Bright culture - Dark history | Nias Island - Ep. 91

Headhunting was practiced on this remote island until the late 20th Century! After so long sailing amongst uninhabited islands and white sand beaches, we step ashore in Nias and get to experience the rich culture and heritage there. By chance we got to see a tribal war dance and demonstration of the stone jumping that the island is famous for. Sailing around the world is all about the people we meet and the rich cultural experiences that exist in each country we visit.
We are a British couple who set off from England back in 2016 to fulfill our dream of sailing around the world on our 37ft sail boat, Florence. We are still sailing and along the way we share the live aboard lifestyle with the highs and lows of travelling around the world by boat, our own little tiny house. Boat life out at sea, on the ocean, and off the grid.
Support us on Patreon: / sailingyachtflorence
You can also follow us via our blog at www.sailwiththeflo.wordpress.com
#culture #wardance #TravelIndonesia #sailingyachtflorence #boatlife #sailingaroundtheworld #Indonesia #IndianOcean #Oceanpassage #wonderfulindonesia #sailing #stonejumping #Nias
Music in order as played:
Keep Walking - Alvaro Angeloro - www.hooksounds.com - Creative Commons - Attribution Creative Commons 4.0 license
Ladybird - www.hooksounds.com - Licenced
The Sunshine - www.hooksounds.com - Licenced
War Drums - AudioPanda - www.hooksounds.com - Licenced
The Air - www.hooksounds.com - Licenced
Persecutor - www.hooksounds.com - Licenced

[@jeffreylawrance3981]

Hii guys, I'm customs officer,, thank u for visit indonesia.. stay safe and healthy..

[@stevenh9742]

Hy im from Nias island. Thank you so much for this video. I hope you can make another video about Nias island next time. I'm missing that place so much 😊

[@WedsleyFelix]

Suku niasku juga.

[@Adogsmate4267]

Ah, little kids, so joyful and energetic. They can't help but lift you up.

[@micheldawes1]

@11:30; Wow! Those guys are clearing it easily! And the body English for flair as well!!! Impressive!!! 😮

[@chrisbonner3368]

The stone jumping was incredible.

[@danielpearson6306]

It a privilege for me to view your videos. This is a beautiful island and the people so friendly. Here in the U.S. travelers go places with 4 and 5 star facilities where the same type of people as themselves are and party. I am speaking of all forms of travel. Sailing as you do is the upmost way to travel. I have 2 bicycles on board but wished I had the space to have my Honda CT110 with me. Thank you showing us the real world.

[@seanoob1868]

Watching you exploring Indonesia from a sailboat is so cool, Me and my girlfriend traveled Indonesia a lot and in the end we came up with the plan to buy a sailboat because that seemed to be the perfect way to explore this part of the earth. Thats why we found your channel and seeing you there really brings back the memories of our time there.

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

The boat is a great way to explore the more remote islands but it is a tie that limits inland travel on the larger islands so having previously done that without a boat will only add to your experience.

[@sunline24]

I watch lots of cruisers go to many places all over earth. This episode was one of the most interesting and informative I have seen. Very different life style from my home in Indiana in the middle of the United States.

[@AwangYudiAryadi]

I'm Indonesian, I've never been here. You are lucky as world explorers. Continue your journey. Stay safe and secure until the destination.

[@tallbikercat]

Wow. What an adventure. You must feel very privileged to have a chance to see the war dance and get a private tour of the King's palace. Great job, and thank you for sharing.

[@georgemoore7196]

Fantastic! I know a seven month stay in Indonesia was not in your plans but I haven't minded. I've enjoyed every one your videos from the islands off western Sumatra. This one from southern Nias Island is tops! Cheers

[@willphelps6715]

I want to comment to drive the KZbin algorithms, but this episode left me speechless. Well done!

[@jwph610]

Thank you for sharing the secrets of this amazing place and its people. Brilliant photgraphy and editing!

