Cultural performance at the Museum Pusaka Nias in Gunungsitoli.

Description: The Nias Heritage Museum (Museum Pusaka Nias) is a great introduction to Nias. Many tours of the island start or end here, and visitors will get a comprehensive overview of the diverse cultural heritage of the island. The centerpiece of the Museum is an exhibition which showcases the highlights of a collection of 5000 unique artifacts. This includes traditional weaponry, dresses and many interesting ceremonial and house hold objects. The Museum is recognised as one of the best in Indonesia and in 2014 the founder received an award for “best conservationist of cultural heritage” from the Indonesian ministry of culture.

The Museum is much more than just the collection, there are many more things to see and do here. On the museum grounds there are four original traditional houses from different parts of Nias as well as many megaliths and statues. The gardens are the most well kept on the island and includes a zoo with native animals and a traditional herbal garden. Visiting students and researchers often spend time in the Museum library where all kind of books and research about Nias can be found. There is a small beach here which is the best place to go swimming in Gunungsitoli. It is very popular during afternoon and weekends. The Museum Café serves snacks and simple meals. Visitors have the opportunity to stay overnight in one of the traditional houses where modern amenities such as bathrooms, fans, TV have been added to make guests more comfortable. There is also a more guesthouse. The Museum is a peaceful oasis in busy Gunungsitoli and you can easily spend a few hours here.  On Sundays hundreds of local people come here to spend their day off.  

Getting there: The Museum is located 1.5 km north of the city center, before the port area.

Indonesian name: Museum Pusaka Nias