Discovering Batak Culture on Samosir Island

  This is taken/cop from this Batak Culture on Samosir Island – frombluetogreen.com 

Nestled at the edge of Lake Toba, our time staying in the Toledo hotel on Samosir Island was the perfect, peaceful closing chapter to our unforgettable journey through Sumatra.

Nearly as big in area as Singapore, Samosir, the ‘island within an island’ is the fifth largest lake island in the world. The island had a laid-back way of life and a rich history. We had the opportunity to delve into the culture of the Batak people which offered a unique and different side of Indonesia.

Our stay on Samosir Island, in the heart of Lake Toba, was the perfect way to end an unforgettable journey through Sumatra. Surrounded by peaceful waters, dramatic landscapes, and a slower pace of life, Samosir offered us something more than beautiful scenery. It gave us the opportunity to step into the world of the Batak people and discover a rich culture shaped by history, tradition, art, and community.

Samosir is often described as an "island within an island," sitting at the centre of Lake Toba, one of Indonesia's most remarkable natural landscapes. We stayed at the Toledo Hotel in the popular lakeside village of Tuktuk, where every morning began with beautiful views across the lake.

After breakfast, our Samosir guide, Damayanti—whom we came to know as Yanti—met us at the hotel. We climbed into our minibus and set off to explore the cultural heritage of the island.

Our first destination was the ancient village of Siallagan, known for its traditional Batak houses and historic stone chairs. Yanti introduced us to the distinctive artistic traditions of the Batak people and explained the meaning behind their sacred colours: white represents purity, red symbolises bravery, and black represents leadership.

Inside one of the traditional houses, Yanti shared the history of the village and told us about its founder, King Laga Siallagan. We also learned about the meaning of the word "Horas," a familiar Batak greeting associated with welcome and goodwill.

The most fascinating part of the visit was the collection of ancient stone chairs. Yanti brought the history to life through a little role-playing, explaining how these carved stone seats were once connected to the traditional justice system. The king occupied the largest chair, while others were assigned different positions according to their roles. Nearby were the execution stones, a reminder of how seriously justice was once administered within the community.

Leaving Siallagan behind, we continued along the lakeside road and stopped at the monument and tomb of Ompu Landit Simanihuruk, an important site for Batak families.

Our next destination was Kampung Ulos Hutaraja, where we were warmly welcomed with a traditional Batak dance. Here, the living traditions of the Batak people were easy to see. Traditional weaving continues at the heritage site, preserving skills and cultural knowledge that have been passed down through generations.

The village also offered a wonderful place to pause and enjoy the scenery. At a small coffee shop overlooking Lake Toba, I had an Americano made with local Sumatran coffee—the best coffee of the entire trip.

Lunch was another memorable cultural experience. We were welcomed into a traditional Batak house that had recently been opened as a homestay. Sitting together in this simple setting, we enjoyed a generous meal of freshly prepared local dishes, including vegetable curry, fried vegetable fritters, tempeh, chicken, rice, egg, and fish from the lake.

What made the experience especially special was not simply the food itself, but the sense of hospitality. The friendly woman who prepared the meal stayed with us throughout lunch, making the experience feel warm and personal.

After lunch, we continued to the open-air Huta Bolon Simanindo Museum, another important Batak heritage site. Yanti continued to explain the traditions and everyday life of the Batak people, including the traditional process of grinding rice.

The museum is also home to historic Batak houses and artefacts. One particularly interesting building reflects Dutch colonial architectural influence, an unusual style in Samosir. Inside were historic objects, including a piano and a sewing machine. Nearby, a windmill overlooking Lake Toba served as another reminder of the island's complex cultural history.

Our final stop was a viewing platform. After climbing to the top, we were rewarded with panoramic views across Lake Toba. From there, the vast lake, surrounding hills, traditional houses, and peaceful villages came together in one unforgettable landscape.

By around 3.30 pm, we returned to the Toledo Hotel. Some of our group relaxed by the swimming pool, while others, including myself, decided to explore Tuktuk on foot.

Tuktuk is a small lakeside peninsula surrounded by beautiful views of Lake Toba. The village has developed into a popular destination for travellers, with restaurants, bars, cafés, and open-air terraces where visitors can sit and enjoy the scenery.

