” Enjoy another side of life by adventuring to Lake Toba “
By. Rido Ivanus |
Lake Toba is one of the world’s largest volcanic lake tourist destinations, located in the province of North Sumatra, Indonesia. Surrounded by seven regencies and an island in the middle called Samosir, the lake is a visited prime and best adventure destination in Indonesia for both domestic and international tourists. The natural beauty, richest traditions, and many of hidden-gems must-see attractions attract many tourists.
However, many travelers may be hesitant to visit due to limit vacation time or lack of information on how to the most effective and efficient ways to visit Lake Toba.
The following might serve as a guide and tips for you on how to visit Lake Toba more effectively and practically. The information and stories provided are based on my experiences exploring Lake Toba and several cities in the North Tapanuli region.
1. Make Research for Priority Places to Visit
Lake Toba holds many legendary stories and unparalleled natural beauty. There are many interesting tourist attractions and life around that are a shame to miss. Do your research before to identify the places you want to visit according to your interests and travel style (backpacker, family tour, adventurer, or ethnic-cultural tour).
Once you’ve prioritized your destinations, adjust your total visit time accordingly. Normally, 3 to 5 days being there are sufficient if you’re limited on time. It will make your exploration more effective.
2. Landed at Silangit International Airport, Siborong-Borong, Tarutung
Book your flight directly to Silangit International Airport in Tarutung. If you landed and travel via Medan, your journey to Lake Toba will be longer. Although the Kualanamu-Tebing Tinggi toll-road currently extends to the town of Prapat on Lake Toba, it is not yet fully completed. Once the toll-roads fully completed, the fastest time will be a 2-hour overland journey.
Silangit Airport was opened by the Indonesian government as the gateway towards Lake Toba. Silangit Airport is internationally recognized and operates direct flights from Jakarta and other cities operated by Garuda Indonesia and other airlines. Air Asia and other international airlines will also operate direct flights from abroad to Silangit. Then, the distance from Silangit Airport to Lake Toba is 71.3 km and can be reached in just 30 minutes to 1 hour by car. You can save time and explore more by landing at Silangit International Airport.
Transportation.
Don’t worry about the transportation to get there. Many travel or taxis operate to Lake Toba, with prices range from IDR 200,000 to IDR 400,000 per car (depending on the destination city, such as Prapat, Muara, Samosir Island, Siantar Island, etc.). Taxis or minivans typically accommodate 4-5 passengers with luggage space and operate until the last flight arrives at 5:00 PM.
Damri buses also operate on three routes, one of which is the Silangit Airport-Prapat-Lake Toba route, with tickets costing IDR 35,000 per person. Choose the available ground transportation options to suit your needs.
Conversely, when you return from exploring Lake Toba, you can use Silangit Airport or proceed via Kualanamu Airport in Medan if you have plans to explore the city. You can hire travels car from Lake Toba via : Prapat-Tebing Tinggi-Kualanamu Airport-Medan route.
3. Book Hotels in Ajibata-Parapat and Tomok-Samosir Island Areas
There are many hotels, villas, inns, and guest houses available around Lake Toba and Samosir Island. However, the most important thing is to decide whether you want to arrive at Samosir Island as soon as possible or enjoy the shores of Lake Toba first in Ajibata-Parapat.
If you want to get Samosir Island directly, please adjust the schedule of ferry-boat departure time to cross, eliminating the need to book a hotel in Ajibata-Parapat.
However, if you want to enjoy the shores of Lake Toba first upon arrival from the airport, it’s better to book a hotel in Parapat.
4. Rent Travel Car with Driver as Guide
If you’re traveling with a family and children, it’s safer and more comfortable to enjoy Lake Toba and surrounded by using rent car or vehicle from the travel agent. Usually, they provide a driver as travel guide. You can also make reservations online.
