The ultimate guide to Lake Toba – Getting there, where to stay, eat and visit

Versi Bahasa Indonesia: https://indonesia.tripcanvas.co/id/sumatra/liburan-ke-danau-toba/ Why should you travel to Lake Toba? 1. Nature and tranquility – Imagine spending a week or two just doing nothing, enjoying nature and recharging from draining social interactions that are part and parcel of our daily lives. That’s the sort of tranquility you’ll find in Lake Toba! Photo from Wonderful Indonesia Doesn’t that sound singularly awesome? 2. Chilly weather – Sometimes we take time off for a trip overseas, just to get away from our everyday routine. We find there’s nothing better than Lake Toba’s lovely chilly weather – the perfect sweater weather for snuggling up to lovely views. 3. Breathtaking landscape – If you’re interested in ditching the urban landscape for sweeping vistas and rare fresh air – then this enormous crystal clear lake that’s almost twice the size of Singapore is what you’re looking for. Photo Via Mentaritravelservices You’ll find dramatic views here as it’s located on a super volcano in Northern Sumatra that has been dormant for the past 74,000 years – and situated amongst towering mountains and drifting clouds! 4. The Batak people and culture – It isn’t just a place where you get to love yourself as much as you want, though. Chances are, you’re going to fall in love with the friendly Batak people and culture, who make their home on Samosir island, a little island sitting in the centre of the lake. Photo from Wonderful Indonesia Although the gorgeous views that surround it have given Samosir quite a reputation, the island remains untouched in all its nature and greenery. Leave your work behind, and get on a flight – it’s high time for some mind and body healing. 1. Where is it 2. Best time to visit A.K.A. When to ask your boss for time off I want to have a fun-packed time September - November* This period every year is when you get to have a blast partying it out with the locals at the Lake Toba Festival, an annual event that showcases local art, music, and sports; it includes exciting activities such as dragon boating competitions, art performances, and even fashion shows. Photo Via Intravel US Note: Be sure to check out when the festival will be held before you plan your holiday, as the dates are subject to change every year! I just want to sit back and chill May - September Not a fan of hanging out with crowds? The dry season occurs between May to September, when the views are at their very best and no crusty cloud is there to (literally) rain on your parade. The month of May is also the golden month when the weather is a perfect degree of warmth - we’re definitely not fans of swimming in sweat and rain. As with everything else in this world, there are things you should do, and things you shouldn’t: When NOT to ask your Boss for time off I want to look like a drowned rat Winter Rain tends to come in buckets during the winter months, so it wouldn’t be a great idea to visit Lake Toba during this period… unless you’re a fan of grey skies and umbrellas as permanent accessories. I want to be canned sardine Chinese New Year Chinese New Year is when tourists flock to Lake Toba and everything goes up, up, up - prices, crowds… the only thing that goes down is your satisfaction. 3. Getting there Currently, there’s no direct way to get to Samosir - you’ll have to take a plane to Medan, travel to Parapat, and then board a ferry there to Tuk Tuk on Samosir Island. It’s not exactly as easy as abc, but we believe some things are worth working for. Besides, we’ve broken everything down to make things easier for you. How to get to Lake Toba 4. Getting around You’re surrounded by water and scenic lake views; why would you want to do anything other than travel around by boat? As Samosir island’s main mode of transport, boat rides are also really cheap there, costing around US$1 per trip. Compared to your usual bus rides, you might even save some money while you’re there! Photo Via H.Y.D.E However, if you’re more interested in being a badass and traversing those bumpy roads like nobody’s business, you can always choose to hire bicycles or motorcycles as your vehicle-of-choice. For slightly badass people Bicycle Rental You can get bikes at most cottages and guest houses in Tuk Tuk for a very small fee. But if you’re not planning to return home with a few more bumps on your person, you might want to watch out - road safety isn’t at its best here. Bike riding has its advantages, though. The plateau located on the east side of the island is a popular biking site, as you’ll get to pass by many traditional villages and enjoy a panoramic