TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Nias Island located off the western coast of Sumatra is well known for its stone jumping attraction that was pictured on the Indonesia’s paper money of Rp1,000 currency during the New Order reign. But of course, there are many more that the island has to offer to travelers. Some are listed by the May edition of Travelongue magazine as follows:
1. Nias Traditional House
Nias traditional house is made of wood and built on stones. The houses resemble boats with stones underneath them portraying the foothold of living the daily lives. Some of the houses are ovals and some others are rounded. The skill of building such houses are passed onto generations. There is also a large traditional house called omonifalasara which means “the mouth of dragon”.
2. Hombo Batu Tradition
This stone jumping tradition is already famous among travelers. The tradition of stone jumping was born together with the Nias War Dance. Since past times, tribes in Nias often got involved in clashes, the chief (si’ulu) of every tribe trained their young member for war; stone jumping was a part of the training.
3. World Class Beaches
Many attractive beaches are owned by the island including Teluk Dalam with its five-meter sea wave, Sorake beach with its clear blue water, and Asu, Bawa, and Telo islands where surfers can enjoy the waves. Rumors said that Sorake beach is the second-best place to surf after Hawaii. For those who love to dive can try the underwater panorama of Lagundri beach.
4.Menhir Stone in Sisarahili Village
The Menhir stone, which is believed to be inhabited by ancient spirit, in Sisarahili village, West Nias, was crafted into a face of a king or balugu, and dressed in the royal attire. The locals said that only the champions can be crowned as balugu, a man who hunt hundreds or thousands of boars.
TRAVELOUNGE | GUNAWAN WICAKSONO | ANGGRITA DESYANI
