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Must Travel Indonesia Beyond Bali | Episode 1 | Lake Toba, North Sumatera.
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items Lake Toba is one of Indonesia's most breathtaking destinations and one of its best-kept secrets beyond Bali. Home to the world's largest volcanic lake and Samosir Island, nearly the size of Singapore, this remarkable destination offers dramatic lands...
Whether you're cruising across the lake by ferry, exploring centuries-old Batak villages, chasing panoramic viewpoints, or watching the sun set behind misty mountains, Lake Toba invites you to slow down and experience Indonesia at its most authentic.
Whether you're cruising across the lake by ferry, exploring centuries-old Batak villages, chasing panoramic viewpoints, or watching the sun set behind misty mountains, Lake Toba invites you to slow down and experience Indonesia at its most authentic.
Map
Sections
4
1. Brastagi | Highlights
2. Lake Toba | Highlights
3. Samosir Island | Highlights
Where to Stay.
1. Brastagi | Highlights
The drive from Medan to Parapat via Berastagi is more than just a road trip, it’s part of the adventure. As you leave the city behind, the scenery transforms into lush highlands, cool mountain air, and rolling countryside. Make a stop in Berastagi to...
Fruit market in Berastagi is a refreshing highlight stop point, since the drive from Medan to Lake Toba is about 4 hours drive, this is a halfway mark (about 2 hours from Medan)
Pasar Buah Berastagi | Fruit Market
You could have a small picnic, play kids or even horse riding in this area. It is very suitable for a small family activities getaway
Bukit Kubu | Berastagi
This is another stop points, a scenic 394-ft.-high waterfall in the heart of a pine forest, accessed by a manmade pathway.
Sipiso Piso Waterfall - All You SHOULD Know Before Going (2026 Reviews)
I’ve done many hikes, but this one for sure had some of the most beautiful views! Lush green mountains, crystalline sulfur and volcanic rock formations. Incredible experience!
Hiking Gunung Sibayak | Berastagi
Excellent hot springs with many pools of varying temperatures. The entrance is free, and you get to relax in the healing waters while listening to gibbons and watching steam roll off of the volcano. Excellent stop after climbing Mt Sibayak!
Sidebuk Debuk | Thermal Baths Berastagi
Danau Lau Kawar is a truly beautiful spot! 🤩 The mountain views are breathtaking, and it's surrounded by such lush greenery. The camping area looks inviting. I loved visit here.
Danau Lau Kawar · Karo Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia
2. Lake Toba | Highlights
Lake Toba is surrounded by rolling hills and featuring Samosir Island at its center, Lake Toba is more than a scenic retreat . It is a living geological marvel and a cultural heartland for the Batak people. 🌊 From spiritual significance to ecologica...
Lake Toba is not only the largest volcanic lake in the world but also home to Samosir Island, a cultural
heartland of the Batak people and the main tourist hub for most tourists. Accessing this island gem involves a
scenic ride with a ferry at Lake T...
Taking the Ferry at Lake Toba
Holbung Hill, located in North Sumatra, is a breathtaking natural attraction renowned for its sweeping views of the iconic Lake Toba. Often referred to as the "Teletubbies Hill," its rolling green landscapes resemble the lush hills featured in the be...
Bukit Holbung/ Holbung Hill
Don't miss the Sibea-bea Jesus Statue in Indonesia. North Sumatra's answer to Brazil's Christ the Redeemer. Perched high above the shores of Lake Toba, this towering landmark is one of Indonesia's tallest Jesus statues and a remarkable spiritual dest...
Sibea-bea Jesus Statue: Lake Toba's Iconic Spiritual Landmark
As one of the best places to shop for Batak souvenirs, visitors can browse beautifully handcrafted Ulos textiles, traditional handicrafts, and locally made keepsakes while learning about the cultural significance of this iconic woven fabric.
Batak Souvenir Center: Kampung Ulos Huta Raja| Ulos Village
I highly recommend this place, the natural hot springs offer beautiful views and both private and public bathing pools. The sulfur smell can be quite strong, so consider bringing a mask if you're sensitive to it. It's also conveniently located near a...
Hot Springs & White Sulfur Limestone Cliffs
3. Samosir Island | Highlights
Samosir is a popular tourist destination due to its exotic history and the vistas it offers, including of the huge hill opposite the Lutheran church. The tourist resorts are concentrated in the Tuktuk area. The island is the centre of the Batak cultu...
Tuktuk Siadong Tourist Village is one of the most charming destinations on Samosir Island and a wonderful place to experience the rich culture of the Batak people. With its tranquil lakeside setting, traditional Batak heritage, and welcoming atmosphe...
Tuktuk Siadong Tourist Village in Samosir Island
Tomok Village, located on Samosir Island, is the cultural gateway to the Batak Toba heritage at Lake Toba in North Sumatra. The village is rich in history and well-preserved cultural landmarks, including the Tomb of King Sidabutar, the famous Sigale-...
Tomok Village, on Samosir Island
Where to Stay.
I've handpicked the best places to stay around Lake Toba from luxury lakeside resorts to charming local guesthouses. It all based on your budget location, comfort, and the experiences I'd genuinely recommend to visiting friends.
Hotel in Medan, this one is very popular, make sure you book early if you already have a plan to be here
Cambridge Hotel | Hotel in Medan
Karibia Boutique Hotel offers luxurious, air-conditioned rooms with en suite bathrooms. This hotel is located right in the heart of the city and right next to the city's largest shopping mall, Centre Point Mall, as well as the railway station.
Karibia Boutique| Hotel in Medan
In Brastagi, this area is surrounded by mountain, the air here is fresh and cooling even during the day. This hotel provides comfortable room with a rooftop cafe on the top. Hotel Kalang Ulu in Berastagi features a distinct architectural style that b...
Kalang Ulu | Hotel in Berastagi
If you are looking for a wonderful experience, this is highly recommended for a relaxing vacation, whether in tranquility or with outdoor activities. Extraordinary views. Clean rooms with stunning views from the room.
Taman Simalem Resort| Hotel in Sidikalang (Lake Toba View)
You can enjoy the view of Lake Toba from Hotel Niagara, Parapat. This 4-star hotel offers comfort it also has some traditional Batak-style houses, and different room categories to suit depending on your preferences.
The hotel is also ideally situate...
Niagara Hotel | Hotel in Perapat (Lake Toba View)
Price per night is pretty good with the quality about IDR 200,000-IDR 300,000 per nights
What it's actually good for : the room is spacious and the location is very quiet, clean and the view on the way there is fantastic, scenery that is all green. I...
Bloom Stay | Hotel in Samosir Island
If you have extra budget to spend this is recommended
Marianna Resort & Convention Tuktuk | Hotel in Samosir Island
Love this place. The scenery and atmosphere are truly outstanding. It’s a perfect place to relax, reconnect with nature, and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. You can experience peace and quiet in complete comfort.
Villa MariPro | Lau Kawar · Karo Regency, North Sumatra