SAMOSIR ISLAND
I do love Indonesia! Indonesia itself has a lot of beautiful places. Yea, I'd like to recommend you a place that is in Indonesia. It is... Samosir Island! So I went there in 2005, to come to a cemetery of my beloved grandpa. At first, I didn't enjoy it, because it was so hard to take a walk and to have an easy life since I was not habitual for it. As I grew up, I realized that everything must be thanked to God. Then I enjoyed the moment there day by day.
Did you know that Lake Toba in North Sumatra was declared as a crater lake or the largest volcanic Lake in the world! Can we compare with extensive Samosir island in the middle of Lake Toba. Samosir island has an area that is almost the same as the country of Singapore! Can you imagine the vast surrounding Lake Toba Samosir Island, must be much broader. With a length of 87 kilometres long by 27 kilometers to a depth of more than 500 meters, will certainly not be within one day we can admire its beauty. Let’s down a spectacular Lake Toba, with all the beauty of nature and culture.
The Amazing Past
In addition to a remarkable extent, past Lake Toba no less amazing. With an altitude of 900 metres above sea level, the Toba were originally in the form of supervulkan i.e. volcanoes which are capable of generating a very powerful eruption.
The Lake is formed by one or several volcanic eruptions that are unusually large, which according to some scientists may be among the most intense eruption in the history of the Earth. The eruption it makes a superb large craters. Gradually, a huge crater filled with water to form what we know as Lake Toba.
Then shift the Earth’s layers create the base of the lake rises and forms a picturesque Samosir island. Extensive Samosir approximately 647 square kilometers that is almost the same as the vast country of Singapore.
The Lake is formed by one or several volcanic eruptions that are unusually large, which according to some scientists may be among the most intense eruption in the history of the Earth. The eruption it makes a superb large craters. Gradually, a huge crater filled with water to form what we know as Lake Toba.
Then shift the Earth’s layers create the base of the lake rises and forms a picturesque Samosir island. Extensive Samosir approximately 647 square kilometers that is almost the same as the vast country of Singapore.
The Beauty Of Lake Toba
With a height of nearly 1 km above sea level and is surrounded by a row of volcanoes which is part of the Barisan mountains make the Lake Toba is so cool and beautiful. Many trees and pines enau thrives around Lake Toba adds to the beauty of this Lake.
To the North of Lake Toba can still be found a variety of interesting fauna such as langurs, orangutans, and some types of monkeys. Whereas in the southern part of Lake Toba, there is different types of fauna like monkeys, tapirs, lingur and ingkir. Of course, it is also unique in that it ostensibly serves as a dividing line of ecological fauna at the North and South of Lake Toba.
As far as the eye can see, seen the beauty of the Lake which is surrounded by a row of mountains are so beautiful and amazing. Thick fog sometimes envelop the cool and Cold Lake. If there is no mist, Lake Toba grooves so beautiful to be admired. Yes, Lake Toba as a marine at the center of the Mainland which is really cool.
You can observe the beautiful curve of Lake Toba via Tele Tower. Especially if seen in the morning, the view is so nice considering the tower is situated on the slopes of the Hill. You can find Tele Tower between Pangururan and Sidikilang.
If you want to stay without crossing over to Samosir Island, you can choose from a variety of lodging in the area of Parapat. In Parapat there are several hotels and resorts with direct views to the Lake Toba.
To the North of Lake Toba can still be found a variety of interesting fauna such as langurs, orangutans, and some types of monkeys. Whereas in the southern part of Lake Toba, there is different types of fauna like monkeys, tapirs, lingur and ingkir. Of course, it is also unique in that it ostensibly serves as a dividing line of ecological fauna at the North and South of Lake Toba.
As far as the eye can see, seen the beauty of the Lake which is surrounded by a row of mountains are so beautiful and amazing. Thick fog sometimes envelop the cool and Cold Lake. If there is no mist, Lake Toba grooves so beautiful to be admired. Yes, Lake Toba as a marine at the center of the Mainland which is really cool.
