Did you know that the largest volcanic lake in the world is located in Sumatra, Indonesia? I definitely did not, until I backpacked through Sumatra and learned about Lake Toba, the pristine lake located in the Northern part of the island, dubbed (by me 😂) as the Lake Como of Indonesia.
From relaxing at one of the many lakeside resorts to learning more about the curious culture of the Toba Batak people, I have decided to write a comprehensive guide on awesome things to do at Lake Toba. Without further ado, let's find out why I called Lake Toba the Lake Como of Indonesia!
- Lake Toba Things to Do Itinerary Map
- Where to Stay in Lake Toba?
-
10 Best Things to Do in Lake Toba
- Swim in the Lake
- Stroll Around Huta Siallagan
- Hike Up Beta Tuk-tuk Hill
- Explore the Tomok Market
- Check Out Desa Wisata Tomok Parsaoran
- Visit the Old Tomb of King Sidabutar
- Learn More About the Batak People at Batak Museum
- Drop By Museum Sipalakka
- Take Coffee Break at Janji Maria Coffee & Resto
- Admire the View from Parhallow Viewpoint
- More Lake Toba Activities
- Sumatra Travel Video
- How to Get to Lake Toba?
- How to Get Around Lake Toba?
- What to Pack for Lake Toba?
- Further Reading for Indonesia
Lake Toba Things to Do Itinerary Map
10 Best Things to Do in Lake Toba
1. Swim in the Lake
The highlight of Lake Toba is, of course, the lake itself. The best way to enjoy it is to jump in and swim and participate in one of the many water activities you can do in the lake.
First and foremost, I highly recommend you book accommodation with direct lake access, so you can go swimming anytime you like. I highly recommend Romlan Guesthouse.
They are affordable, located by a pristine lakeside, perfect for swimming, and they have a nice restaurant you can enjoy. They can also organize all the tours, transportation, and scooter rental for you.
- Romlan Guesthouse (Budget) 👍 Top Pick
- Gokhon Guest House (Mid-Range)
- Zoé’s Paradise Waterfront Hotel (High-End)
- Private Tour: Karo Highlands and Lake Toba from Medan (9.5 hours)
- Full Day Private Tour in Lake Toba View and Karo Highlands From Medan City (10 hours)
- Car Rental Medan Kualanamu airport - Lake Toba (5 hours)
After that, you can then jump into the water and swim anytime you like. I found the morning to be the best time to swim as the weather is often stable and the water current is not too strong. I would often do it every morning when I was staying at Romlan. It was awesome!
You can also rent a kayak for an hour for free (50,000 IDR for non-guests) if you are staying at Romlan and paddling around the lake. There are other activities you can do as well, like renting a water scooter (150,000 IDR), a jet ski (800,000 IDR), a banana boat (400,000 IDR), and more.
As you can see, one of the best things to do at Lake Toba is to take it slow, chill, and just enjoy the lake itself. I highly recommend you spend at least 3 nights here so that you have time to actually enjoy the lake.
Where to Stay in Lake Toba?
2. Stroll Around Huta Siallagan
One of the best museums you can visit is Huta Siallagan, an ancient Batak village built by the first leader of the Siallagan clan. The place has since been converted into an open-air museum where you can observe the incredible Batak's craftsmanship and architecture up close.
Inside its stone walls, you will find several traditional houses with their unique boat-shaped roofs, which Sumatra is known for, as well as 2 sets of large stones carved into chairs, encircling the stone table.
These stone pieces of furniture, or as they are also known, the Stones for Meetings and Trials (Batu Parsidangan), were believed to be over 200 years old, with one serving as the official meeting place and another for executions.
The stone carvings will give you a glimpse of the Batak people and their culture in days past and how it has evolved over time. It is a lovely ancient village with quite a lot to see, so be sure to spend at least 30 minutes here.
The village is open from 8 AM to 6 PM every day, and the entrance fee is 10,000 IDR per person. If you want to see some of the best examples of Batak architecture, this is the place to be.
3. Hike Up Beta Tuk-tuk Hill
If you are looking for a nice viewpoint that is near Tuk-tuk and not too difficult to hike, I highly recommend you check out Beta Tuk-tuk Hill, a lovely balded hill with an incredible view of the lake, located just outside of Tuk-tuk village.
It is a really simple hill to hike that only takes less than 10 minutes to reach the top, and you will be rewarded with a pretty good view of the lake as well as the surrounding areas.
At the top, you will also find a few shrines with the Batak architectural style design as well as a few local farmers tending to their buffaloes. It is a great way to see just Lake Toba and get a glimpse of what life is like on this island.
To start hiking Beta Tuk-tuk Hill, you can rent a scooter from your guesthouse and drive to Beta Homestay. The trail begins right next to the homestay. You should be able to see the shrine from the homestay, and all you have to do is make your way towards it, and you should be at the top in no time.
Tours & Tickets You Might Like
If you are looking for more activities to do here, be sure to check out some of the available tours and day trips:
4. Explore the Tomok Market
If you are looking to buy something unique back home, you can also check out and explore Tomok Market, a local handicraft market with lines and lines of shops selling all kinds of goods you can buy for your loved ones at home.
