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
Bekantan Pakis
This motif represents Pakis Haji (Polystichum setiferum), an endemic plant in
Pala Salawaku
This motif illustrates the unique weapons of the Maluku region, namely
Karawo Pinang
Pinang refers to the Palm areca tree. This motif is considered as the original
Hiu Taliyasan
Indonesia is also home to the world’s largest fish, the whale shark (Rhincodon typus). Hiu Taliyasan refers to
Besurek Rafflesia
The term “Basurek” refers to a textile that contains letters or inscriptions
Tampuk Manggis Sasirangan
The motif illustrates the philosophy of the mangosteen fruit, which is
Insang Ikan
Insang refers to the gills of the fish. This is a typical pattern of Malay ethnic who inhabits
Kain Cual
Cual textile tradition has existed since the 17th century. The word “Cual” refers to
Kerawang Tegak Aceh
The Vertical Upright (Kerawang Tegak) Motif symbolizes a person who has a strong
Pati-Pati Pinehiku
It symbolizes the hierarchy in society and the social status of the Mekongga
Tongkonan
Toraja’s traditional house is called Tongkonan. Tongkonan is a place for
Gamolan
This motif illustrates Gamolan, a bamboo musical instrument of Lampung that is
Keluak Daun Pakis
The word “Keluak” is a Minang language which means twisted or tangled. The Motif of
Ake Patra
Ake is related to the divinity and the composition of the universe. It is a symbol of
Sido Mulyo
Sidomulyo is one of the classical motifs, which is specifically used for the bride’s costume in
Kawung
The Kawung motif was created by Sultan Agung Hanyokrokusumo (1593 – 1645) as a symbolic gift for
Angsa Duo
According to legend, the Angso duo batik motif is a pair of swans that are believed to have led Princess
Wirasat
Wirasat or divine inspiration is a gift from God. This inspiration is symbolized by
Dayak Kamang
Kamang motif is generally found in the Dayak tribe shield because it is believed to
Singayaksa
The Singayaksa motif comes from the name of a place where Sultan Hasanuddin used to
Sandeq
Sandeq Boat is a symbol of the maritime importance of the West Sulawesi region. The greatness of
Desa Na Tolu
The Desa Na Tolu characteristic pattern symbolizes the Batak philosophy of existence and
Pattimura
Pattimura is the name of an Indonesian hero who fought against colonialism in
Kasih Tak Sampai
‘Kasih Tak Sampai’ is an idiom in the Indonesian language which refers to
Salakanagara
Salakanagara batik motif illustrates the first kingdom in the Betawi land
Jumputan Bintang
The word Jumputan means the tie-dye technique, while the word “Bintang” refers to
Besurek Rembulan
This batik illustrates praise for God who created the wonderful universe
Tabir Tanjung
Tanjung flower is a type of Cherry tree flower, which is commonly found in
Tangerang Herang
Tangerang Herang motif is a symbol of Tangerang city. The Tangerang Herang batik motif consists of
Tengkawang Ampiek
With its many advantages, the Dayaks use this leaf in ritual ceremonies. This plant is a symbol of
Pinawetengan
The Pinawetengan Batik pattern was taken from a prehistoric inscription in
Tanah Liek
The word “Tanah Liek” refers to clay in Minang language. It is also known as
Malinau Cultural Festival
You will witness a unique competition that might not be found other than in
Buketan Bali
The Balinese bouquet (Buketan Bali) is a floral arrangement and the name is
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
Taiganja
Taiganja is a precious gold pendant that shows the social status of the Kaili family. It is
Tifa Totobuang
The batik motifs illustrate Maluku’s traditional music instrument called
Ukir Sentani
The Ukir motif is a batik motif that is inspired by various traditional Sentani wood carvings
Merak Ngeram
The hatching peacock motif has a very deep meaning which refers to the sacrifice and
Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat motif represents the marine life at Raja Ampat archipelago in
Ikan tambal
The word “Ikan” refers to fish. The philosophical meaning of Ikan Tambal means is
Gajah Way Kambas
The motif illustrates the Lampung’s natural reserve, the Way Kambas. it also symbolizes
Bale Lumbu
This motif signifies the welfare of the ancient Sasak society. Bale also symbolizes the
Mahkota Siger
Siger is the crown of a noblewoman in ancient time. It is a symbol of femininity, strength, and
Daun Lada Hitam
The black pepper motif represents the main commodity of Bangka Belitung
Leuit Sijimat
This motif reflects the daily activities of the Baduy tribe in Banten. The main ornaments of batik motif consist of:
Gorga Simeol-Meol
The Gorga Simeol-meol is a pattern of plant tendrils. it is regarded as a symbol of longevity and
Tenun Bima
The motifs are adopted from Bima woven textile. This pattern has received a great
Gurdo Solo
Gurdo or garuda bird is the mount of the Indian god Vishnu. As the Sun Bird,
Tubo Kelapa
Coconut tree is a symbol of a good character and strong mentality. It illustrates the more success a person, the more
Lipaq Sabe
Lipaq Saqbe contains a simple geometric classical motif with various flower decorations. This textile is
Parang Rusak
Another meaning behind this motif is an unconquerable spirit, symbolized by
Rangkiang
The word “Rangkiang” refers to the rice granary in the Minangkabau language. It symbolizes
Paqbarre Allo
The word “Barre” means round and “Allo” means the sunlight. This motif is interpreted as
Daun Simpor
This motif is inspired by the Simpor plant (Dillenia Suffruticosa) which is a typical
Honai
The Honai is inspired by the traditional house of the Papuan community living in
Srimanganti
The name of the Srimanganti motif is derived from Palace’s hallway that connects to
Awan Berarak
Awan Berarak is a combination of Dayak motifs and Malay patterns. The word ‘Awan Berarak’ means the
Jupri Kembang Teh
Kembang Teh illustrates the tendrils of tea plants that grow in the highlands of
Teguh Bersatu
This batik motif shows the strength of the people of Kupang. It also represents a sense of
Manguni Minahasa
Manguni is identified as the symbol of the Minahasa people. Manguni is known as a
Bintik Tujuh
The Bintik Tujuh (Seven Dots) motif has 7 white spots and green color gradation as
La Galigo
La Galigo is a literary work of the Buginese Epic that has 300 thousand epic lines. It is considered even
Gedhog Kembang Waluh
a combination of Javanese cultural motif of the Majapahit kingdom (XII-XIV century) with
Parang Seling
Parang Seling or “alternating daggers” is a royal batik motif. It is a feminine variant of
Pohon Hayat (Tree of Life)
The Batik motifs in Lampung are dominated by the acculturation of Buddhist and
Tikar Natuna
The Tikar Natuna motif is adapted from the traditional making of pandanus mats in
Prada Papua
The word “Prada” in the Javanese-Indonesian dialect means a batik textile that
Kaharingan
The Kaharingan or ‘tree of life’ based on the Dayak tribes’ belief system. This tree symbolizes
Sero Tangga
The Sero Tangga illustrates an endearing feeling and sacrifices of a person to fulfil
Kuda Kupang
Horses symbolize wealth. It contains noble values of virtuous characters that bring
Bultiya
The word ‘Bultiya’ is an acronym of the three major tribes in North Kalimantan, namely
Enggang Dayak
Local people beliefs that hornbills are an incarnation of the Commander of the Birds. It has supernatural