Later that afternoon, we joined another guided walk, exploring the village and learning about local plants, trees, flowers, traditional crafts, and everyday life. We visited a large souvenir shop filled with handmade wooden carvings and met a local woodcarver who explained the meaning and features of the traditional Batak houses he creates.

As the afternoon turned into evening, we returned to our hotel while the sun began to set over Lake Toba.

Our final evening on Samosir was marked by a beautiful sunset that transformed the lake into soft shades of pink and orange. With its peaceful setting beside the water, the Toledo Hotel had been the perfect base for our stay.

The following morning, it was sadly time to leave Samosir. We boarded a small passenger ferry and began our journey back to mainland Sumatra. As the boat moved away from the peninsula, I found myself reflecting on everything we had experienced.

Samosir had given us much more than spectacular views of Lake Toba. Through the stories, traditions, architecture, food, weaving, music, and warm hospitality we encountered along the way, we had gained a deeper appreciation of Batak culture.

Our guide Yanti played an important role in making that experience meaningful. Her explanations helped connect the places we visited with the history and traditions behind them, turning a simple sightseeing trip into a genuine cultural journey.

For anyone visiting Lake Toba, Samosir is not simply a place to admire from a distance. It is a place to slow down, listen, learn, and experience a living culture.

And sometimes, the most memorable part of a journey is not the destination itself, but the people who help you understand it.

 

 

 

Juara TOTK 100K Sebut Danau Toba Salah Satu Lintasan Terindah

    Samosir, NINNA.ID– Juara Trail of the Kings 100K asal Jepang Hiro Yuki mengaku takjub dengan panorama Danau Toba dan antusiasme masyarakat Batak di sepanjang lintasan.

Ia baru pertama kali datang ke Danau Toba. Meski hanya berada di Samosir selama tiga hari, kesan yang didapatnya sangat mendalam.

“Pemandangannya sangat indah. Alamnya benar-benar luar biasa,” ujar Hiro Yuki kepada NINNA.ID, Sabtu 13 Juni 2026 sesaat setelah lepas dari kerumunan orang banyak.

Sebelum mengikuti Trail of the Kings, pelari yang saat ini bekerja sebagai manajer proyek di sebuah lembaga kerja sama internasional Jepang di Jakarta ini sudah berpengalaman mengikuti berbagai lomba trail di Jepang dan Indonesia.

Ia pernah menjadi juara di beberapa ajang trail, termasuk lomba trail run 100K di Bali.

Dalam waktu dekat ia juga akan ikut lomba trail run 100 kilometer di Borneo. Namun menurutnya, Trail of the Kings memiliki pengalaman yang berbeda.

Ia menjelaskan bahwa banyak lomba lari lintas alam jarak jauh dimulai pada malam hari sehingga pelari tidak bisa menikmati pemandangan sekitar.

Berbeda dengan Trail of the Kings, saat matahari mulai terbit dan lintasan memasuki kawasan pegunungan, ia bisa melihat langsung keindahan Danau Toba.

Bagian yang paling berkesan baginya adalah lintasan sekitar kilometer 60 hingga 70. Di titik tersebut, ia dapat melihat perpaduan pegunungan dan panorama Danau Toba yang membuatnya kagum.

[caption id="attachment_37530" align="alignnone" width="960"] 

Juara 100K Trail of the Kings 2026, Hiro Yuki, berfoto bersama Damayanti, jurnalis NINNA.ID, usai berbagi cerita tentang pengalaman pertamanya menikmati keindahan Danau Toba dan sambutan hangat masyarakat Batak.[/caption]

Perjalanan menuju kemenangan juga tidak mudah. Tantangan terberat ia rasakan saat melewati gunung kedua sekitar kilometer 60 ketika cuaca sangat panas.

Untuk mengatasinya, ia berhenti sejenak di bawah pohon, makan dan memulihkan tenaga sebelum kembali berlari.

Selain alam, keramahan masyarakat Batak menjadi kenangan yang tidak terlupakan.

Saat melewati kampung-kampung, ia disambut dengan antusias oleh anak-anak yang berdiri di sepanjang jalur perlombaan.

