Amazing Journey: Four Days Three Nights Explore Lake Toba

  

NINNA.ID-Lake Toba offers breathtaking scenery, the warmth of the local people, and the authentic richness of Batak culture. Lake Toba is more than just its vast and serene waters; it is a treasure trove of natural and cultural wonders. Among its many hidden riches is the diverse array of plant life that thrives around the lake.

Spanning across seven regencies—Simalungun, Samosir, Toba, Tapanuli Utara, Karo, Dairi, and Humbang Hasundutan—Lake Toba offers endless opportunities for exploration.

During your visit, you can focus on discovering the beauty of four regencies: Simalungun, Samosir, Dairi, and Toba, each offering unique experiences and landscapes.

Day 1:

1. Pick up from Kualanamu Airport using Trans Highway Road
2. Sidamanik Tea Garden (Simalungun Regency)
   • Explore the tea plantations
   • Have lunch and enjoy tea and coffee at the café around
3. Bukit Simarjarunjung (Simarjarunjung Hill)
   • Panoramic views of Lake Toba from 1,300 meters above sea level.
4. Tigaras Harbour
   • Starting point for the ferry to Samosir Island.
5. Lake Toba Ferry Crossing
   • From Tigaras Harbour to Simanindo Harbour on Samosir Island.
6. SiRulo Homestay
   • A homestay in Lumban Suhi-Suhi Village, Samosir Regency, by the lakeside.

Day 2:

1. Tano Ponggol Bridge
   • Historic bridge connecting Sumatra to Samosir Island.
2. Bukit Burung (Bird Hill)
   • Scenic spot near plantations with fantastic views.
3. Avocado Plantation and Other Plantations
   • Explore avocado and other crops grown in Samosir.
4. Bukit Holbung
   • Rolling green hills with panoramic views of Lake Toba.
5. Aek Rangat Hot Springs
   • A relaxing natural hot spring in Pangururan.

[caption id="attachment_33463" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Relaxing natural hot spring in Pangururan.[/caption]

Day 3:

1. Nai Sogop Waterfall
   • Multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by tropical rainforest.
2. Barbeque in SiRulo Homestay

[caption id="attachment_33464" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Lunch in Batak House[/caption]

Day 4:

1. Tomok Market
2. Tomok Harbour back to Kualanamu Airport

[caption id="attachment_32894" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Dining at a Batak house is one of the fascinating experiences to enjoy while at Lake Toba.[/caption][caption id="attachment_33465" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Barbeque in SiRulo Homestay[/caption]

A Memorable Journey Group from Malaysia

This itinerary has previously been carried out by a group from Malaysia. It was an early Monday morning when a group of travelers from Selangor, Malaysia, arrived at Kualanamu Airport. Drivers warmly greeted them.

From Kualanamu, the group embarked on a scenic drive to the Sidamanik Tea Gardens in Simalungun Regency. The lush green tea plantations, rich with history dating back to the Dutch colonial era, provided a serene backdrop for their lunch at the Sidamanik Tea Garden. Sipping on the locally renowned Tobasari and Butong teas, they savored both the flavors and the views.

Their journey continued with a stop at the breathtaking Simarjarunjung Hill. At an elevation of 1,300 meters, the panoramic views of Lake Toba left everyone in awe. As the sun began to set, they visited the vibrant Saribudolok Orange Plantation, marveling at the endless rows of fruit-laden trees.

 

The day concluded with a ferry ride across the tranquil waters of Lake Toba, from Tigaras Harbour to Simanindo Harbour. Upon arrival, the group settled into SiRulo Homestay, a charming lakeside retreat in Samosir Regency.

A delicious dinner and a briefing for the next day's activities brought the day to a close, leaving the group free to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Exploring the Beauty of Samosir Island

Tuesday began with a delicious breakfast at SiRulo Homestay. The day’s itinerary was filled with exploration, starting with a visit to Tano Ponggol Bridge, the unique land link between Sumatra and Samosir Island.

They then ventured to Bukit Burung and other plantations, marveling at the natural beauty and agricultural abundance of the region.

Lunch was a special treat in traditional Batak house near Bukit Holbung in Jabu Siamun. The group spent the afternoon hiking the rolling green hills of Bukit Holbung, taking in breathtaking views of Lake Toba and its surroundings.

To cap off the day, the group relaxed at the Aek Rangat hot springs, soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters and reflecting on the beauty of Samosir.

Discovering Hidden Gems

Wednesday’s adventure took the group to the secluded Nai Sogop Waterfall. After a scenic trek through dense tropical forests, they were greeted by the cascading waters and tranquil pools of this hidden gem.

[caption id="attachment_33466" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Take picture with view around hill to Nai Sogop Waterfall[/caption]

They enjoyed a picnic-style lunch amidst the natural beauty, followed by a visit to Simbolon Village. The evening ended with a delightful barbecue at SiRulo Homestay, where the group shared stories and laughter under the starry sky.

A Farewell to Remember

On their final day, Thursday, the travelers bid farewell to the cozy SiRulo Homestay. Before leaving Samosir, they stopped by the Tomok Market to shop for souvenirs, taking home mementos of their unforgettable journey.