You can observe the beautiful curve of Lake Toba via Tele Tower. Especially if seen in the morning, the view is so nice considering the tower is situated on the slopes of the Hill. You can find Tele Tower between Pangururan and Sidikilang.
If you want to stay without crossing over to Samosir Island, you can choose from a variety of lodging in the area of Parapat. In Parapat there are several hotels and resorts with direct views to the Lake Toba.
Samosir Island
In the middle of Lake Toba, there is an island that is also not less beautiful and stunning i.e. Samosir. There we can visit some village and enjoy nature tours and cultural tours. Lake Toba and Samosir island is the heart and home of the Batak people.
To visit Samosir island through ports in Parapat Ajibata Harbor. There are several ferries are available to take locals as well as tourists headed for the port of Tomok on Samosir island. In fact there are also several ferry transport vehicles such as cars and motorcycles heading Samosir. Long trip ferry to Samosir Island about 30 minutes.
When it reached the port of Tomok on Samosir Island, there are many traders souvenirs typical of Lake Toba Batak lands and in the area around the port of Tomok, Samosir. You can buy t-shirts, handicrafts and also ulos at this location if you want to buy some to take home. We recommend that you buy some here because of the many options that you can buy to take home.
Friendly locals always ready to welcome you. In addition, you will get to know the various cultures and customs of the people of Batak on Samosir island. You can find some of the traditional House of Batak in the island. There you can learn about the history of the Batak and various culture attracts people particularly the Batak Batak Toba. Even you can join the locals dancing together when there are performances of Batak-gale.
In addition to cultural tourism, we will also enjoy a wide range of natural beauty of the Island Samosir. We can find terraced rice fields such as beauty in Bali. There are also several beautiful waterfalls to visit Simangande as Waterfalls and waterfall Pangaribuan (located in the subdistrict of Palipi) which is the largest waterfall on the island of Samosir. Interest in locations around the waterfall at Palipi Pangaribuan, believed to be the place of the revelation of the King of Batak.
To visit Samosir island through ports in Parapat Ajibata Harbor. There are several ferries are available to take locals as well as tourists headed for the port of Tomok on Samosir island. In fact there are also several ferry transport vehicles such as cars and motorcycles heading Samosir. Long trip ferry to Samosir Island about 30 minutes.
When it reached the port of Tomok on Samosir Island, there are many traders souvenirs typical of Lake Toba Batak lands and in the area around the port of Tomok, Samosir. You can buy t-shirts, handicrafts and also ulos at this location if you want to buy some to take home. We recommend that you buy some here because of the many options that you can buy to take home.
Friendly locals always ready to welcome you. In addition, you will get to know the various cultures and customs of the people of Batak on Samosir island. You can find some of the traditional House of Batak in the island. There you can learn about the history of the Batak and various culture attracts people particularly the Batak Batak Toba. Even you can join the locals dancing together when there are performances of Batak-gale.
In addition to cultural tourism, we will also enjoy a wide range of natural beauty of the Island Samosir. We can find terraced rice fields such as beauty in Bali. There are also several beautiful waterfalls to visit Simangande as Waterfalls and waterfall Pangaribuan (located in the subdistrict of Palipi) which is the largest waterfall on the island of Samosir. Interest in locations around the waterfall at Palipi Pangaribuan, believed to be the place of the revelation of the King of Batak.
In addition to the waterfall, on Samosir island there are also two lakes namely Lake Sidihoni and Lake Aek Natonang. That’s why both the Lake is often given the nickname “the Lake above the Lake” because of its uniqueness, namely Lake in the middle of Samosir Island, while the island is located in the middle of Lake Toba.
No need to fear if one day is not enough to enjoy the beauty of Lake Toba and Samosir island. Lots of lodging on Samosir island of resorts, hotels and inns. You can find plenty of lodging in all areas-Tuk Ambarita, and not far from the port of Tomok. Here we can stay while enjoying the natural beauty of Lake Toba and Samosir island.
