One of the areas in Simalungun Regency, North Sumatra that is worth a visit, especially during holidays such as the New Year, is Sidamanik District.
In this sub-district, natural tourism is the prima donna. The natural conditions there are still beautiful and original. Moreover, the road to this sub-district, from Pematangsiantar is quite smooth with black asphalt, accompanied by views of rice fields on either side.
No more than an hour's drive, visitors can get there, especially in the sub-district capital. Visitors have the option of enjoying the natural scenery, from the tea plantations at Bah Butong to the natural fresh water baths at Bah Simahuting and Bah Damanik.
If you choose to go to the Bah Butong Tea Garden, it is only about 500 meters from the city center of Sidamanik. There is a large gate that welcomes visitors to enter the plantation area belonging to PTP Nusantara IV
Unfortunately, the road access in the middle of the tea garden is not yet paved. Still in the form of pebbles. The expanse of the tea garden itself is on the right and left side of the road. To be able to enter the garden location, the driver is charged an entrance fee of IDR 10,000 for four wheels and IDR 5,000 for two wheels.
Residents have the option to take photos there. For those who want to have a background other than the expanse of tea gardens, such as Bah Butong's writings, replicas of teletubbies dolls and various artificial flowers and wearing tea picking equipment such as hats and baskets, each person is charged Rp 5,000.
"With this tariff, residents can take as much selfies as possible or take photos using the hats and backgrounds that we provide," said Wandi, the photo zone guard.
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