[2025 Tuktuk Siadong Attraction] Travel Guide for Lake Toba (Updated Jun)

| A Hidden Gem in North Sumatra, Indonesia Medan, the capital of North Sumatra, Indonesia, is a city full of charm and mystery, waiting for you to explore. 1. Basic Information • Climate: Medan has a tropical rainforest climate, with warm weather all year round and an average temperature of 28°C. 🌞 It is suitable for travel all year round, but it is relatively dry from November to April, making it more convenient to travel. • Transportation: The main way to get to Medan is through Kualanamu International Airport, which has taxis and buses to the city. There are various means of transportation in the city, and taxis are convenient, but be sure to negotiate the price in advance. You can also experience the local tricycle "becak" and travel through the streets and alleys. 2. Must-See Attractions • Maimun Palace: This palace witnessed the glory of the Deli Sultanate. The architecture combines Malay and European styles, with a beautiful exterior and many precious cultural relics inside, allowing you to appreciate the glory of the past. Address: Medan city center. • Lake Toba: One of the largest volcanic lakes in the world, with the picturesque Samosir Island in the center. The lake is clear and blue, surrounded by mountains. You can take a boat tour to enjoy the beautiful scenery and feel the tranquility and magnificence. 🏞️ About 175 km from Medan. • Masjid Raya Al-Mashun: One of the largest mosques in Southeast Asia, the magnificent white building looks particularly sacred against the blue sky. The interior is beautifully decorated, and non-Muslim visitors can also visit at specific times to experience the strong religious atmosphere. Address: Medan city center. 3. Local Cuisine • Satay: Various meats are skewered on bamboo sticks, grilled over charcoal, and brushed with sweet soy sauce. The aroma is irresistible, and it is served with special peanut sauce. 🍖 • Gado-gado: An Indonesian salad made with various vegetables, tofu, peanut sauce, etc. It is nutritious and has a rich taste. • Nasi Goreng: Fried rice with local spices, served with eggs, chicken, shrimp, etc. It is a classic dish not to be missed. 🍚 4. Tips • Respect Religion: Most Indonesians are Muslims. When visiting mosques and other religious sites, dress appropriately, and women need to cover their heads. • Pay Attention to Hygiene: Try to drink bottled water and avoid eating food from roadside stalls with unknown hygiene conditions to prevent gastrointestinal diseases. • Keep Your Belongings Safe: In crowded places, such as markets and scenic spots, keep your personal belongings safe to prevent loss or theft. Medan has both charming scenery and unique cuisine. Come and start this journey full of surprises. 😎

The traditional Batak houses around the area are fascinating too—these old wooden homes have crazy pointy roofs that look unlike anything Ive seen. They definitely became a highlight of the trip. They felt like from an old fairytale. Locals live in those houses, and once they even got invited by a nice lady to step in. Just to be respectful, I didn't take any pictures inside, but I can tell that was very simple and humble. Lake Toba itself is stunning! It’s the largest volcanic lake in the world, and the views are absolutely breathtaking. The air is fresh, and the peaceful vibe makes it a perfect escape for nature lovers. A fun fact: the lake is actually inside a supervolcano crater, which gives it a unique, calming beauty. Water was very warm, and I liked to swim in the lake. #voyagevibes #100waysoftravel #myhiddengems #malaysiatrip #traveldiaries #indonesia

Travel: From Medan Airport to the port town of Parapat. From there, take a ferry and a Tuktuk to the city. The city is on an island called Samosir island. (Total travel time from Medan is 6 hours, 5 hours by car and 1 hour by ferry) Attractions: The city faces the world's largest caldera lake. Its size is enormous, covering 1130 km2. Various activities can be enjoyed on the lake, including canoes and speedboats. You can also walk around the island and enjoy the rural scenery of Southeast Asia. You can get around the city by bicycle or motorbike, and there are many spots to enjoy all day, depending on the cafes and scenic spots. Recommended number of days: 3 to 5 days is enough to enjoy it. Note: Many stores do not accept cards and there are few ATMs, so it is important to prepare cash. It may be difficult if you do not have a basic level of English. It is a hidden gem in Southeast Asia, so it is a recommended destination for those who want to enjoy spectacular views and those who are experienced travelers! #100travelstyles #Indonesia #indonesiatrip #asia #trip #overseastravel #overseas #Iwanttoconnectwithpeoplewholoveoverseastravel

