Onward to Berastagi city

Berastagi - The next morning, we had breakfast in front of Lake Toba, enjoying the breathtaking morning view of the vast lake reflecting the golden hues of the rising sun. It was such a beautiful and peaceful moment before setting off for our next destination.

having my breakfast

Journey from Lake Toba to Berastagi City

At 9 AM, our driver picked us up and drove us to the Simanindo ferry terminal. The ferry ride took about 45 minutes as we crossed the lake to the town of Tiga Ras on the mainland.  The inside cabin with seats was comfortable until smokers started lighting up their cigarettes and we started to walk to the open air deck.

Exploring a Tea Plantation

Our first stop was a tea plantation, where acres and acres of neatly arranged tea plants spread across rolling hills. The air was fresh and we took a brief walk among the tea fields, appreciating the serene atmosphere and taking in the picturesque surroundings.

Sipiso-piso Waterfall Adventure

Next, we drove to Sipiso-piso Waterfall, one of North Sumatra’s most stunning natural wonders. The descent to the base of the waterfall required moderate effort, and I had to be careful because the ground was wet and slippery.

You have to be careful as many of the platform are in poorly maintained condition.

As we approached the base, the sheer power of the 120-meter-high waterfall became evident. We were completely drenched by the waterfall’s mist and splash, but it was a refreshing experience.  The climb back up took us an hour, and by the time we reached the top, we were exhausted but exhilarated.

At the car park, we found a small stall selling fresh avocados and passion fruits (Markisa). The fruits looked incredibly fresh, so we bought some to enjoy later.  We changed out of wet clothes and then drove to lunch.

Delicious Nasi Padang and Bakso Mee Lunch

Hungry after our morning adventures, we stopped for lunch at a local stall serving Nasi Padang and Bakso Mee. The fragrant rice dishes, served with a variety of meats, vegetables, and spicy sambals, were absolutely delicious. The Bak Mee, a noodle dish with savory broth, was equally satisfying.

Berastagi’s Famous Fruit Market

After lunch, we headed to a fruit market in Berastagi, where Edmund picked up fresh avocados, mangoes, and Berastagi oranges. The market was lively, with vendors calling out their best prices and colorful stacks of tropical fruits creating a feast for the eyes.

Huge avacado fruit

A Visit to a Beautiful Batak Karo Catholic Church

Our final stop for the day was a Batak Karo Catholic Church, an architectural masterpiece with intricate wooden carvings and a grand structure. The church's unique design reflected the rich cultural heritage of the Batak Karo people.

Our next stop is to our hotel, Mikie Holiday Resort and it was built by Singaporean family business.  It was a surprise that dinner was provided free of charge as part of the room package.

Wide choice for dinner