If you are looking for a cultural and historical attraction in Indonesia that is off the beaten path, you might want to consider visiting Rumah Bolon, a traditional house complex of the Batak Toba tribe in North Sumatra. Rumah Bolon, which means "big house" in the local language, is a stunning example of the indigenous architecture and craftsmanship of the Batak Toba people, who have lived in the highlands around Lake Toba for centuries.
At Rumah Bolon, you can learn about the history, culture, and philosophy of the Batak Toba people, witness their colorful and lively traditional dance performances, and immerse yourself in their way of life. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Rumah Bolon, including how to get there, when to go, what to see, and what else to do in North Sumatra.
How to Get to Rumah Bolon from Medan or Other Nearby Cities
Rumah Bolon is located in the village of Huta Siallagan, about 4 km from the town of Ambarita, on the eastern shore of Lake Toba. Lake Toba is the largest volcanic lake in the world, and a popular tourist destination in North Sumatra. The nearest city to Lake Toba is Medan, the capital of North Sumatra and the third-largest city in Indonesia. Medan has an international airport, which connects it to many domestic and international destinations. From Medan, you can take a bus, a taxi, or a private car to Lake Toba, which takes about 4 to 5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly to Silangit Airport, which is closer to Lake Toba, but has fewer flights and options. From Silangit Airport, you can take a taxi or a private car to Lake Toba, which takes about 2 hours.
Once you reach Lake Toba, you need to take a ferry to Samosir Island, which is a large island in the middle of the lake, where most of the attractions and accommodations are located. The ferry terminal is at Parapat, a small town on the southern shore of the lake. The ferry runs every hour from 7 am to 7 pm, and takes about 45 minutes to reach Samosir Island. The ferry can accommodate cars and motorcycles, so you can bring your own vehicle if you have one. The ferry will stop at two places on Samosir Island: Tuktuk and Tomok. Tuktuk is the main tourist area, where you can find many hotels, restaurants, and shops. Tomok is a smaller village, where you can see the tomb of King Sidabutar, a famous Batak Toba ruler. From either Tuktuk or Tomok, you can take a local bus, a taxi, or a private car to Rumah Bolon, which takes about 30 to 40 minutes.
When to Visit Rumah Bolon and How Long to Stay
The best time to visit Rumah Bolon and North Sumatra in general is from May to September, which is the dry season. The weather is sunny and pleasant, and the lake is calm and clear. The rainy season is from October to April, which can make the roads slippery and the lake foggy and choppy. However, the rainy season also has its advantages, such as fewer crowds, lower prices, and greener landscapes. The peak season is from June to August, which coincides with the school holidays and the festivals of the Batak Toba people. The festivals are a great opportunity to see the culture and traditions of the Batak Toba people, but they also attract many visitors, so you need to book your accommodation and transportation in advance.
Rumah Bolon is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm, and the admission fee is 10,000 IDR (about 0.7 USD) per person. The complex consists of 12 houses, a museum, a souvenir shop, and a stage for dance performances. You can explore the complex on your own, or hire a local guide who can explain the history and significance of the houses and the artifacts in the museum. The guide fee is 50,000 IDR (about 3.5 USD) per group. The dance performances are held every day at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm, and last for about 30 minutes.
The dancers wear colorful costumes and accessories, and perform various dances that depict the stories and values of the Batak Toba people. The dance performances are included in the admission fee, but you can also tip the dancers if you enjoy their show. You can spend about 2 to 3 hours at Rumah Bolon, depending on your interest and pace.
Structure and Architecture of Rumah Bolon
One of the most striking features of Rumah Bolon is its structure and architecture, which reflect the culture and philosophy of the Batak Toba people. Rumah Bolon is a large wooden house that can accommodate up to 100 people, who belong to the same clan or family. The house has a rectangular shape, with a high-pitched roof that resembles a saddle or a boat. The roof is made of palm leaves or grass, and the walls are made of bamboo or wood. The house has only one door and no windows, which symbolize the unity and solidarity of the family.
The door is decorated with carvings of animals, plants, and geometric patterns, which represent the ancestral spirits and the natural elements. The house has two floors: the lower floor is used for storage and livestock, and the upper floor is used for living and sleeping. The upper floor is divided into several rooms, each with a specific function and name. The main room is called tondi, which means "soul" or "life force". This is where the family gathers for ceremonies, rituals, and meetings. The other rooms are called sopo, which means "place" or "position". These are where the family members sleep and store their belongings, according to their rank and status.
