Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit a lake that was once a massive volcano? A lake that is so large that it has an island the size of Singapore in the middle? A lake that is surrounded by lush green hills, traditional villages, and ancient monuments? If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable travel experience, then Lake Toba in Sumatra, Indonesia is the place for you.
Lake Toba is an extraordinary natural wonder of the world, the largest and deepest lake in Southeast Asia, and the site of the largest volcanic eruption in human history. It is also a place of immense beauty, cultural diversity, and historical significance, where you can relax and enjoy the serene views, explore the fascinating island of Samosir, and discover the rich heritage and traditions of the Batak people.
In this comprehensive guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about Lake Toba, including how to get there and around, what to see and do, when to visit, where to stay, and more. Whether you are looking for a peaceful getaway, an adventurous journey, or a cultural immersion, Lake Toba has something for everyone.
Why Visit Lake Toba?
Lake Toba is not just a lake, it is a destination that offers a variety of attractions and experiences for travelers of all kinds. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit Lake Toba:
Natural beauty:
Lake Toba is a stunning sight to behold, with its clear blue water, verdant hills, and picturesque islands. You can admire the panoramic views from various viewpoints, such as Tarabunga Hill, Holbung Hill, or Tele Observation Tower, or enjoy the sunset from the shore. You can also witness the diverse flora and fauna of the area, such as the endemic flowers of Sipiso-piso Waterfall, the rare orangutans of Bukit Lawang, or the endangered Sumatran elephants of Tangkahan.
Cultural diversity:
Lake Toba is home to the Batak people, a group of ethnic minorities that have their own distinct languages, customs, and beliefs. You can learn more about their culture and history by visiting the local villages, such as Jangga Dolok, Tongging, or Tomok, where you can see the traditional houses, tombs, and monuments, and interact with the friendly locals. You can also experience their music, dance, and cuisine, such as the famous Batak guitar, the lively tortor dance, or the spicy sambal andaliman.
Historical significance:
Lake Toba is not only a natural wonder, but also a historical one, as it is the result of the largest volcanic eruption in human history, which occurred about 74,000 years ago. The eruption was so powerful that it created a caldera that filled with water, forming the lake, and also affected the global climate, causing a volcanic winter that may have reduced the human population to a few thousand. You can learn more about this event and its impact by visiting the Museum of Lake Toba, or the Geopark of Lake Toba, which are both located on Samosir Island.
Activities and experiences:
Lake Toba is not just a place to see, but also a place to do, as it offers a range of activities and experiences for different interests and preferences. You can enjoy the water sports, such as kayaking, glamping, or snorkeling, or explore the land activities, such as hiking, biking, or motorbiking. You can also indulge in the wellness and relaxation options, such as the hot springs, the massage, or the meditation. Whatever you choose, you will have a memorable and enjoyable time at Lake Toba.
How to Get to Lake Toba?
Lake Toba is located in the province of North Sumatra, Indonesia, about 176 km from the capital city of Medan. There are several ways to reach Lake Toba, depending on your budget, time, and convenience. Here are some of the options:
By air:
The fastest and easiest way to reach Lake Toba is by air, as there are direct flights from major cities in Indonesia, such as Jakarta, Bali, or Surabaya, to Silangit International Airport, which is only 8 km from the lake. You can also fly from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, or Singapore, to Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, and then take another flight to Silangit International Airport. The flight duration from Medan to Silangit is about 40 minutes, and the cost is around 300,000 IDR (21 USD) one way. From Silangit Airport, you can take a taxi, a bus, or a shuttle to the lake, which will take about 15 minutes, and cost around 50,000 IDR (3.5 USD) per person.
