Accommodation in Gomo
Gomo is a region in the hilly interior of South Nias considered to the cultural and spiritual home of Nias people. It is still one of the most traditional areas of Nias and anyone interested in Nias culture should visit Gomo. There are also many unexplored natural attractions such as waterfalls and caves. Until recently the access was very bad and there were no places to stay. Today the roads are much improved and travelers make their way to Gomo by car or motorbike. Having said that the road is still rough in many place and some outlying villages can only be reached by motorbike or on foot.
Orahili Gomo is the largest village in the region and the administrative center of Gomo sub-district. This village can be is a one hour drive from Helezalulu village along the main east-coast road. Travel times from Gunungsitoli is roughly 3 hours and from Teluk Dalam 2 -2.5 hours. Due to the time it takes to reach Gomo many visitors prefer to stay overnight. It takes at least two days to fully explore the cultural and natural sites in the Gomo region. There are two very basic guesthouses and some simple eateries in town, mainly catering for visiting contractors and government officials.
Getting there: Most visitors arrive by car or motorbike and use their own vehicles to explore the region. Note that not all sites can be reach by car. Guesthouses can help to arrange transport by ‘Ojek’ (motorbike taxi) to these places. There are daily local transport (minivans called angkot) going back and forth from Gomo to Gunungsitoli and Teluk Dalam.
Penginapan Melky
Owner: Ama Melky Zebua
A very basic wooden two-storey guesthouse in the center of the village. It is located on the northern side of the parade ground next to the government office. There may not be a guesthouse sign in front, but just look for a large balcony on the second floor. There are 4 simple double rooms with electricity but no fans. Clean and functional Indonesian style bathrooms both upstairs and downstairs. IDR 100.000 per room.
Mob: +62 853 6072 9900
Ud Alex
Jalan Gubsu No 11. Owner: Ama Alex Telaumbanua
A very basic concrete two-storey guesthouse near the center of the village. It is located on the left side of the main road just before the village square. There may not be a guesthouse sign in front, but just look for an orange house with a shop sign saying UD ALEX . There are 5 simple double rooms with electricity but no fans. Very simple Indonesian style bathrooms downstairs. IDR 70.000 for single rooms and 100.000 for doubles.
Mob: +62 813 9658 2086
Places to eat
There are a few food stalls and simple eateries around the village. The most popular and reliable restaurant is Rumah Makan Mentari.
Rumah Makan Mentari
Simple eatery serving standard Indonesian food located on the south side of the village square (opposite Penginapan Melky). Opens early to serve breakfast and stays open until late. It is possible to pre-order early breakfasts and packed lunch here. This is the most popular place to eat for visiting contractors and government officials. The owners are friendly and helpful.
