12 Affordable Lake Toba hotels where you can enjoy scenic lake views

Written by Beverley Lennon

While Medan is hyped for its glorious culinary scene, a real jet-setter should never miss on enjoying a lakeside vacation by Lake Toba (Indonesia version of Italy’s Lake Como!). With the newly built Silangit Airport, you can now fly directly from Kuala Lumpur to Lake Toba in less than 2 hours – saves time and cost!

Not only is Lake Toba the largest volcanic lake in the world but it also has an added appeal – it is backed by majestic views of volcano calderas and offers various opportunities for fun activities like kayaking and swimming.

Right in the middle of Lake Toba, you will also find the volcanic Samosir Island with several affordable stays and restaurants that feature endless views of the crater lake.

And though we know that lakes are often overlooked in favour of coastal escapes, these stays with spectacular views of Lake Toba are sure to make you skip the beach on your next waterfront vacation (some even require a boat ride!).

Read More:

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Note: The prices reflected below are the low season rates, and they exclude tax and service charges. Accommodation rates often change with room availability, and low or high seasons. We recommend double checking for the final prices before confirming your booking.

Getting there

1. Wake up with breakfast in bed or by the pool!: Tiara Bunga Hotel & Villa

If your idea of a perfect holiday is far-flung solitude and breathtaking views, don’t miss staying at Tiara Bunga. You’ll fall in love with this romantic lakeside hotel – nothing compares to the level of privacy and seclusion you will enjoy here.

Photo Via TripCanvas

With a tempting pool overlooking marvelous views of the endless lake, you can’t find a more spectacular hotel setting! And you just need to step out of your room balcony to relish on more blue vistas (for added romance, book one of their suite or villa!).

Photo Via Denalnaibaho, TripCanvas

Photo Via TripCanvas

Photo Via TripCanvas

Photo Via Hendiwank

The hotel is only accessible by boat and is a 30-minutes ride from Hotel Ompu Herti.* Forget about luxury and super royal treatment, you are here for a retreat away from everyone and that’s the point! 😉

Photo Via TripCanvas

The area is extremely popular for fishing, so if this is your hobby, don’t miss experiencing it.

We recommend packing a few snacks for your stay as well, as the hotel is very remote and besides the onsite restaurant, there’s no alternative dining options in the area.

*Note: Boat from Hotel Ompu Herti to Tiara bunga Hotel & Villa is available every 2 hours, and you need to contact Tiara Bunga to arrange your boat transfer prior to arrival.

2. There’s treasure behind your room curtains!: Taman Simalem Resort

If you didn’t think falling in love at first sight was possible, you haven’t seen Taman Simalem Resort. It does not get much more like living with views than here. The idyllic stay sits on an expansive property with panoramic views of Lake Toba.

Photo Via TripCanvas

With its unique charming features, ideal lakeside location, surrounding gardens, sunrise viewpoint and other several activities, Taman Simalem Resort is a crowd-pleaser and seriously got us at lakeside living!

While at the resort, our friends were given a 5-star service with the staff being attentive, professional and willing to go the extra mile to ensure a pleasant stay.

The rooms are unequivocally bright, cozy and comfortable but the show-stopper is surely the Lodge Room where you get to wake up to phenomenal views of Lake Toba.

Photo Via TripCanvas

Photo Via Stevevkhoo, TripCanvas

Photo Via TripCanvas

Photo Via Chepycrew__, Srianalislubis

Though you could easily spend all your time gawking at the jaw-dropping vistas from your bed, we highly recommend exploring the 206-hectare property by starting with sunrise at One Tree Hill – the ultimate vantage spot, followed by a 1.5-hour jungle trek that leads to a twin waterfall – one of the complimentary activities at Taman Simalem Resort.

Photo Via TripCanvas

Just in case you didn’t get it yet, the sensational Taman Simalem Resort is for those who (just like us) love waking up from a deep and restful sleep to the sights of nature, as Lake Toba glimmers nearby.

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3. The perfect combination of traditional and modern – Samosir Cottages

Come in for a potpourri of traditional Batak heritage, modern design and local hospitality! A few of our colleagues visited and Samosir Cottages seems to be one of the few hotels that has managed to introduce contemporary architecture by sustaining the aesthetics of traditional Bataknese culture.

Photo Via TripCanvas

With an almost 4-star service, the hotel aims at ensuring that guests enjoy a relaxing and memorable experience – they provide airy rooms, modern amenities and try their best when it comes to customer service.

