Mentawai, The Hidden Paradise From The West Sumatera

Mentawai archipelago is part of West Sumatra province where since 1999 has been appointed to be a regency. The position of the Mentawai Islands is in the middle of the Indian Ocean and it makes an awesome sea, surrounded by nature and perfect for marine tourism. Mentawai has become one of the famous tourist destinations for adventure, cultural tourism, and marine tourism and especially surfing which is favored by the surfers from local and abroad.

Mentawai generally

Mentawai archipelago itself is a series of non-volcanic island where the cluster of this island is the culmination of an underwater mountains back. There are four islands that form the Mentawai Islands such as Siberut Island, Island of Sipora, North Pagai and South Pagai Island. The location of the islands is located off the coast of West Sumatra province that extends and surrounded by the Indian Ocean. Siberut Island is the largest island of the archipelago and the only one who has a regular shipping to the city of Padang in West Sumatra. The district administrative center is in Tuapejat, in the north of Sipora Island.

Surfing has become a tourist icon Mentawai Islands, even in this place often held an international surfing competition. There are approximately 400 places to surf in the Mentawai Islands.

The waves varied and challenging, even some rolls included in the category of extreme waves are sought by surfers from all over the world.

Mentawai Islands also offers trekking attractions that through the pristine tropical forest and also you can enjoy the lifestyle of the indigenous peoples who live peacefully in it. Mentawai is an area of unspoiled by human hands and a lot of modern infrastructure.

When you visit the Mentawai, you will be offered the feel of an ancient civilization of the Neolithic era where the tribes in these islands are not familiar with metalworking and farming, even the fabric weave technique. So, you'll see the difference cultures with Minangkabau people in the mainland of West Sumatra. The majority of the resident of this island are the Mentawai tribe which comes from Siberut Island with an amount of 30.000 people. Each family in the Mentawai islands consists of 5 to 15 people, which lives in the village or in the field near forest they done. The traditional home from Mentawai itself is named as Uma.

Tattoo process

Mentawai islands have been around 500.000 BC, but there were no clues / proofs when the first people came to this island. Most people of the Mentawai islands follow Animism, then the other follows Islam and Christianity. Initially, the local people believe Sabulungan concept, a concept that everything start from human until monkey, stone, and the weather have spirits which always separated and roam wherever they want.

The traditional ceremony of Sikerei or Shaman usually celebrated during marriage party and when entering the new home with the purpose to ward off the evil spirits

The Mentawai tribe has a unique tradition like tattooing all of their body where it's related to their role and social status. That tattoo made from the cane and coconut charcoal dye which is depicted by using a nail and needle also 2 pieces of wood as a pad and hammer. The process of making the traditional tattoo is known very painful

Transportation

The access into Mentawai Islands still use motorboat and it's only twice a week, first on sunday night (Sumber Rezeki Baru Ship) and the second on Thursday night (Simasin Ship). The travel is about one day, it's mean the ship back to Padang on Tuesday and Friday night. The ticket price start from Rp 105.000,- until Rp 125.000,-. Also there are additional  ships which is operated every month on first sunday and in the second sunday. Ambu-ambu ship leave on Sunday night from Muara Padang and back from Siberut to Padang on Sunday night. 

If you decide to take off from International Airport of Minangkabau, you can rent a small plane like Tiger Air or SMAC to Tuapejat in Sipora island. After that, you can rent a ship for the travel into Muara Siberut and the travel is about 3 until 4 hours.

Activity

Mentawai Islands has become one of adventure tourism destination, cultures, and marine. In this islands, there are some interesting traditional village that must be visited like Madobak village, Ugai village, and Matotonan village. To arrive at these villages you have to through the river and footpath by the route Muara Siberut - Rokdok - Madokbak - Ugai - Matotonam where the mileage is about 5 until 6 hours.

You also recommended to visit Madobak village where in this village there is a waterfall called Kulu Buluk waterfall with a height of 70 metre. Besides visiting Kulu Kubuk waterfall in Madobak village or in the border of Siberut National park in Matotonan village, you can interact with daily activities of local residents and participate in their traditional ceremony. 