view of the lake. For very badass people Motorcycle Rental Price: IDR$100,000+ (US$7.18) per day (includes full petrol) Note: Most of the motorcycles for rent are privately owned by the renter, and you may have to return them before sunset or at the owner’s discretion. Try not to flout bike return policies, or you may end up racking up some extra charges! For people who just don’t want to do things by themselves Tours Some accommodations offer tour bookings that tourists can sign up for. If it’s your first time around and you’re not confident enough about making it on your own, here’s some professional help for you. 1. Carolina Hotel Offers a regular Samosir sightseeing tour visiting all the well known touristic places such as Ambarita, Tomok, Pangururan. 2. Horas Family Home Offers a full Samosir Day Trip by Car under their Credo ‘Exclusive & Excellent’. Only applicable to guests actually staying with Horas Family Home. 3. Tabo Cottages Offers much more than only regular sightseeing and includes adventurous and off the mainroad exploration of Samosir. For people who don’t appreciate “strength through adversity” Car Rental Some hotels and guest houses, such as Carolina Hotel, offer transportation services. If you prize comfort, this is the way to go. 5. Things to do As much as Lake Toba is an awesome place to kick back and enjoy your privilege to do absolutely nothing, it’s always good to prepare for a rainy day. If you ever find yourself bored and itching to find something fun to do, fret not, because Lake Toba can be an exciting place to visit as well. Aside from the annual Lake Toba Festival, the area is littered with historically rich cultural monuments and nature sites that are mind blowingly beautiful. Whenever you wish, an adventure is waiting for you. 5-a. Samosir Living up to its title as the centre of Lake Toba’s tourism industry, Samosir island has a myriad of activities to do and sites to visit. 5-a-1. Swim and fish around this majestic waterfall – Binangalom waterfall This stately waterfall is one of the popular tourist attractions on the island. Water falls in majestic waves from the top of a cliff directly into the lakewater, making for an interesting sight. Photo via rista_rohana On hot days, you can enjoy a cool swim around this natural wonder, as well as fishing. Or, we don’t know, you could take tons of photos to show your friends. Photo via martkristin 5-a-2. Hike up a volcano for the gorgeous views! – Pusuk Buhit Pusuk Buhit is a volcano that is located in Northern Sumatra. However, it’s not known for frightening explosions, but for a gorgeous view – rolling green hills that go on forever. Batak legend has it that the first Batak man, the Batak King, was born on Pusuk Buhit. Even now, many Batak descendants still scale the mountain in order to garner blessings from him. If you’re fit and up for some exercise, why not try hiking up the summit? There are multiple routes to take in order to scale this volcano, and none of them are too strenuous, although it might take you seven or eight hours to reach the top. Photo via fm_nur But hey, you’ll be hiking amongst striking grassland and the best of nature, and you’ll even be awarded with extraordinary view of the sunset if you time your hike right. If you ask us, all the blood, sweat and tears will be worth it in the end. Photo via Ares-Jonekson-Saragi 5-a-3. Experience local culture – Batak Museum If you’re interested in the rich Batak history and culture, what better place to experience it than at the Batak Museum? This grand building, before stepping into its role spread knowledge of local culture, used to be the home of the deceased Raja Sidauruk. Photo via paulus_tampubolon, ridwanwaeleh Now, it is a major tourist site and the place where traditional dances and the Sigale Gale puppet performance are held. The Sigale Gale puppet is a life-sized wooden puppet that is used during Batak funeral rites as a vessel for the spirit of the dead. Although its origins are a little creepy, the puppet is now a staple in dance performances that are well-known to tourists. Photos via auroraribka, samanthaclarissa, man.tampubolon 5-a-4. Have a splashing good time with incredible views – Watersports Being surrounded by nothing but water, it’s not surprising that Samosir offers a wide variety of water sport activities for tourists. Here, you can try your hand at jetskiing, go on a banana boat ride, and even kayak across the clear lake waters. Photos via dillahijau, monkeytheluffi Working out, keeping fit and doing all these against a breathtaking backdrop? That’s one good deal you won’t get anywhere else. 5-a-5. Have a soak in a natural hot spring – Aek Rangat Who doesn’t like natural hot springs? At the feet of Pusuk Buhit, just across from Pangururan, you’ll find some hot springs. It costs IDR$2,000 to enter the area, but access to the pools are free, except for a pool for foreigners that costs IDR$10,000 to access. Photos via yuliaburenko, kimhua78 A word of advice, when we say hot spring, we really do mean hot spring. Don’t try swimming around in it, or soaking your whole body into it at one go - chances are, you’ll end up hopping back out again. 