Stone Chairs

More traditional Batak artistry and legend is on view in Ambarita, 5km north of Tanjung Tuk Tuk. The 300-year-old stone chairs is where village matters were discussed and wrongdoers were tried. A second set of megaliths in an adjoining courtyard was where the accused were bound, blindfolded, sliced and rubbed with chilli and garlic before being beheaded. Ambarita, 5km north of Tanjung Tuk Tuk. Guides love to play up the story and ask for volunteers to demonstrate the process.

It is customary to pay a small fee for the tale, or risk meeting a savoury death (just kidding). There is a small market in Ambarita on Thursday (07:00 to 10:00) to the right of the T-junction.