[@fgansell]

Amazing stone jumpers..great episode..thanks so much

[@bintorodibyoseputro4791]

Hi ...... I have been to Nias Island coupke weeks after the devastating tsunami Dec 26, 2004. I am very happy to see the cheerful people of Nias from your excellent video, unlike during time of sadness because of the tsunami. He is from Nias Island, our Ministry of Justice and Human Right. Mr. Jasona Laloy. Cheers Bintoro

[@andrew-ig2yr]

The house's use a tusked tenon, so when it becomes loose they just bang the peg in to tighten it up again. Have a lovely voyage and keep the videos coming.

[@patrickstratford9798]

Amazing video. So pleasing to see all the children so happy. Not a tablet or mobile phone in sight. Just having fun with friends. You don't need Tec to enjoy life.

[@tigerlily324]

How interesting and enjoyable. You're by far the best!

[@johanvantonder4642]

Hi guys, as per Geoff's comment below, you are by far the best channel on KZbin sailing scene. You are professional and the content is so well chosen and produced. Kudo's to you !!!

[@davidchristianwaruwu4723]

Good bro,I'm from Nias

[@EdToml]

Another exceptional video.

[@sailingmoonshadow3169]

That looked fantastic guys. So good to see some of the culture of the area - that's what cruising is all about for me. Some cliffhanger you left us with there!

[@geoffpalmer6424]

A great episode in your journey. I am full of admiration for the way you portray your interactions with the local people you meet on your journey. The best sailing channel on youtube... God speed on the rest of your adventure.

[@naomiarrowsmith3244]

Thank you for this amazing video. I have learnt about Nias, the Fahombo, and the amazing architecture in my Indonesian class, and it is wonderful Ito see it so beautifully filmed and described. So pleased to see you back travelling around wonderful Indonesia.

[@dr.growlife6112]

Seriously the most raw adventure available in 2021! Love it!

[@j.j.breland1164]

Outstanding narrative and visit. I thoroughly enjoyed it! 🇺🇸

[@MrSpaceRatt]

Wow! This is so fascinating. I have not yet visited Indonesia, but now I want to. The village that had the War Dance celebrating the opening of a service station reminds me of Louisiana - we will have a celebration for ANYTHING. Here, we have rice festivals, crawfish festivals, catfish festivals, sugar cane festivals... they are even working on having an annual GRAVITY festival (What? You didn't know gravity waves were first detected in Louisiana?) My wife is from SE Asia and she was amazed that we eat almost as much rice every day as they do! I miss being in SE Asia. We are now planning a trip to Nias! What a cool place.

[@jimself8214]

It's likely been said, but "cultural exploration" is the best way to visit. I love the rich tapestry of differences of people groups around the world: The colors, similarities and differences between villages, even those who are disagreeable. Love opens many doors. Thank you.

[@ianbellis5226]

Guys, you're GREAT! Just look at the comments, your posts are brilliant. You are so informative and detailed you take us all along with you. I can not believe you weren't professionals in the media industry before setting off. This episode has everything and more one would expect from a big budget outfit with researchers, well done, flipping well done. Can't wait for the next upload, take care, stay safe (looks like next episode has some real drama....)

[@karitane]

The friendliness of the people and the willingness to greet strangers so something I hope will be the normal way of life all over the world. We have people travelling all over the world trying to expand our consumer culture. Maybe they could do the same and teach us a thing or two.

[@Sarieelly]

I love your channel. It has convinced me to join my boyfriend on an around the world adventure. But that cliffhanger....

[@ABeriault]

Wow...excellent documentary info! Florence turning into one of the best sail channels Cheers

[@tomst9417]

This was one of the most fascinating you tube videos I've ever seen. Your videos of your travels in Indonesia have been very educational, and your videography and editing skills just keep getting better with each episode. Cheers!

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

Thanks! 😃

[@soggybottom3463]

Beautiful, well done guys. And those stone tables at the end, never seen anything like it, reminded me of coral reef formations, fabulous. Thanks again, great stuff.

[@LifeOfDubstep]

We yeah, time to sail and explore!... while in a closed room hundreds of miles from the ocean.

