Tundrumbaho megalithic site inthe  Gomo-region. South Nias. Photo courtesy of Agus Mendröfa.

Description: Gomo is considered to be the spiritual and cultural heartland of Nias. According to legend this is where the forefathers of all Nias people came down to earth from the upper world. Many Nias clans and families trace their origins to this region. Research shows that the first settlers of the Nias tribe who arrived on the island settled in Gomo and spread outwards from there.

Today this is the part of Nias where traditional culture and language remains very strong. One of the reasons for this is the remoteness of this area. Until recently you could only reach Gomo by foot. Even today travel to Gomo takes a few hours and roads can be rough. Gomo is not a specific place but a region where there are many traditional houses and megalithic sites clustered together. The megaliths are particularly interesting here and they are more abundant and more elaborate than elsewhere on Nias. A trip to Gomo is a full day trip, and many people actually end up staying overnight in order to take in everything. Some of the most interesting villages and sites in Gomo are Tetegewo and Tundrumbaho megalithic sites, and traditional villages like Lahusa Satua. There are also some majestic traditional houses with lots of traditional decorations in Sifaori’asi Gomo and Orahili Sibohou villages. Apart from cultural heritage the natural surroundings of Gomo are very beautiful and there are many waterfalls, like Helaowo and Mondrowe. Some adventurous travelers have been trekking in this region, going with local guides on overnight walks from Börönadu to nearby Lölomatua sub-districts.

Travelling in Gomo can be somewhat adventurous and facilities are limited. You are unlikely to meet many other tourists in this area.  If you are interested in the unique culture of Nias and don’t mind roughing it, this will be one of the highlights of your trip to Nias.

Gomo used to be one sub-district, but is now divided into six smaller units. But local people still refer to this region as Gomo.

Getting there: From the south (Sorake or Teluk Dalam) it takes ca. 2-2.5  hours to Gomo. From Gunungsitoli in the north 3 hours. Drive along the coastal road, until the turn-off in Helezalulu village. Follow the road up the hills for an hour until reaching Orahili Gomo which is the center of Gomo. Some attractions in the region can be reached by car, others only by motorbike or on foot. There are motorbike taxis (Ojek) available in Gomo.

Places to stay: There are two basic guesthouses in Orahili Gomo Village: Ud Alex and Penginapan Melky.

Indonesian name: Gomo, Kabupaten Nias Selatan. Gomo includes the following sub-districts (kecamatan): Gomo, Böronadu, Sidua’öri, Mazö, Ulu Idanotae and Ulu Susua.