4D3N First timer best of Medan and Lake Toba itinerary with spectacular natural scenery and local street food!

Take in views of the sun rising above the lake – One Tree Hill (1-2 hours)

Morning person or not, you have to catch sunrise at One Tree Hill. Known as Medan’s most celebrated sunrise point, it’s located within the grounds of Taman Simalem Resort and could be just few steps away from your room with a view.

The spot is surrounded by range of mountains and offers unobstructed views over Lake Toba. Sunrise is a particularly grand affair here with the waters of the Lake Toba reflecting light in hues of blues, pinks and yellows and on clearer days you might also be able to spot Samosir Island!

Photo Via Oliver_leoo, Devchilger_5

After breakfast at hotel, head to Tigaras Ferry Jetty and catch the ferry to Samosir Island (30 minutes)

There are two ways for you to get to Samosir Island. If you are coming directly from Kualanamu International Airport (Medan), drive down to Parapat Tiga Raja Harbour (4 – 4.5 hours) to take a 30-minute ferry ride to Tuktuk village.

Note: Ferry will cost Rp.15,000-20,000 per person per way (Approximately USD$1.08-1.44) or Rp.100,000 per car and Rp. 6,000 per passenger (Approximately USD$7.20 and USD$0.43) and operates from 8.30am to 6.00pm (every hour).

If you are coming from Tongging (Taman Simalem Resort), we recommend to drive (2 hours) to Tigaras Ferry Jetty to catch a 30-minute ferry ride to Samosir Island (Simanindo port).

Note: Ferry leaves Tigaras at 8am, 9:30am, 11:30am and from Simanindo at 2pm, 4pm and 6pm and costs Rp. 10,000-20,000 per person per way (Approximately USD$0.72-1.44) or Rp.100,000 per car and Rp. 8,000 per passenger (Approximately USD$7.29 and USD$0.57).

Photo Via Andikaasyahputra

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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.

Taste traditional local Batak food at Juwita’s Cafe (1-2 hours)

It’s fair to say that Medan and its surroundings are now world-famous culinary destinations. At Juwita’s Cafe, you get to indulge in traditional Sumatran cuisine. Go for their traditional Batak food, which the locals of Samosir Island are proud of, as the cuisine is more indigenously preserved than any other Sumatran cuisine traditions.

The cafe owners will be more than happy to give you insights on the process of harvesting organic Batak pepper (also known as andaliman – the main spice used in Batak food).

If you are keen to know more, sign up for their Full Day Samosir Forest Batak Pepper Tour. They also offer occasional cooking classes and are often praised for supporting local farmers and kids around the island!

P.S. Your affordable meal comes with views over Lake Toba!

Photo Via Arif_hutapea, Sweeteechin, Santy_huanx

Delve into authentic traditions and peak up your adrenaline rush at Samosir Island

Samosir Island is where you will find that authentic Batak experience many travellers crave for. From quaint villages to friendly locals and delicious fresh food, uncover some of the island’s hidden charms by experiencing a local way of life that is in many ways unchanged.

And don’t forget to add in a little bit of adventure dust to your day!

a. Kayak peacefully around Lake Toba (1-2 hours)

The vast network of Lake Toba surrounding the Island of Samosir offers calm waters, and is the perfect place for some serene kayaking, with not a rapid in sight. You can arrange to hire kayaks from various hotels and hostels, and simply set out to explore the hidden corners of this stunning area.

Various resorts around Samosir Island offer full-day kayaking expeditions too so if you are staying a little longer, you might want to sign up for their excursions and kayak around the entire island!

Photo Via Chickenbuttockk

b. Encounter local culture at the Batak Museum (1 hour)

At the Batak Museum, traditional song and dance, and puppet performances come into play. Reason being – these shows delve into Batak mythology and history!

If you are curious to know more about Batak culture (besides their food), explore the village-like museum and get a sense of the traditional way of life portrayed there, while you go through their uniquely shaped houses and hear stories about the culture, traditions and rituals of the Batak people (including creepy ones – executed bodies used to be thrown into Lake Toba!).