Photo Via TripCanvas

Photo Via Noelle_briggita

You can choose from 6 different room types (and you can add an extra bed if required). In fact, the hotel is truly loved by families as the staff is flexible and there are lots of outdoor activities to keep the kids busy while parents enjoy a tranquil romantic time by the lake.

Our team thoroughly enjoyed the banana boat activity – the lake was warm and they were provided with life jackets too.

Photo Via TripCanvas

If you are lucky enough to get the corner suite, you don’t only get to enjoy views of the pool but also spectacular endless vistas of the jaw-dropping Lake Toba!

Photo Via TripCanvas

P.S. Do you also notice that the hotel’s pool area resembles one of a cruise ship? 😉

4. Take the stairway down to heavenly Lake Toba: Inna Parapat Hotel & Resort

Looking for an Instagrammable stay? Inna Parapat is that European-inspired hotel with direct access to Lake Toba.

Photo Via Laurasiagian_

Photo Via Irwansyah_dandy

Even if you are not a morning person (like some of us), you won’t regret waking up early for that quiet morning swim in the infinity pool right above the lake!

Photo Via Afnisyahridaa, Shara_sii_coumell

Though it does not necessarily master luxury appeal, the hotel with well-manicured gardens is comfortable and ideal if you are planning to spend most of your time outdoors by the lake. In the evenings, take a romantic stroll along the expansive stretch of the white sandy shore, lined with paddle boats that you can enjoy as well.

Photo Via Vitriyenti, Seraaahw

Photo Via Rioteguhh, Vonyoktovia

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Don’t need to worry about food – you’ll find a few eateries, restaurants and shops within walking distance too! 😉

On clear weathers, you’ll be left in awe of the lake’s breathtaking beauty and grandeur; and you get to swim in the clear shallow waters right in front of your hotel!

5. Why choose between lake views and infinity pool?: Debang Resort

With its lime green exterior, Debang Resort goes almost unnoticed amidst hills and lake. Basic, yet comfortable, this resort’s most luxurious appeal is its infinity pool that overlooks the majestic Lake Toba with hills and volcanoes sitting afar.

Photo Via Sarisiboro

Photo Via Ezanabusamah

Photo Via kikystefanie, Natalin_tan

The paradisiacal location is a feast for your every senses!

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The stay is suitable for people looking for tranquility and peace as the area wins it at quietude. Families with kids and elders will find respite at the resort as they offer 3 types of rooms that include breakfast as well, though not much options when it comes to food.

Photo Via Poppy-Tamba, Juntri-Ginting

If you are here for more than just the good views, you can also opt for their traditional village tour or trekking packages to Debang Hill while other iconic attractions are around 1-hour drive away.

6. Enjoy sunrise from your lounge chair with toes in the water: Samosir Villa Resort

Samosir Villa Resort distinguishes itself with its two swimming pools and direct access to Lake Toba. You will only be able to reach the hotel by boat as it is located on Samosir Island, right in the middle of the lake.

Photo Via Vickysunardi, Loveautumn2010

Don’t expect anything fancy here except for the gorgeous lake views. The pool area provides a panoramic view of sunrise over Lake Toba and from the restaurant terrace, alluring plants, birds, mountains and lake grace your vision as you savour breakfast. The Suite Room with terrific lake views does not disappoint either!

Photo Via Ekadarma2512, Shelvigracia

Photo Via Lilianty.ong_

Photo Via Aisyahrezkiazhari

The hotel feels blissfully tranquil and secluded though it is relatively near other accommodations and numerous small restaurants. You’ll love chilling in your spacious room and relaxing on the balcony, where you can sit all day long to relish on even better panoramic views.

Photo Via Loveautumn2010

Breakfast buffet is served every morning with a reasonable range of items, though most are local-style dishes. Depending on the season and weather, it can get chilly at the restaurant terrace so we recommend you to carry a light jacket at breakfast time.

TripCanvas Tip: Samosir Villa Resort is a local favourite and it tends to get crowded and noisy during school holidays in June, July, December and January, so we would not recommend you to stay during those periods if you are looking to relax.

7. Your annual lakeside family retreat: Silintong Hotel

Before you judge this hotel’s antique looks, check out its terrific lakefront view and splendid gardens!