#summerdestinations The journey of my summer holiday to one of the most visited destination in North Sumatera Province of Indonesia, that is Lake Toba. On the way to every spot, you will be pampered with stunning views of rice field and lake which has clear and fresh water. Every time I passed by a nice view, i feel i need to stop and enjoy a while by absorbing the vibes and breathe the fresh air for my next journey. It was lovely to have this kind of experience in my life , 📍Lake Toba, North Sumatera, Indonesia #indonesia #northsumatera #danautoba #laketoba

#summerdestinations Another holiday to another province in Indonesia, North Sumatera. North Sumatera has something iconic which named Toba Lake/Danau Toba. This lake is famous for its historical. Lake Toba is actually more like an ocean. This is the largest lake in Southeast Asia and one of the deepest lakes in the world. What makes this lake special is because it was created by a mega-volcanic eruptions thousand years ago. As in the picture, I am basically at the above of Toba Lake water. That was so amazing that I can make myself made it to this iconic place in the country #indonesia #tobalake #danautoba #northsumatera

The first city that I traveled to Indonesia was Medan. We also spent a few days at Lake Toba. It was a summer trip ☀️ We took ferry to reach Lake Toba and checked in to Zoe’s Paradise Waterfront Hotel. Their service was really good and staff were friendly too🙌 Zoe’s Paradise Waterfront Hotel 📍Jalan Lingkar Tuktuk, Kecamatan Simanindo, Tuk Tuk, 22395, Indonesia If you visit any of the restaurant in lake Toba, you could ask them to cook “Fish Arsik”. It’s kinda their local secret recipe to cook fish. It’s a steam fish and you can definitely tastes the freshness of the fish 🐟 I just love it. P/S: Please bring your hat and sunglasses with you all the time! As you don’t wanna get any sunburn right? 😆

Lake Toba is a volcanic lake in North Sumatra, Indonesia. This is the largest lake in Indonesia and also one of the largest lakes in the world.Lake Toba, located in North Sumatra, Indonesia,This lake has a unique characteristic in the form of a submerged volcanic island in the middle, with Samosir Island being the largest.Lake Toba was formed from a powerful volcanic eruption around 75,000 years ago. This eruption created a large caldera which was then filled with rainwater and rivers, forming a giant lake

Lake Toba is a volcanic lake located on Sumatra Island, Indonesia. Lake Toba was formed by the eruption of the Toba volcano around 74,000 years ago. The former caldera that formed then became the bottom of the lake Lake Toba is surrounded by green and beautiful hills and mountains. Lake Toba is famous for its amazing sunrise views. One of the best places to watch the sunrise is from Holbung Hill, which offers spectacular views over the lake.