“Saya rasa, lebih dari 100 anak menyentuh tangan saya. Saya sangat menikmati momen itu,” katanya menyatakan momen paling berkesan di sepanjang lintasan.

Menurutnya, inilah yang membuat Trail of the Kings berbeda dengan lomba trail lain yang pernah ia ikuti.

Musik, suasana perlombaan, serta sambutan masyarakat memberikan pengalaman yang sangat istimewa.

Bahkan ketika banyak orang mengajaknya berfoto setelah menjadi juara, ia mengaku merasa terharu dengan perhatian yang diberikan masyarakat.

Sebagai pelari asal Jepang yang kini tinggal di Indonesia, ia berharap bisa ikut memperkenalkan trail running di Indonesia khususnya Danau Toba, kepada masyarakat dunia.

“Saya senang bisa menikmati trail running bersama masyarakat Indonesia. Saya ingin membantu mempromosikan trail running di tempat ini,” ujarnya.

Ia juga menilai Trail of the Kings memiliki peluang besar untuk meningkatkan kunjungan wisata ke Danau Toba.

Namun menurutnya, hal terpenting adalah menjaga agar perlombaan ini terus berlangsung setiap tahun sehingga semakin banyak pelari dari berbagai negara yang datang.

Bahkan, sebelum meninggalkan Samosir, ia sudah mengajak dua temannya untuk mengikuti Trail of the Kings untuk tahun berikutnya.

Kisah sang juara tersebut menunjukkan bahwa kekuatan Trail of the Kings bukan hanya terletak pada lintasan yang menantang.

Akan tetapi juga pada keindahan Danau Toba dan keramahan masyarakatnya. Pengalaman yang dibawa pulang para pelari inilah yang dapat menjadi promosi terbaik bagi Danau Toba di mata dunia.

Penulis/Editor: Damayanti Sinaga

Meeting Solo Female Travelers Around Lake Toba

   

Samosir, NINNA.ID-One of my biggest motivations for becoming a tour guide was simple: I wanted to have friends from different parts of the world. At the same time, I wanted to help promote Lake Toba, the place I proudly call home. I am proud to be a guide.

Over the years, I have come to believe that one of the most important parts of traveling is not the scenery, the hotels, or the attractions.

What matters most is how local people treat visitors and whether they feel safe and welcomed. Tourism has a unique power to build understanding and friendship between people from different backgrounds, creating connections that sometimes seem impossible.

As time goes by, I notice more and more solo female travelers visiting Samosir and Lake Toba. I have been fortunate to guide many of them, and each journey has left me with memorable stories.

Sabine from Germany

At the beginning of the year, I received a message from Sabine, who found my contact through Exploring Sumatra.

It had been a long time since I had guided a foreign traveller around Lake Toba. That morning, a light drizzle fell from the sky. The rain seemed uncertain, but our journey continued.

[caption id="attachment_37391" align="alignnone" width="1600"] 

I took this photo with Sabine from Germany during her visit to Lake Toba. Although we had just met, our conversations about life, family, work, and helping others made the journey feel like a reunion between old friends. Meeting travelers like Sabine is one of the reasons I love being a guide.[/caption]

What made the day memorable was not the road we traveled but the conversations we shared. We talked about work, family, dreams, and life itself. The conversation flowed naturally, like two old friends catching up after years apart.

At first, I was hesitant to ask personal questions, worried that I might be crossing boundaries. But Sabine was open and honest, which made me feel comfortable as well.

She worked as a social worker. Previously, she had worked in the travel industry but later chose to dedicate her life to helping refugees and vulnerable people.

Sabine described herself as an atheist, yet she shared a simple belief that stayed with me.

"Happiness comes when we can give something to others and when we can be useful."

It is a sentence we often hear, but hearing it from someone who had dedicated her life to serving others made it feel real.

Megan from Australia: Why Is Your English So Good?

One question many travelers ask is:

"Why is your English so good?"

Megan from Australia asked me the same thing.

I explained that when I was younger, I dreamed of studying overseas. I worked hard to prepare myself. I took TOEFL tests, collected recommendation letters, and spent years improving my English.

At one point, I was completely focused on making that dream come true.

Then my mother became seriously ill.

Suddenly, my priorities changed.

