What to do in Lake Toba, Sumatra

Lake Toba is one of the most beautiful and unique destinations in Indonesia. Located in the north of Sumatra Island, Lake Toba is a large natural lake located in the northern part of the Indonesian island of Sumatra. It is the largest volcanic lake in the world, formed around 75,000 years ago after a massive volcanic eruption. The eruption was one of the most significant events in the history of the planet, causing global climate change and leading to the extinction of many species of plants and animals.

Today, Lake Toba couldn’t be more different. It is a calm and quiet nature retreat with cool climate and known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. If you are visiting North Sumatra, Lake Toba is a must-see destination to unwind, explore its nature, do adventure sports, immerse in its unique Batak culture and enjoy its wonderful gastronomy. Continue reading to know what to do in Lake Toba!

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1. Explore the island of Samosir

One of the most popular attractions of Lake Toba is the island of Samosir. This island is located in the middle of the lake and is home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes and cultural experiences in the region. This is the epicenter of Lake Toba in nature, culture and gastronomy (more on that in sections below), so I suggest that you base yourself here to explore the area. While some sections below are not specifically located in Samosir, most of Lake Toba’s attractions are, so I suggest you make it your base.

You can explore the island by renting a bicycle or a motorbike, which will allow you to travel through the beautiful villages, the agricultural countryside, lush green forests, and stunning mountain views. There are bike rental stores in almost every corner, especially in the town of Tuktuk Siadong, so pick your favourite. You can also take a boat ride around the island, which is a great way to see the lake from a different perspective.

Top places to visit in Samosir

Here are some of the most interesting places to visit in Samosir (some of them are covered in sections below):

• The Huta Siallagan traditional Batak village in Ambarita.
• The Batak museum in Tomok.
• Pangururan Hot Springs.
• Lumban Suhi-Suhi village.
• Batu Hoda Beach.
• Binanga Bolon waterfall.
• Pandang Tele Tower.
• Sidihoni lake (yes, it is a lake in an island in a lake in an island, very meta!)
• Aek Sipitu Dai village, with its natural spring
• Beta Hill in Tuktuk Siadong, with great views.
• Holbung Hill (also known as the Teletubbies hills).
• Tombak Pangaribuan waterfall.
• Parhallow viewpoint.

2. Visit the Batak villages

The Batak villages around Lake Toba are known for their unique and traditional culture. You can visit these villages to see the traditional houses, learn about their way of life, and witness the unique customs and traditions of the Batak people. Some of the most popular villages to visit include Tomok, Ambarita, and Simanindo. You can also watch the traditional Batak dance and music performances, which are a true delight for the senses.

3. Relax at the hot springs

After a long day of exploring, you can relax at the hot springs near Lake Toba. These natural hot springs are believed to have healing properties and are a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. You can soak in the warm waters, surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful landscapes. Some of the most popular hot springs in the region include Pangururan Hot Springs (Aek Rangat) and Sipoholon Hot Springs.

Here are a few hot springs in and around Lake Toba:

4. Go chasing waterfalls in Sipiso Piso

If volcanoes are one of the major attractions in Indonesia, waterfalls are another one. There is no shortage of them around the country, but the most famed waterfall in Sumatra is, without a doubt, Sipiso Piso. This waterfall is very special because it comes from an underwater river and falls down a cliff uninterrupted for 120m (400 ft).

You can easily take some nice pictures from above, but we highly recommend doing the short trek down to the waterfall for even more amazing picture opportunities. It is a very easy trek with steps along the way, but make sure you bring some decent shoes as the floor can get slippery.

5. Try the traditional Batak cuisine

The Batak cuisine is known for its unique and delicious flavors. Some of the most popular dishes include grilled fish, pork, and chicken, served with rice and vegetables. Definitely the best place to enjoy delicious Batak food is the town of Tuktuk Siadong in Samosir island. Our favourite restaurant there was LEO’s Restaurant, which serves all kinds of traditional Batak dishes such as crawfish (they call them Lake Toba Lobsters), grilled fish and a delicious chicken curry. For the most adventurous eaters, try their local specialties Napinadar (grilled chicken in blood sauce), Naniura (uncooked condimented goldfish) or Arsik (spicy grilled fish).

6. Visit the traditional markets

The traditional markets around Lake Toba are a great place to experience the local culture and buy some souvenirs. You can find a wide range of traditional crafts, including handwoven textiles, wooden carvings, and traditional musical instruments. You can also taste some of the local delicacies, such as dried fish and exotic fruits. If you’re staying in Tuktuk Siadong, the closest ones are in Ambarita and Tomok.

 

If you are particularly interested in Batak cloth, you should check out how they make Ulos cloth (and maybe buy a piece or two) in the village of Lumban Suhi-Suhi. Ulos is a naturally-dyed and hand-woven cloth with different motifs that is used for ceremonies.

7. Go for a swim on the lake

Lake Toba has some beautiful beaches where you can relax and unwind. You can soak in the sun, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and enjoy the stunning views of the lake. Some of the most popular beaches in the region include Parbaba Beach, Pandan Beach, and Carolina Beach. That being said, Indonesia has much nicer beaches and, most likely, your accommodation will have a private bathing area in the lake.