5-a-6. Experience the local village life – Tomok village Tomok village is a small, traditional village on Samosir that preserves many important historical sites. In order to get to know more about local culture, this is one stop that you cannot miss. Photos via retnonono, nadforbetter Not only does the village feature some beautiful traditional Batak houses, it’s also home to the stone tomb of the late king Sidabutar. You’ll also find a series of stone statues, as well as souvenir shops that sell meaningful Batak souvenirs. Just in case you didn’t manage to watch the Sigale Gale puppet performance at the museum, you can also find it here. Photo via annlublog Go ahead and take a trip back into the past of the Batak people, and remember to buy a souvenir home to record your travels! 5-a-7. Tuk Tuk: Photo Via Daese Nyoriman The first must-go on the island is none other than Tuk Tuk, the area where tourists, good food, and unique resorts converge. Most tourists will doubtlessly end up in Tuk Tuk when they visit the island, as many good hotels can be found here. Photo Via Getintravel.com Other than being a good vantage point to admire the views of Lake Toba, Tuk Tuk also offers some good shopping and drinking spots. Photo Via Johnkidly.com 5-a-8. Visit an ancient stone courtyard (of decapitation!) – Batu Kursi Raja Siallagan, Ambarita Photo via harindabama The village of Ambarita is another old village on Samosir island that has been witness to many historical events. The most popular spot in the village is Huta Siallagan, where a confusing mix of stone tables and chairs can be found. No, they’re not there for you to sit on. They’re in fact part of an ancient courtyard, where the kings convicted criminals and decapitated them on the spot. It’s a story that makes you think twice about sitting down, right? 5-a-9. If you love art or fashion, watch/buy traditional Batak cloth in making – Lumban suhi-suhi village Fashion lovers will appreciate the chance to get in touch with the Batak people’s traditional cloth, the Ulos, at this tiny village. These intricately printed cloths are entirely handmade with traditional tools – beautifully crafted labours of love. Photos via edededan, johnnysiahaan, gyrtia Here, you get the chance to view the entire Ulos-making process, and when it’s over, you’ll even get to pick out your favourite and buy them from the maker! 5-b. Parapat 5-b-1. Marketing on Saturdays – Weekly market at Pekan Tigaraja Although Parapat is most often seen as a place to stop by on the way to Samosir island, it also has interesting activities of its own. One of these is the weekly market that can be found on Saturdays next to the ferry wharf. Photos via Filippo Torreggiani, bjornrotting, goseewriteme On these days, locals converge to sell interesting Batak handicrafts, fresh fruits and vegetables. If you happen to pass by on your journey, do check it out! 5-b-2. See the legend of the hanging rock – Batu Gantung in Parapat Do you know how the town of Parapat got its name? The answer can be found in the hanging rock located there. The girl-shaped rock that hangs from the wall of a cliff is said to be the manifestation of a young girl who was trapped in the mountain and never managed to be rescued. Because she repeated the word “Parapat” before she was buried alive in the mountain, the city was given the name Parapat. Photos via alamnegerikoe, nabillanm If your schedule is loose, don’t be content with exploring just Parapat and Samosir island alone. On your way back to Medan for your return flight, you can always travel northwest to the cities of Merek and Berastagi to catch a glimpse of some more natural wonders – there’s no such thing as too much adventure. 5-c. Merek 5-c-1. Hike up a stunning waterfall – Sipiso-piso waterfall Photo via mr huy If you’re a fan of hiking, don’t miss out on the chance to hike up along this gorgeous waterfall. Reaching a height of 120m, this stunning waterfall is barricaded by endless greenery, making it the perfect destination for your next “I made it!’ photo. Photo via hipponite, saputraroe While a return trip to the falls may take a hefty 7 hours, it’s a must-go for avid hikers who also happen to love Instagramming their escapades. 