Lake Toba - Waking up at 4 AM in Jakarta, I felt both an excitement and a tinge of exhaustion as Edmund and I prepared for our trip to Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world. The early morning flight from Jakarta to Silangit Airport was smooth, and within a couple of hours, we touched down amidst the cool mountain air of North Sumatra.
Lake Toba was formed as a result of a massive volcanic eruption which was estimated to have occurred around 73,000-75,000 years ago. This causes the formation of a large caldera filled with water which is now known as Lake Toba and the pressure from the magma that failed to erupt causes the formation of an island in the middle of the lake known as the Samosir Island. According to the scientists the super eruption produced by the volcano caused nearly half of the living species on earth died and vanished.
Toba Lake has a length of 100 kilometers and a width of 30 kilometers making it the largest lake in Indonesia and Southeast Asia.
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| AirAsia plane landed at Silanjit airport |
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Silangit Airport
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| Our car for the next days |
Our friendly driver, Tiko a local Batak from Berastagi, met us at the airport and wasted no time getting us on the road. The two-hour drive to the ferry terminal was a mix of winding roads and breathtaking landscapes. Along the way, we stopped for a Batak-style lunch, savouring the unique flavours of the region. The Batak people are known for their distinct culture and cuisine, and this meal was a perfect introduction to the adventure ahead.
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| Batak restaurant |
Taufu and tilapia fish cooked with bamboo shoot.
Saksang or sa-sang is a savoury, spicy Indonesian Batak dish made from minced pork stewed in its blood,coconut milk and spices; including kaffir lime and bay leaves, coriander, shallot, garlic, chili pepper and Thai pepper, lemongrass, ginger, galangal, turmeric and andaliman.
Tapioca leaves cooked in coconut was bland and also my first time trying such dish.
Parapat ferry town - Our driver drove to Parapat town where we will board the ferry to reach Samosir island. We walked around Parapat saturday market.
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| Vegetables were so fresh |
As we drove towards the ferry, something caught our eye—a humble durian stall along the roadside. Durian, known as the “King of Fruits,” is a delicacy in Southeast Asia, and we couldn't pass up the opportunity to taste some fresh, locally grown durians.
We picked out two, sat by the roadside, and indulged in their rich, creamy flesh. The flavour was intense, slightly sweet, and custard-like, with none of the overpowering bitterness that some durians can have. It was an unexpected but delightful detour. The durians cost Rp 50,000 each about SGD 4.
Upon reaching the ferry terminal, we experienced something fascinating – our driver drove his car directly onto the ferry. It was an effortless process, and the cost for bringing a vehicle aboard was Rp 200,000. The ferry ride itself was incredibly smooth, with the vast expanse of Lake Toba stretching endlessly around us.
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| Ferry to Samosir island |
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| inside the ferry |
After a peaceful ride, we finally arrived at the ferry town of Tomo, located on Samosir Island, an island within the lake. We took a short stroll around the town, soaking in the slow-paced, laid-back vibe. The locals were friendly, and the small stalls lining the streets offered fresh produce, snacks, and souvenirs. We couldn't resist buying some local mangoes, their sweet fragrance filling the air as we walked back to our car.
Old Tomb of King
Next to the king’s tomb lie the grave of the missionary who converted the tribe in the 19th century.
Sidabutar's tomb is the one with a large tribal-looking sculpture of the king’s head carved at the front of his tombstone, along with those of his bodyguard below and Anteng Melila Senega at the rear, the woman the king is said to have loved for many years without fulfilment.
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| Old Tomb of King Sidabutar |
Batak museum of Tomok
We went to the village and wore the Batak Toba costumes.
Walking around Tuk-tuk town. This small town, known for its relaxed ambiance and stunning views of the lake, was the perfect place to unwind.
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| small hospital |
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| Petrol station |
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| An abandon hotel |
For dinner, we chose Ginger Restaurant, a cozy eatery with a welcoming atmosphere. The food was exceptional, featuring fresh ingredients and traditional Batak flavors. Each dish was carefully prepared, making it a satisfying end to a long day of travel.
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| Rendang curry fish |
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| Mee goreng with fried chicken |
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| Chap chai vegetables |
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| Young chef at Ginger restaurant |
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