Photo Via Pascal.on_.the_.road_

c. Dip in a seemingly magical pool of steaming water at Aek Rangat (1-2 hours)

Take some time to relax while on Samosir Island. Relish the lush greenery and pine forests of Pusuk Buhit Mountain while you drive to Aek Rangat Hot Spring.

Whether you are looking for next-level relaxation or want to take advantage of its climate, dip in the natural hot spring with thermal sulphur water which comes directly from the mountain.

For your comfort, locals have set up stalls with typical Indonesian snacks so you won’t have to pack much for your pampering session at the hot springs.

Tip: Grab a few snacks from the stall and escape from paying entrance fees! They don’t charge twice!

Photo Via Yuliaburenko, Kimhua78

You will ‘sea’ food and might want to eat it at Jenny’s Restaurant (1-2 hours)

You can’t leave Samosir Island without trying some fresh lake fish and Jenny’s Restaurant is known to master the art of seafood cooking!

The restaurant has developed an interesting variety of dishes worth exploring, with favourites being their grilled fish and chips platter, fresh salad and other chilli-based fish dishes like curries and rendang – all freshly caught from the lake!

Photo Via judy_blyton, icafortunata, kenishen, silvanachandra93, wwuulliieee

Check-in at your hotel!

Charge your batteries as tomorrow will be full of adventures, plus you don’t want to get food coma 😉 We’ve warned you!

Treat your body with a healthy breakfast at Buddha’s Cafe (1-2 hours)

A typical Indonesian breakfast includes rice or rich meat curries and plenty of spices, along with black coffee with heaps of sugar. However, if you’re craving something healthy to start your day, head over to Buddha’s Cafe for delicious platters of fresh tropical fruits, and organic meals that come in vegan and vegetarian options!

P.S. It might not be appropriate for breakfast but you should seriously consider trying their homemade fresh fruit sorbet!

Photo Via Mel_275

After checking-out from your hotel, be on time for your ferry back to Medan mainland (30 minutes)

Double check the ferry schedule, be on time and get ready for a whole lot of additional adventure and fun in Medan!

Gentle Reminder: Ferry at Samosir Island is at Simanindo port!

Recommendation: As lunch options might be limited on the road this day, do pack some lunch from Samosir Island – you are about to explore some hidden attractions!

Explore a lesser-known white crater in the middle of the forest – Dolok Tinggi Raja

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CAUTION: Local sources have recently informed us that there are mafias in the area who have been known for making visitors pay exorbitant entrance fees of Rp.200,000-500,000 per person (approximately USD 14-35). If you are carrying heavy equipments such as cameras, there is a risk of robbery as well, though you can get your local guide to help contact the local police to accompany you, but you will need to fork out Rp.2 million (approximately USD 136) to the authorities. We strongly recommend travellers to skip this location.

We all know about the famous Kawah Putih (white crater) near Bandung in West Java, but have you heard about the Kawah Putih near Medan? Nested in the middle of the forests, the white terraces, outlined by milky blue waters, are similar to world-famous Pamukkale white terraces in Turkey minus the crowd (bonus point!).

Preserved as a nature reserve, the white crater holds a special place in the locals’ hearts as it is famous for an old-time folk legend of how the crater was created! Don’t get caught to the beauty of the blue water though, as its average temperature is 90°C! You can even boil an egg in the water!

If you are keen for a dip, head to the second access point of the reserve – the water temperature is cooler due to the river water and waterfall that rushes from the hilltop…

Photo Via Sri_hendarto-2

Hunt for the hidden snow beach of Pantai Salju

Well, this isn’t really a beach (at least, not what we imagine!) and there’s obviously no glimpse of snow, but if you let your mind wander… the rushing water from the river resembles thick layers of white, powdery snow!

This is a beautiful natural wonder that is worth dropping as you are heading back to Medan from Lake Toba. The cool breeze of the highlands and the refreshing water from the nearby mountain will encourage you to dip in the river!