With Lake Toba Samosir Island did make the tourist experience is truly beautiful. The Lake is so beautiful from any side. Eager to linger in the Lake Toba for its beauty is spectacular, awesome and amazing.
No need to fear if one day is not enough to enjoy the beauty of Lake Toba and Samosir island. Lots of lodging on Samosir island of resorts, hotels and inns. You can find plenty of lodging in all areas-Tuk Ambarita, and not far from the port of Tomok. Here we can stay while enjoying the natural beauty of Lake Toba and Samosir island.
With Lake Toba Samosir Island did make the tourist experience is truly beautiful. The Lake is so beautiful from any side. Eager to linger in the Lake Toba for its beauty is spectacular, awesome and amazing.
Things to See in Lake Toba
Lake Toba is mostly sought after for its tranquil beauty, but you’ll also find plenty to see and do. Here are some of the popular things to see in Lake Toba:
Tuk Tuk
Tuk Tuk is the center of most of the tourism on Samosir Island. It’s a great place to walk around, shop and catch some fantastic views of Lake Toba.
Tomok
Tomok is around 5km from Tuk Tuk and it is a quieter area where you can experience more local culture. There’s great food here as well as several stalls where you can find souvenirs for cheaper prives than in Tuk Tuk. You can also check out the grave of King Sidabutur while you’re here – he’s significant to the now-Christian local Batak tribe since he was the Batak King that introduced Christianity to his people.
Ambarita
Ambarita’s claim to fame is its stone chairs. These chairs are around 300 years old and are thought to be remnants of a sort of criminal court where the fates of criminals was decided. If you’re okay exploring the more morbid parts of history, find yourself a guide and explore – the guide will explain that serious crimes back then were dealt with equally serious punishments. The criminals were beaten and then lemon and chili was rubbed into their wounds for further pain.
As the final punishment, criminals were beheaded and their bodies thrown into Lake Toba. But before that – his dead body is chopped up and parts of his flesh are cooked with buffalo meat. The ‘meal’ was then served to the tribal council who paired the ‘meal’ with some of the victim’s blood.
The stone chairs, the place where the prisoners were kept, and even the boulder on which prisoners were beheaded is still there today – Ambarita is shocking and blood chilling, but it is worth checking out.
Museum Huta Solon Simanindo
This museum is a must-see for anyone wanting to know more about Batak culture and tradition. You’ll see some great examples of traditional Batak houses as well as be able to catch a Batak dancing performance is you go in the early afternoon.
Christian Paraphernalia
As the country with the largest population of Muslims in the world, Indonesia might be the last place you expect to find Christian paraphernalia, but oddly enough – you’ll come across more Christian paraphernalia in Toba than in the American Bible Belt.
You can see it everywhere – women wear gold cross necklaces, most Batak homes have at least one Jesus-themed tapestry, and even the rice paddies and villages are built next to and around Protestant-style churches and tombs.
Things to Do in Lake Toba
Lake Toba has a lot to see and take in, but in terms of things to do…seriously, the best thing to do in Lake Toba is to just relax. Chill by the lakeside, take a dip in its pleasant, mineral-rich waters, pick up a book at a second-hand bookstore and chill some more.
If you really must do something more active, take a kayak out to explore the lake or plan an overnight party with some other travelers.
Or you can…
Swim in the Waterfall
Just above Tuk Tuk, you can find a waterfall that you might want to take a refreshing swim in by the time you reach it.
Relax by the Hot Springs
There are hot springs around 40 km from Tuk Tuk and the water is really hot. You might be able to scoop it up and maybe even stand in it, but it is generally not swimmable. But it is a beautiful, scenic drive the whole way there!
What to Eat in Lake Toba
You won’t go hungry here. There is no shortage of delicious Indonesian food as well as European offerings. You can even find magic mushrooms and an assortment of ‘happy herb’ pizzas to appease your taste buds.