I realized that while I was chasing my dreams, my family needed me more than ever. Instead of pursuing my studies abroad, I decided to stay close to my parents and care for them.

Sometimes life takes us in unexpected directions.

Although I never studied overseas, the English I learned along the way became one of the greatest gifts in my life. It allows me to communicate with people from around the world and build friendships that I never imagined.

Megan listened carefully and said that every choice in life comes with a different kind of reward.

Her words reminded me that not all dreams are fulfilled in the way we originally imagine.

Our conversation also led me to remember an organization called Kangguru, which introduced many Indonesians to English learning opportunities. Many of its staff members were Australians working together with Indonesians.

The experience inspired one of my ideas for Lake Toba's future creating language training programs where native speakers could help local communities improve their English. Better communication would create more opportunities for local people and strengthen tourism in the region.

Perhaps one day, that idea will become reality.

[caption id="attachment_36833" align="alignnone" width="1280"] 

Megan, a solo traveler from Australia, who said she found a lot of useful information from ExploringSumatra.com before visiting Lake Toba.[/caption]

Sanjana from India

One of the funniest encounters I had was with Sanjana, a solo traveler from India.

As we traveled around Lake Toba, I told her how popular Bollywood movies were in Indonesia when I was growing up.

In many Batak households, Bollywood films were part of daily life. Twenty-five years ago, songs from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai could be heard almost everywhere. Many members of my family loved Bollywood movies, and naturally I became a fan too.

I told Sanjana that Batak people and Indian people actually share many similarities.

When we are happy, we celebrate.

When there is a wedding, we celebrate.

Even during funerals, families gather together, sing, share stories, and support one another.

We love music, dancing, and spending time with our extended families.

Then I joked, "Sometimes Batak people can spend even more money than Indians on weddings and traditional ceremonies."

She laughed.

Sanjana also told me how warmly local people treated her during her visit.

I laughed again and said, "Of course! Around Lake Toba, almost every Indian woman is automatically called Anjali or Kajol."

For many Indonesians of my generation, those names became unforgettable because of Bollywood movies.

[caption id="attachment_37392" align="alignnone" width="1200"] 

Sanjana quietly took this photo of me from behind while we were exploring Samosir. I did not realize she was taking the picture, which makes it one of my favorite candid moments from our journey together.[/caption]

More Than Tourists

These women came from different countries, spoke different languages, and lived very different lives. Yet each of them left behind valuable lessons.

Sabine reminded me that happiness comes from serving others.

Megan reminded me that life sometimes rewards us in unexpected ways.

Sanjana reminded me how culture, humor, and shared experiences can instantly connect people from opposite sides of the world.

As a guide, I often think that my job is not simply showing people beautiful places. My real job is helping create meaningful connections between visitors and local communities.

Every traveller brings a story.

Every conversation teaches something new.

And every friendship reminds me why I became a guide in the first place.

There is a saying that I deeply believe:

"The greatest people are not those who are served, but those who serve."

Perhaps that is why I still love this work after all these years.

Through guiding, I do not only introduce travelers to Lake Toba.

I also discover the world through them.

Writer/Editor: Damayanti Sinaga
*Samosir Female Guide

Sebelas Hari Bersama Perempuan-Perempuan Hebat dari Eropa Timur Eksplor Sumatra

     

NINNA-Malam 4 Mei 2026, Bandara Kualanamu masih sibuk dan penuh suara orang berlalu-lalang. Aku berdiri menunggu tiga tamu spesial dari Slovakia dan Republik Czech. Tak lama kemudian, muncul tiga perempuan dengan koper besar dan wajah lelah setelah perjalanan panjang: Maria, Pavla, dan Hana.

Kami langsung berfoto bersama. Foto pertama dari perjalanan sebelas hari yang nantinya dipenuhi cerita, tawa, dan banyak kejutan kecil.

[caption id="attachment_37297" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Menjemput Maria, Pavla, dan Hana di Bandara Kualanamu bukan sekadar awal perjalanan, tapi awal dari sebelas hari cerita, tawa, dan persahabatan baru yang tumbuh di Sumatra. (foto ©Damayanti)[/caption]

Malam itu kami menuju hotel di Kota Medan. Awalnya suasana di mobil sedikit canggung, seperti orang-orang yang baru saling mengenal. Tetapi Maria mulai banyak bertanya, lalu percakapan mengalir begitu saja. Saat itu aku mulai merasa, perjalanan ini pasti akan menyenangkan.