Note: River currents depend on the season, so always keep an eye on friends, relatives and people around you who might not be good swimmers!

Photo Via Bellamorita26

Indulge in your first Medan durian feast at Durian Ucok

Durian lovers alert! Do you like your durian sweet or bitter, creamy or no? Durian Ucok has it all and all year round! You can get to taste their durian before choosing your preferred one, or get it exchanged if it is not to your liking – everything is made flexible and convenient for you!

With an increasing online presence, Durian Ucok has seen sales escalating from 100kg per day to 40 tons a month and gets frequent orders from Malaysia, Singapore and as far as Papua, Saudi Arabia and the United States! Now, time to taste what all the hype is about!

Photo Via Ucok.durian.medan, Teguh-Iman-Gedidha

Check in at your hotel and freshen up!

We’re sure you might want to be all clean and fresh for dinner time!

Savour in a chicken rice recipe that spans generations at Nasi Ayam No.10

If a stall commands a long dinner queue, you know it’s got to be good and it’s not hard to understand why. At Nasi Ayam No.10, expect layers of complex flavours brought out by over 40 years of training and business.

Nasi Ayam No.10 serves up some truly authentic Hainanese Chicken Rice, with chilli prawns, squid, tofu and egg. Their killer plates of chicken rice are known for being tender and juicy — and best completed with their hot savoury clear soup on the side.

Photo Via Nasiayamhainam_10sp

Gulp down a breakfast of champion at Nusa Indah Rumah Makan (1 hour)

An all-time favourite dish at Nusa Indah is their traditional Indonesian breakfast. It’s actually an array of dishes which will turn anyone into a fan of spices and curry sauce. Accompanied by a pot of tea or coffee, it’s the perfect way to start the day!

Try out their all-time favorite Nasi Gurih drenched with sambal, potato crisp, tauco and curry sauce on top of cucumber slices – a killer combination to fuel up your last day in Medan!

Photo Via Fajardwi77, Ben-Johnson

Shop for edible souvenirs for your foodie relatives (2 hours)

Gone are the days of fridge-magnets and keychains as post-holidays souvenir. Today’s era calls for purposeful souvenirs that are unique to your location of travel. And what can be more universally accepted than interesting local food?

a. Shop for traditional sweet or savoury swiss rolls at Bolu Meranti

Indonesians love cheese so much that they have come up with cheesy versions of swiss rolls- fluffy and spongy rolled cake filled with grated and cream cheese! A perfect match of sweet and savoury!

But if you want to stay on the safe side, pick a flavour that is to everyone’s liking – they have got an infinite amount of colours and tastes from all chocolate to cappucino, strawberry, blueberry and more!

Photo Via Indofoodlovers, Separuhakulemak

b. Buy Medan’s famous spongy Cassava cake at Bika Ambon Zulaikha

The traditional tapioca cake was brought many years ago by traders and became viral, so much so that there is now a whole stretch along Jalan Mojopahit with no less than 30 stores dedicated to Bika Ambon amongst other popular delectables.

We recommend you to head directly to Bika Ambon Zulaikha. You won’t regret it! Get hold of their pandan flavored Bika Ambon, which is soft and chewy, infused with liquor which gives a signature fragrant flavour to the cake.

Photo Via Ipamevil, Drizzeltonight

Treat yourself a last durian galore at Medan’s famous Si Bolang Durian (1h)

You’ll feel as though you were walking down a durian farm, as you pick a seat surrounded by piles of durians, enjoy the ambience and outdoor setting before feasting on the king of fruits! Yep, that is right, you have found your 24-hour durian hangout spot!

The durian joint offers regular promotions with offers like “Eat as much as you can”, so you can get a taste of their immense variety – savory, sweet, and creamy all at once. At Si Bolang Durian, you can expect a creamy explosion of incongruent flavors that are bound to light up the taste receptors all over your tongue – a real cacophony of flavors that will blow you away.

Photo Via Yolanda_sisca

Wipe tears and recall memories while you head to the airport!

Also, don’t end up finishing all of your edible souvenirs! See you next time! 😉