5-d. Berastagi 5-d-1. The easier hike that’s no less beautiful! – Gundaling Hill Photo via jeprileositepoe Don’t have enough stamina for hiking? No worries, here’s a far easier option for you. Berastagi’s Gundaling Hill is further north from Merek, and boasts of a great view of Mt Sibayak and Mt Sinabung in the distance. Photo via deswanty_sitanggang Better yet – you’ll only have to walk for about an hour to reach the top and get your reward. The roads are also paved well, so it’s practically little to no effort. Lazybugs, this is your pick. 6. Where to stay: As the center of Lake Toba’s tourism and home of the indigenous Batak people, Samosir island is naturally where most tourists choose to stay the night at. You’ll want to stay in the Tuk Tuk area of the island, where things are most alive and happening - many popular restaurants, guesthouses and bars are located here. (Trivia: Did you know that the Batak people are one of the very few ethnic groups in Indonesia that makes up part of the Christian minority? With their traditions and beliefs such as guardian spirits – the afterbirth, after the birth of a child – the Batak culture can be truly fascinating. ) 6-a. Lakeside accommodation in Samosir 6-a-1. A taste of heritage – Carolina Hotel Photo Via Ranselkecil Carolina Hotel is one of the most popular hotels on Samosir island, and rightfully so. For the cutthroat prices that you pay for their rooms, you get a view worth much more than that. The rooms are also traditionally styled, giving you the full Batak experience! Photo Via Instagram Via Carolina Hotel Step out onto your balcony for a sweeping view of the facing mountains and wide lake, take a stroll along the beautifully managed gardens or grab a bite at the hotel’s restaurant overlooking the lake - wherever you go, you’ll be greeted with all the beauty that Lake Toba has to offer. Photo Via Cacasidauruk 6-a-2. Have some family fun! – Samosir Villa Resort If you’re a family looking to have some family fun, in (obviously) a family-friendly accommodation – bring the kids down to Samosir Villa Resort! Photo Via Putripanjaitan Looking a little like a lakeside lodge resort, why not book a family room for your family’s trip to Lake Toba? While the rooms might be slightly humble in style and amenities (like an electric kettle), the resort more than makes up for it in its features, views, and all-around fun vibes. Photo Via Michaelkitong , Priscaangelina Beautifully situated lakeside, the resort also comes with 2 swimming pools, a playground for the kids, fitness room, and best of all – the best swimming spot in the lake! (Well, accordingly...) Photo Via Aisyahrezkiazhari,Dewikusuma For nibbles, head to the restaurant for some food if you’re too lazy to venture out. On the other hand, there’s a bar available should the adults want to get a drink or two! 6-a-3. A taste of home – Mas Cottages Tend to get homesick when you’re out travelling? Maybe Mas Cottages will be the place for you. This family-run establishment has been steadily collecting accolades from guests, and has been praised for its friendly, home-like atmosphere and staff. Photo Via Marishka We guess it also helps that the rooms are all located right on the lakeshore - you’ll wake up to an incredibly stunning view every morning. Photo Via Stephi,San-S 6-b. Parapat We’d recommend that you stay on Samosir island in order to get the most out of your trip, but we all know about the much hated but often inescapable Murphy’s Law, right? Anything that can go wrong will go wrong, so we’ve got two hotels in Parapat listed down for you. Just in case something does go off the rails (and you miss your ferry to Samosir (*touch wood*), you’ll be well prepared enough to pretend that it was always part of the plan. 6-b-1. Clean and green – Atsari Hotel Parapat (from US$57) If you have a bit of a green thumb or love greenery, you might even end up not wanting to leave Atsari Hotel. This classy hotel in Parapat not only faces Lake Toba, it’s also surrounded by greenery on its premises. There’re even trees planted in balconies! Photo Via Feryndraha,Bagastanatama Cool at night and quiet in the day, the hotel’s spacious and well-furnished rooms are a prime choice for the tired traveller to crash for the day. 6-b-2. Top of the world – Niagara Hotel and Resort Photo Via Maitheng Perched on high terrain, Niagara Hotel and Resort offers never-ending views of Lake Toba that stretch on for miles. Simply furnished with spacious rooms, this is a decent, fuss-free option for a short stop in Parapat. Photo Via Ellistravels,Ekagusmard Just make sure you get the rooms that face the lake, and the gratifying views will be able to appease any cranky traveller. Photo Via Dinivitri, Margaretmarlina 7. Where to eat Tuk Tuk is the place where Samosir island is most alive. Restaurants, bars, fun activities - all these and more are available in the area. Most eating establishments and popular restaurants can all be found here. In the evening, some places even offer Batak bands, dances, and traditional performances, showcasing the melodious music and strong vocals that the Batak people are so well-known for. In short, this is the place to have fun, get drunk, and stuff yourself silly. 