By land:
The cheapest and most adventurous way to reach Lake Toba is by land, as there are public buses or rental cars that can take you from Medan or Bukittinggi to Parapat, the town by the lake. The bus journey from Medan to Parapat takes about 4 to 6 hours, and costs around 40,000 IDR (2.8 USD) per person. The bus journey from Bukittinggi to Parapat takes about 10 to 12 hours, and costs around 150,000 IDR (10.5 USD) per person. The rental car journey from Medan to Parapat takes about 3 to 4 hours, and costs around 600,000 IDR (42 USD) per day. The rental car journey from Bukittinggi to Parapat takes about 8 to 10 hours, and costs around 800,000 IDR (56 USD) per day. From Parapat, you can take a ferry to Samosir Island, which will take about 30 to 45 minutes, and cost around 15,000 IDR (1 USD) per person.
By sea:
The most scenic and romantic way to reach Lake Toba is by sea, as there are boats that can take you from Sibolga or Nias Island to Samosir Island. The boat journey from Sibolga to Samosir takes about 4 to 5 hours, and costs around 100,000 IDR (7 USD) per person. The boat journey from Nias to Samosir takes about 6 to 7 hours, and costs around 150,000 IDR (10.5 USD) per person. The boats are usually available once or twice a week, depending on the weather and the demand. You can check the schedule and the availability at the local port or online.
How to Get Around Lake Toba?
Lake Toba is a large and diverse area, with many places to see and explore. The best way to get around Lake Toba depends on your preference, budget, and itinerary. Here are some of the options:
By motorbike:
The most popular and convenient way to get around Lake Toba is by motorbike, as it gives you the freedom and flexibility to visit the places you want, at your own pace and time. You can rent a motorbike from Parapat or Samosir, which will cost around 100,000 IDR (7 USD) per day, or 500,000 IDR (35 USD) per week. You will also need to pay for the fuel, which will cost around 10,000 IDR (0.7 USD) per liter. You will need to have a valid driver's license and an international driving permit to rent a motorbike. You will also need to be careful and follow the traffic rules, as the roads can be narrow, winding, and crowded. You can also hire a guide or a driver to accompany you, which will cost around 200,000 IDR (14 USD) per day.
By walking:
The most eco-friendly and healthy way to get around Lake Toba is by walking, as it allows you to enjoy the natural beauty, the fresh air, and the local culture of the area. You can walk along the shore of the lake, or hike up the hills and mountains, or visit the villages and monuments. You will need to have a good pair of shoes, a hat, a sunscreen, and a water bottle to walk comfortably and safely. You will also need to have a map, a compass, or a GPS to navigate the area. You can also join a guided tour or a group to walk with, which will cost around 100,000 IDR (7 USD) per person.
By boat:
The most fun and relaxing way to get around Lake Toba is by boat, as it offers you a different perspective and experience of the lake and its surroundings. You can take a boat from Parapat to Samosir, or from one village to another, or from one island to another. You can also rent a boat for a day or a half-day, and cruise around the lake, stopping at the places you like, or fishing, or swimming. You can rent a boat from Parapat or Samosir, which will cost around 300,000 IDR (21 USD) per hour, or 1,000,000 IDR (70 USD) per day. You will also need to pay for the fuel, which will cost around 50,000 IDR (3.5 USD) per hour.
When to Visit Lake Toba?
Lake Toba is a year-round destination, as it has a pleasant and mild climate, with an average temperature of 25°C (77°F). However, there are some factors that you may want to consider when planning your trip, such as the weather, the festivals, and the crowds. Here are some of the pros and cons of visiting Lake Toba in different seasons:
Dry season (May to September): This is the best time to visit Lake Toba if you want to enjoy the clear skies, the sunny days, and the outdoor activities. You can also witness some of the cultural festivals, such as the Lake Toba Festival in June, or the Independence Day Celebration in August. However, this is also the peak season, which means that the prices, the traffic, and the crowds will be higher. You may need to book your accommodation, transportation, and tours in advance, and be prepared to pay more.
Wet season (October to April): This is the best time to visit Lake Toba if you want to avoid the crowds, the traffic, and the high prices. You can also enjoy the lush green scenery, the waterfalls, and the hot springs. However, this is also the rainy season, which means that the weather can be unpredictable, the visibility can be low, and some of the activities can be canceled or postponed. You may need to pack your rain gear, check the weather forecast, and be flexible with your itinerary.
