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
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Indonesian
Batik
Motifs
Tenun Bima
The motifs are adopted from Bima woven textile. This pattern has received a great
Tikar Natuna
The Tikar Natuna motif is adapted from the traditional making of pandanus mats in
Burung Bidadari
Bidadari birds are endemic birds in Halmahera. This motif represents an
Manguni Minahasa
Manguni is identified as the symbol of the Minahasa people. Manguni is known as a
Tubo Kelapa
Coconut tree is a symbol of a good character and strong mentality. It illustrates the more success a person, the more
Teguh Bersatu
This batik motif shows the strength of the people of Kupang. It also represents a sense of
Rumah Mamuju
the Batik motif illustrates the house of Mamuju King with the stairs, located on the left of the wooden stage house
Ikan tambal
The word “Ikan” refers to fish. The philosophical meaning of Ikan Tambal means is
Besurek Rafflesia
The term “Basurek” refers to a textile that contains letters or inscriptions
Bultiya
The word ‘Bultiya’ is an acronym of the three major tribes in North Kalimantan, namely
Kaganga Tanah Rejang
If Batik Besurek combines Arabic calligraphy motifs, then the Kaganga batik takes
Tangerang Herang
Tangerang Herang motif is a symbol of Tangerang city. The Tangerang Herang batik motif consists of
Gigi Haruan Lidi
The Gigi Haruan Lidi motif is taken from the name of the cork fish and is a symbol of
Keluak Daun Pakis
The word “Keluak” is a Minang language which means twisted or tangled. The Motif of
Parang Rusak
Another meaning behind this motif is an unconquerable spirit, symbolized by
Jupri Kembang Teh
Kembang Teh illustrates the tendrils of tea plants that grow in the highlands of
Gonggong Siput
Gonggong (Strombus Turturella) is one type of sea snail found around
Kain Cual
Cual textile tradition has existed since the 17th century. The word “Cual” refers to
Lipaq Sabe
Lipaq Saqbe contains a simple geometric classical motif with various flower decorations. This textile is
Kuda Kupang
Horses symbolize wealth. It contains noble values of virtuous characters that bring
Sekomandi
Its philosophical meaning is the eternal union which refers to a saying “until death do us part”
Desa Na Tolu
The Desa Na Tolu characteristic pattern symbolizes the Batak philosophy of existence and
Awan Berarak
Awan Berarak is a combination of Dayak motifs and Malay patterns. The word ‘Awan Berarak’ means the
Paqbarre Allo
The word “Barre” means round and “Allo” means the sunlight. This motif is interpreted as
Bintik Tujuh
The Bintik Tujuh (Seven Dots) motif has 7 white spots and green color gradation as
Tampuk Manggis Sasirangan
The motif illustrates the philosophy of the mangosteen fruit, which is
Pati-Pati Pinehiku
It symbolizes the hierarchy in society and the social status of the Mekongga
Kaharingan
The Kaharingan or ‘tree of life’ based on the Dayak tribes’ belief system. This tree symbolizes
Sandeq
Sandeq Boat is a symbol of the maritime importance of the West Sulawesi region. The greatness of
Angsa Duo
According to legend, the Angso duo batik motif is a pair of swans that are believed to have led Princess
Sekar Jati
Sekar means flower and Jati refers to teak trees that symbolizes a strong mental character that
Tifa Totobuang
The batik motifs illustrate Maluku’s traditional music instrument called
Besurek Rembulan
This batik illustrates praise for God who created the wonderful universe
Singayaksa
The Singayaksa motif comes from the name of a place where Sultan Hasanuddin used to
Malinau Cultural Festival
You will witness a unique competition that might not be found other than in
Prada Papua
The word “Prada” in the Javanese-Indonesian dialect means a batik textile that
Karawo Pinang
Pinang refers to the Palm areca tree. This motif is considered as the original
Kawung
The Kawung motif was created by Sultan Agung Hanyokrokusumo (1593 – 1645) as a symbolic gift for
Gedhog Kembang Waluh
a combination of Javanese cultural motif of the Majapahit kingdom (XII-XIV century) with
Dayak Kamang
Kamang motif is generally found in the Dayak tribe shield because it is believed to
Leuit Sijimat
This motif reflects the daily activities of the Baduy tribe in Banten. The main ornaments of batik motif consist of:
Enggang Dayak
Local people beliefs that hornbills are an incarnation of the Commander of the Birds. It has supernatural
Mahkota Siger
Siger is the crown of a noblewoman in ancient time. It is a symbol of femininity, strength, and
Pinawetengan
The Pinawetengan Batik pattern was taken from a prehistoric inscription in
Pucuk Rebung Riau
Pucuk Rebung symbolizes heart determination in achieving goals, good luck, and
Gajah Way Kambas
The motif illustrates the Lampung’s natural reserve, the Way Kambas. it also symbolizes
Karawo Mahkuta
Mahkuta refers to Gorontalo’s traditional crown. It represents noble characters of
Durian Pecah
Broken Durian motifs depict the foundation of faith. The second half signifies the mastery of
Kasih Tak Sampai
‘Kasih Tak Sampai’ is an idiom in the Indonesian language which refers to
Taiganja
Taiganja is a precious gold pendant that shows the social status of the Kaili family. It is
Merak Ngeram
The hatching peacock motif has a very deep meaning which refers to the sacrifice and
Wakatobi
It symbolizes the coastal beauty of the Wakatobi island and the symbol of Patra symbolizes
Lontara
The Lontara script itself is a typical ancient script of Bugis and Makassar communities. History records that
Gonggong Beruntun
This motif illustrates that a person should maintain a positive attitude and
Cengkeh
The clove flower motif is the main commodity of the Tolitoli Regency. This motif represents
Bale Lumbu
This motif signifies the welfare of the ancient Sasak society. Bale also symbolizes the
Wirasat
Wirasat or divine inspiration is a gift from God. This inspiration is symbolized by
Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat motif represents the marine life at Raja Ampat archipelago in
Gorga Simeol-Meol
The Gorga Simeol-meol is a pattern of plant tendrils. it is regarded as a symbol of longevity and
Daun Simpor
This motif is inspired by the Simpor plant (Dillenia Suffruticosa) which is a typical
Bomba Mawar
This motif means sacred love for family, kingdom, and God; It also illustrates
Tanah Liek
The word “Tanah Liek” refers to clay in Minang language. It is also known as
Tongkonan
Toraja’s traditional house is called Tongkonan. Tongkonan is a place for
Hiu Taliyasan
Indonesia is also home to the world’s largest fish, the whale shark (Rhincodon typus). Hiu Taliyasan refers to
Biji Kopi
The coffee seeds motif illustrates the pride of local coffee specialities in
Gentala Arasy
Built as high as 80 meters, the tower also highlights the historical side of
Tengkawang Ampiek
With its many advantages, the Dayaks use this leaf in ritual ceremonies. This plant is a symbol of
Jumputan Bintang
The word Jumputan means the tie-dye technique, while the word “Bintang” refers to
Gamolan
This motif illustrates Gamolan, a bamboo musical instrument of Lampung that is
Gumin Tambun
Based on Hindu mythology, this motif symbolizes lucks, abundant wealth, and
Gurdo Solo
Gurdo or garuda bird is the mount of the Indian god Vishnu. As the Sun Bird,
Daun Lada Hitam
The black pepper motif represents the main commodity of Bangka Belitung
La Galigo
La Galigo is a literary work of the Buginese Epic that has 300 thousand epic lines. It is considered even