About Bawomataluo Traditional Village
Bawomataluo Traditional Village is a historic hilltop settlement in Fanayama, South Nias Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Perched about 400 meters above sea level, it is renowned as one of the best-preserved Nias traditional villages. The village is noted for its rows of traditional wooden houses (omo hada), megalithic stone monuments, and the iconic Omo Sebua chief's house, and is on UNESCO's Tentative List.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a hilltop village accessed by a long stone stairway leading to a paved central courtyard flanked by rows of traditional timber houses with steep roofs on wooden pillars. The settlement features megalithic stone tables and monuments, the large Omo Sebua (chief's house), and a stone jumping (fahombo) site. The surroundings offer panoramic views over the surrounding hills and coastline, with opportunities to observe traditional architecture, woodcarving, and cultural demonstrations by local guides.
Key highlights
- 01
Omo Sebua - the traditional chief's house, one of the largest and oldest houses in Nias
- 02
Rows of well-preserved traditional Nias houses (omo hada) lining the central stone-paved street
- 03
Megalithic stone monuments and ceremonial stone tables in the village center
- 04
Fahombo (stone jumping) site where traditional stone-jumping demonstrations are performed