Scenic view of Lake Toba (UNESCO Global Geopark)

Lake Toba - We woke up to a beautiful and cool morning, breakfast is provided as part of the room stay.  That's our room in the background.  Looks beautiful on the outside but badly needs renovation within the room.  My first night was without hot water, and it was a cold and shivering bath.  

Our adventure began early at 9 AM, and we went for a Batak christian church service.  

Batak Christian Church

Church service

Then we drove to a Catholic church....

Edmund praying

Virgin Mary statue

Huta Siallagan

After the church service, we stop by a historical site called Kampung Huta Siallagan which is located in Ambarita village.

Huta means village, and Siallagan is taken from the clan name Siallagan. It was named Huta Siallagan because this village was made by Batak people from the Siallagan clan who was later led by King Siallagan.  We paid for a tour guide and he was a direct decendant of the King, 16th grandchild.  The entrance fee is Rp 10,000 (about S$ 0.83) plus Rp 100,000 for the tour guide.

cooking area in the Batak house

The symbol of the lizard as an animal that can live anywhere symbolises the Batak people who can live everywhere. Strong, resilient. While the breast is a symbol of wealth and generous people.  There are 3 colours of the Batak people - white colour paint from chalk, red paint from animal blood and black from ashes.  

Kampung Huta Siallagan is famous for its story as a village of cannibals. The story says, in the days of the old kings, if someone was sentenced to customary punishment because he was proven to have committed a crime, he would be subjected to two kinds of punishment: beheading or punishment of chained.  The village will fatten up the criminal for days before the execution.

Trial stone chair

This tour guide was very animated in describing the cannibalistic ritual of beheading and eating the humans.  I felt 'sick' with his detailed description of how the beheaded human meat was divided and eaten.  This village known as the village of cannibals is that when the convicted is executed, body parts such as the heart, heart, and blood are taken to be eaten and drunk by the king and the commander. The people believed that this could increase the king’s power and increase immunity.

Execution area

Tomb stone of the King

After the Huta Siallagan, we crossed the Aek Tano Ponggol Bridge, the only connection between Samosir Island and the mainland. The drive itself was scenic, with panoramic views of the lake and lush green hills surrounding us.   The bridge was completed in December 2022 and inaugurated by President Joko Widodo on August 25, 2023. 

A Hike to Remember: Holbung Hill

Our first stop was Holbung Hill, a breathtaking destination known for its rolling green landscapes and magnificent views of Lake Toba. The driver stopped at the base of the camp, and from there, we began our hike to the summit. The trail was manageable, though it required some effort to climb the steep inclines.

Christ the saviour statue

Upon reaching the top, the view was nothing short of spectacular. The vastness of the lake stretched endlessly before us, surrounded by the undulating hills and fresh mountain air. It was a moment of pure tranquility, where we paused to take in the beauty of one of Indonesia’s most scenic landscapes.

There were some parts that were steep and have to be careful to watch where you step on.  

Holbung village

Just as we descended back to the base, the weather took an unexpected turn. Heavy rain poured down, drenching everything in sight. We hurried back to the car, grateful for the timely descent before the trail became too slippery.

A Feast for the Senses: Batak BBQ Pork Lunch

After our hike, our appetites were well-earned. The driver took us to a famous Batak BBQ pork restaurant, where we indulged in an incredible feast of traditional flavours. The pork was tender and juicy, grilled to perfection and served with a mix of spicy sambal and tapioca leaves dish. The distinct Batak spices made every bite an unforgettable experience, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the region.

Scenic view of corn and rice plantation

Asik fish

Marinated BBQ pork with tapioca leaves

Visiting the Iconic Christ the Saviour Statue

Rejuvenated from lunch, we continued our journey to the Christ the Saviour Statue. Standing tall against the backdrop of lush hills, this magnificent statue of Jesus Christ is one of the most notable religious landmarks in North Sumatra. As we approached, we were awestruck by its sheer grandeur and serenity.

Walking around the statue, we took in the peaceful surroundings and admired the craftsmanship that went into creating such a striking landmark. The site is not only a religious symbol but also a place where visitors can reflect and appreciate the tranquil beauty of Lake Toba.

How small I am in comparison to the Christ

The Enchanting Efrata Waterfall

Next on our itinerary was Efrata Waterfall, a hidden gem tucked away in the forests of North Sumatra. A short trek led us to this beautiful cascading waterfall, where the sound of rushing water and the cool mist created a refreshing escape from the day’s adventures.

We spent some time near the waterfall, taking photos and enjoying the natural surroundings. The pristine waters and lush greenery made it a perfect stop to unwind before continuing our journey.

A Breathtaking View from Tele Tower

Our next stop was the Tele Tower, a must-visit viewpoint offering panoramic views of Lake Toba. The drive to the tower was scenic, winding through mountain roads with stunning landscapes at every turn.  

Just across the road from where our driver parked, we spotted a durian stall. Being lovers of this infamous tropical fruit, we couldn’t resist stopping for a taste. We ended up enjoying three local durians, each with its unique flavor profile—some rich and creamy, others slightly bitter yet delicious. The price was Rp30,000 (S$ 2.45) per durian.

After a satisfying durian detour, we climbed the observation deck, which provided a breathtaking 360-degree view of the lake and surrounding mountains.

From this height, we could truly appreciate the vastness of Lake Toba, a crater lake formed from an ancient volcanic eruption. The sight was mesmerising, with the shimmering blue waters stretching endlessly into the horizon.

Map of Lake Toba

We embarked on the final leg of our journey—the two-hour drive back to our hotel. The ride was peaceful, with the lush landscapes of North Sumatra passing by as we reflected on the experiences of the day.

Our dinner was just down the road, Widya restaurant.

We had egg omelette, BBQ tilapia fish and BBQ brinjal. It was a satisfying dinner.

On the way to Lake Toba (UNESCO Global Geopark) - Horas

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.

AirAsia plane landed at Silanjit airport

Silangit Airport

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.

Batak restaurant

Proverbs 17:17 "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity."

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.  

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.

Ferry to Samosir island

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.

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.

small hospital

Petrol station

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.

Rendang curry fish

Mee goreng with fried chicken

Chap chai vegetables

Young chef at Ginger restaurant