You also might visit Ruan Oinan lake which is located in the woods in Saumanganyak village. The form of this lake is like estuary surrounded by a lot of big trees

For you who love surfing, Mentawai islands is the perfect place to increase your adrenaline. In this  islands there are some surf spots with the high and big waves, like in Bosua village which has three-metre wave height. You can use speedboat for 4 hours from Tuapejat regency. Although there are a lot of coral at the beach but the roll waves is perfect and it has been famed by the world surfers.

Another location to surfing is Nyang Nyang island at Katurei village. Some surfers all around the world said that the wave in this place is the highest wave in the world, it's about 4 metre. 

Karamajat island in Katurei island also has a long and high  wave from 2 until 4 metre. In this village there are some floating inn. The wave in Koroniki island, Awera, Sibigeu gulf, Sinakak gulf also must be tested.

If you want the place which the wave is not too big you can visit Siruso island. This island is suitable for family recreation with the white sand and clear sea. You also can swimming and playing with sand  in its foreshore. 

Bulasat island could be another choice, besides it has white sand, also the beach in this island usually very crowded visited by tourists especially in religious holiday. To arrive in this beach, you can use motor vehicle and you will be pampered by beautiful green scenery or in the side of the road you can stop and buy some durians and young coconuts.  

Tips

To visit tourism village in Mentawai, you need skilled tour guide and they must understand the local society and its cultures. The tour guide will convince your safety and convenience during the travel. You can pay them from travel agent at Bukittinggi or in the harbour of Muara Siberut.

The sea condition between Siberut and West Sumatera sometimes very difficult passed by the ship because the waves are big enough. Especially on June and July where the waves are very dangerous. On April until October is the best time to surf because on that time the waves in Mentawai islands reach the point of maximum height. On November until March, the condition of the waves are not too high so it's less challenging when you surf there. 

Some best locations for beach sport like surfing are in Nyangnyang beach, Karang Bajat beach, Karonik beach, and Mainut Pananggelat beach. In sub-district of Sipora there're some best spot to surf such as Katiet Bosua beach and South beach also West beach in the sub-district of North Pagai. To arrive at the surfing spots, you can use Motorboat or small plane. Also there are some tour guide services. If you wanna spend the night, there are some inns along the beach in Mentawai islands that can be placed. If you don't have any choice, you can stay at local residents but dont be worried, the local people there are very friendly and kind. They're very habitual with local or international tourists. 

Here the list of some inns you can visit :

Aloita Resort & Spa 

Simakakang Tuapejat island, Mentawai islands, West Sumatera
Contact number : +62 (759) 320354
Email: info@aloitaresort.com
Website:http://www.aloitaresort.com/

Awera Island Surf Camp 

Mentawai
Website:http://www.aweraisland.com/

Coconuts Mentawai, Mentawai Island 

Contact number : +62-816-4821041
Email: rosemary@coconuts-mentawai.com
Website: http://coconuts-mentawai.com/

Visit Wonderful Indonesia.com for more information about Mentawai tourism object
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Sabang, The beautiful city in the most western of Indonesia

Sabang is a city consist of several islands with tourism object which still very awake its naturalness,start from the mountain, lake, beaches, sea, coral reef, also its forest is still looks very natural. The natural impression is deliberately kept as a valuable object of that region. Sabang has an area of ​​156.3 km ² with the highest peak at 617 meters above sea level.

The History Of Sabang

Passenger ship SS "Jan Pieterszoon Coen" in Sabang in 1935

Sabang town before World War II was the most important port city compared by Tamasek (now Singapore). But after status Free Trade and Free Port repealed in 1985, this place became deserted by ships and visitors. 

Even after returning proclaimed that Sabang as Free Trade Zone and Free Port in 2000, it still can not restore the image like before because Singapore as its closest rival is now very advanced in terms of facilities. 

The Zone of Free Trade and Free Port was closed back in 2004 because at that time, Aceh was designated as an Area of ​​Martial Law.

But it doesn't mean that Sabang is dead. Sabang is now resurrected with a new face, as a marine tourism region that must be reckoned in Southeast Asia, even the world. A meeting place between the Indian Ocean and the Strait of Malacca, an area with hundreds of species of fish, a sea area with rich natural reefs (instead of planting / cultivation), and a region which proud of their green image.