[@louispippie]

Amazing content! You guys are deff producing the best sailing adventure vids, even if you don't have celeb guests onboard, if you know what I mean... And you're brits :)

[@johnbosworth777]

What a lovely lady Nitra is ....and. great guide too😂

[@stevelambert7496]

Excellent as always I thought sailing in the storm last episode was scary until I saw the the roads and Matt with no helmet,crocodiles and and the history of headhunters. Thank you so much for taking me somewhere beautiful that I will never see in person

[@mrpmessina]

Great Video! Nice to see great shots and great edits. Also very good storytelling. My compliments. Just one thing. When the camera moves, it seems to cause refraction of the image not sure if it is framerate related. Either way, I really like your videos. Thank you for sharing.

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

You are right, it is framerate related (we are unable to match our camera frame rates), we are hoping to upgrade our main camera to solve this and several other issues but unfortunately it's not easy to get camera gear here.

[@mrpmessina]

@@SailingYachtFlorence Not too worry! You can’t beat a good story and you guys are telling it very well, definitely one of the best I have seen so far. I am hoping to become a boat owner soon and am learning from you guys, as well. Keep up the great work.

[@ianm6204]

I like the Cap. We live just down the road from the Scarborough Marina 👍

[@peterbailey6722]

Hi appsulutly amazing video excellent story well done cheers Peter and Nuch Albany WA

[@Ron-zr6se]

What a wonderful video. Seeing the villages, the war dance and the children's smiles and learning some of the history, such a lovely adventure.

[@chappyd5109]

Things we learn that we would have never known. Excellent video. Thanks so much.

[@itsajourney2611]

I am new to your channel. I love your approach. Can I make a suggestion for a video? A composite video of each year and make a playlist out of it so a new subscriber like me can get a quick overview and then I can drill into the each year with the understanding of the context of your voyage.

[@volkhardstrau4105]

Thanks for the beautiful Pictures. I love this Land, in the Past and now. Much Fun for you in the Future.

[@hughburgess4168]

Breathtaking insight into humanity. Beautiful island and warm happy people. Here, in Northern Ireland we are three weeks into our 3rd lockdown, with no access to our boat in the marina...and I am guessing this will continue to April. Such a privilege to see your adventures and explorations. Thank you.

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

Thank you Hugh, we hope the situation improves for you soon.

[@davidferry548]

That was a fantastic and interesting video , good job. Jumping the stone tower was amazing tho of course I would have just walked around it 😂

[@SailingSVCordelia]

What a fantastic episode. You look so pleased to be getting about again. You are both such likeable people, your videos are so good to watch. 😍⛵

[@micheldawes1]

Another fantastic and fascinating episode guys!Thanks for posting!

[@MrScotland44]

This is an outstanding presentation. I have followed all the previous 90 videos. Well done! Bobsail

[@Midnightposer]

One of your best videos ever... thanks....

[@dianeswift]

Incredibly beautiful video. The drone shots of the village were fascinating . I think this is the very best that you have produced. So great to see the both of you free and happy.

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

Thanks Diane, we are glad you enjoyed it.

[@timtaylor2014]

Watched this yesterday. Awesome, then I heard there was a big earthquake somwhere down there. Hope you're all OK. Thoughts and prayers your way.

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

We are safe and well thank you, although this part of the world has to deal with very regular earthquakes, that particular one wasn't felt in Sumatra.

[@Grahamcracker6366]

Wow! What a special ceremony (?) to be able to witness.

[@pvince71]

Excellent experience and excellent content 👌 Worried about your next video wow hope your safe

[@charisseglen9639]

At first I thought the landing for the hurdle was onto the stone street, but then I saw the sandbox landing area. Great video as always!

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

There is actually just a thin layer of sand sprinkled over the stone street!

[@mickfreeburn9181]

Wow how spectacular The pandemic has made you slow down an do more exploring of Indonesia than you planned if there was no COVID you would have only skimmed over it . I understand being locked down in your boat was very stressful but now you are getting more freedom. One of your best episode amazing editing Matt an Amy . Thanks from your Aussie friends from central coast

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

We appreciate it may seem that way from the videos, yet the reality is we have just had more time sat on the boat in one place to edit videos and share the experiences we have had. It's usually very difficult to edit videos when we are moving as much as we used to.

[@jameswesthart5873]

Great video. Amazing place and local customs

[@davidjones535]

That stone jumping was out standing can we say hay Olympics committee !

