So, you’ve spent a few days exploring Lake Toba, Samosir Island, and many other cool places in North Sumatra. Before you get back home, something important crosses your mind. “Wait, I haven’t bought anything for my nephew & niece!” This thing frequently happens, don’t worry 😀
If you’re looking for excellent gifts to take home from North Sumatra, you can shop for beautiful arts and crafts made by the Batak tribe. By buying local products, you’re helping the local community to survive, especially in the middle of a pandemic.
Read more:
- Visiting Lake Toba? Some Important Things to Take Notes
- Best Accommodations Strategically Located Near Lake Toba
- Hotels in and around Parapat Overlooking The Beautiful Lake Toba
Traditional Batak Souvenirs from Lake Toba
Before you go back home, make sure to pack these goodies in your suitcase. Psst, you probably won’t find these cool items anywhere else! :p
1. Lintong Coffee
The first one is a great gift idea for coffee lovers called Lintong Coffee. If you’re Indonesian, you must be proud of your own country because Indonesia produces lots of specialty coffees. In North Sumatra, precisely at Lintong Nihuta, you can find Lintong Coffee.
Many people love the strong aroma and the texture of Lintong Coffee. The coffee is grown in higher elevations, making the coffee has a nutty and sweet flavor. Lintong Coffee is well-recognized worldwide.
While enjoying the amazing view of Lake Toba, you can drink a cup of Lintong Cofee. You can also buy Lintong coffee beans and take them home as souvenirs.
2. Hasapi
Have you ever heard of Hasapi? It is a musical instrument often played by the Batak people in North Sumatra. This two-stringed lute is known locally as kacapi. This musical instrument is often used by Batak people for religious rituals or for orchestra.
If you still don’t have any ideas about what to bring back home, you can consider buying a hasapi for your family, friends, or relatives. It’s a unique gift everyone will like! You can find many stores selling hasapi when traveling around Lake Toba.
3. Handicrafts
Think about handicrafts as well when you’re searching for typical Batak souvenirs. You can buy fridge magnets, Batak house miniature, or snowglobes. Lots of people like to buy handicrafts for collections.
There are many local artists in Lake Toba that sell their handicrafts. You can help the economy as well as helping locals by buying their products. Their quality of works is also exceptional, so you don’t need to be reluctant to buy the products.
4. Ulos Handwoven Textile
Ulos is the fabric of North Sumatra. It is an integral part of the Batak community. Normally, Batak people use ulos for weddings or other ceremonial events. When you go to North Sumatra, you can buy handwoven ulos fabric for souvenirs. It’s unique and one of a kind!
The Batak people have continued creating this traditional cloth from generation to generation. Currently, there are many patterns and colors you can choose from.
5. Naniura
Another souvenir you can take home with you is Naniura. This is a typical culinary dish from North Sumatra which is a processed fish with yellow spices. You can easily find this dish in the Lake Toba, Medan, and Pematang Siantar areas.
In the past, Naniura was a dish that was served for kings. The fragrance of this dish can arouse your appetite. The delicious savory taste can make you want to eat it again and again.
6. Arsik
In addition to Naniura, you can also bring back home this culinary delight called Arsik.
This menu also uses fish as the main ingredient. In fact, it is not uncommon for this menu to be served at luxury hotels in the Lake Toba area.
You don’t need to doubt the taste of this dish because it is super delicious! Eating this dish with your loved ones will surely be an unforgettable experience.
Shopping at Samosir Island, Lake Toba
For those of you who are planning to visit Lake Toba, you shouldn’t miss traveling to the island in the middle of the lake called Samosir Island. This is a mandatory destination because the place is unique and beautiful.
There is a small village called Tomok on Samosir Island. In this village, you can find many shops selling Batak souvenirs. While walking through the area, you can select souvenirs while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Lake Toba.
Some souvenirs you can find here include wood carvings, ulos woven fabrics, to key chains. The price is also quite affordable. You can buy large quantities to get a discount.
Explore North Sumatra, Buy Local Products to Bring Back Home!
Yearning for a holiday? It’s time to explore Lake Toba, one of the 5 Super-priority destinations in Indonesia. Support the government initiative #DiIndonesiaAja by exploring destinations near home.
While you’re on a vacay, be sure to follow health protocols. Your safety is the first priority! When you’re planning for a trip to Lake Toba, you can also search for the best accommodations around Lake Toba via tiket.com. It’s simple and effortless!
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