The house is built on wooden stilts, which elevate it from the ground and protect it from floods, pests, and enemies. The stilts also create a space under the house, which is used for cooking, washing, and socializing. The house is oriented towards the east, which is considered the direction of life and prosperity. The house is surrounded by a stone wall, which serves as a fence and a bench. The wall is also decorated with carvings of human figures, animals, and weapons, which depict the history and legends of the Batak Toba people. The wall is called batu haporoan, which means "stone of counsel". This is where the elders and the leaders of the clan or the village sit and discuss important matters and make decisions.
History and Culture of the Batak Toba Tribe
Rumah Bolon is not only a house, but also a museum and a cultural center, where you can learn about the history and culture of the Batak Toba tribe, one of the six ethnic groups that make up the Batak people. The Batak Toba people are the largest and the most dominant group, and they inhabit the highlands around Lake Toba, which they consider their ancestral homeland.
The Batak Toba people have a rich and diverse culture, which is influenced by their geography, religion, and history. They have their own language, script, art, music, literature, and cuisine, which are distinct from other Indonesian cultures. They also have their own social and political system, which is based on kinship, clan, and village. The Batak Toba people are known for their intelligence, creativity, and hospitality, as well as their strong sense of identity and pride.
The Batak Toba people trace their origin to a mythical ancestor named Si Raja Batak, who was the son of a god and a human. Si Raja Batak had six sons, who became the founders of the six Batak groups. The eldest son was Tuan Marga, who became the ancestor of the Batak Toba people. Tuan Marga had seven sons, who became the founders of the seven Batak Toba clans. Each clan has its own name, symbol, and territory, and they are divided into sub-clans and families. The clan system is very important for the Batak Toba people, as it determines their identity, status, and relationships. The clan system is also reflected in the architecture and layout of Rumah Bolon, as each house belongs to a specific clan or family, and they are arranged according to their hierarchy and proximity.
The Batak Toba people have a long and complex history, which is marked by wars, migrations, and conversions. The Batak Toba people were once a powerful and independent kingdom, which resisted the influence and invasion of other kingdoms and empires, such as the Srivijaya, the Majapahit, the Aceh, and the Dutch. The Batak Toba people were also one of the last groups to embrace Islam, which is the dominant religion in Indonesia. The Batak Toba people were mostly animists, who believed in the existence of spirits and ancestors, and practiced rituals and sacrifices to appease them. They also had a reputation for being cannibals, who ate their enemies or criminals as a form of punishment and deterrence.
However, these practices were gradually abandoned or modified, as the Batak Toba people came into contact with other cultures and religions. The Batak Toba people were first exposed to Christianity by German missionaries in the late 19th century, who brought education, health care, and development to the region. Many Batak Toba people converted to Christianity, especially Protestantism, which is still the predominant religion among them today.
However, some Batak Toba people also adopted Islam, Buddhism, or Hinduism, or retained their ancestral beliefs, creating a diverse and tolerant religious landscape in North Sumatra. The Batak Toba people have also contributed to the national and global culture and society, producing many prominent figures in politics, arts, sports, and science, such as former president Abdurrahman Wahid, singer Anggun, and astronaut Pratiwi Sudarmono.
Traditional Dance Performances at Rumah Bolon
One of the highlights of visiting Rumah Bolon is watching the traditional dance performances by the Batak Toba people, which showcase their artistic and musical talents, as well as their cultural values and messages. The dance performances are held twice a day, at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm, on a stage near the entrance of the complex. The dancers wear colorful and elaborate costumes and accessories, such as headgears, necklaces, bracelets, and belts, which are made of feathers, beads, shells, and coins. The dancers also play various instruments, such as drums, gongs, flutes, and guitars, which create a rhythmic and melodic sound. The dancers sing songs in the Batak Toba language, which tell stories, express emotions, or convey moral lessons.