Tourism Place

There are many tourism places you can visit in Sabang, such as :

1. Iboh Beach

For the experienced snorkeling enthusiasts, octopus and stingrays can be found here. Basking under the sun on the beach with fine and white sand can be done in the adjacent beach. This place is a paradise for tourists who like snorkeling and diving. Coral reef is only about 5 meters from the sandy beach. The accommodation in the form of food and lodging are available in Iboih Village. Iboih is a small village where the conditions and the services which is provided by the local residents is strongly support the convenience of enjoying the surrounding of natural scenery.

Iboih forest is located adjacent to Rubiah Marine Park, with an area of ​​about 1300 acres, and is also a protected forest area. This forest is a tropical rain forest with the density is still high but always invites by the visitors to enjoy the beauty and its authenticity. This forest is a home for the variety of animals, there are a lot of monkeys, small and large reptiles, and colorful birds including the Nicobar pigeon which is can't be found in other parts of Indonesia.

2. The Sea Park of Rubiah Island

Rubiah Island is a small island with a land area reaches 0,357 km ² which is located approximately 23.5 miles in the west of Sabang downtown and adjacent to Iboh Beach.

The Indonesian government has set this sea area, about 2.600 acres around the Rubiah island as a special area of ​​natural reserve. Located in the bay of Sabang, where the water here is relatively calm and very clear (The visibility is about 25 meters) The sea here is filled by a variety of coral reefs and colorfull fishes. Also can be found some gigantic clams, angel fish, school of parrot fish, lion fish, sea fans, and many more.

3. Beach caves

There are several natural caves on the west coast of Weh Island which is located across from Iboih forest. These caves is overlooking to the ocean and inhabited by a variety of birds, bats, and snakes. Exploring this place by boat must be accompanied by the local residents because of its location which is quite difficult to reach, and dangerous, especially between May and September when the West monsoon comes. This condition is very challenging for cave lovers.

4. Aneuk Laot Lake

Aneuk laot in the Acehnese language, which means Son of the Sea. The Lake of Aneuk Laot is located in the middle of Sabang town, with a beautiful panorama to be enjoyed during the day, because it is cool and when dusk arrived we could enjoy a dazzling sunset, and when night comes the light of the lamps from the hill of Sabang city illuminate the lake. This lake is the water source for the entire population of Weh Island.

5. Sumur Tiga Beaches

Three wells beach (In Indonesian called Pantai Sumur Tiga) is a beautiful beach located in the village of Ie Meulee, Weh Island. Three wells beaches with the white sand surrounded by amazing scenery. This beach is in great demand by tourists both local and foreign tourists. In addition, many beach sports such as diving and snorkeling is available. Many facilities which is offered make this beach visited by many tourists.

6. Gapang Beach

The beach isn't less beautiful than the beach of Iboh which is located adjacent. This beach with a beautiful panorama is also ideal for snorkeling sports enthusiasts because they can funnel his hobby at this beach. This area is equipped with several facilities such as hotels and restaurants. And also there is a dive school run by a couple from the Netherlands.

7. Kasih Beach

Kasih beach is a beach tourism object in the Bawah Sabang city, just 2 km from the center of Sabang. In this place there is a central of culinary of sabang city. Kasih beach is a rocky beach with lots of palm trees along the peninsula. On the beach also can be found several World War II relics in the form of forts where heavy weapons such as cannons used at the time.

8. The Monument of Zero Kilometre

There's something incomplete if we went to Sabang before visiting the place on this one, a place which they claim as the most western point of Indonesian archipelago and marked with a monument named The Monument of Zero Kilometre. 

This place is located in the Forest Park of Sabang and it's about 40 Km west of Sabang city center. In this place we will be pampered with a beautiful natural scenery and panoramic view of the blue sea in the area of ​​the monument, especially before sunset.

In addition to 8 places above, there are many interesting places to visit such as Anoe Itam, Beach of Tapak Gajah, Sabang Hill, Peria laot Waterfall, Peak Sabang, Jaboi Geothermal Resources, and many more.

More information about Sabang tourism objects, visit Sabang, the wonderful Indonesia
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Lake Toba, North Sumatera

Lake Toba

Lake Toba has incredible natural tourism, spiritual tourism, historical tourism, architecture tourism and culinary tourism. The atmosphere is cool and refreshing with clear water also fascinating scenery with green mountains is a small part of the description of the marvelous beauty from Lake Toba.