Where to Stay in Lake Toba?
Lake Toba has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels and guesthouses, to mid-range hotels and resorts, to luxury villas and cottages. You can choose to stay either on the mainland, near Parapat, or on the island, near Samosir. Here are some of the factors that you may want to consider when choosing your accommodation:
Location:
Depending on your preference and itinerary, you may want to stay closer to the lake, the attractions, the amenities, or the nature. For example, if you want to enjoy the lake views, you may want to stay on the shore, or on a hilltop. If you want to explore the cultural sites, you may want to stay near the villages, or the monuments. If you want to access the facilities, you may want to stay near the town, or the airport. If you want to experience the nature, you may want to stay in the forest, or the countryside.
Facilities:
Depending on your needs and expectations, you may want to stay in a place that offers the facilities that you require, such as Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, hot water, swimming pool, restaurant, spa, etc. For example, if you want to stay connected, you may want to stay in a place that has Wi-Fi. If you want to stay cool, you may want to stay in a place that has air-conditioning. If you want to stay refreshed, you may want to stay in a place that has a swimming pool. If you want to stay pampered, you may want to stay in a place that has a spa.
Budget:
Depending on your budget and style, you may want to stay in a place that suits your wallet and your taste, such as a hostel, a hotel, or a villa. For example, if you want to save money, you may want to stay in a hostel, which will cost around 50,000 IDR (3.5 USD) per night. If you want to have a comfortable stay, you may want to stay in a hotel, which will cost around 300,000 IDR (21 USD) per night. If you want to have a luxurious stay, you may want to stay in a villa, which will cost around 1,000,000 IDR (70 USD) per night.
Here are some of the recommended places to stay in Lake Toba, based on the location, the facilities, and the budget:
Toba Village Inn: This is a cozy and charming hotel located on the shore of Lake Toba, near Tuk Tuk, the main tourist area on Samosir Island. It offers spacious and clean rooms, with balconies, lake views, and hot water. It also has a beautiful garden, a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a spa. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the lake atmosphere, while being close to the attractions and the amenities. The price is around 400,000 IDR (28 USD) per night.
Tabo Cottages: This is a rustic and elegant resort located on the shore of Lake Toba, near Tomok, the cultural center on Samosir Island. It offers traditional and modern cottages, with wooden furniture, lake views, and hot water. It also has a lush green lawn, a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a library. It is a great place to experience the culture and history of Lake Toba, while being surrounded by nature and tranquility. The price is around 600,000 IDR (42 USD) per night.
Taman Simalem Resort: This is a luxurious and stunning resort located on the hilltop of Lake Toba, near Merek, the gateway to the lake on the mainland. It offers deluxe and premium rooms, villas, and cottages, with panoramic views, air-conditioning, and Wi-Fi. It also has a golf course, a zip line, a flower garden, a restaurant, and a spa. It is a great place to indulge in the beauty and adventure of Lake Toba, while being pampered and spoiled. The price is around 1,500,000 IDR (105 USD) per night.
What to See and Do in Lake Toba?
Lake Toba is a place of endless possibilities, where you can see and do many things that will make your trip unforgettable. Here are some of the must-see and must-do things in Lake Toba, based on the 8 places that we mentioned earlier:
Jangga Dolok Village:
This is a traditional Batak village, where you can see the authentic architecture, culture, and lifestyle of the local people. You can visit the wooden houses, called rumah bolon, which are decorated with carvings and paintings, and have a distinctive roof shape. You can also see the stone tombs, called batu hapotan, which are engraved with the names and symbols of the ancestors. You can also interact with the villagers, who are friendly and hospitable, and learn more about their customs and beliefs. You can also buy some souvenirs, such as hand-woven fabrics, wood carvings, or musical instruments.