The dance performances consist of several dances, each with a different style and meaning. Some of the dances are:
Tortor: This is the most common and popular dance among the Batak Toba people, and it is performed on various occasions, such as weddings, festivals, and ceremonies. Tortor means “to step” or “to stamp”, and it involves the dancers moving their feet and hands in sync with the music, while forming a circle or a line. The tortor dance symbolizes the unity and harmony of the Batak Toba people, and it also serves as a way of communication and socialization among them.
Sigale-gale: This is a unique and fascinating dance, which involves a wooden puppet that resembles a human figure. The puppet is controlled by strings and rods, and it can move its limbs and head, as well as open and close its eyes and mouth. The puppet is dressed in a traditional Batak Toba costume, and it dances along with the music and the singers. The sigale-gale dance is usually performed at funerals, as a way of honoring and comforting the deceased and the bereaved. The puppet represents the spirit of the deceased, who is believed to still be present and watching over the family. The puppet can also be used to communicate with the spirit, and to ask for blessings and guidance.
Gondang: This is a dance that celebrates the joy and gratitude of the Batak Toba people, especially after a successful harvest or a festive event. Gondang means “to play” or “to have fun”, and it involves the dancers jumping, spinning, and clapping, while holding hands or arms. The gondang dance expresses the happiness and thankfulness of the Batak Toba people, and it also invites the audience to join and share the fun.
Other Attractions and Activities near Rumah Bolon
Rumah Bolon is not the only attraction in North Sumatra, as the region offers many other places to visit and things to do, for all kinds of travelers. Whether you are looking for nature, culture, adventure, or relaxation, you will find something that suits your taste and interest in North Sumatra. Here are some of the other attractions and activities that you can enjoy near Rumah Bolon:
Lake Toba:
This is the main attraction and the pride of North Sumatra, and it is a must-see for anyone who visits the region. Lake Toba is the largest and the deepest volcanic lake in the world, and it was formed by a massive eruption about 74,000 years ago, which changed the global climate and human evolution. Lake Toba is a stunning sight, with its clear blue water, green hills, and misty mountains. You can enjoy the scenic views of the lake from various viewpoints, such as Simarjarunjung, Sipiso-piso, and Tele. You can also explore the lake by boat, kayak, or jet ski, and visit the small islands and villages that dot the lake, such as Samosir, Simanindo, and Tuk-tuk. You can also swim, fish, or relax on the sandy beaches that line the lake, such as Parbaba, Pasir Putih, and Bulbul.
Samosir Island:
This is the largest island in Lake Toba, and it is the heart and the soul of the Batak Toba culture. Samosir Island is where you can find many historical and cultural sites, such as Rumah Bolon, King Sidabutar’s Tomb, Stone Chairs, and Batak Museum. You can also experience the lifestyle and the hospitality of the Batak Toba people, by staying in a traditional house, eating their local cuisine, and joining their festivals and ceremonies. Samosir Island is also a place of natural beauty, with its lush forests, waterfalls, hot springs, and caves. You can hike, bike, or motorbike around the island, and discover its hidden gems, such as Aek Rangat, Efrata Waterfall, Pangururan Hot Spring, and Batu Hobon Cave.
Berastagi:
This is a small town in the Karo highlands, about 70 km from Medan, and it is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Berastagi is famous for its cool and fresh climate, its fertile and volcanic soil, and its abundant and delicious fruits and vegetables. You can visit the colorful and lively Berastagi Market, where you can buy and taste the local produce, such as passion fruit, avocado, orange, and the famous marquisa (passion fruit). You can also visit the nearby attractions, such as Gundaling Hill, Lumbini Park, and Sapo Juma. Berastagi is also the gateway to two active volcanoes, Mount Sibayak and Mount Sinabung, which offer challenging and rewarding hikes, as well as spectacular views of the craters, the lava, and the surrounding landscapes.
Rumah Bolon is a unique and memorable attraction in North Sumatra, where you can learn about the history, architecture, and culture of the Batak Toba people, and witness their traditional dance performances. Rumah Bolon is also a great starting point to explore the other attractions and activities in North Sumatra, such as Lake Toba, Samosir Island, and Berastagi. North Sumatra is a region that has something for everyone, and it will surely leave you with unforgettable impressions and experiences.
If you are interested in visiting Rumah Bolon and North Sumatra, you can book your hotel or tour here. Thank you for reading this article, and we hope you enjoyed it. If you have any feedback or questions, please feel free to share them with us.