The beauty of Lake Toba is perhaps no longer stranger to anyone’s ear. Even larger than the whole island of Singapore, this massive lake is not only home to awe-inspiring natural wonders but also to the cultural heritage of the Batak Toba people, which remains closely observed to this day.
The Indonesian government has declared Lake Toba as one of the 10 priority tourist destinations, and has spent significant resources to build infrastructure to enhance visitors’ travel experience. Raja Sisingamangaraja XII International Airport (previously Silangit International Airport)—that has been operating since 2017—for instance, has reduced the travel duration to Lake Toba to 2 hours maximum, 5 hours shorter than traveling by road from Kualanamu Airport, Medan.
This time, we have gathered all the attractions that Lake Toba has to offer just for you: from scenic waterfalls, white sandy beaches by the lake, cultural inheritance that is rich in history, to the best spots for viewing the panoramic landscape of the world’s largest crater lake.
Samosir Island: a captivating island in the middle of the lake
Spanning over 630 km, this island is located right in the middle of Lake Toba and is popular among tourists. However, other than just being strategically located to explore Lake Toba and around, Samosir Island also has its own charm.
1. Watch Batak traditional dances in Huta Bolon Museum
Location: Siallagan, Samosir Island (13.1 km/30 minutes by land transport from Tomok Crossing Port)
Tips:
Prepare some small change to give during the performance.
2.Immerse yourself in Batak Toba folktales at Batu Kursi Raja Siallagan
Location: Siallagan, Samosir Island (13.1 km/30 minutes by land transport from Tomok Crossing Port)
Tips:
Hire a local guide to tell you some Batak Toba folktales and fables (pay as you wish).
3. Enjoy water sports at Batu Hoda Beach
Location: Simanindo, Samosir Island (13.1 km/30 minutes by land transport from Tomok Crossing Port)
4. Soak in the hot spring of Aek Rangat Pangururan
Location: Pangururan, Samosir Island (51.2 km/1h 25m by land transport from Tomok Crossing Port)
5. Dress up as a Batak king in Batak Museum
Location: 200 meters/5-minute walk from Tomok Crossing Port
6.Hunt for ulos at Tomok Souvenir Market
Location: Next to Tomok Crossing Port
7.Swim in Situmurun Waterfall
Location: Hatinggian (2-hour boat ride from Tomok Crossing Port)
Best places to get a panoramic view of Lake Toba
Lake Toba is known for its picturesque natural landscape. Here are some of the best locations as well as the best ways to take in the full panoramic view of the lake.
1. Tele Viewing Tower
Location: Turpuk Limbong, Harian, Samosir Island (74.6 km/30 minutes by land transport from Pangururan, Samosir Island)
2.Samosir government’s tourism boat
Pick up locations: Various ports such as the Tomok Port, Tigaraja Port, and several hotels around Tuk Tuk.
3.Sipinsur Park
Location: Humbang Hansudutan (18 km/25 minutes from Silangit Airport)
Transportation
Getting to Lake Toba by air
The closest airport to Lake Toba is Sisingamangaraja XII International Airport (formerly Silangit International Airport) which is located in Siborong-borong, North Sumatra.
From Sisingamangaraja XII Airport (Silangit) to Lake Toba
Going through Parapat is one of the best ways to get to Lake Toba. Other than it being a quicker route as compared to going through Pangururan, there are also several accommodation options in Parapat which offer scenic views of Lake Toba.
To reach Parapat, you have to rent an airport taxi which costs approximately Rp500.000 that can accommodate up to 5 passengers. It takes approximately 2 hours from the airport to Parapat. Airport taxis are available until the last flight arrives at around 5:00 p.m.
Getting to Samosir Island
To get to Samosir Island, take the boat from Tigaraja Port in Parapat to reach Tomok or the resort area in Tuk Tuk. Boat tickets are at Rp15.000/pax.
If you’re driving, you can opt to take the ferry which costs Rp115.000 for a one-way trip (including car and all passengers). However, do consider that you may need to wait in line for a while.
Where to stay?
A hotel with a lake view and swimming pool facility.
Parapat, Danau Toba, Sumatra Utara
Budget-friendly accommodation at the lakeside.
An international-class resort offering a diverse choice of activities.
Starts from Rp2.000.000/night
Villa Durian Tuktuk Timbul
A villa suitable for family getaways.
Villa Durian Tuktuk Timbul
Why visit Lake Toba?
“There are so many tourist destinations in Lake Toba. In total, we have 41 tourist attractions ranging from nature-based tourism to those promoting our rich culture.”
– Daulat Nainggolan, Secretary of Samosir District Tourism Board
“When you come to Lake Toba, don’t forget to try the Siborong-borong coffee. This Arabica coffee is known for its fruity aroma, strong body and its blend of caramel and spicy notes.”
– Edward Tigor Siahaan, owner of Piltik coffee shop
“We are constantly improving the supporting facilities at various tourist spots, for instance, the new ATVs and free WiFi at Sipinsur Park.”
– Ferdinand, Manager of Geosite Geopark Kaldera Toba
“There are so many interesting stories about Batak Toba that you can only find in the Samosir Island.”
– Bagus Simatupang, tour guide
“The beauty of Lake Toba’s natural landscape hasn’t changed since I was a kid.”
– Tito, captain of the crossing ferry
Know this before you go
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