On the mainland of North Sumatra there is a small island named Nias. The island is complete with tourist charm, from the culture to a fantastic landscape. Nias is located in the western part of the island of Sumatra, dealing directly with the Indian Ocean. Covers approximately 5,625 square kilometers with a population of over 700 of thousands of lives. Talking about tourism, Nias can not be underestimated.
Nias is an group of islands consists of 132 islands. There are five city districts, namely Nias, North Nias, South Nias, West Nias and Gunungsitoli. Nias Regency has many tourist destinations, South Nias has at most 40 with the most famous stone jump there, North Nias has 12, West Nias has 3, and Gunung Sitoli has as many as 10. However, not a little remarkable destinations not worked up by the government. But if you put Nias as your next vacation destination list, you are not wrong.
And if you do not have much time during the holidays to Nias, at least come to this 5 great destination:
1. Tello Island Beach and Lagundri
Tello Island Beach and Lagundri are located in South Nias. Both islands have in common, both a heaven for surfers. To get to the Tello Island, you can hire a boat departing from the Port of South Nias. While Lagundri Beach is located in the bay which is about 12 km from Telukdalam, the capital of South Nias.
Both this beach has waves that are challenging. In the Tello beach, high waves capable of reaching 6 meters. While on the Lagundri beach, folds wave height capable of achieving 7 to 10 meters with five levels. No doubt, both this beach are often included in the list of the surfers. Those who visited Nias, they must come to these places. The thing to remember, the waves are quite strong and wild are not so fit when tested by beginner surfers.
2. Bawomataluo Village
In addition to surfing, what is the famous in Nias? Yes, the answer is stone jumping. A noble tradition that was immortalized in a banknotes of 1000 Rupiah. And you can see it directly in the village Bawomataluo, South Nias.
Bawomataluo village still preserve the traditions and teachings of his ancestors, including one of them is Stone jumping. This tradition is a measuring instrument to recognize a man be an adult man, be a man who is mature of physical, mental and mind. While in ancient times, it was a test for prospective royal soldiers.
In Stone jumping, the challenge is to jump over rocks as high as 2.1 meters. Those who would jump over going to run, then stepped on the small stone steps and threw the body into the air passing through the stone. It is very cool! Easy to see it anyway, but in fact it is not so. Some are stuck in the middle, the most severe landing with one foot wrong position with a maximum risk of fractures.
3. Asu Island
Asu Island is located at the western Nias, is one of the the foremost islands in Indonesia. The small island is only inhabited by dozens of people, but it will make you reluctant to go home from there. The trip to Asu Island can from Gunungsitoli to Sirombu City for 2 hours. Then another boat ride for 2 hours. An exhausting trip, but sweat will be rewarded even. White sandy island with clear water with shades of blue, welcomed us!
Asu island is very charming. Not only the beach, but also very beautiful underwater. Look diverse coral reefs and colorful, and the fish are adorable make you delirious. For you who want to play surfing, Asu island ready to satisfy the craving adrenaline. Asu island has waves with a height of 4 to 7 meters and long the waves reached 200 meters. Inevitably, surfers from abroad feel at home in Asu island up to 1 month old just for surfing, and enjoying the serene life there.
4. Nias Heritage Museum
Traveler who likes history, then Nias is a fun holiday. Study the history of the life of Nias from time to time, from the Megalithic era until the days of empire in the Nias Heritage Museum. Nias Heritage Museum was built by a missionary named Johannes Hammerle. He came to Nias in 1971, settled there and build the Nias Heritage Museum. Because in addition to spreading the religion, he was moved to save historic objects in Nias. There are about 6 thousand collections in the Nias Heritage Museum. Megalithic stones shaped carvings and household utensils used in the past. Do not miss also, to see objects that are considered sacred.
There is Oroba crocodile or a suit of armor made from crocodile skin. Then there is the Tologu sword, who used to fight in ancient times and are believed to contain magical powers in a rattan ball on the scabbard. There is also, a special coffin royalty with various unique shapes such as resembling a dragon. You know, if it turns out the people of Nias are head hunters. Then take a look at the statue of Siraha Horo, a sculpture which is believed to be 'self-cleaning' of sin after head hunting. Nias Heritage Museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 08.00 am until 16.30 pm. Entry ticket is only 2k IDR.
5. Toyolawa Beach
In Lahewa district, North Nias, there are the beach that are still empty and has uniqueness. Its name Toyolawa beach which has a beach with reddish sand. You will be treated to a wide expanse of red sand and the waves were quite strong. Rows of palm trees along the beach to add beautiful view. Was still comparatively deserted beaches, so it seemed private property. Fun, contours sloping beach makes you able to relax maximum. Sometimes if you are lucky and the sun is good, red color looks so obvious.