#wecreate One of favourite modern tourism spot in Toba Lake. This place serve good coffe and snack. We can do several activities like camping, watching traditional dance show, and tracking. The view just wonderfull 👍 The best place to enjoy the view of Amazing Lake Toba. If you wanna stay and enjoy the sunset and the sunrise, you can book the Bobocabin from the Apps.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Lake Toba and Samosir Island, and it was truly a trip of a lifetime! From the breathtaking natural beauty of the lake to the fascinating culture of the Batak people, this trip had something for everyone. ☀️🤗 First, let me start with Lake Toba itself. 🌴This is the largest volcanic lake in the world, and it is absolutely stunning. The water is crystal clear and the scenery is simply breathtaking. We spent hours just sitting by the shore and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.🥑🥥🥭 🚣But Lake Toba isn't just a pretty sight - it's also a great place for activities. The highlight of the trip was visiting Samosir Island. This is an island in the middle of the volcano Lake, Lake Toba, and it is home to the Batak people. The Batak have a rich and fascinating culture. We visited traditional Batak villages, such as Siallagan and Tomok where you can experience Batak music and performances and that’s also the place where you can buy Batak souvenirs such as wooden sculptures, Batak instruments and clothes.🏊💚🌴 There are a lot of Home Stays, Bungalows or Hotels mainly around Tuk Tuk area, which is the lively tourist area. One of the best and most authentic plays to stay is Tuk-Tuk Timbul, it is not directly located in the middle of the lively touristic Tuk-Tuk area, but it lays on the way (by foot around 15-20min and by motorbike around 5min).☀️☀️ tuition's Timbul is such a gem, peaceful, your bungalow is directly in front of the lake for morning dips and the people are so friendly. Perfect place if you want to reflect, find inspiration and do Yoga.🧘🏻‍♀️ 😍Overall, I highly recommend a trip to Lake Toba and Samosir Island. The natural beauty of the lake is unmatched, and the opportunity to learn about the Batak culture is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you're looking for a relaxing vacation or an adventure-filled trip, this destination has something for everyone. 😍😘 #mytripvlog #celebratewithtrip #volcaniclandscapes #supervolcano #islandtravel #adventure #wonderfulindonesia

Access: Take a bus from Medan to Sinatra, then change at Siantar to Parapat. Tourist attraction: Samosir Island. Hotel: Valencia homestay. The scenery is great. It's a good place to stay before or after moving to Samosir Island.

I planned a last minute solo trip Lake Toba after I decided to call off the trip the Cambodia due to the current situation. I chose to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Medan as the flight ticket was the cheapest. Lake Toba caught my attention after a quick check on Google map. Isn't it the world's largest crater lake that I learned about in high school Geography? Getting There - Take the bus from Amplas bus terminal to Parapat. (Rp 60,000) Then take a ferry to Samosir Island from one of the few ferry terminals in Parapat. I took the ferry from Pelabuhan Ajibata to Tomok (Rp 12,000) If you are taking the bus from Kualanamu Airport to Medan city (Rp40,000), take note that the bus may not stop right at Amplas bus station. I had to ask the bus driver to stop in the middle of the road and walked 20 min to the bus terminal. I think the new bus terminal is still under construction. The current terminal is made up of a few pondoks (stalls). No facilities there. Attractions - Check out the last two pictures. I happened to pass by what seemed like a tourist information centre when I took a walk through Tuk-Tuk area. The poster shows quite a lot of attractions in Lake Samosir and the neighbouring regions which I can't seem to find much information on Google. I picked a few attractions and toured around half the island on a motorbike. It's a pity that I can't ride a bike so I hired a local to take me on the bike tour for one day. (Rp500,000) Attractions visited: Huta Siallagan, Batu Kursi Raja Siallagan ( Stone Chair of King Siallagan ) Batu Passa and Liang Sipogu Beaches which include Sigurgur, Parbaba Beach, Pasir Putih Aek Rangat (supposed to have a hot spring but it was not open. The guide brought me to a small restaurant next to it which had a tiny pool with hotspring water) Bukit Burung (It's a lookout point further up the hill from Aek Rangat which many locals not know about. Happened to chance upon it on Google map. Even my guide didn't know about it!! So it was quite an accomplishment to bring him to a place that he had never been!) Lake Sidihoni Danau Aek Natonang Batu marhosa Air Terjun Sigarattung (Sampuran Na Pitu) Parhallow viewpoint and coffee shop Hotels - Hotel Tuk-Tuk Timbul Stayed two nights in a traditional room. No air-conditioning but Samosir is generally quite cool at night. Thought there would be lots of mosquitoes but luckily there were not. Overall it was a pleasant stay. There were many hotels and homestay which seemed to be deserted. I guess the tourism in Samosir has not really fully recovered. Shopping - There was a shopping streets in Tomok with hundreds of stalls selling similar souvenirs. business was not good as there were not many tourists so just beware of over desperate vendors pestering you to shop. #SpooktacularTrip #laketoba #samosir #volcano #crater #medan #budgetfriendly #budgettravel #lake #solotravel #backpacking