[@paulmccormick4701]

Thank you for another great video!!

[@alr2656]

Just looking at that high hurdle makes my knees hurt.

[@kevinreed8041]

Glad to see that your able to explore again awesome video

[@Oceans_Sail]

Amazing! Simply amazing! Thank you so much for sharing. Sailors talk a lot in the pub about the adventures they have had. It’s a bit like fishing. The one you caught is “THIS BIG”. But you have actually done it. Well done to you both!

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

Hi Andy, We're glad you liked it, it is our least watched video so far! We had an amazing time there, especially after so long being isolated. If you enjoyed that one you will probably like our second least watched video episode 61, and check out 39, 40 and 63 too. We have been lucky to have lots of amazing experiences over the last few years! Cheers M&A

[@Oceans_Sail]

@@SailingYachtFlorence thanks, i have watched all of your vids from the start and i think they are great 👍

[@KeithCarmichaelInFL]

What an amazing way to spend one of the worst times in the modern history of the planet! Hope you stay safe and continue to find the amazing events!

[@georgehockaday7584]

Very nice movie. Great! Dee and Deb

[@sails3538]

Very... Very cool guys. Thanks.

[@factanonverba6169]

Hah! Now I know where the old bear skin Guards Regiments head gear goes to. Excellent video.

[@rickkwitkoski1976]

"... they think of barley" !!?? With your English accent, I heard that and not "Bali"! Ah ha ha ha! lovely video as always. Thank you.

[@obrienliam]

Same! I did a double take.

[@dankenney5212]

Such a fantastic video. Thank you so much for your talent and effort.

[@Muratshayev]

Informative. Very cool filmed. thanks

[@dormouse1111]

love your vids, as a child i spent time on the north side of Borneo in Sarawak during the Indonesian incursions. If you get there go and have a look at the Dyak long houses , there fantastic . Probably modernised with satellite now . After watching your vid on Rolly Tasker sail , which i had seen an add for on the side of the Hamble water taxi i have just ordered a set for my boat , thank you for the videos

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

Unfortunately we won't make it to Sarawak on this trip but we hope to see more of the traditional houses of North Sumatra. We hope you are able to get out on the water to try out your new sails soon!

[@georgehorning7027]

Thanks for the fascinating look at an interesting culture.

[@evslone]

One of your best episodes ever, so many fun, informative, entertaining and educational moments. So glad you two have a chance to get back to having an adventure. Cheers.

[@paulsj9245]

Lovely views and insights - good luck for you!!

[@ilCignoTube]

A quality video again

[@johnsavala8202]

Awesome!

[@davek4442]

Wonderful video.

[@MrLebro11]

Wow..what an experience staying in a remote village and immersing yourself in their culture. One of the many pleasures of sailing. Beautifully captured and documented as always. Love your work.

[@man-with-handle]

Well that was sooooo disappointing ........... I would have thought after daring to ride the crazy buffalo, you would have found stone jumping easy peasy Matt 🤣🤣🤣 Maybe you are saving yourself for the crocodile wrestling.

[@stevelambert7496]

Lol That is great .Excellent point but after all the animal cruelty people got on him for the Buffalo video he didn't want the folks who protect stones on him too

[@man-with-handle]

@@stevelambert7496 Hahaha, yes! I had to politely retire from the room when the buffalo cruelty people arrived. The head of steam was building rapidly.

[@IErfanCN]

My island :)

[@GerardLaumen]

Hi thanks for the video guys, I live in Fremantle - just down the road come visit :) I have spent lots of time in Indonesia over the last few years, it's so nice to be reminded of exploring villages on a motorbike - i have never been to Nias but it looks very interesting. While you're in the area you may want to check out Siberut island, i was there about 8 years ago and spent a couple of weeks living in a longhouse with the Mentawai people - it was one of the most memorable experiences of my travel through Indonesia, to spend time with such a traditional and Shamanistic culture :) If you decide to go there stock up on tobacco as gifts to the locals. West Sumatra is so interesting if you can keep your boat in Pedang, explore and head into the mountains. The town of Bukittinggi is a favourite of mine. The local Minangkabau people are one of the few matrilineal societies in the world. Thanks for all the videos guys and enjoy

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

Thanks Gerard, we are hoping to see more of the traditional culture here as we will be in the area until the end of cyclone season in May.