You might spend a little more for a tip, but you’ll gain a wealth of information about the history and tourist attractions, as well as local customs and traditions, from the driver. Furthermore, the driver guide is usually from local resident. They know mostly practical, safe, and comfortable routes. You can concentrate on enjoying the trip while keep watching your children and loved ones.
According to legend, there are several places where information about the do’s and don’ts is essential. These include the traditional villages of Siallagan Samosir, Tao Silalahi, and several other areas of Samosir. Furthermore, special driving skills are required, such as navigating the winding Tele Road on Samosir Island, all the way to connect road with Dairi Regency in North Tapanuli.
But you don’t need to worry, because it’s worth it. All tourist areas and villages are safe, beautiful and comfortable to visit.
5. Pay Attention to the Ferry Departure Schedule to Samosir Island
Your visit to Lake Toba practicaly not completed without visiting Samosir Island, located in the center of the lake. You’ll need to coordinate your arrival time in Prapat, Lake Toba, with the ferry-boat departure time that will dock at Samosir Island. The travel time from Ajibata-Port in Prapat towards Tomok at Samosir Island is approximately 30 minutes, and you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of Lake Toba directly during the journey. This is important to ensure an efficient trip and arrive on Samosir Island on time. You won’t waste time waiting for the ferry to arrive and depart.
6. “Halal” Labels for Moslem Travelers
Enjoy the gentle breeze on the shores of Lake Toba while trying fresh grilled tilapia fish, gomak noodles, carp arsik, and “saksang” (pork). All of which are readily available at restaurants near Ajibata Port in Prapat. For moslem travelers, it’s helpful to look for the restaurant display “Halal” labels first or to inquire about the ingredients of their side dishes before.
7. Try a Motorcycle or Bicycle Rental to Explore Samosir Island
You can explore the beauty of Samosir Island by using a motorcycle or bicycle rental service. It is often rented by hotels and lodge accommodations in Tomok. Simply visit the town of Pangururan, as it’s easily accessible by rental motorcycle. However, it will take a full day or even more to explore Samosir Island and return to your starting point from Tomok.
Visit and document tourist attractions on Samosir Island that you have already researched. You can visit the tourist village of Tomok which is famous for the Tomb of King Sidabutar, Sigale-gale statue, and a row of Bolon Houses. Exploring and interacting with the local community are the best ways to get memorable insight. You’ll gain new experiences and insights into local culture and customs while maintaining good manners and behavior. This experience will be the highlight of your trip.
8. The Option: Start via Tomok and Return via Tele
This final tip will help you to find greater satisfaction and experience. This tip is for travelers who enjoy adventuring and have plenty of time. This means entering Samosir Island via Tomok and returning via the winding Tele route. This Tele route leads to Dairi Regency and then to Silangit-Tarutung Airport. This trip takes 4-5 days including start landing at Silangit Airport, exploring Lake Toba, and returning back by using a rental car.
Keep in mind that driving skills are required if you’re traveling through Tele route. However, it’s worth it cause you’ll find a wonderful experience to enjoy the beauty of Lake Toba while taking in other nearby attractions along the way.
Key Points:
1. Start from Silangit Airport and head directly to the town of Prapat on the shore of Lake Toba. Align your arrival time with the ferry-boat schedule. You can stay overnight in Prapat if you miss the ferry, or if you have enough time, cross directly to Samosir Island and stay overnight in Tomok.
2. Tourist attractions to enjoy on Lake Toba and Samosir Island include: the megalithic site of King Sidabutar’s Tomb, the traditional village of Siallagan, the traditional Tor-Tor dance and Sigale-Gale performance, Ulos weaving crafts in Lumban Suhi-Suhi, the traditional Bolon house, local culinary delights with rich spice flavors, hot water springs, white sand beaches, banana boat trips, the small town of Pangururan, and more.
3. Driving skills are required if you’re going through Tele, but you’ll find an extraordinary experience enjoying the beauty of Lake Toba while enjoying the pulse of life in the villages along its shores.
