Indonesia is more than the sum of its parts: dream honeymoon Islands and gorgeous beaches are a start. One of the natural wonders of Indonesia ― and there are many ― surely must be the volcanic creation known as Lake Toba. Located on the Island of Sumatra, the rugged beauty surrounding the lake is a thrilling adventure waiting to happen.
If that hasn't yet piqued your interest, then knowing it's the largest volcanic lake on the planet might.
The eruption from this super volcano was the largest in history. Krakatoa seems so pitiful and weak for comparison. In any case this fiery event shaped Indonesia much more than any of its other volcanos. The landscapes are stunning with mountains and valley rising and falling.
Everywhere you turn and look something catches your eye:
Once you've gotten your breath back at the magnitude of the crater and its lake, do your feet come back down to Earth.
There is so much to see and do on the lake and its natural wilderness. Many travelers coming to Indonesia will be content with the tropical Islands. A beach holiday is enough but some of you will want another thing from your holiday.
That being the case for you, come to Lake Toba. There are lots to do: water activities and boat trips, hiking to Mount Pusuk Buhit, a sacred mountain. Explore the landscape for waterfalls and so much more besides. Many of those flocking to the lake are hikers, backpackers and camping enthusiasts.
If you love camping then come and hike to one of the peaks, in time to enjoy the sunset. Waking up early in the morning to a fresh pot of coffee and the most magnificent sunrise.
Who wouldn't want that? You are inside a volcano's crater, remember, but it's so easy to forget that. Because the sheer space and distance from one end to the other leaves you speechless. The lake is tremendous in stature: 100km in length and 30km or so in breadth.
The lake being of volcanic origin you can expect there to be natural hot springs. Less than an hour from the Sisingamangaraja International airport. The springs are the perfect way to relax, and being volcanic, they are mineral rich. Afterwards a few hours' rest and you leave with more radiant, glowing skin.
The spring waters are a colored turquoise, the surrounding rocks a yellowing orange. Elsewhere in the area you happen to see the remains of white sulphur. The sulphur covers the rocks with a tinge of light green showing through. Remarkable, the beauty what nature has created for us.
Be sure your smart phone has a full charge so not to miss anything.
But it is peaceful. The springs are popular and frequented most days, you manage to hold onto the tranquility. With temperatures as high as 70°F not all spots will be suitable for bathing. Keep strolling and looking around until you find a spot that isn't so hot, or you can book into one of the resorts.
The springs are a 10-minute drive from Tarutung, found southeast of the lake. It's the perfect day trip and an attraction the whole family would enjoy.
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There are some stunning waterfall experiences found on Sumatra Island. The best, and most famous one has to be the 120m Sipiso Piso Waterfall. The water crashing down from such heights ensures you hear the roar of this beast long before seeing it. And as you get closer, your imagination panics with excitement, trying to picture it.
It's the thrill that brings you. The waterfall is a short way from a busy village, by the side of the road. There are many small restaurants open in the high tourist season. Our suggestion is you grab something to eat first before becoming adventurous. You'll need energy to take you down and back up, walking close to a thousand steps.
It's the hike down that ensures you feel the power of this waterfall and the force of nature amazes you. There is a slight breeze, and it blows the spray your way long before you reach the bottom. Stepping closer and what a soaking you get.
Your hotel will be able to arrange a tour for you. Or you can hire a car for the day and travel from Parapat. Be aware of the traffic which is chaotic and not for the fainthearted.
The town of Berastagi has two active volcanos on its doorstep. There's Mount Sinabung and Mount Sibayak. Your interests lie with the latter, because of the pair, it's the one that is more accessible. At over 2,000m it is a small volcano, and it has been quiet for the last 100 odd years. Sinabung hasn't been so quiet.
The mountain has been attractive for many adventurers, since the early 20th century. There are trails you can follow but we went with a local guide who was happy to lead us through the jungle. Before arriving at the crater, you will encounter a very strong smell of rotten eggs.
The smell is the sulphur escaping from deep down in the Earth's crust. The steam is hot, and you can hear the spluttering's of volcanic mud as it bubbles away. Soon after the crater appears. The hike to the crater isn't all that difficult. If you are fit and healthy you will manage without any trouble.
The breeze blows cool at the top which is refreshing. When looking into the distance, some 30km away you glimpse a sight of Mount Sinabung. Take the alternative path down the mountain, and not the one you climbed up. On the way down, you can enjoy the Taman Wisata Sibayak Hot Spring but take care as many of the steps are steep.
Wear sensible walking boots and carry a waterproof jacket with you. The weather can be unpredictable at times. If you are going to the hot spring, then bring swimwear and a towel too.
The lakes only Island, thermal waters flow down its mountainside, into the lake. Unlike the hot spring waters elsewhere on the lake, these waters are clear. The waters are much more therapeutic and healthier, compared to the spring water. Bathing in the waters is healing for your skin and body, absorbing greater minerals.
Looking around you have panoramic views of the rainforest landscape and lake. Such a beautiful experience to have on holiday: it's nature's own spa for your wellbeing. The public bathing area can get crowded. Chance has it your hotel will have its own private pool for bathing?
