is

Desa Na Tolu

The Desa Na Tolu characteristic pattern symbolizes the Batak philosophy of existence and

Merak Lasem

The peacock is considered to be the king of the birds. It represents

Tikar Natuna

The Tikar Natuna motif is adapted from the traditional making of pandanus mats in

Ceplok Gayo Aceh

The variety of colors shows the differences in society that

Kerawang Datar

This motif symbolizes the embodiment of of religious values for

Lontara

The Lontara script itself is a typical ancient script of Bugis and Makassar communities. History records that

Bultiya

The word ‘Bultiya’ is an acronym of the three major tribes in North Kalimantan, namely

Rumah Mamuju

the Batik motif illustrates the house of Mamuju King with the stairs, located on the left of the wooden stage house

Gedhog Kembang Waluh

a combination of Javanese cultural motif of the Majapahit kingdom (XII-XIV century) with

Gajah Mungkur

Semantically, it means a huge longing emotion trapped in the

Gajah Way Kambas

The motif illustrates the Lampung’s natural reserve, the Way Kambas. it also symbolizes

Kaganga Tanah Rejang

If Batik Besurek combines Arabic calligraphy motifs, then the Kaganga batik takes

Besurek Rembulan

This batik illustrates praise for God who created the wonderful universe

Merak Ngeram

The hatching peacock motif has a very deep meaning which refers to the sacrifice and

Karawo Pinang

Pinang refers to the Palm areca tree. This motif is considered as the original

Jupri Kembang Teh

Kembang Teh illustrates the tendrils of tea plants that grow in the highlands of

Tongkonan

Toraja’s traditional house is called Tongkonan. Tongkonan is a place for

Pinawetengan

The Pinawetengan Batik pattern was taken from a prehistoric inscription in

Sinaran

This pattern originates from Cirebon. It represents the reflection of

Penari Melayu

Penari Melayu illustrates the traditional dance of Malay ethnic in

Ondel-ondel

Ondel – ondel is Betawi traditional icons. This motif signifies

Bintik Tujuh

The Bintik Tujuh (Seven Dots) motif has 7 white spots and green color gradation as

Leuit Sijimat

This motif reflects the daily activities of the Baduy tribe in Banten. The main ornaments of batik motif consist of:

Tidayu

The name of this motif is the acronym of three ethnics namely,

Gorga Simeol-Meol

The Gorga Simeol-meol is a pattern of plant tendrils. it is regarded as a symbol of longevity and

Taiganja

Taiganja is a precious gold pendant that shows the social status of the Kaili family. It is

Bekantan Pakis

This motif represents Pakis Haji (Polystichum setiferum), an endemic plant in

Peresean

The Peresean is a game that sometimes some kinds of magic are

Tubo Kelapa

Coconut tree is a symbol of a good character and strong mentality. It illustrates the more success a person, the more

Banji Cirebon

The Banji motif is the symbol of protection and

Samudra

This art painting means to be strong-willed person to pursue

Awan Larat Riau

This motif is usually associated with gentleness, wisdom, and

Sido Mulyo

Sidomulyo is one of the classical motifs, which is specifically used for the bride’s costume in

Kasih Tak Sampai

‘Kasih Tak Sampai’ is an idiom in the Indonesian language which refers to

Enggang Dayak

Local people beliefs that hornbills are an incarnation of the Commander of the Birds. It has supernatural

Lipaq Sabe

Lipaq Saqbe contains a simple geometric classical motif with various flower decorations. This textile is

Pucuk Mekar

This motive reflects the joy and gratitude to God over the grace of

Paqbarre Allo

The word “Barre” means round and “Allo” means the sunlight. This motif is interpreted as

Bale Lumbu

This motif signifies the welfare of the ancient Sasak society. Bale also symbolizes the

Kuda Kupang

Horses symbolize wealth. It contains noble values of virtuous characters that bring

