DAIRI, kiprahkita.net - Dairi Regency in North Sumatra Province is well-known. Many visitors come to this cool area, especially to enjoy the charm of Lake Toba from a height. Its capital, Sidikalang, is famous for its aromatic and unparalleled coffee.
Dairi is also known for producing vegetables and fruits. Vegetable traders from various regions often visit to buy produce, which they then sell in various cities in North Sumatra, Riau, Aceh, and West Sumatra.
However, Dairi is not standing still. In addition to horticulture and fruits, Dairi is strengthening its position in the tourism sector.
One of the unique and rare tourist destinations in the world is located in Sitinjo I Village, Sitinjo District, Dairi Regency.
It is called unique and rare because it not only pleases the eyes but also enhances knowledge and understanding of the religions in Indonesia.
In an area of 130,000 square meters, situated on a hill where you can freely view Sidikalang, the capital of Dairi Regency, the expanse of people's horticultural gardens, and pine forests, you will surely run out of time to enjoy all the offerings available at the Taman Wisata Iman (TWI), which includes the Taman Firdaus.
The construction of this best religious tourism destination in Indonesia began in 2001, initiated by the then regent of Dairi, Dr. MP. Tumanggor.
The construction started in 2002, marked by the laying of the first stone by the Minister of Religion, Prof. Said Agil Al-Munawwar, and it officially operated when inaugurated by Dairi Regent Johnny Sitohang Adinegoro on October 29, 2018, after being completed with Paradise Park.
At Taman Wisata Iman, there are worship houses for Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Catholicism, and Protestantism. Meanwhile, at Paradise Park, located within the Taman Wisata Iman complex, you can enjoy a historical glimpse of humanity replicated in statues, from Adam and Eve being tempted by the devil in the form of a snake to eat the forbidden fruit, to Moses spreading the religion, Abraham about to sacrifice Isaac but replaced by God with a ram, the journey of Jesus to the cross, Noah's ark, and others.
Just entering the Taman Wisata Iman gate, you immediately face a steep incline lined with towering pine trees on both sides. The first building you encounter is the magnificent Saddhavana Vihara, full of stunning carvings and sculptures.
From the Vihara, the journey continues to the Taman Firdaus. Here you have to park your vehicle before entering the Taman Firdays gate.
This is where you will find the statue replicas of Adam and Eve. There is also a replica of a giant snake, the incarnation of the devil.
The snake tempted Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. Under the snake's belly, there is a stage for various art and cultural performances.
After enjoying the allure of Adam, Eve, and the devil in the form of a snake, you can continue your journey to witness the statue replica of Prophet Moses delivering his teachings to the people, or the replica of Abraham about to sacrifice Isaac by God's command, or go straight up to the tower to see the charm of Sidikalang from a height.
Next, you can enjoy scenes from the crucifixion journey in the form of large statue replicas, the flow of the Lae Pandaroh river, and the cave of the Virgin Mary.
Then, you will reach the Hindu garden with Balinese-style gates and temples. There is also a replica of Noah's ark. The end of your journey in this park is a beautiful mosque complete with a miniature Kaaba, a miniature Hajj pilgrimage, and a depiction of the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca.
If you are coming from the southern part of North Sumatra Province and West Sumatra Province, access to Taman Wisata Iman can be made from Siborong-borong, turning left towards Dolok Sanggul, Humbang Hasundutan Regency.
The travel distance is about 125 kilometers. You can also reach Sidikalang from Parapat and Pematang Siantar. From Parapat, it is about 131 kilometers, and from Pematang Siantar, it is about 136 kilometers.
If you are coming from Medan City, the travel distance is 150 kilometers. But don't worry, you will pass through beautiful cities in North Sumatra, including Brastagi and Kabanjahe.
here are stunning views on both sides of the highway, from horticultural plantations to fruit-picking parks for oranges, honey salak, and strawberries. The air feels very cool, although occasionally it can be bone-chillingly cold.(MUSRIADI MUSANIF)
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