Keesokan paginya kami memulai petualangan di Kota Medan. Kami mengunjungi Masjid Raya Al Mashun dan Istana Maimun. Saat tiba di masjid, ternyata sedang ada doa bersama dalam jumlah besar. Orang-orang memakai pakaian rapi dan suasananya terasa tenang dan khusyuk.

Di Istana Maimun, ada kejadian lucu. Beberapa anak magang diam-diam memperhatikan Maria, Pavla, dan Hana sambil berbisik, “Bule… bule…” Sampai akhirnya Maria diminta berfoto bersama. Dalam hitungan menit, tour leader kami berubah jadi bintang dadakan di halaman istana.

[caption id="attachment_37298" align="alignnone" width="960"] Di Istana Maimun, Maria langsung jadi bintang dadakan. Anak-anak magang heboh berbisik “bule… bule…”, lalu dalam sekejap Maria diajak berfoto di halaman istana. Suasana sederhana yang berubah jadi tawa dan cerita kecil yang tak terlupakan. (foto ©Damayanti)[/caption]

Perjalanan menuju Tangkahan cukup panjang. Di tengah jalan kami berhenti di sebuah kedai cafe di Langkat. Ternyata kami berempat sama-sama pencinta kopi.

Maria sangat suka espresso dan punya standar tinggi untuk secangkir kopi. Untungnya, kopi hari itu berhasil membuatnya tersenyum puas.

Sebelum lanjut jalan, kami membeli pisang dan mangga dari penjual buah pinggir jalan. Maria lalu membagikan pisang itu satu per satu kepada kami.

Dari situlah aku mulai mengajarinya beberapa kata Batak yang lucu. Salah satunya “bodat”. Kami tertawa sepanjang perjalanan hanya karena satu kata sederhana.

Dari situ aku sadar, pariwisata sebenarnya hidup dari hal-hal kecil.

Bukan hanya hotel mewah atau tempat terkenal. Tetapi dari kopi lokal yang diminum bersama, buah yang dibeli langsung dari petani desa, atau warung kecil yang tetap bertahan karena ada wisatawan datang. Saat wisatawan membeli produk lokal, uang itu ikut membantu kehidupan masyarakat sekitar.

Dan Maria benar-benar suka melakukan itu. Ia tidak hanya mencari tempat cantik untuk difoto, tetapi juga ingin mengenal orang-orang di balik tempat itu.

Saat tiba di Tangkahan, Pavla dan Hana langsung terkejut melihat jembatan gantung panjang yang harus kami lewati sambil membawa koper. Mereka tertawa campur takut.

Beberapa ibu datang membantu mengangkat barang kami. Hal kecil seperti itu sering membuat tamu asing kagum pada keramahan orang Sumatra.

[caption id="attachment_37300" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Suasana makan siang di pinggir sungai di Tangkahan
(foto ©Damayanti)[/caption]

Siang itu kami makan di pinggir sungai. Suara air dan pepohonan membuat makan siang sederhana terasa sangat istimewa.

[caption id="attachment_37299" align="alignnone" width="960"] Maria mengambil makan siang sederhana di tepi sungai, ditemani gemericik air dan rindangnya pepohonan. Di tengah alam yang tenang, setiap suapan terasa lebih hangat, lebih hidup, dan lebih berkesan. (foto ©Damayanti)[/caption]

Lalu petualangan di Sungai pun dimulai.

Kami berjalan menuju air terjun, bermain air, lalu tubing menyusuri sungai. Kadang kami tertawa, kadang berteriak saat ban menghantam batu. Rasanya seperti kembali menjadi anak-anak.

Keesokan harinya kami pergi ke camp gajah. Maria dan Pavla ikut memandikan gajah bersama pawang. Wajah mereka terlihat sangat bahagia terkena cipratan air dan lumpur.

Dari Tangkahan kami melanjutkan perjalanan menuju Bukit Lawang dengan jeep 4x4. Jalan berlumpur membuat mobil berguncang keras dan kami terus tertawa sepanjang perjalanan.