Abimanyu Prince

This motif implies a hope that the wearer will have the wisdom of

Kerawang Tegak Aceh

The Vertical Upright (Kerawang Tegak) Motif symbolizes a person who has a strong

Manguni Minahasa

Manguni is identified as the symbol of the Minahasa people. Manguni is known as a

Ukir Sentani

The Ukir motif is a batik motif that is inspired by various traditional Sentani wood carvings

Bayam Raja

The Raja Bayam Sasirangan motif illustrates the social status of

Waruga

Minahasa batik motifs are adopted from Waruga. Waruga is the

Bunga Raye

Raye Flower motif also represents a wish for

Pattimura

Pattimura is the name of an Indonesian hero who fought against colonialism in

Pisang Bali

This batik motif is usually given by a person to his/her lover who is

Prada Papua

The word “Prada” in the Javanese-Indonesian dialect means a batik textile that

Mega Mendung

Mega Mendung signifies the cloud. This motif means to stay

Kalo Sara

Kalo Sara is a sacred motif for Tolaki ethnic. It is considered as

Cengkeh

The clove flower motif is the main commodity of the Tolitoli Regency. This motif represents

Tifa Totobuang

The batik motifs illustrate Maluku’s traditional music instrument called

Mahkota Siger

Siger is the crown of a noblewoman in ancient time. It is a symbol of femininity, strength, and

Karawo Mahkuta

Mahkuta refers to Gorontalo’s traditional crown. It represents noble characters of

Keluak Daun Pakis

The word “Keluak” is a Minang language which means twisted or tangled. The Motif of

Barong Bali

The Barong refers to the mythological animal with supra-natural

Awan Berarak

Awan Berarak is a combination of Dayak motifs and Malay patterns. The word ‘Awan Berarak’ means the

Tampuk Manggis Sasirangan

The motif illustrates the philosophy of the mangosteen fruit, which is

Kawung

The Kawung motif was created by Sultan Agung Hanyokrokusumo (1593 – 1645) as a symbolic gift for

Wakatobi

It symbolizes the coastal beauty of the Wakatobi island and the symbol of Patra symbolizes

Tangerang Herang

Tangerang Herang motif is a symbol of Tangerang city. The Tangerang Herang batik motif consists of

Tanah Liek

The word “Tanah Liek” refers to clay in Minang language. It is also known as

Salakanagara

Salakanagara batik motif illustrates the first kingdom in the Betawi land

Gigi Haruan Lidi

The Gigi Haruan Lidi motif is taken from the name of the cork fish and is a symbol of

Dayak Taghol

Dayak Taghol has a distinctive style of four curved lines and small dots. This motif represents

Pucuk Rebung Riau

Pucuk Rebung symbolizes heart determination in achieving goals, good luck, and

Buketan Bali

The Balinese bouquet (Buketan Bali) is a floral arrangement and the name is

Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat motif represents the marine life at Raja Ampat archipelago in

Kuda Sepasang

For the people of Kupang, having a strong horse is a matter of

Parang Seling

Parang Seling or “alternating daggers” is a royal batik motif. It is a feminine variant of

Gumin Tambun

Based on Hindu mythology, this motif symbolizes lucks, abundant wealth, and

Honai

The Honai is inspired by the traditional house of the Papuan community living in

Pantai Ambon

Ambon city batik depicts the natural wealth and marine life of

Dayak Kamang

Kamang motif is generally found in the Dayak tribe shield because it is believed to

Kain Cual

Cual textile tradition has existed since the 17th century. The word “Cual” refers to

Parang Rusak

Another meaning behind this motif is an unconquerable spirit, symbolized by

Rutun Penyu

This motif describes the local wisdom which favours modesty and

Gurdo Solo

Gurdo or garuda bird is the mount of the Indian god Vishnu. As the Sun Bird,

Jagung

The philosophy of the corn motif illustrates the dream and

Gonggong Beruntun

This motif illustrates that a person should maintain a positive attitude and