The market is located inside an arcade, and the path goes up the hill, passing through many of the attractions in Tuk-tuk we will be visiting next, like the Old Tomb of King Sidabutar and Batak Museum, which makes it a natural part of this itinerary.
The items sold there are priced for negotiation, so before buying anything, put on your negotiation hat and haggle the price hard. Go for half the price of what they want and then work your way to a price point you are comfortable paying. That's how I do it when I bought my little Batak house model as a souvenir. 😉
5. Check Out Desa Wisata Tomok Parsaoran
As you make your way through Tomok Market, you will stumble upon Desa Wisata Tomok Parsaoran, a small village with a collection of Batak traditional houses you can explore.
It is much smaller than Huta Siallagan, but worth a visit nonetheless. I found the houses here resemble more of those you find around Lake Toba, rather than the newly renovated ones at Huta Siallagan.
You can also rent the traditional dress and take photos with the house if you like. Not my cup of tea though 😂. It should take you no more than 10 minutes before you can move on to the next destination.
6. Visit the Old Tomb of King Sidabutar
Another attraction to check out in Tuk-tuk is the Old Tomb of King Sidabutar, a large royal Batak tomb of the first settlers of Samosir Island, the land where Tuk-tuk is located on.
What's unique about this tomb is the impressive head sculpture of the king himself that stands out from the rest, with its larger than life size, and impressive stone carvings.
Apart from the tomb of King Sidabutar, you will also find several smaller tombs surrounding it. Legend has it that these were the tombs of the European emissaries who successfully converted the Batak people to Christianity in the 19th Century.
It is an awesome place to explore, especially if you are interested in learning more about the Batak people and their legends. Once you are done with the tomb, you can also make a donation to help maintain the area if you wish.
7. Learn More About the Batak People at Batak Museum
At the end of the Tomak Market, you will find Batak Museum, a free museum located inside a stunning traditional house, equipped with Batak ornaments and stunning tribal patterns.
The house's entrance is entirely covered with beautiful and mesmerizing tribal patterns of extremely high detail. I think this is probably the most beautiful traditional house I have seen here.
Inside, you will find a collection of artifacts including sculptures, traditional musical instruments, and more, both old and new. The collection will give you a glimpse of what their lives were like back in the day.
The museum is open from 8 AM to 8 PM every day, and the entrance is free. If you want to learn more about Tomak village and the Toba Batak people, be sure to check out the Batak Museum.
8. Drop By Museum Sipalakka
Located not too far from Huta Siallagan, you will find a small but lovely Museum Sipalakka, home to a collection of old stone carvings and sculptures located on a hillside garden you can stroll around in.
The place doesn't have much information, nor is it mentioned anywhere else, but I found this place accidentally as I rode my scooter around Tuk-tuk. The place has some really cool moss-covered stone tables and sculptures, as well as a small traditional house located at the top of the hill.
The place is pretty small, and you can expect to spend around 10 minutes to see it all. It is open from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays only, and the entrance fee is 10,000 IDR per person, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly.
9. Take Coffee Break at Janji Maria Coffee & Resto
If you are looking for a lovely cafe with a nice view in Tuk-tuk, I highly recommend you check out Janji Maria Coffee & Resto, a cozy little cafe located not too far from Tuk-tuk.
The café serves delicious coffee and local food at a pretty reasonable price. It has a nice, cozy open-air area with a lovely view of the lake and plenty of space for you to sit back and relax.
If you have been spending the entire day riding a scooter around and are looking to take a break from it, this is the best place to be. The cafe is open from 8 AM to 11 PM every day.
10. Admire the View from Parhallow Viewpoint
Last but not least, if you are looking for an even better viewpoint than Beta Tuk-tuk Hill that is not too far, Parhallow Viewpoint is another great place to drive to with your scooter.
It takes about 30 minutes to drive to the viewpoint from Tuk-tuk as you zig-zag your way up the hill to reach the viewpoint. The road is in good condition though so there is nothing to worry about.
At the viewpoint, you will get a better view of the lake and its expansiveness. There is also a nice local cafe you can enjoy as you admire the view. Definitely a great place to drop by if you decide to rent a scooter and drive yourself.
How to Get to Lake Toba?
Lake Toba is located approximately 180 km south of Medan, the capital city of Sumatra, and like most places in Sumatra, the distance and time don't work the way you think they would here.
In other places, it would take you about 2 hours to cover the 180 km distance, but in Sumatra, the roads are narrow and full of potholes, not to mention the mountainous and forested landscape in Sumatra, which makes traveling much MUCH slower.
Most people visiting North Sumatra will likely arrive at Medan Airport, and from there, it will take about 4 hours to get to Tiga Raja Port in Parapat, where you will then have to catch a 1-hour ferry ride across to Tuk-tuk, where most accommodations are.
To get from the Airport to Parapat, you can either use public transportation, which will take 6 - 7 hours as you will have to travel to Medan City first and from there to Parapat. This route will cost about 115,000 IDR (~7 USD).