Di Bukit Lawang, suara Sungai Bahorok terdengar sepanjang malam.

Pagi berikutnya kami trekking masuk ke hutan Taman Nasional Gunung Leuser untuk mencari orangutan. Kami berjalan di bawah pohon-pohon besar yang tinggi sekali. Saat seekor orangutan muncul di atas pohon, semuanya langsung diam. Pavla dan Hana menatap penuh kagum. Rasanya seperti masuk ke dunia lain.

Hari-hari berikutnya terus mengalir seperti cerita panjang.

Kami menikmati udara dingin Berastagi, melihat Gunung Sinabung dari kejauhan, dan minum kopi di Erdillo Café.

[caption id="attachment_37317" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Erdilo Coffee tempat nongkrong kopi di kai gunung Sinabung (foto: istimewa)[/caption]

Lagi-lagi Maria puas dengan espresso yang harum dan kuat rasanya. Bahkan ia sampai berfoto dengan latar Gunung Sinabung sambil memegang secangkir kopi.

[caption id="attachment_37301" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Subuh di Gunung Sibayak, kami mulai pendakian pukul empat pagi dalam gelap dan dingin yang menusuk.[/caption]

Subuh berikutnya kami mendaki Gunung Sibayak pukul empat pagi.

Udara dingin menusuk kulit. Jalan menanjak membuat napas terasa berat. Dalam gelap, kami hanya ditemani cahaya senter. Tetapi justru di perjalanan itu kami belajar bahwa mendaki gunung bukan hanya soal mencapai puncak, melainkan juga melawan rasa takut dan lelah dalam diri sendiri.

Setelah itu kami mengunjungi Desa Budaya Dokan. Rumah-rumah adat tua berdiri kokoh tanpa paku. Kayu-kayu tua, atap ijuk, dan kepala kerbau di ujung rumah membuat kami seperti kembali ke masa ratusan tahun lalu.

[caption id="attachment_37303" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Desa Dokan menyambut kami dengan suasana tenang dan rumah adat Siwaluh Jabu yang berdiri kokoh sebagai saksi sejarah budaya Karo. (foto ©Damayanti)[/caption]

Lalu kami menuju Air Terjun Sipiso-piso. Dari sana Danau Toba terlihat sangat luas dan tenang.

Setelah itu kami bertemu teman-teman Maria di sebuah kafe dekat Danau Toba. Aku heran mengapa Maria punya kenalan di mana-mana. Tetapi lama-lama aku sadar, ia memang tipe orang yang mudah berteman dengan siapa saja.

Saat tiba di Pulau Samosir, suasana perjalanan berubah lebih tenang.

Danau Toba seperti membuat semua orang melambat.

Besoknya kami mengunjungi Huta Siallagan dan aku mulai bercerita tentang adat Batak, kursi batu Raja Batak, serta filosofi cicak dan payudara yang menghiasi rumah adat Batak Toba.

Aku menjelaskan bahwa cicak melambangkan orang Batak, sementara bentuk payudara melambangkan pentingnya keturunan dan penghormatan kepada ibu atau kampung halaman.

Maria, Pavla, dan Hana mendengarkan dengan serius. Aku senang melihat mereka benar-benar menghargai cerita budaya yang kubagikan.

Dari sana kami menuju Kampung Ulos Hutaraja, kampung leluhurku. Sebelum tiba, aku sengaja menunjukkan Tugu Simanihuruk, salah satu tugu paling megah di Samosir.

[caption id="attachment_37318" align="alignnone" width="960"] Berhenti sejenak di Tugu Simanihuruk, salah satu tugu paling megah di Samosir (foto ©Damayanti)[/caption]

Setelah minum kopi bersama, aku mengajak mereka ke Rumah Belajar Hutaraja yang pernah kubuka di rumah warisan nenek buyutku.

[caption id="attachment_37310" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Kami berfoto bersama di Rumah Belajar Hutaraja, rumah belajar yang pernah ku buka namun akhirnya ku tutup karena tidak mampu melanjutkan operasionalnya (foto ©Damayanti)[/caption]

Di rumah sederhana itu aku pernah mengajar anak-anak Bahasa Inggris agar mereka berani berbicara dengan wisatawan asing dan memiliki masa depan lebih luas.