Getting There - Toba Lake, North Sumatera Attractions - visit Sibeabea, Siholbung, and there is a lake above the lake!

Lake Toba is a large natural lake in Indonesia located in the caldera of Mount Supervolcano. The lake is 100 kilometers (62 mi) long, 30 kilometers (19 mi) wide and 505 meters (1657 ft) deep. This lake is located in the center of northern Sumatra island with a surface elevation of about 900 meters (2953 ft). The lake stretches from 2.88°N 98.52°E to 2.35°N 99.1°E. It is the largest lake in Indonesia and the largest volcanic lake in the world. Lake Toba is the site of a super-massive volcanic eruption of magnitude VEI 8 around 69,000 to 77,000 years ago. triggering global climate change. Current dating methods establish that 74,000 years ago is more accurate. This eruption was the largest explosive eruption on Earth in the last 25 million years.According to the Toba catastrophe theory, this eruption had a major impact on human populations worldwide; the impact of the eruption killed most of the humans alive at that time and is believed to have caused population decline in middle east Africa and India thus affecting the genetics of human populations around the world today. Scientists agree that the Toba eruption triggered a volcanic winter that caused a drop in world temperatures between 3 to 5 °C (5.4 to 9.0 °F), and up to 15 °C (27 °F) in the upper latitudes. Follow-up research in Lake Malawi, Central Africa, found ash deposits from the Toba eruption, but found no evidence of major climate change in East Africa. On June 18 2018, the ferry sinking accident occurred in Lake Toba and drowned more than 190 people. There is also a famous tourist spot, namely Rangat water tourism, precisely under the foot of Mount Pusuk Buhit, Rangat Water is warm water that comes from an erupting mountain and Pusuk Buhit itself is an active volcano which is very sacred by the Batak ethnicity so that various mystical stories exist. on this mountain. This mountain is located on Samosir Island, and is the highest peak of all the highlands on Samosir Island. With a height of about 1,077 meters from Lake Toba, this mountain looks standing proudly. So if you are around the waters of Lake Toba, then Mount Pusuk Buhit will look very clear with its green peak with a combination of gray and covered by clouds around it. Then when we swim in the rangat water, we don't pay the entrance fee, just go in but after we finish bathing or finish swimming we are required to eat in the rangat water bath. #laketoba # History #sumatra #nationalpark#lakes

Lake Toba is 100 kilometers long, 30 kilometers wide, and reaches a depth of 505 meters. So big it can even be seen from outer space. The Toba eruption was a colossal event. The mountain spewed about 3,000 cubic kilometers of rock and volcanic ash that spread throughout the Earth. As published on the NASA website, pyroclastic flows or clouds, which are a mixture of hot gas, rock flakes, and ash, buried an area of ​​about 20,000 square kilometers around the caldera. #lakes

The lake formed by volcanic activity is called the most beautiful volcanic lake in Indonesia. Lake Toba along with the surrounding scenery, appears as one of the prima donna of North Sumatra. In addition, tourists can also feel at home exploring pine forests, enjoying waterfalls and soaking in warm water baths which are located in the same area as Lake Toba. Traveler's friends can also visit two tourist villages on Samosir Island! #lakes