Tongging Village:
This is a scenic village, where you can enjoy the spectacular views of Lake Toba and Sipiso-piso Waterfall, the highest waterfall in Indonesia. You can hike to the waterfall, which is about 120 meters high, and plunges from a cliff into the lake. You can also swim in the pool at the bottom of the waterfall, or take a boat ride to the other side of the lake. You can also visit the nearby hot springs, which are natural pools of warm water, rich in minerals and sulfur, and have healing properties. You can also taste the local delicacies, such as the grilled fish, the fried banana, or the coffee.
Tomok Village:
This is the cultural center of Lake Toba, where you can see the historical and religious monuments of the Batak people. You can visit the King Sidabutar’s Tomb, which is a large stone sarcophagus, surrounded by statues and carvings, and believed to have magical powers. You can also visit the Sigale-gale Doll, which is a wooden puppet, that can dance and play music, and is used in funeral ceremonies. You can also visit the Huta Bolon Simanindo Museum, which is a former palace of the Batak king, and now a museum that displays the artifacts, costumes, and weapons of the Batak people. You can also watch the cultural performances, such as the tortor dance, the gondang music, or the ulos weaving.
Tarabunga Hill:
This is a panoramic viewpoint, where you can see the breathtaking scenery of Lake Toba and Samosir Island. You can climb to the top of the hill, which is about 1,300 meters above sea level, and enjoy the fresh air and the cool breeze. You can also take pictures of the lake, the island, and the sky, which are often colorful and dramatic. You can also camp on the hill, and watch the sunrise or the sunset, which are both amazing and romantic. You can also visit the nearby Batak Museum, which is a small museum that showcases the history, culture, and art of the Batak people.
Holbung Hill:
This is another panoramic viewpoint, where you can see the stunning scenery of Lake Toba and Samosir Island. You can drive or hike to the top of the hill, which is about 1,400 meters above sea level, and admire the green hills, the blue lake, and the white clouds. You can also take pictures of the lake, the island, and the sky, which are often clear and bright. You can also camp on the hill, and watch the stars or the moon, which are both beautiful and serene. You can also visit the nearby Efrata Waterfall, which is a small waterfall, that flows from a stream, and creates a rainbow effect.
Pusuk Buhit:
This is a sacred mountain, where you can see the spiritual and mystical aspects of Lake Toba and the Batak people. You can trek to the summit of the mountain, which is about 1,900 meters above sea level, and experience the challenge and the reward of the climb. You can also see the ancient caves, the sacred stones, and the holy springs, that are believed to have supernatural powers. You can also learn more about the legend of the mountain, which is said to be the birthplace of the first Batak ancestor, and the origin of the Batak culture and language.
Huta Ginjang:
This is a charming village, where you can see the rural and peaceful life of Lake Toba and the Batak people. You can walk around the village, which is surrounded by rice fields, vegetable gardens, and fruit trees, and see the simple and harmonious way of living. You can also visit the traditional houses, the churches, and the schools, and interact with the children, the elders, and the farmers. You can also taste the organic and fresh food, such as the rice, the vegetables, or the fruits, that are grown and harvested by the villagers.
Tele Observation Tower:
This is a modern attraction, where you can see the whole view of Lake Toba and Samosir Island. You can take an elevator to the top of the tower, which is about 80 meters high, and enjoy the 360-degree panorama of the lake and the island. You can also see the details of the lake, such as the depth, the temperature, and the pH, and the island, such as the population, the area, and the elevation, on the digital screens. You can also buy some souvenirs, such as the postcards, the magnets, or the keychains, at the souvenir shop.
Lake Toba is a destination that you should not miss, as it offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. It is a place where you can see the natural beauty, the cultural diversity, and the historical significance of the lake and its surroundings. It is also a place where you can do a variety of activities and experiences, that will suit your preference and budget. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, an adventurous journey, or a cultural immersion, Lake Toba has something for everyone.
We hope that this guide has helped you to plan your trip to Lake Toba, and that you have a wonderful and memorable time there. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading, and happy travels!