Lake Toba was formed by the eruption of a super volcano (Mount Toba) about 73000-75000 BC. It was estimated about 2,800 cubic volcanic materials was spewed from the bowels of the earth through the mountain when it erupted. At that time, the wind, which blow the volcanic ash has spread half the earth.

The explosion occurred during 1 week and throw the dust up to 10 km above sea level. According to the estimate of the scientist, the eruption of the super volcano caused mass death and extinction of some species of organism in the world. The eruption of Mount Toba affects world civilization with a change in the earth's weather and the start of an ice age.

Lake Toba has become one of the amazing nature tourism in Indonesia. Lake Toba is a lake with a huge crater where the center of the island nearly the size of Singapore country. With an area of ​​1,145 square kilometers, Lake Toba is actually more like an ocean than a lake. Lake Toba is the largest lake in Southeast Asia and the deepest in the world that is approximately 450 meters. This volcanic lake is the second largest lake in the world after Lake Victoria in Africa.

Samosir Island

In the middle of Lake Toba there is a volcanic island called Samosir Island, which is located at the height of 1000 mile above sea level. In the middle of Samosir Island there are again two beautiful lakes named Lake Sidihoni and Lake Aek Natonang. The area around Lake Toba has beautiful pine forests.

On the edge of Lake Toba there are some very fascinating waterfalls such as Sipiso-piso waterfall and Sidompak waterfall. In the lakeside, there's also a tourism object called camel cape because of the land which extends and narrows into the lake resembles a camel's back. Around the Lake Toba you will find sulfur springs which is believed to be useful to make your skin healthy.

Lake Toba is the ideal spot to relax and enjoy the scenery while you're cycling and enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery. Sense of fatigue that you feel will be lost when you visit the beauty of this place. Lake Toba is located 900 meters above sea level so it is very refreshing cool air, away from heat and pollution of the city.

It is very difficult to imagine a more beautiful place to visit than Lake Toba because here you can do everything that are fun to enjoy the beauty of nature, such as hiking, swimming and boating which are able to anesthetize you in the middle of fascinating scenery. The air is clean, cool and harmonious with the relaxed atmosphere of the friendly society makes the tourists will come back after visiting the lake.

You can cross to Samosir Island in the middle of the lake and found the steep mountains with a cool mist, clear waterfalls for swimming, and the local community who are herding buffalo to the field. This is the place that you should visit and enjoy the hospitality of its people. Here, wherever you go you will soon find new friends.

Parapat Harbour

On the main island, there is accommodation in Parapat. Parapat is a small rocky peninsula & widened over the lake. On the way to Parapat you will see spectacular scenery. 

Parapat inhabited by the Batak Toba and Batak Simalungun which is known as friendly and sociable society. Batak society like the theme songs of love that carefree and full of feeling.

On the main island, there is accommodation in Parapat. Parapat is a small rocky peninsula & widened over the lake. On the way to Parapat you will see spectacular scenery. 

Parapat inhabited by the Batak Toba and Batak Simalungun which is known as friendly and sociable society. Batak society like the theme songs of love that carefree and full of feeling.

Sigale-gale statue

Many tourists prefer to stay on Samosir Island which is located in the middle of this giant lake. As the original residence Batak Toba society, Samosir Island has ancient relic such as stone tombs and traditional villages.

In Tomok (Samosir Island) also found the tomb of King Sidabutar, whose age was 500 years. There is also a statue called Sigale-Gale (the statue, which can dance like humans). On this island you can find Toba unique and ancient culture. Samosir Island is the ideal spot to be visited and avoid the fatigue from the routines of the city. Samosir easily accessible by ferryboat from Parapat.

Although it has become a tourist destination for a long time, Samosir is an unspoiled natural beauty. Encourage yourself out of the small village of Tuk-Tuk and Tomok. You can also enjoy the peaceful and scenic rural atmosphere surrounded by fields, churches and exotic cemeteries that fulfill the area.

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Sipiso - piso Waterfall

When someone visiting North Sumatra, of course their premier tourist destination is the Lake of Toba. Sipiso-piso waterfall is located on the edge of Toba Lake, unfortunately a very interesting tourism object is less visited by tourists because it's in a different edge with Parapat (Or usually called prapat) town, where tourists usually visit.