8. Visit the Tuktuk Siadong village

Tuktuk Siadong is a traditional Batak village located on the island of Samosir. This village is known for its unique and authentic cultural experiences. You can visit the village to learn about the traditional Batak architecture, see the unique wooden carvings and sculptures, and witness the traditional ceremonies and customs of the Batak people. It is also the main touristic and gastronomic center of the island, and holds the highest concentration of accommodations.

Batak culture is very unique to Lake Toba, and it doesn’t stay only in its architecture. The Batak people have very closely kept their traditions and gastronomy to this day, and exploring them is one of the best things to do in Lake Toba. One of the best ways to discover it is to talk to locals, which are very often happy and willing to talk to foreigners. Also, make sure you include the Batak Museum in Tomok to immerse yourself in Batak crafts and traditions.

9. Attend the Sigale-Gale dance performance

The Sigale-Gale dance is a unique traditional dance of the Batak people, which is performed using a wooden puppet. The puppet is carved to look like a human figure, and it is controlled by strings. The dance tells the story of a man who lost his son, and it is believed to have healing properties. You can witness the Sigale-Gale dance performance in the Batak villages around Lake Toba.

10. Take a boat tour on Lake Toba

A boat tour on Lake Toba is one of the most popular activities to do in the region. You can take a boat ride around the lake to witness the stunning views of the landscapes, the crystal-clear waters, and the lush green forests. You can also visit the nearby islands and villages, such as Samosir Island and Tuktuk Siadong.

If you are into water activities, another great way to enjoy Lake Toba is to rent a kayak and paddle your way around the island. Kayaks are extremely cheap, with a full day rental for 100k IDR (6€), and the cooler temperatures than in the rest of Indonesia make it easier to sustain a full day in the sun. Just don’t forget your sunscreen!For either activity, I am not aware of any pre-booking system, but it is really easy to just walk around the streets in some of the main villages in Lake Toba and book a tour or rent a canoe.

Where to stay in Lake Toba, Sumatra

Areas to stay in Lake Toba

Although there are many places to stay in and around Lake Toba, and its biggest city is Parapat, the best place to stay in Lake Toba for many reasons is Tuktuk Siadong. This quaint little town is the main touristic epicenter in the area. While it was very popular in the hippie trail in the 1960s, it has for a while escaped the gaze of the tourist flocking to other parts of Indonesia like Bali. This means that it has good transportation and infrastructures but it is not (yet) too crowded and it is very affordable. Tuktuk Siadong is also very close to two of the main towns in Samosir: Ambarita and Tomok, the cultural center of the Batak people.

Recommendations

We had a wonderful stay at Liberta Homestay, a beautiful resort-style hotel on the lake shore that offers beautiful Batak houses starting at 12€. The accommodation is basic and it does not include breakfast (although you can purchase it on site), but its beauty and affordable price very much compensate for it. It also has a private bathing area on the lake.

For similar options in Tuktuk Siadong, I suggest Tabo Cottages or Bagus Bay Homestay, both offering nice accommodation near the lake and a restaurant with local cuisine. If you’re on a budget, have a look at Toledo Inn, while if you want something more upscale you should book a room at Samosir Villa Resort. If you plan to visit Mt. Sibuatan or Sipiso piso waterfall, book a nice room at Taman Simalem Resort, an eco-friendly resort on the slope of the volcano that offers a great view of Lake Toba.

Booking.com

How to get to Lake Toba

The easiest way to reach the area is to take a flight to Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, which is the nearest major airport. From there, you can hire a private car or take a public bus to Parapat, a town located on the edge of Lake Toba, where the ferries towards Samosir island leave.

One of the most frequent flights to Medan is from Singapore, since it is located very close, just across the Malaka straight. Another option is to take a ferry from nearby Penang in Malaysia.

How to get to Samosir island

Once you reach Parapat, you can take a ferry to Samosir Island, which is located in the middle of the lake. The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes and offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Although many sources suggest to take a ferry from Pelabuhan Ajibata harbour, I found the best option is to take a small and very cheap ferry from the little harbour Tiga Raja, very close to the former one, where you can book a ticket to Samosir for only 15k IDR (0,9€). This ferry stops at several docks in and around Tuktuk Siadong.

Closing statement

Lake Toba is a beautiful and unique destination in Sumatra, Indonesia, offering a wide range of exciting activities and experiences. From exploring the island of Samosir to trying the traditional Batak cuisine and culture, there is something for everyone in Lake Toba. So if you are planning a trip to Sumatra, be sure to include Lake Toba in your itinerary for an unforgettable experience. Also, if you are going to be around Lake Toba, make sure to read more about North Sumatra in the links below:

If you’re planning a trip to Sumatra, have a look at these posts:

What to do in North Sumatra, the secret Indonesia keeps from you

Where to see orangutans in Sumatra, Indonesia

Our experience in Batu Katak in Sumatra, Indonesia

And also, if you’re gonna travel around in Indonesia, check these out:

Perfect 3 days itinerary in Ubud, Bali

Paon Bali Cooking Class review: our experience in a Balinese cooking class

11 top things to do in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

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