7-1. Order up a feast! – Maruba Restaurant If you’re an advocate of the saying that you can never be too full, you’re already going to love the Maruba Restaurant. This restaurant has raving reviews from patrons and is highly hailed as the best restaurant on the island. The fish curry and sweet & sour chicken here is said to be drool-inducing, so don’t miss out on these dishes when you drop by! Photo via treasuresfromtheroad What could be better than a restaurant that serves jaw-droppingly good food? A restaurant that serves jaw-droppingly good food and allows you to order a feast, of course. When you make the order one day in advance, you and a friend will be able to enjoy a sumptuous traditional Batak meal. Yes, the Batak food that is so loved by customers. We wouldn’t mind starving for a whole day just to eat that. 7-2. A fan of fresh fish? – Jenny’s Restaurant Love fresh fish? No fish can be fresher than what’s served at Jenny’s restaurant – fish from the lake grilled right in front of the store. If you’re a fish fan, Jenny’s the place to get your fix. Photo via josephinetang The interior of the restaurant may not be up to the sky high standards of many restaurants and cafes these days, but if you know how to appreciate a well BBQ-ed fish, come join the queue in front of Jenny’s Restaurant. 7-3. Get that vegan fix – Buddha’s Cafe Even if you love your veggies and not meat, Samosir island has something for you. Buddha’s Cafe not only has a quiet garden design showcasing a sprawling view of the lake, it also has some of the best vegan food around. Photo via mikebroadhead, mayaancela, libbyowenedmunds, libbyowenedmunds Whether you’re vegan or not, you’ll still fall in love with the cafe’s signature homemade sorbet ice cream. What could be better than enjoying a cup of ice cream after a tiring day out on the waters of the lake, right? Um, maybe all the other kinds of yummy food that’s listed on the menu. 7-4. Enjoy local specialty, Pork Sak Sang – Horas Shugary Ever had pork sak sang before? Well, we haven’t, and we think it’s time to start stuffing ourselves with pork. Horas Shugary is most well known for its large and delicious portions of pork sak sang, a local specialty grilled pork belly dish. Photos via bumres, avegandownunder If pork ain’t your thing, the restaurant also serves both western and indonesian food to cater to everyone’s taste buds. The best thing is, you won’t even have to be sad about missing out on that one dish, because everything else, from the rendang to lobster, is just as delectable. 8. Extra Tips Now that we’ve got your hierarchy of needs all covered from top to bottom, it’s time for the last hurdle and you’re off on another travel adventure! Before you click that “confirm” button on your air ticket booking… have you taken note of these things yet? i. Don’t let your electronic equipment die. There are instances of power failure in the island, which may extend until the next morning, so make sure you charge all your stuff before 9pm. ii. Don’t freeze to death. The weather is generally cool, but if you come from a tropical country where it’s normal to sweat half your life away every day, it would be prudent to bring a jacket along. iii. Don’t end up poor. Exchange rates can be poor in the Lake Toba area, so try to get all the money you need before you leave Medan. There’s only one ATM on Samosir machine, which only accepts Cirrus and Mastercard. iv. Don’t freeze in the shower. Hot water may not be available at all times throughout the day, so be sure to check when hot water is available so you won’t have to bathe with icy cold water. Also, try to bathe before 9pm too, in order to prevent the water going out on you while you’re jumping around with shampoo in your eyes. Now that you have read all there is to know about Lake Toba, you should definitely go check this beautiful place out in person. Let us know what is your favourite thing about Lake Toba below! Photo via sipipin This post is made possible by Indonesia Tourism Board

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