One day-off in Gunungsitoli is the time for people to go to recreational spot, just like what they do in other cities. What differs them with us is that malls and shopping areas are usually the main destination. Well, we don't have those in here, so beaches are usually where people will go to.
Among all the beautiful beaches in Nias Island, I am now gonna share about one recreational spot in Gunungsitoli that suits family or friends to gather around and have some quality time.
Location
The location is so near , it takes about 10 minutes from downtown to this place. People can easily reach it with becak motor if they don't have any transportation. So, if you're going on picnic with a group of people like family, friends, school mates or as a couple or even going alone, this place is gonna be a good choice.
Tickets
The entrance ticket is so reachable. Visitors only pay Rp 2000,- per person and Rp 5000,- for the parking lot (no time limit for parking). With this tickets, visitors are allowed to enter the zoo, park and the beach area. If you want to get into the museum/ exhibition hall (I've talked about this in my article,before), you need to buy another ticket which is only Rp3000,- per person for children and Rp 5000,- for adults. So cheap, right?
Food and beverages
This recreational spot has some canteens that provide food and beverages for the visitors. The price is so reasonable, the menus are standard such as juice, noodles, snacks, etc but they taste good. So, no worry for food and drinks, right? But, if you're on a budget or just want to enjoy food from outside, just bring it, no charge at all.
Zoo
In the zoo, there are so many kinds of animal, such as crocodiles, snakes, deers, monkeys, birds and etc.
Well, maybe not as many as the big zoos have in other city but
yaa..as a local I must say that I'm proud with this zoo since this is
the only one we have in the whole island.
Among all the animals in this zoo, there's one animal that really attracts visitors' attention, that is Burung Beo Nias (Nias parrot). This parrot is the endemic animal of Nias Island and it's posture is the biggest among other kinds of parrot. It has short black feather on its head and yellow curve at the back of its head. It's so smart, it can copy any word you mention and it sings Indonesia Raya, as well. So funny and entertaining. Children love to watch it perching, singing and chattering. But the fact that this bird is almost extinct breaks my heart.
Park
People sometimes come here just to chat and sightseeing. The park in this place is so beautifully designed to accomodate that. There are so many benches and shady areas to. The parks are mainly filled with trees and herbs. There are planks in front of each plant that describes their names and use. So visitors are not only to enjoy the view and play around, but also learn new things about plants, herbs and and herbal medicines.
The beach
Swimming area is always the most crowded area in this place. Actually this is not like the natural beach anymore where you can run on white sands and make castles. The beach was already turned into a swimming area and playground with the glide and the swings. Aside from the salty water, swimming in this place feels like in a pool. There are deep areas where adults love to swim but this place is also safe for children since there are some shallow areas.
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| (From left to right) Me-Soni-Petra-Ratna-Delvi. |
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| Petra with her witty pose :) |
The view
The view is so great since it faces the sea yet you can see the port and other sides of the town from the beach area. Since this place consists of museum, traditional houses, zoo, park and beach area, visitors can experience a lot of fun in one place. All the spots are good for photoshoot or even a selfie with friends and family.
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| One of Nias traditional houses built in the park. |
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| There's also a number of wooden houses in the museum that makes us feel like in a village. So peacefull. |