[@helvinchristian7008]

Stay safe 🙏

[@sa1laway]

OK, if not National Geographic, maybe the History Channel would hire you both.? We need you two to keep travelling , I need that fix (and not an auto pilot) to replace everything I can't do. Oh look at that, our mail has been delivered and its garbage day. My dear has just made fresh blueberry scones. Oh the conveniences of doing nothing, yet I yearn to fix something.😀

[@franktartan6808]

Amazing life to see these very different cultures. What about the king? Does each village have a king? Thanks for another great video.

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

each traditional village still has a king/royal family who holds status in the village and helps resolve disputes but they have an elected government for the region (you might have spotted some political banners on the houses/roadside).

[@razzledan77]

Wow.. fabulous video, and great to see you out there again! Amy, where are you from in the Uk? I’m struggling to place the accent.

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

Thanks, I'm from Yorkshire the accent comes back a bit with words like bath, path or nasty but has gradually faded over the years.

[@VeziGulo]

❤❤

[@alstyreshaddon2645]

who cut all the stones eg the round table top ones but more interesting who cut the polygonal stones the the men were jumping over because that technology is all over the world and thousands of years old and nobody knows how it was done point in case is the huge pyramid in Java ????? , Alister in Australia.

[@gerhardvanwaltsleben8944]

Lekker man lekker

[@peterjohnstaples]

How do you get the excellent Google earth? do you pay a subscription and if so which one. Cheers, keep up the good vids

[@REPUBLIKOFNIAS]

Nias Have Freedome frome Indonesia... Life Republik of Nias... ✊✊

[@wcsdiaries]

If I may ask what did yall do for a living to be able to afford this many years of traveling? This is a life goal of mine to do the same one day, but I'm not sure how I could afford it. Or where to even start learning about boats, sailing etc

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

Ep. 79 answers that question as fully as we can in a 20min video...

[@wcsdiaries]

@@SailingYachtFlorence perfect thank you!

[@itemgamers7762]

Hi

[@trihasta4229]

DOIKROMO SURODIWIRYO SAIDI ( CODIAZ DARLA ) 1.SARJADI 2.SARSIDI 1.JOKO 2.SUPRI 3.TRI HASTA 4.MULADI 5.FAJAR 6.FITRIYANTO BROTOWASANA

[@kirk9671]

Do u leave the boat at anchor? It feels risky to leave a valuable resource unattended.

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

we have not seen a marina for about a year, leaving the boat at anchor is the only option in many parts of the world.

[@kirk9671]

@@SailingYachtFlorence I hope I can get that confident anchoring.

[@trihasta4229]

2.SARSIDI 1.ADITYA 2.KATYA OKTAVIARI PUTRI 3.DIAN CAHYANI 4.DEWI

[@MrRourk]

Wait youtube sailors own shoes?

[@paulsj9245]

Obviously rented with the scooters!

[@MrRourk]

@@paulsj9245 like bowling. They rent the shoes.

[@maxanhoury6388]

Begging with the rest of sailing bloggers. Subscription cancelled.

[@sailingmoonshadow3169]

beg, verb: ask for food or money as charity. Matt and Amy are producing an entertaining and educational product in return for optional support (unlike the BBC). Those that choose to support them actually get more than the videos you see here which are always free to watch. Go troll somewhere else, you won't be missed.

[@Chebab-Chebab]

Bye. So long. Take care.

[@paullascelles8362]

I'm sure they shall be distraught to read your comment. Perhaps they could use you as an anchor for their yacht.

[@ahoward3819]

They don’t need someone like you ruining the vibe of the rest of their viewers that appreciate them for the pretty awesome people they are and the incredible videos they produce. See ya.

[@JosephSchneider]

oh gosh .. how are we going to survive without you... dont let the KZbin door hit you in the ass on the way out.

[@silviawermer60]

Hope you are both well after the earthquake and possible sunami in the area.

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

Thank you, we are safe and well.