Silintong Hotel is located on Samosir Island and you can opt for their special package that includes both hotel room night and ferry transfers – so you don’t need to book both separately. And guess what, even if you don’t enjoy hot and humid Southeast Asia, here, it wouldn’t even matter that there’s no air conditioning in the rooms – with the chilly weather by the lake, it’s already pleasantly cool enough!

Photo Via Ulisinagaa, Razakhusin

The hotel is also known to be one of the few in Silintong with a white sandy shore by Lake Toba, and though it looks basic, you get to choose a room with splendid lake views. And how about a pampering massage by the lake too? You can do it here at an affordable price 😉

Don’t worry about your meals here – simply take a few steps from the hotel and you’ll find plenty of restaurants offering delicious traditional Bataknese food, including fresh seafood, caught directly from the lake.

TripCanvas Tip: Guests can only enjoy hot water within a specific time frame (5am-8am. and 5pm-8pm), so make sure you hit the shower at the right time!

8. Jump from one tree top to the next for panoramic views: Niagara Hotel

The breathtaking surroundings of Niagara Hotel – a profusion of green hills,bright blue skies and an abundance of Lake Toba views!

Photo Via Yunnn1o11

This rather aged hotel features a grand-size swimming pool with a round-shaped jacuzzi sitting right into it, so you can jump from pool to bubbly water- possibly the highlight of this stay.

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Photo Via Fadhlismart

White the lobby is on the third floor, please note that the hotel does not have a lift and is in no case wheelchair friendly. At the time of booking, we recommend you to request for a room on the third floor as this is the only way to avoid carrying your luggages up and down the staircases.

The hotel does not give direct access to Lake Toba but the difference is that it offers guests with hilltop lake views due to its elevated location (and yes, getting there means you have to drive through some steep hills).

Photo Via Gezgrace, H.a.r.a.8.1, H.m.reza_s_umri, Wisatamalangkudotcom

Spectacular views are de rigueur at Niagara Hotel and on clear evenings, you get to salute the sun retreating beyond the lake’s horizon right from your room balcony!

9. A little paradise with Swiss hospitality – Zoe’s Paradise Waterfront Hotel

Feel at home at Zoe’s Paradise – its charming looks will capture your heart at first sight.

The 14-room family hotel is named after Zoe (the owner’s daughter) and is run by a Swiss lady and her husband. Previous guests even rate it as “the best accommodation option in Lake Toba” and it’s no surprise why. After all, what we need on vacation is the feeling of being at home with all necessary comforts and little extras like good views! 😉

Hygiene is at its utmost at Zoe’s Paradise – rooms and surroundings are spotless and the pool is well-maintained and always welcoming. Breakfast served at the hotel is like nowhere else on the island – you don’t only get an extensive choice but the items offered are freshly-made. We recommend their famous canapés (guests return for that!).

Once you don’t expect the Western norms on anything, you’ll really see that this is a gem on the island!

P.S. To add to the exclusivity, you’ll reach the hotel’s private jetty by ferry from Parapat to Tuk Tuk, and they even help to arrange transportation if you wish to rent a motorbike.

10. Breakfast is served with a side of Lake Toba views – Parapat View Hotel

Booking a Superior Lake Room View at this hotel is how you do lakeside vacation right – the room comes with a balcony so you get to wake up, head outside to watch the morning sun change the hues of the ever-changing Lake Toba!

Relaxing days can be spent by the poolside on comfortable nest-shaped loungers, enjoying the gentle natural breeze or simply taking a dip with endless views of the lake and mountains in the backdrop.

Photo Via Yuliana_yuu, Yiwu1988

Photo Via Sandromanurung21

On the main road, you get to choose from several restaurants or you could cross over to Samosir Island for a fun day trip on “the island within a lake”!

But as lovely as sightseeing can be, hurry back to the hotel’s pool area for the unbeatable view of the  setting sun streaking the sky as it slowly disappears behind Lake Toba.

Photo Via Tongam_sitorus

11. Swing from palm trees to the lake – Mas Cottages

Can’t decide between nature and culture? At Mas Cottages, you’ll get the best of both worlds – stunning nature at the very heart of the wonderful Lake Toba and traditional Batak experiences.

Spend a day sunning outside while marvelling at the beautiful lake (before jumping right into it) or meander around the hotel’s grounds and relish the sight of the gorgeous gardens!