Beautiful view in the morning. You must visit this beautiful lake, why? in the morning the air on the edge of the lake is very cool, views of the hills, and clear lake water. The location of this image is in Parapat, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Beautiful view in the morning. You must visit this beautiful lake, why? in the morning the air on the edge of the lake is very cool, views of the hills, and clear lake water. The location of this image is in Parapat, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Beautiful view in the morning. You must visit this beautiful lake, why? in the morning the air on the edge of the lake is very cool, views of the hills, and clear lake water. The location of this image is in Parapat, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Beautiful view in the morning. You must visit this beautiful lake, why? in the morning the air on the edge of the lake is very cool, views of the hills, and clear lake water. The location of this image is in Parapat, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Beautiful view in the morning. You must visit this beautiful lake, why? in the morning the air on the edge of the lake is very cool, views of the hills, and clear lake water. The location of this image is in Parapat, North Sumatra, Indonesia. #summervacation

Very amazing view. Nature lake impressing me. With the mountain around the lake, give a very amazing view especially during sunrise and sunset. Nice, clean and fresh air there. Have many Halal restaurant for muslim. You can find a cheap lobster there. Beautiful place, full of amazing scenery from amazing waterfalls to the huge lake in the middle of the crater of a super volcano. A beautiful place and definitely worth seeing especially as you meet a lot of local Indonesians travelling and it is interesting getting the local perspective. A stunning lake, steeped in culture, history and natural wonders! Hotels on Somisir Island are simple byt clean and the freindly people make up for lack of luxury! #urbanexplorer #happylaborday #maydaytrip #nationalpark

#tripaway at the lake toba . Medan . awesome view at the tonjing point. recommended . feeling the breeze and sunrise rise #tripaway

You're inside this giant ancient volcano crater! Lake Toba is a marvelous place in the heart of Sumatra island. Here, the time runs slow, the air is quiet and the scenery pleases the eye. I'd recommend finding a hotel or guesthouse in the TukTuk Village. Prices are affordable. There are also bicycle or motorbike tours one can get to explore the Samosir island.

#TOTD Another visa-free travel destination in Indonesia: Medan refers to Indonesia, and many people responded first to Bali. In fact, there are more than 16,000 islands in Indonesia known as the Country of Thousand Islands.

The distance that has never been seen is always full of mystery and fantasy. Walking on the road will only meet, and there will be a magical culture in the beautiful scenery. The motor plateau in the northern part of Indonesia's Sumatra has the world's largest volcanic lake, Lake Toba. The center of the lake has an island of about 45 kilometers in length and about 20 kilometers in width, called Samosi. The village with an old and traditional motor family on Samosir Island is called Huta Bolon. Here you will see long houses with traditional motor traditions. The roof is tall and the two sides are cocked and shaped like horns. The residents here believe. Buffalo horns can ward off evil. Have an ancient traditional dance performance, praying to God for good weather, peace and joy, and your wishes come true! The ancient sense of ritual always arouses people's forward power, and the spread of ancient culture makes us realize that the real thing is ever-changing! Then every place has a special memory, a journey of adventures around the world, accompanying me to see thousands of mountains and enjoy life.

Lake Toba is the largest volcanic lake in the world, with a depth of 505 meters and an altitude of 905 meters. Located on the motor plateau in northern Sumatra, Indonesia, Lake Toba is also the largest freshwater lake in Indonesia and a world-famous plateau lake known as the Pearl of the Sumatra Highlands. The boating lake is full of the feeling of the Swiss Lake District. The water quality is clear, the folk customs are simple, and there are many small fresh and artistic photographs.