Check before booking. Go for a dip before breakfast, and later in the evening of course, before bed.
It's the best form of relaxation and contentment. Before leaving the town of Pangururan, staying at least one night. This will give you the opportunity to sample local authentic Batak cuisine. A favorite refreshment among tourists is their egg milk tea.
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There are many occasions for romance. Get more from your holiday adventure to Lake Toba, go off exploring the lakes trails. The natural settings are an exact match for everyone, as we said earlier. Solo backpackers and campers on tour, hiking enthusiasts, and even families.
Couples looking to rekindle their love, or newlyweds. No difference, the natural beauty of the mountainous region is perfect for love.
The setting sun over the lake and its mountains unmistakable for anywhere else on Earth. It is a one-off experience you want for life. The glint of the sun's last rays on the calm waters is priceless. Emotions push you onto another level when faced with natural beauty.
There is a hill by the lakeside, known as Tarabunga. Enjoy a short boat trip from Balige Beach, to this magical hill. Best known for giving couples their perfect memories, captured in photography. Nearby hotels are very hospitable. They're only too happy to set a table for romantic couples, in full sight of the lakeside. The beach is small but secluded and private, which is what you'll want.
The attraction of this peak, exclusive of the natural beauty that is, is the unique birds' nests. There are three of them and each is large enough for two. Two humans, we mean. On arrival, and on leaving your nest you will have enjoyed hopeful glimpses of the orangutans.
Arriving at Samosir Island will find adequate accommodation in a hostel or guesthouse. One of the best places to begin your Toba adventure is with Tuk Tuk Village. Between taking dips in the lake, you will frequent the few bars and restaurants often enough. One attraction on the outskirts of the village is the waterfall.
Not as grandeur as that of Sipiso Piso but nonetheless there is a pool for swimming in. From the village and elsewhere all around the Island are Batak remnants:
There are several villages, Tuk Tuk, Simanindo, and Ambarita. In any of those you can see the Batak ceremonial dance. Generally, the locals create a great atmosphere. The entertainment for tourists with dance and music the locals put on quite a show for you. You can expect to enjoy western dishes as well as Indonesian food.
For a stronger sense of Batak culture then head out of Tuk Tuk in the direction of Tomok Village. The stilted houses are as traditional Batak as you can find. The one noticeable thing about the houses is the roofs. Simanindo Village has the same houses, their roofs peak either end, or bow in the middle. Many of the houses you'll see also carvings of breasts and geckos.
One sculpture is for fertility and its opposite for protection.
Still with Tomok Village, there is a museum which explains Batak history and culture. King Sidabutar's tomb found in the village too. There are many local stalls in the village selling souvenirs, barter with them for a better price.
There are a growing number of flights to Sisingamangaraja International Airport. You can also reach this airport from surrounding areas:
Once at the airport, it's but a 90-minute taxi ride to the lake boundary. You can get from the airport to Parapat for less than US$25. The town of Pangururan, is a dollar more. The best mode, the safest mode, of transporting yourself around the lake and its many towns is by taxi.
Are you holidaying in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia?, the city of Medan is an hour away. From Medan City you actually have two routes you can take. Either one will take you to your final destination of Lake Toba. If you go south, from Medan City it'll take you a 5-hour taxi ride.
Or you go east towards Bukit Lawang Village first, before pressing on south. You will arrive at the lake from the opposite side.
This north Sumatra village is perfect for those of you wanting to feel part of the wildlife. That's especially so for the wild roaming orangutan. There is no dividing line between village nature, the lush green jungle is very close.
The village is an ideal destination for backpackers, campers and those on a road trip. It's the perfect excuse to get off the road for sights of rare wildlife. But note a few things first before deciding to go:
But it's most definitely worth it, to see the orangutans with their babies.
Seeing these beautiful creatures in the wild shows you a different side to Indonesia. So different from Bali, it's another world. Gunung Leuser National Park must have the richest and most diverse jungle landscapes. The many thousands of orangutans are the most popular attraction of course.
There are also the leopards, macaque, baboons and the small, cute Thomas monkeys. Bring your best hiking boots and enjoy a 2D1N break to reenergize yourself.
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The lake may be off the beaten track, but it's not a problem. The first impressions are its for backpackers and gangs of campers but take another look. There is an interesting:
What is amazing about the lake is that it is so darn relaxing. It's a place you can unwind and forget about how stressful and punishing life is. Walking along the lake's shoreline at Tuk Tuk offers you tranquility. The same tranquility you find on one of Nusa Lembongan's beaches.
The lake is accessible not only from Bali and Jakarta but also, from Kuala Lumpur or even Singapore. This is one more of Indonesia's hidden gems so please don't pass it up. Holiday on the lake and hire a guide, go explore the wilderness. It's one more adventure you'll treasure for life.
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Hello, we are George and Elle Mae Melyre.
Over the years, amidst work and family life, we have traveled extensively throughout Asia. Any chance to briefly escape or properly holiday in our beloved Asian destinations is eagerly seized, motivated by the enduring dream of leaving behind the UK's dreary cold for tropical climes.