North Sumatera
Description
North Sumatra has a magic that can realize the dream of your tour. 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 area attractive for the visit could provide a place for the adventurous spirit that challenging.
Plateau 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 eruption world, until now was still fuming that Mount Sibayak. Here volcano dominates the stunning natural scenery.
Culture in North Sumtera very unique, quaint and charming. Its inhabitants are known as the Batak tribe still adhere to the cultural heritage and traditions of their ancestors. Culture and tradition Batak tribe can you meet 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, gibbons white-handed, and 17 species of birds. For nature lovers and adventure then this is the right place to see how this remarkable ecosystem.
History
North Sumatra is the place for all the wealth of culture and traditions that are ready to amaze you when it is displayed. There are ancient tombs of the kings of Batak, typical dances, and ceremonies are unique, and arts and crafts are wonderful for you to take home as souvenirs.
The Europeans were the first to trade in Batak region are missionaries, they explore the remote rural areas in the late 18th century. The missionaries reported that local communities this region cannibalism. Before the beginning of the 9th century, an Arabic text mentions that the people 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.
Entry
Major airports in the region is the Kuala Namu Airport. There are daily flights to Medan from many other major cities in Indonesia.
Airlines that fly to Medan are:
Merpati
Kartika Airlines
Direct international flights to Medan.
Air Asia fly from Thailand and Malaysia to Medan.
Lion Air provides flights from Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam to Medan.
Garuda provide flights from Thailand to Medan.
People & Culture
North Sumatra population is divided into five major ethnic groups and languages namely Malay people living along the coast of the Strait of Malacca, the Batak, Angkola or Mandailaing of southern Tapanuli and Nias islands off the west coast. These groups each have a dialect, religion, art, customs and culture of its own trademark.In the field there are many ethnic groups from all over Indonesia who come to this city for business. The city is also home to the citizens of Chinese and Indian descent fairly dominate.
Very beautiful area in North Sumatra is around Lake Toba Batak people living here are divided into six cultures, each has its own language, ceremonies, and different traditions. Although geographically isolated, but the Batak have a history of relations with the outside world. Trade relations between the highlands and other areas was going well, namely the exchange of goods such as salt, cloth, and metal, then imported into the region such as gold, rice and cassia (kind of cinnamon)
Batak traditional beliefs centered on spiritual understanding that the universe is divided into three, namely: the world over where God is, the world of humans, and the lower world is home to spirits and demons.
In terms of medical care Batak culture will see more in 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 that wander back into the patient.
In the Batak highlands, you will see traditional houses with pointed roofs and high horizontal line. These houses on stilts so the family pets such as pigs and buffalo can live under it.
In North Sumatra, you will find a wealth of cultural heritage that is ready to be explored. You can visit the ancient tombs of the kings of Batak, watch performances of traditional dance, or see the beautiful art and crafts produced locally.
Culinary
When you're in the city, try the local cuisine such as chicken rice, Kweetiaow terrain, and others. Most of the dishes here are influenced by the culture of the Malay, Chinese, and Indian.
Typical cuisine Batak society is worthy of your taste, arsik, ikau average (young cassava leaves cooked with coconut milk mixture and anchovy) and nadiura (raw carp with special spices and flavorings mix of lime).
For those of you who want to taste the exotic cuisines of North Sumatra offers unusual dishes for you are with ingredients such as dogs, frozen blood, and swine. You can easily find these dishes at a particular restaurant.
While in Berastagi, make sure you visit the traditional market and 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.