A ferry ride brought them back to Parapat, and from there, they made their way to Kualanamu Airport via the Siantar Toll Road, cherishing the memories of their time in Lake Toba.

The journey to Lake Toba was more than just a trip—it was a celebration of nature, culture, and fellowship. Each destination left an indelible mark on their hearts, making this an adventure they would treasure forever.

Writer/Editor: Damayanti Sinaga

Easy Go to Tour Travel –The Best Travel Agent in Lake Toba

 

Easy Go to Tour Travel –The Best Travel Agent in Lake Toba

 

Easy Go to LakeToba  is a business that offers what guests need during their visit and stay in Lake Toba. We offer taxis, drivers, service as tour guides, hotels, homestays, souvenirs, and all you need in Lake Toba.

We work as a team. We have many freelance workers to support one another. Making Easy Go to LakeToba is a business ecosystem in Lake Toba. Mostly we are Batak Youths who have a passion for Lake Toba Tourism.

We offer the best services in Lake Toba North Sumatra. We support Sustainable Tourism. We aim to make you have a great and wonderful visit and stay with us.

We are committed to being always known for our good customer service and professional approach.

 

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https://easy-go-to.blogspot.com/

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https://www.ninna.id/

 

Whatsapp

https://wa.me/6285297732855?text=Hallo Damayanti..."

 

 

Friday, March 22, 2024

Damayanti Lake Toba Guide

 

My name is Damayanti Sinaga. Known as Butet. Butet is usually a female baby name in Batak. I am not a baby anymore. But because many non-Batak people call my name Butet, I get used to hearing my name as Butet.

I live in Kampung Ulos Hutaraja Pardamean, Samosir Island. This village is close to beautiful Lake Toba, a large volcanic lake nestled in the highlands of North Sumatra.

One of my biggest reasons for becoming a guide, I want to have more friends from abroad. I also want to promote Lake Toba. I am proud of it. I think working as a guide can support Lake Toba Tourism, sustainable tourism, and many other things.

I love reading books, doing research, learning, teaching, and traveling. During my free time, I love to teach kids. That is one of my fun hobbies. I also love to learn new languages and to have friends from other countries.

In the past, I had experience as an editor staff in Analisa Newspaper, one of the biggest newspapers in North Sumatra. With these experiences, I am convinced that I can guide tourists very well.

With Hollands Tourist when they visited Kampung Ulos Hutaraja

Wonderful Day Joined Lake Toba Trip with 14 People Guests from Holland and Belgium

 NINNA.ID-Since July 2023, many Europeans visit Lake Toba. Until now August 2023, many tour guides especially local guides in Samosir Island, has booked by some tour travel operators.

A tour guide named Daniel Manik told to Ninna,” I got booked by some of the tour travel operators. I was so busy since July bringing European guests. It will continue until September.”

One of the writers in Ninna was invited by Nurdin Nasution to join Lake Toba Trip with 14 guests from Holland and Belgium. Friday 11th, 2023 became a wonderful day.

The trip starts at 09.00 am. We used the boat from Toledo Inn. We visited Sigapiton Village. There we trekked starting from the harbor to a school SD NO 173671 Sigapiton.

During trekking, all that joined the group listened to the explanation about this village. Here is the explanation about this village.

Sigapiton is flanked by two mountains. In Batak or Bahasa Indonesia, we called “digapit or diapit”. That is the reason it was named Sigapiton. This village was in a bay of Lake Toba.

Although it is close to Lake Toba, the people there do not use water from the lake for household.

There are some fountains that flow from the mountain and to be flowed to each house.

We can see the water from the fountains come from an irrigation ditch.

[caption id="attachment_26818" align="alignnone" width="696"] 14 guests from Holland and Belgium (photo: Damayanti)[/caption]

Worthy to be Called a Geopark

“Do you think Lake Toba worthy to be called a Geopark?” asked the guide. Some of the guests who really focusing on listening to the explanation answered,” Yes! Lake Toba is worthy to be called a national Park or Geopark!”

The guide asked the guests,” As we know water usually comes from higher to lower level. Why does water from above never stop flowing? And where does the water come from?

[caption id="attachment_26820" align="alignnone" width="696"] The guest seeing the scenery of Sigapiton Village (photo: Damayanti)[/caption]

No one can answer the guide. She (the guide) explains, “The water always flows because there is much water. The mountains are the place to store water.

Mountains save water especially when there is much rain.

Mountains in Sigapiton have forested slopes that absorb the rain like a sponge, allowing it to run downhill gently to the rivers or irrigation ditch, rather than cause devastating floods,”

After the explanation, we passed some of the trees. There are candle nuts, avocados, coffee, corn, peanuts, and other plant. The guide shows and called the name of each of them.

As Lake Toba is situated 3,000 feet or at least 900 m above sea level, there are many trees that can grow here. Palm trees, pine trees, and other unique trees flourish side by side in this temperate paradise.

Visit School

After a long explanation, we arrived at a government school, there we were welcomed by the teacher and kids in the yard. They greet us using English.

It made the 14 guests feel welcome there. Later the kids do the Tor-Tor dance. They also invited all guests to dance.

