Lake Toba is the largest lake not only in Indonesia but also in Southeast Asia. At the heart of North Sumatra, Lake Toba is the largest volcanic lake globally spanning over 1,100 square kilometers. But wait, because there is more! With a thickness of less or more than 500m, it’s also among the deepest lakes in the world.
Paradoxically, Lake Toba was assembled by the devastating eruption of Mount Toba roughly 70,000 decades back. Lake Toba Caldera is one of Indonesia’s nineteen geoparks, featuring a wide variety of flora, fauna, and rich heritage embodied by the ethnic groups (particularly the Batak group). Lake Toba is surrounded by seven regencies: Samosir, Toba Samosir, Simalungun, North Tapanuli, Karo, Dairi, and Humbang Hasundutan.
Whether cultural or natural, Lake Toba has a great deal to offer vacationers, making it one of the significant tourist destinations within the area.
1. Samosir Island
It’s now the world’s biggest island and among the world’s biggest lake islands. Samosir Island can be reached by ferry by Parapat’s port into the eastern section of the island, especially Tuktuk, Tomok, and Ambarita Village. The island is on the mainland around the western part through Pangururan around the island and Tele around the mainland.
Offering not only natural allure and breathtaking views, but the island can also be somewhere to immerse in history and culture since it’s the core of Batak tradition, especially the Toba Batak. Below are a few of the tourist places around Samosir Island.
2. Tomok Village
That is a location where you could locate Batak Museum and the old grave of King Sidabutar, stated to be the first to set foot on the staircase. Tomok is where you can search for memorabilia like Batak food and products.
3. Ambarita Village
Additionally, there are souvenir stores, but the favorite attraction is the historical village, Huta Siallagan. Upon going into the narrow rock entry passing, a row of conventional Toba Batak homes will greet you on your left, such as the former home of this Siallagan king. Even the Siallagans are direct descendants of this King of Batak throughout King Naimbaton. Besides the conventional houses, other attractive websites are the two sets of rock tables and chairs — the Stones for Meetings and much more. In the past, you may even meet the current chieftain, Gading J. Siallagan, also a descendant of this Siallagan King. If dance is your thing, it is also possible to participate in the Sigale-gale (puppet) dancing together with all the wooden marionettes.
4. Tuktuk Village
This village has quickly become the most developed area on the island chiefly for tourism functions. This is near Tomok Village along with Ambarita Village. Here, you will find the majority of the lodging and food areas. Additionally, there are beaches close to the village.
5. Huta Ginjang
Sitting at an elevation of over 1500 meters over sea level, Huta Ginjang is still among the greatest places to see Lake Toba. Feast your eyes in the bucolic tableau of rolling mountains and tranquil waters of this huge lake. During the ideal season, this website becomes a jumping-off stage for paragliding and other sports. There are chairs and tables along with a lineup of shops and stores selling food, drinks, and a few souvenirs. Do not neglect to bring coats as it could get cold up there.
Vacation is more than just the scenery. And it’s about making long-lasting memories. Discover more adventures in Lake Toba by visiting Wonderful Indonesia.
