MEDAN: Bali may claim the spotlight as Indonesia’s most popular tourist spot, but for those seeking something a little different, we would recommend a trip to Lake Toba.
Nestled amid awe-inspiring emerald mountains, Lake Toba is a sprawling natural lake in North Sumatra that graces the caldera of a supervolcano.
This majestic lake, surrounded by numerous islands, is centrally positioned in the northern reaches of Sumatra, at a surface elevation of approximately 900 meters. It is the world’s largest volcanic lake, 100 km long, 30 km wide, and plunging to depths of up to 505 meters.
This majestic lake, surrounded by numerous islands, is centrally positioned in the northern reaches of Sumatra. (Shutterstock)
The four-hour journey to the lake from the bustling city of Medan — the nearest airport — is a staggering experience in itself, unveiling a captivating tableau of nature’s wonders; lush forests and charming towns that create a picturesque narrative along the route.
Our first stop at Lake Toba was Samosir Island, a must-visit gem in the middle of the lake, which you reach my motorboat, where you will be treated to panoramic vistas of majestic mountains draped in clouds that leave you breathless. The azure waters unveil the lake’s hidden depths, while the lush greenery unfolds in a tapestry of amazing hues.
Our initial accommodation was the Marianna Resort Samosir, a five-star resort on the shores of Lake Toba that doesn’t hold back on the luxury. The in-house yoga was a refreshing way to start the day: Stretch your body, breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy the peaceful sounds of water, birds and relaxing music. You will not be disappointed.
Marianna Resort Samosir, a five-star resort on the shores of Lake Toba that doesn’t hold back on the luxury. (Shutterstock)
Further pampering is available at the Marianna’s spa, where you can enjoy a relaxing massage while enjoying the verdant views from the resort’s glass rooms.
For a slightly more energetic way to unwind and destress, you can rent a bicycle from the hotel and take a leisurely ride around the island — another way to enjoy the stunning surroundings.
For those wanting to experience a little of the island’s rich culture and traditions, there are visits available to one of the Batak tribe’s villages. We stopped off at one on our journey to the town of Parapat. The tribe has lived in the region for centuries and the Batak people’s creative skills are on show everywhere, including their unique traditional houses, known as “rumah adat,” which are decorated with ornate carvings.
For those wanting to experience a little of the island’s rich culture and traditions, there are visits available to one of the Batak tribe’s villages. (Shutterstock)
The tribe also have its own script, called “Surat Batak.” This writing system has been used for centuries to record the tribe’s literature, history and religious texts.
Batak handicrafts are renowned for their exquisite quality. Further proof of the craftsmanship of the Batak people can be found in their traditional woven fabrics, intricate wood carvings and impressive metalwork.
When we reached Parapat town, we stayed at Hotel Niagara Parapat. While not as opulent as the Marianna Resort Samosir, the hotel also offers spectacular views that make the stay worthwhile. If you have the option, then choose a lake-view room to for breathtaking views of colorful sunrises and sunsets. In between, you can indulge yourself with a refreshing dip in the hotel’s inviting infinity pool, ideal for those on a romantic getaway.
Hotel Niagara Parapat offers spectacular views that make the stay worthwhile. (Supplied)
The dry seasons — December to February and May to September — are the optimal times to take a trip to this enchanting place. During our four-day trip in January, there were just two brief instances of rain, lasting only five or 10 minutes, so there was no disruption to our plans. This may not be the case at other times of year.
For those with special dietary requirements, it may be a good idea to bring along your own snacks — it’s not always easy to find suitable food away from the hotels or resorts.
On the whole, our sojourn to Lake Toba was nothing short of enchanting. Whether it was the immersive cultural exploration, the rejuvenating activities or simply basking in the beauty of nature, every element contributed to a truly memorable and gratifying journey.
For those traveling from the Gulf region to Lake Toba, a convenient option is to take a flight from Qatar to Medan.
Notably, Qatar Airways this month launched a direct flight from Doha to Medan, featuring three flights per week.
The inaugural event was graced by the Minister of State and president of Qatar National Library, Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al-Kawari.
The event marked the completion of the Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture.
