Nias Islands is the biggest in a group of islands on this side of Sumatera that is part of the province of Sumatera Utara. This area consists of 131 islands and Nias Island is the biggest. The population in this area is about 639,675 people (including Malay, Batak, and Chinese). Nias has a very unique culture and nature which is far different from other areas in North Sumatra. This is because of its separate and remote location from the rest of Sumatra.
To reach this place, there is weekly ship from Jakarta (the capital city of Indonesia) to Gunung Sitoli; There are Ferries from Sibolga to Gunung Sitoli, Teluk Dalam, or Lahewa every day; Before the crisis hit Indonesia, there is daily flight from Medan to Gunung Sitoli, however it is less frequent nowadays.
Gunung Sitoli is the capital city of Nias and it is the center of administration and business affairs of regency. There are several travel agencies hotels, public busses and rental cars to support tourism here. There are also some government and private banks available.
Cultural side of the island is a very attractive one. The most famous and unique cultural activity is stone-jump, where men make thrilling leaps over a high pile of stone with height over 2 meters. The jump made to prove one's manhood. Visitors can find this activity performed in village of Bawomatoluo, Hilisimaetano or in other surrounding villages.
Stone-jump occasion is used to prove one's manhood. The stone piles may reach over 2 meters high, actually this is dangerous but yet thrilling sport.
Nias traditional war dances also very attractive, just don't be upset if now this dance performed with no intention to declare real war. The performers wear traditional costumes, warriors jacket made from black palm fiber (called ijuk) and bark-cloth fiber, and their heads garnished with bird feather, while in their hand they carry spears and shield.
Traditional house of this island is very interesting. Village of Bawomatoluo or ‘sunhill’ has the oldest and largest Omo Sebua or Ig house of this indigenous, warlike Nias tribe. This house with height up to 22 meters and some of its pillars are thicker than a meter still owned and inhabited by the royal family. In addition to its magnificent architecture, it has appealing wall carving that honor great ritual feast, and garnished with furnitured, like tables and chairs weighing up to 18 tons each.
To reach this place, there is weekly ship from Jakarta (the capital city of Indonesia) to Gunung Sitoli; There are Ferries from Sibolga to Gunung Sitoli, Teluk Dalam, or Lahewa every day; Before the crisis hit Indonesia, there is daily flight from Medan to Gunung Sitoli, however it is less frequent nowadays.
Gunung Sitoli is the capital city of Nias and it is the center of administration and business affairs of regency. There are several travel agencies hotels, public busses and rental cars to support tourism here. There are also some government and private banks available.
Cultural side of the island is a very attractive one. The most famous and unique cultural activity is stone-jump, where men make thrilling leaps over a high pile of stone with height over 2 meters. The jump made to prove one's manhood. Visitors can find this activity performed in village of Bawomatoluo, Hilisimaetano or in other surrounding villages.
Stone-jump occasion is used to prove one's manhood. The stone piles may reach over 2 meters high, actually this is dangerous but yet thrilling sport.
Nias traditional war dances also very attractive, just don't be upset if now this dance performed with no intention to declare real war. The performers wear traditional costumes, warriors jacket made from black palm fiber (called ijuk) and bark-cloth fiber, and their heads garnished with bird feather, while in their hand they carry spears and shield.
Traditional house of this island is very interesting. Village of Bawomatoluo or ‘sunhill’ has the oldest and largest Omo Sebua or Ig house of this indigenous, warlike Nias tribe. This house with height up to 22 meters and some of its pillars are thicker than a meter still owned and inhabited by the royal family. In addition to its magnificent architecture, it has appealing wall carving that honor great ritual feast, and garnished with furnitured, like tables and chairs weighing up to 18 tons each.
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