Sipiso-piso located in the north of Toba Lake, about 24 kilometers from Kabanjahe. This waterfall is the highest waterfall in Indonesia with an altitude of 120 meters. Sipiso-piso waterfall come from an underground river in the Karo plateau that runs through a cave in the side of the crater of Toba Lake.

When I had the opportunity to visit this place, the scenery was incredible. Small and high waterfall fall between green cliff. From the observation post built by the government, the visitors can enjoy the scenic of the waterfall and also Toba Lake. Sipiso-piso waterfall is about 800 meters above sea level.

The waterfall was flowing downward slicing green hills which are covered by pine trees. Sipiso-piso itself literally means "knife." Do you know why? Because of the swiftness of the water, which is falling down is rather like thousands of sharp knives. Moreover, the steep ravine if looked from the hill summit would make the local people around there called it "piso" from the Karo land

You not only can see the waterfall from a distance, but you can go down to look closer. The stairs are precipitous and far enough away so make sure you have a strong stamina and bring drinking water supplies. When you go down, it may not be a problem, of course it is quite tiring if you pass the hundreds of stairs to climb back after playing in the water under.

Tongging Village at the side of Toba Lake taken from above

After you waste your time at that place, it's time to take a rest in Tongging Village. Tongging village located on the edge of Toba Lake, in the north. In Tongging you can perform a variety of activities, such as swimming in the lake, trek in the jungle, or visit one small waterfall called Sidompak. You can go up to Mount Sipiso-piso, and Paragliding from the summit.

Besides swimming, you can also take a boat hired from local fishermen to get around the lake. Cycling from one village to another is also a fun activity to look the daily activity of Karo Society.

For you fans of ethnic clothes, you can go to Silalahi village in Sabungan, Dairi. The village is located about 11 km from Tongging. If you are in Medan City, the capital city of the north Sumatera province, you have to travel about two hours by bus or to go into Kabanjahe, the mother city of Karo regency. 

Kabanjahe located in the south of the famous tourism object named Berastagi. Every 45 minutes, the kabanjahe route bus is dispatched from the terminal center of Medan city. The fare of the bus depends on the bus you choose. If you choose the economic class bus, of course, this is the right choice because it's very cheap. After you arrive at Kabanjahe, you have to travel about 24 km to the north, the way to Toba Lake. By the good road quality, you can arrive in Tongging Village to traveled in Sipiso - piso waterfall in 30 minutes by using a car or bus.

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Air Terjun 2 Warna (The two-colours Waterfall) Sibolangit

Sibolangit Waterfall

Sibolangit two-colour waterfall is located in the village of Durin Sirugun, in the foot of Sibayak Mount, North Sumatra. Can be reached by traveling overland, crossing The Sibolangit Campgrounds. Mileage from Medan until Sibolangit about 75km, and from the Main Gate Campgrounds Sibolangit need 2-3 hours to arrive at two colors waterfall.

A travel to two-color waterfall, you will come back refreshed because the forest landscape and the air are still fresh. Because of that, we can restore the freshness of our bodies from all fatigue. However, on weekends, this place is very crowded with local tourists. I suggest to come on Monday to Friday (not on holiday) if you want to travel there.

When entering Campgrounds Sibolangit in Bandar Baru village, you can walk along the forest with hiking or leisurely walk for 3 hours, and to avoid getting lost, you must be assisted by local guides. Please sign up at checkpoints and you have to report into the guards if you wanna go into the two colors waterfall.

The Sibolangit two-colors Waterfall with a height of 100 meters, sourced from Mount Sibayak, and the water which comes from the river on the top will be gathered in a small lake. The colors of the waterfall are light blue and grayish-white, because it contains phosphor and sulfur and can generate the light blue color. Because it contains sulfur, you are prohibited from drinking water from this waterfall.

The preparation which must be taken before you traveled into the two-color waterfall should be considered before you take off. Shoes for hiking, drinking water and some clothes if you want to shower at the two-colour waterfall. Do not wear sandals usual, especially high heels! Waterfall of Two Colors also known as the Blue Lake Sibolangit.

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