 

Perjalanan kami lanjut ke Air Terjun Nai Sogop, meski hujan sempat menghambat langkah kami. Karena lapar, kami akhirnya makan siang di Panorama Tele.

Maria yang baru pertama kali ke sana tampak sangat antusias mengabadikan pemandangan, bahkan kembali menjadi pusat perhatian anak-anak yang meminta foto bersama.

[caption id="attachment_37320" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Pemandangan indah di sky bridge Panorama Tele (foto ©Damayanti)[/caption]

Setelah hujan reda, kami akhirnya tiba di Nai Sogop. Walau air terjun tampak lebih coklat akibat hujan deras, Maria dan Pavla tetap menikmati suasana alam yang liar dan menenangkan itu.

[caption id="attachment_37319" align="alignnone" width="960"] Hujan deras membuat Air Terjun Nai Sogop tampak lebih coklat, tetapi suasana alamnya tetap memikat hati Maria dan Pavla. (foto ©Damayanti)[/caption]

Keeksokan harinya adalah hari istirahat panjang bertepatan saat itu Hari Minggu. Dari kami, ada yang ibadah, ada yang sibuk dengan laundry dan berbagai macam kesibukan lainnya.

Perjalanan terus berlanjut menuju Padang Sidempuan dan Bukittinggi.

[caption id="attachment_37302" align="alignnone" width="960"] Berfoto bersama warga Kampung Girsang, kami disambut dengan kehangatan sederhana yang terasa tulus. (foto ©Damayanti)[/caption]

Akan tetapi sebelumnya kami berhenti di Kampung Girsang, di sinilah tempat tinggalku sekarang. Sebagai seorang yang tak mungkin mendapat warisan tanah, aku mesti memikirkan masa depanku sendiri.

Sengaja kuajak Maria melihat tempat tinggalku, sebuah gubuk kecil di Kampung Girsang. Aku bercerita bahwa saat tidak membawa tamu, aku sibuk mengurus usaha kecil yang baru saja kubangun, yakni usaha kemiri.

[caption id="attachment_37321" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Kujak Maria melihat gubuk kecilku di Kampung Girsang, tempat aku membangun mimpi kecil lewat usaha kemiri. (foto ©Damayanti)[/caption]

Bukan untuk menjadi kaya, tetapi agar aku bisa bertahan hidup di kampung kecil dengan pergerakan ekonomi yang terbatas ini. Sejak 2018, aku memilih tinggal di Danau Toba dan fokus mempromosikannya melalui pekerjaanku sebagai travel writer dan tour guide.

Namun bagiku, menjadi pemandu wisata bukan hanya soal membawa wisatawan berkeliling, melainkan juga tentang membangun sesuatu yang berarti bagi masyarakat lokal dan masa depanku sendiri.

Karena itu aku mulai bermimpi mengembangkan Kampung Girsang sebagai kampung wisata kecil yang hidup dari kekuatan masyarakatnya sendiri. Di sini ada kebun kopi, cengkeh, nanas, hingga usaha kecil seperti kopi sangrai, dan lainnya yang dijalankan warga.

Sedikit demi sedikit aku mencoba membantu lewat hal-hal kecil yang bisa kulakukan, termasuk mendukung kelompok pembibitan kopi yang baru kami mulai tahun ini.

Bagiku, perjalanan ini bukan hanya tentang wisata, tetapi tentang memperlihatkan sisi nyata Danau Toba yakni kehidupan masyarakat lokal, mimpi-mimpi kecil, dan harapan agar kampung ini tetap hidup.

Setelah berkunjung ke kampung ini, kami beranjak menuju Padang Sidempuan. Sebelumnya, kami berkunjung ke Aek Rangat Sipoholon. Selain itu, kami menikmati makan siang di Café Gorga, Tapanuli Utara.

[caption id="attachment_37322" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Menjelajahi kehangatan alam dan tradisi unik di Aek Rangat Sipoholon.(foto ©Damayanti)[/caption]

Lalu kami menuju Hotel Mega Permata di Padang Sidempuan.
Keesokan harinya, kami lanjut perjalanan menuju Bukit Tinggi. Seperti biasa, kami akan berhenti di sejumlah tempat yang menarik untuk dikunjungi.

