# Simanindo Village Museum Samosir Island is not only the geographical heart of Lake Toba, but also the spiritual and cultural center of the Toba Batak ethnic group. One of the hidden gems, preserving a long history of local wisdom, is located in Simanindo Village, in the northern part of the island. This place is the Huta Bolon Simanindo Museum. An open-air museum complex, it invites visitors to trace the glory of the Sidauruk Kings. This museum was a must-visit destination that we always put in agenda on [Medan Lake Toba Tour Package](https://switourmedan.com/) especially for European tourists. It hosts regular, scheduled tortor dance performances. Tortor is a traditional Toba Batak dance. The dances here are performed twice daily and accompanied by live music such as gondang and taganing. Unlike modern museums that consist of multi-story buildings, the Huta Bolon Museum is a Huta, or authentic traditional village. In ancient times, this location served as the residence and defense fortress of King Sidauruk and his family. Entering the museum gates, visitors to the Samosir Tour Package feel as if they've stepped back in time. The Huta is surrounded by an earthen rampart and bamboo groves that once served as defense against attacks from enemies or wild animals. This is where King Sidauruk led his people, established customary laws, and preserved traditions that are now passed down to future generations. In 1969, the royal residence complex was restored and officially opened as a museum open to the public. This permit was intended to ensure the Sidauruk clan's ancestral heritage remains eternal and available for study worldwide. **Other Popular North Sumatra Tour Packages offer by SWI Tour & Travel services:** The [Mount Sibayak sunrise hike](https://switourmedan.com/mount-sibayak-hiking-medan/) is a delightful adventure, starting with a scenic two-hour drive from Medan to Berastagi. The 20-minute drive from Berastagi to the starting point felt quick, and the excitement grew as we approached the trailhead. The 45-minute climb to the summit was incredibly invigorating, offering a moderate challenge and stunning views. Besides its stunning natural scenery, the main attraction of Gunung Leuser National Park is interacting with Sumatran orangutans. With [Bukit Lawang jungle trekking](https://switourmedan.com/bukit-lawang-jungle-trekking/) in the wild, you have the opportunity to participate in elephant conservation activities and even interact directly with orangutans. This destination also offers rafting, navigating the challenging river currents. The main visual attraction of this museum is the row of Rumah Bolon (traditional Toba Batak houses) that still stand strong. The main house, once inhabited by King Sidauruk, now serves as the museum's main building. Therefore, the museum's presence motivates people to tour Samosir Island. The architecture of these houses is rich with meaning. The large ironwood support pillars symbolize strength. Meanwhile, the steeply curved palm fiber roof, resembling a buffalo's back, symbolizes hope for descendants. The front of the house is decorated with intricate red, black, and white Gorga carvings. Furthermore, rows of buffalo horns indicate social status and the number of major traditional feasts held by the King. Inside these traditional houses, visitors can see a collection of royal relics, from traditional cooking utensils and ulos weaving equipment to ancient war weapons and authentic Batak musical instruments. No cultural exploration of Huta Bolon is complete without witnessing a Sigale-gale performance. In the spacious sand courtyard in the center of the Huta, life-size wooden statues dressed in full traditional attire come to life. Dressed in traditional attire, they dance to the rhythm of Gondang Sabangunan music. Sigale-gale is said to have been created to entertain a king grieving over the loss of his only son. Although now driven by a sophisticated mechanical rope system (and no longer a spirit summoning ritual), this dance still offers a magical and emotional feel. Visitors don't just watch; at the end of the session, the dancers invite tourists to join them in the manortor (Tor-tor dance). This is a symbol of friendship and respect in Toba Batak culture.