HORAS The Batak greeting.
Horas in Batak language means long live or in Malay dirgahayu. Bataks are ethnics group in Sumatra. There are five major ethnics Batak ie Karo, Toba, Simalungun, Pakpak and Mandailing. In 2000 census there are about six million and 40,000 in Malaysia.
On the way to the Batak homeland. Anyone interested to join.
The traditional Batak house. It's unique structure with three levels of dwelling. The Bataks belief the top level is dwelled by death soul. Second level for the living human. Bottom level is meant for for the animals.
This is the famous Maimoon Palace in Medan. Built by Sultan Makmun Al Rasyid Perkasa Alam Shah in 1887 and completed in 1891. Maimoon Palace is symbol of the Deli Sultanate prosperity.
Tourist are free to snap photos inside the Palace. But you have to give token appreciation for the sake of maintenance.
Masjid Raya Medan or the great mosque is another landmark for the Deli sultanate glory. This mosque was built in 1909. This mosque also served as crowning place for the sultan of Deli.
Simosir Island is volcanic island in lake Toba. Homeland of the Batak Toba. According to Batak law anyone commited adultery will beheaded and thrown into the lake. All the inhabitants are forbidden to fish for three days ( that's what the tourist guide told me), A delightful place to stay, Textiles, fruits and handicrafts are numerous for souvenir.
This is Sipisopiso waterfall plunging water 120 meters from a cave how fabulous a gift from nature.
What I am going to write is not a disrespect to all woman. Just to share a remark from my tourist guide in Sumatra about choosing a wife from Batak point of view. Most sought woman is the one with big bust because she will give abundant milk for the children. Another criteria is big calf. A woman with big calf is hard working. No offence to the Batak. I think my tourist guide tried his very best to amuse me.
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