Kami berhenti di tempat menempah parang atau pisau. Di sini rata-rata masyarakat memiliki usaha seperti ini. Aku pun tertarik untuk membeli sebilah pisau tajam yang cocok untuk ku pakai mengupas buah.

[caption id="attachment_37312" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Lokasi pembuatan pisau ataau oarang di sekitar Padang Sidempuan (foto ©Damayanti)[/caption]

Akan tetapi, seperti biasa, Maria punya cara untuk membuatku tertawa. Dia bilang pisau itu akan ku pakai jaga diri siapa tahu ada yang berniat jahat padaku. Maria memang selalu punya pernyataan yang buatku senyum. Setelahnya, kami lanjutkan perjalanan menuju Equator.

Tetapi sebelum tiba, kami mendengar ada bunga bangkai amorphophallus titanium di tengah jalan yang sedang mekar. Saat itu kami melihat bunga itu menarik banyak perhatian warga yang lalu lalang. Kami sempat berhenti di tengah gerimis dan mengabadikan gambarnya.

[caption id="attachment_37313" align="alignnone" width="960"] Bunga Bangkai Amorphophallus Titanum (foto ©Damayanti)[/caption]

Berikutnya kami tiba di Taman Wisata Equator Bonjol, kami berhenti di garis khatulistiwa untuk berfoto bersama. Kami semua juga mendukung para pedagang kaos yang selalu tak pernah jauh dari kami. Bolak-balik membujuk kami membeli kaosnya.

Aku yang sudah punya stok 3. Maria juga sudah punya banyak stok, akhirnya membeli kembali. Bukan karena butuh tapi kami anggap itu cara kami mendukung para pedagang. Kaosnya bisa kami berikan buat orang terdekat kami.

[caption id="attachment_37323" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Berfoto di garis khatulistiwa di Taman Wisata Equator Bonjol di saat yang sama para pedagang mendekati kami, membujuk kami untuk membeli barang dagangan mereka. (foto ©Damayanti)[/caption]

Setelahnya, kami menuju Hotel Santika Dyandra Bukit Tinggi. Aku sendiri menginap di salah satu penginapan kawan HPI Bukit Tinggi bernama Erwin. Banyak pemandu wisata maupun supir menginap di sini.

[caption id="attachment_37327" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Memandang megahnya Istano Basa Pagaruyung (foto ©Damayanti)[/caption][caption id="attachment_37325" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Panorama Sianok (foto ©Damayanti)[/caption]

Keesokan harinya, kami menuju Panorama Sianok, Istana Pagaruyung, dan terakhir kami mengunjungi Pusat Oleh-Oleh Kiniko Kopi yang di sini kita bisa lihat pengelolaan kopi.
Dan tanpa terasa, tibalah hari terakhir yakni hari kesebelas.

[caption id="attachment_37305" align="alignnone" width="960"] Kami berkunjung ke Rumah Produk Kopi KINIKO (foto ©Damayanti)[/caption]

Kami menuju Bandara Padang melalui Lembah Anai. Jalan terasa lebih sunyi dibanding hari pertama karena akhirnya berpisah dengan mereka. Sebelas hari terasa sangat cepat.
Perjalanan ini bukan hanya tentang tempat-tempat indah di Sumatra.

[caption id="attachment_37326" align="alignnone" width="960"] Perpisahan dengan mereka di Bandara Minangkabau, Padang (foto ©Damayanti)[/caption]

Tetapi tentang tawa di dalam mobil, di perjalanan, kopi yang diminum bersama, pisang yang dibagi di tengah perjalanan, suara sungai di Tangkahan, orangutan di hutan, dan cerita kecil yang membuat kami terasa seperti teman lama.

Maria, Pavla, dan Hana datang sebagai tamu.
Tetapi mereka pulang sebagai bagian dari cerita yang akan selalu aku ingat.

Dan mungkin, harapan untuk Sumatra memang bisa tumbuh dari perjalanan-perjalanan sederhana seperti ini.

Perjalanan yang membuat wisatawan tidak hanya melihat alam, tetapi juga belajar mencintai manusia dan kehidupan di baliknya.

*Penulis/Editor: Damayanti Sinaga
Tour Guide Sumatra