📅 Itinerary Day1：head to samosir..stay on night..visit huta silangan. water front samosir. have a coffeeand nice cake at tepi cate Day2: berastagi, feel happy at stawbery farm lavender at sarune cafe . view gunung sinabung Day3: istana maimon . shopping at pajak.ikan 🏨 Accommodation by car 🍴 Food Recommendations nasi ayam penyet 📌 Tips all medan people is so nice

Beautiful Lake Toba

Just returned from an unforgettable 4D3N journey through one of Indonesia’s most underrated treasures — Lake Toba & Berastagi. Far from the usual tourist trails, this trip was packed with natural beauty, cultural richness, and peaceful escapes. If you're looking for a hidden gem to explore, this should top your list! ✨ 🟡 Day 1 kicked off from Kualanamu Airport, heading straight to the majestic Lake Toba via scenic Pematang Siantar. We enjoyed an authentic local lunch (shoutout to mie pangsit Awai!) and admired the tea gardens and panoramic Simarjarunjung view. Arriving at Samosir Island by ferry felt like entering a dream — calm, serene, and soul-refreshing. 🟡 Day 2 was all about discovering Samosir’s hidden wonders — from the surreal “lake above a lake” Aek Natonang, to the breathtaking views at Holbung Hills and Sibea-bea, ending with the stunning Efrata waterfall. Truly nature at its finest. 🟡 Day 3 took us toward Berastagi with a scenic stop at Sipiso-piso waterfall and lunch at a floating restaurant! The journey through Tongging was unforgettable. 🟡 Day 4 was an early adventure — hiking Mount Sibayak at 4.30 AM, catching the sunrise above the clouds. We wrapped up with visits to Lumbini Pagoda, hot springs, and the vibrant Berastagi fruit market before heading back to Medan. This off-the-beaten-path itinerary is the perfect blend of adventure, tranquility, and local culture. Highly recommended for nature lovers and explorers looking to experience Indonesia beyond Bali. 🌺💚 #LakeToba #SamosirIsland #Berastagi #HiddenGems #IndonesiaTravel #NatureEscape #TravelDiaries #4D3NAdventure

#summervacay Lake Toba Parapat at Pantai Kasih is a stunning destination perfect for a summer getaway. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of mountains and the calm, blue waters of Lake Toba, this spot offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports, browse the local souvenir shops, or simply relax on cozy couches while soaking in the panoramic views. The tranquil atmosphere and gentle lake breeze create a soothing experience ideal for unwinding. Whether you’re seeking adventure or quiet reflection, Pantai Kasih in Parapat delivers both. Its charming setting and relaxing vibe make it a must-visit location for anyone exploring the Lake Toba region—totally recommended for a refreshing and scenic escape.

a tourist destination at this beautiful island of samosir in lake toba indonesia is the huta siallagan is a must-visit for anyone exploring Lake Toba and Samosir Island. The traditional Batak village offers an intriguing window into the culture, traditions, and history of the Batak people. One of the village's main attractions is the ancient stone chairs and execution table, which served as a site for royal meetings and traditional judgment rituals. The site is accompanied by detailed explanations, often provided by friendly local guides, making the history come alive. Huta Siallagan also features stunning examples of traditional Batak architecture, with intricately carved wooden houses and vibrant motifs. The preservation efforts are commendable, allowing visitors to step back in time and imagine life centuries ago. The village is very tourist-friendly, with opportunities to watch cultural performances, purchase local crafts, and interact with the residents. The environment is clean and picturesque, surrounded by lush scenery and close to the shores of Lake Toba. Highly recommended for history enthusiasts, families, and anyone interested in Indonesia’s diverse heritage. #indonesia #laketoba #volcano

#summervacay Start your day right with a simple yet sumptuous breakfast buffet at Onang-Onang Restaurant, located in Khas Parapat Hotel. Overlooking the serene beauty of Lake Toba, this cozy dining spot offers a warm and inviting atmosphere each morning. The highlight is its selection of authentic Indonesian dishes—flavorful, comforting, and freshly prepared. From nasi goreng to soto and traditional condiments, every bite brings a taste of home and local culture. The buffet may be modest, but the quality and heart in every dish shine through. Enjoy your meal with a view of the rising sun and peaceful lake, making breakfast not just a meal, but a soothing experience. It’s the perfect way to begin a relaxing day in paradise.