Huta Siallagan

Huta Siallagan Village: Ancient Stone Chairs & Batak Tribal Justice

Huta Siallagan is a traditional village that has become a popular destination for visitors from all over the country and even abroad. It is a must-visit destination for anyone vacationing on Samosir Island. This destination is also perfect for those who love stories from the past and want to delve deeper into Batak history and culture.

Getting to Know the Traditional Village of Huta Siallagan

Huta Siallagan is a traditional village that has existed for hundreds of years—specifically, for about 400 years. In the Batak language, “Huta” means village. Meanwhile, “Siallagan” refers to the name of King Siallagan. The village was founded by King Laga Siallagan, a descendant of King Naiambaton, following the lineage of King Isumbaon, the second son of the Batak King.

As a traditional village that has existed for hundreds of years, this destination is truly rich in Batak history and culture. Moreover, this village has long practiced law enforcement based on customary law and kinship. It is this very aspect that has drawn many people to visit. Furthermore, the village itself houses many valuable relics from the past.

Want to Experience the Ancient Batak Kingdom Firsthand!

Learning the history of Samosir making one of the unforgettable memory. Huta Siallagan is more than just a stone chairs, it is witness to extraordirary customary law. Don’t let your trip to Samosir just a stopover. SWI Tour & Travel is one of experience local guide tour operator in North Sumatra.

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Medan Lake Toba Tour Package: visit Huta Siallagan, explore sacredness Lake Toba, Berastagi and other iconic destinations in Samosir and Medan.

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Mount Sibayak Sunrise Hike: Explore the beautiful volcano, Lake Toba expedition, Samosir, Berastagi and Medan city tour.

Mount Sibayak Hiking Medan 5 Days 4 Nights, Sibayak Sunrise Hike Volcano & Lake Toba Tour

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Location and Directions

As for its location, this traditional village is situated in Ambarita, Simanindo District, Samosir Regency, North Sumatra. The village covers an area of approximately 2,400 square meters. Interestingly, Huta Siallagan is surrounded by a smooth stone wall standing 1.5 to 2 meters high. In the past, the wall was topped with sharp bamboo spears to protect the village from external threats.

To reach this tourist destination, visitors from Medan must first head to Parapat, one of the main entry points to Lake Toba. The overland journey from Medan to Parapat takes approximately 4–6 hours. Upon arrival in Parapat, visitors can proceed to Ajibata Port to board a boat to Tomok on Samosir Island.

The journey from Parapat to Tomok on Samosir Island usually takes 30–60 minutes. Upon arrival in Tomok, visitors must continue on to Ambarita Village to reach this traditional village. The journey takes about 40–50 minutes. Along the way, visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Samosir Island.

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Admission Fees

The entrance fee to Huta Siallagan is quite affordable, ranging from just around Rp5,000 to Rp10,000. Visitors can come every day from Monday through Sunday. The site is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time, allowing visitors to enjoy exploring the area to their heart’s content.

This place is very comfortable for a vacation. Especially after the government’s revitalization in 2022, the area has become much more well-maintained. The walking paths are now more comfortable without compromising the site’s authenticity. Visitor facilities have also been improved, including adequate and clean restrooms.

Main Activities in Huta Siallagan

While you’re in this traditional village, there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy. Here are a few of them:

1. See Traditional Batak Houses Up Close

The first activity is to see traditional Batak houses up close. Upon entering the village, visitors are immediately greeted by traditional houses that still stand strong despite their age. These houses have a very unique and distinctive appearance due to their curved roofs, which resemble upside-down boats.

One traditional house that is a must-see is the Rumah Bolon. The Rumah Bolon is a magnificent residence for kings and their families, featuring an internal staircase. Its architecture consists of a stilt house made of sturdy local wood, constructed without nails. Additionally, there are other traditional houses such as the Rumah Siamporik and the Rumah Sibola Tali.

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2. Visit the Stone Chair Court Site

Visitors can also see firsthand the Huta Siallagan Court Site, which was once used for traditional trials by King Siallagan and other important village leaders. The site is located beneath a Hariara tree, which is considered sacred by the local community. This is where criminals such as murderers, spies, thieves, and others were tried.

3. Watch a Tor-Tor Dance Performance

Another activity not to be missed is the Tor-Tor dance performance, which has been designated as part of Indonesia’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. More than just entertainment, this dance holds deep spiritual significance, making it all the more fascinating. In addition to watching the performance, visitors can also join in the dancing while enjoying the soothing sounds of traditional music.

4. Shop for Souvenirs

There are also many shops here that sell souvenirs made by local artisans. Visitors can browse and purchase souvenirs to their liking—whether for themselves or to take home for friends, family, and other loved ones.

5. Take Aesthetic Photos

When exploring the area, taking aesthetic photos is definitely an activity you won’t want to miss. Visitors can snap photos with traditional houses or the Sigale-gale statue in the background—both of which are popular photo spots. Interestingly, visitors can also rent traditional attire to wear while taking photos and exploring.

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Visiting Tips

For those interested in spending their vacation in Huta Siallagan, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Visit in the Morning or Afternoon

For the best lighting conditions, visitors should come in the morning or late afternoon. At those times, the heat isn’t too intense, so visitors can explore more comfortably. If you arrive in the morning, you’ll have plenty of time to explore until late afternoon.

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2. Hire a Local Guide

For those who want to truly immerse themselves in the culture and history of this tourist village, visitors can also hire a local guide who is very knowledgeable about this traditional village. This way, visitors won’t miss a single detail and will receive accurate information.

3. Wear Comfortable Clothing and Footwear 

To make your visit more enjoyable, visitors are advised to wear modest, neat, and comfortable clothing. Also, be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking around the village while you’re in Huta Siallagan.

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4. Always Bring Cash

Don’t forget to bring cash to make transactions here easier. For example, when buying souvenirs or tipping your guide. However, be sure to keep your money safe so it doesn’t get lost.

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5. Be Mindful of Your Behavior 

Visitors must also mind their behavior while on the premises. Please do not make a commotion, always be polite, keep the area clean, and do not damage any objects here. Be sure to ask the guide for permission before taking photos in sensitive areas, such as inside the traditional house.

Huta Siallagan is a highly attractive and must-visit tourist destination. Here, visitors can learn a great deal, particularly about the culture, history, and traditions that have been practiced for hundreds of years. This place is also perfect for vacations with family or friends. While here, be sure to maintain proper etiquette as a sign of respect for history and culture. When interacting with local residents, always be friendly.