Photo Via Tyler.arnestad

Photo Via Sallyriddle

If you are looking for an ultimate lakeside vacation in all seclusion, Mas Cottages is that very place to settle in, as it’s located far from the town centre and all its hustle and bustle. The surroundings are peaceful, tranquil and serene – the perfect spot to tie your hammock!

Photo Via Taos_oceanadventure

We highly recommend you to opt for their traditional Batak houses to stay in – besides waking up to panoramic views of Lake Toba, you’ll get to immerse in local culture!

Photo Via Elvina_gultom, Solideven

12. This hotel is almost floating on Lake Toba – Carolina Hotel

Thought you always had to leave your hotel and hike a few hours to catch the sunrise? Not when you reside at Carolina Hotel! Enjoy the sky’s dancing hues with your feet in the lake!

Photo Via Arypasaribu, Eka.rahma12

At this surreal location, you might almost feel that you’re floating on Lake Toba itself!

Photo Via Sellyandreana, Boodturtles

You’ll be surrounded by lovely greenery around the lake, but that also comes with its downside – mosquitoes and other insects are in abundance so you might want to carry some mosquito repellent as well. Do also close your room door after sunset to avoid inviting armies of mosquitoes and other insects.

Photo Via Beth_yakima

The rooms at the hotel are pretty basic yet comfortable – besides towels and a small soap, don’t expect any other toiletries provided, so be sure to pack all your necessities! While the staff is known to be friendly, do note that only few of them are able to communicate in fluent English.

But if what’s most important to you is the view, you’ll get exceptional value at this place – as even while you enjoy your daily breakfast (included in your room rate) in the hotel’s open-air restaurant, you can bask in the magnificent views of the lake too – quite a vantage spot!

TRIPCANVAS TIP

Do take steps to ensure that you are taking a safe ferry during the right conditions. Here’s some tips shared by one of our writers based in Medan who recently travelled to Lake Toba:

– Get to Pandu Hotel of Prapat as they have their own standard ferry, with adequate number of life vests. You need to charter the whole ferry and it starts from Rp 700,000 (approximately USD 50) during the normal season. It is well-maintained, and they often work with travel agent for foreign group bookings. So if you are coming in a huge group of 15-20 people, this is a value-for-money and safe option.

– Around the area with main hotels, there are ferry services that are in better condition and are slightly more expensive (Rp.25,000 per person, approximately USD 1.80) than the ones docking in the main harbour near the market.

– Look for signs of big winds before boarding, as most ferries (besides the ones we mentioned above) are wooden ferries that are not very stable. The wind tends to pick up around 3-4pm onwards.

– You get what you pay for. Our writer took a wooden boat that costs Rp.15,000 per person (approximately USD 1), and the boat was very rundown. Due to the cheap price, they kept delaying and trying to load more people on board.

– Assess the ferry’s appearance. If it looks new, sturdy and reliable, even if it is more costly, go for it.

Ready to sit back and admire the pristine Lake Toba? Who are you bringing along to enjoy the simple pleasures of a calming view and a refreshing splash in the water? Tag them in the comment section below!

Getting around

To enter Tuk Tuk, Samosir Island (the main tourism area of Lake Toba), you’ll have to catch a ferry from Ajibata Harbour in Parapat to Tomok Harbour in Tuk Tuk. The trip will cost you Rp. 8,000 per person (approximately S$0.80 or MYR2.30) but remember to double check the prices to avoid scams.

If you are renting a car, you can also ship your transportation all the way to Tuk Tuk (include drivers and passengers) at only Rp. 91,500 (approximately S$8.70 or MYR26).

Ferry Schedule

Parapat to Tuk Tuk: 8:30, 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:30, 18:00,19:00
Tuk Tuk to Parapat: 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00
Important note: Please be reminded that the above departure time is subject to change!

On Samosir Island, we recommend you to rent a bicycle or motorbike (Rp.100,000 a day) to explore the island. Both are available on the island and do be cautious as the road safety here isn’t at its best.

Best time to travel

To enjoy the beauty of Lake Toba at its fullest, we recommend you to travel here during their dry season which occurs between May to September. During this period, you can explore clearer blue skies and sunny weather.

Unless you want to spend your holiday stuck in the hotel due to the unceasing rain or use an umbrella as your photo accessory, avoid the rainy season from November to late March.

Public holidays such as Eid holidays or Chinese New Year are not ideal for travelling here too because everything from the crowd to the prices will go up.

This post is made possible by Indonesia Tourism Board

PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you! Tell us

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