It was a wonderful day. The kids were very happy especially when they met Tibo and his brother. Tibo, a guest from Holland has a big muscle.

Most of the kids noticed it. They show their muscle to Tibo. Many funny things they did with Tibo. They were having fun together.

[caption id="attachment_26819" align="alignnone" width="696"] Kids and the guests dancing together (photo: Damayanti)[/caption]

To Situmurun Waterfall

After spending a few hours in the school, we moved to our boat and we went to Situmurun Waterfall. It took around more than one hour. When we arrived in Situmurun, we have lunch. Then all the guest swam onto the Lake Toba and get close to the waterfall.

Situmurun Waterfall is around 70 meters high. Flanked between Jonggi Ni Huta and Hutanamora village. It is in Lumban Julu district, Toba Samosir.

All the guests felt wonderful seeing the natural spectacular wealth. They really admired the scenery in Situmurun. Finally, we finished our trip. We came back to Toledo Inn. It was a wonderful day joined the Lake Toba trip with 14 guests from Holland and Belgium.

Writer: Damayanti Sinaga that also work as Lake Toba Tour Guide

Travel Guide, The Cheapest Way to Get from Kualanamu Airport to Samosir Island

 NINNA.ID-There are several ways to get from Kualanamu Airport to Samosir Island. But the cheapest one Ninna recommended using a taxi to Kualanamu Airport. There are several taxis served or available at Kualanamu Airport.

The cost to get into a taxi is IDR 150.000 per person. The taxi can load 6 people including the driver. It means for 5 people IDR 750.000.

But just say there are only 1-2 people that are ready to go to Samosir Island. You will need another passenger until it loads 5 passengers from Kualanamu Airport to Samosir Island.

Otherwise, you can book one taxi that cost IDR 750.000. If only 2 people that ready to go and you agree to share IDR 750.000 for both of you. Each of you costs IDR 375.000.

[caption id="attachment_25974" align="alignnone" width="696"] Kualanamu Arrivals Area
Photo: Damayanti[/caption]

The distance between Kualanamu to Samosir Island is 120-130 km.

It takes approximately 4 hour and half to 5 hours to get from Kualanamu Airport (KNO) to Samosir Island, including transfers from Ajibata or Tigaraja Harbour crossing the lake to Samosir Island.

[caption id="attachment_26780" align="alignnone" width="696"] Small Boat in Simanindo that bring passangers (photo: Damayanti)[/caption]

There is also another way, from Kualanamu Airport to Samosir Island from Tigaras Harbour. It will be faster or short way rather than from Ajibata or Tigaraja. You will arrive in Simanindo Harbour using Ferry or boat from Tigaras.

For transferring from Ajibata/Tigaraja or Tigaras Harbour crossing the lake to Samosir Island as usual the passengers using small boats for faster. It takes 30 minutes to cross the Lake Toba to the island. The cost of IDR 25.000 per person.

Take Break

As usual, on the way to Tigaraja/Ajibata, the taxi driver will stop in one shuttle stop because they need to take a break for a while in Siantar, depending on the situation.

It is just normal for a long journey the driver and passangers must take a break. But we do not have any obligation to give meals or pay for the driver meal’s because as usual, the driver is responsible for his meal.

As usual, foreigners concentrate located in TukTuk. But, so many homestays, and hotels around Simanindo.

You can ask the tourist information centre which homestay or hotels has staff that speak English so you can do all things you want easily.

[caption id="attachment_26781" align="alignnone" width="696"] Tourist in Kampung Ulos Hutaraja, Lumban Suhi-Suhi, Samosir (photo: Damayanti)[/caption]

But if you have difficulty on how to communicate with the hotel staff or the owner of the homestay, feel free to call the Tourist Information Centre telephone number.

[caption id="attachment_10588" align="alignnone" width="696"] One of great spot Samosir, Lake Toba (photo: Damayanti)[/caption]

Car Rental to Samosir

If you want to have more space and privacy, you can rent a car to Samosir. But you need to do research first to find the best company for you. Or you can order the car when you arrive in Kualanamu Airport.

[caption id="attachment_26782" align="alignnone" width="696"] One of famous fruits originality from Samosir is this manggo (photo : Damayanti)[/caption]

The comparison. It must be cheaper using a taxi rather than rent a car. If we rent a car, it will cost more expensive. A day for rent is around IDR 350.000+ the wage of the driver is IDR 300.000+ fuel maybe cost IDR 200.000 + the driver might be asking us for cigarettes and food/meals every day if he follows us to Lake Toba.

[caption id="attachment_6604" align="alignnone" width="535"] Buffalo is one of biggest livestock in Lake Toba. (photo:damayanti)[/caption]

It will cost more than IDR 1.000.000/day. We also must give a down payment to the owner of the company by transferring before the driver picks you up. So, which do you prefer? Using using taxi or rent a car?

If you need assitance, feel free to contact me for more information +62 852 9773 2855

[caption id="attachment_29346" align="alignnone" width="1280"] People from Belgium visited Samosir Island[/caption]

Writer: Damayanti Sinaga that also work as Lake Toba Tour Guide