If you are traveling in groups or are lucky enough to find people to share it with you, you can also opt for a shared taxi which you can find at the Airport's exit. For this route, it will cost you about 200,000 - 280,000 IDR (~12 - 17 USD) per person, and it will take you around 5 hours coming straight from the airport.
If not, you can hire a private taxi for about 800,000 - 1,500,000 IDR for a car from one of the many kiosks at the Airport's exit. You can also book one online here.
Once you get to Tiga Raja Port, you can catch the ferry to Tuk-tuk. The ferry leaves from Tiga Raja between 8:30 AM and 7:30 PM, every hour. Unlike the buses, the ferry leaves on schedule, so make sure you plan your trip carefully.
The ferry from Parapat to Tuk-Tuk should take about 45 minutes, and it will cost you around 25,000 IDR (1.5 USD) per person per way. The best thing about the ferry is that they will ask you where you are staying as you approach the island, and they will drop you off in front of your guesthouse (make sure you book a place in Tuk-Tuk!).
If your flight arrives late, I recommend you stay overnight at one of the many hotels near the airport and start early the next day as you will not likely make it in time for the last ferry to Tuk-tuk.
How to Get Around Lake Toba?
Most of the lakeside accommodations are located a little further north from Tuk-tuk town itself, so the best way to get around Lake Toba is to rent a scooter and drive yourself.
The good thing is that the road around Tuk-tuk is in good condition and not congested, so if you are a beginner or are looking to learn how to ride a scooter, Tuk-tuk is a good place to do so. Just be careful going down as the island is pretty hilly.
You can rent a scooter from your guesthouse (I stayed at Romlan and they had a couple of scooters to choose from) for about 120,000 IDR per day, including a full tank of fuel.
You could also rent a bike for 60,000 IDR per day, but the island is pretty hilly and it won't be easy, not to mention, it can get really hot and humid during the day, so personally, I'd go with the scooter instead.
If you don't know how to drive, you can also hire a scooter with a driver only for 850,000 IDR or 1,200,000 with a guide/driver (same person). The driver will take you to all the main tourist attractions around Tuk-tuk, and it will take about 7 hours.
What to Pack for Lake Toba?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Lake Toba, Indonesia:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Lake Toba, Indonesia in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Indonesia
I hope this travel guide will help you plan your trip to Indonesia. I have visited Indonesia more times than I could count, and I have written many articles about the country.
If you are looking for more articles about Indonesia, here are a selection of articles that might help you plan your trip to Indonesia even more.
- For a complete itinerary to Sumatra, check out: One Month Backpacking Sumatra Itinerary.
- Want to travel to Lake Toba from Medan, but not sure how? Here's a guide for you: How To Get From Medan To Lake Toba.
- Berastagi is home to some of the most accessible volcanoes in Sumatra. It's definitely worth a stop if hiking a volcano is on your bucket list. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Berastagi.
- Want to see orangutans in the wild in Indonesia? The best place is Bukit Lawang and here's A Complete Guide to Orangutan Trekking in Bukit Lawang.
- For West Sumatra, your journey will likely begin in Padang, the capital city of the province, with a ton of things to do. Here are the 8 Best Things to Do in Padang.
- Get off the beaten path in Sumatra and visit Bukittinggi, the old capital of the Pagaruyung Kingdom, and explore the highlands with this guide: 12 Best Things to Do in Bukittinggi.
- Want to visit Bukittinggi? Here are all the best ways you can travel there: How to Get to Bukittinggi: A Complete Guide
- One of the best islands to visit in Sumatra is Mentawai. It's not just a place for surfers. You can enjoy the beach, snorkeling, and even spend days living with the Mentaway tribe. Here is A Complete Travel Guide to Mentawai.
- If you want to visit and live with the Mentawai Tribe in the jungle for a few days, this guide is for you: Visiting the Mentawai Tribe: A Complete Guide.
- Not sure how to get to the Mentawai Islands? Here is all the information you need from ferry schedules, costs, and more: How to Get to Mentawai: A Complete Guide
- Looking for a complete itinerary and travel guide for Indonesia? One Month Itinerary for Indonesia.
- Are you planning to travel to Indonesia as part of a big Southeast Asia trip? Check out our 3-month backpacking itinerary for Southeast Asia.
- If you are visiting Bali for the first time, here is a travel guide to get you started: 10 BEST Places To Visit In Bali.
- Jakarta is a massive city unlike any other, and there are quite a lot to do here if you know where to look. Here are the 8 Best Things To Do in Jakarta.
- Yogyakarta is a great cultural and historical place to visit in Indonesia, and there are plenty of things to see and do there. Here are the 9 Best Things To Do in Yogyakarta.
- Did you know that there is an island in Indonesia that is free of tourists? One of them is Karimunjawa, a true hidden gem island of Java. Here's a complete guide on how to travel to Karimunjawa island.
- Looking for an article that summarizes a trip through the Java island? Check out my photo essay of Java, Indonesia.
- Lombok is now gaining in popularity, but one of the best things you can do on the island is to trek Mount Rinjani, a volcano on a lake in another volcano on an island. Here's a complete guide on how to trek Mount Rinjani.
- Gili Trawangan is one of the most popular Gili islands in Lombok, and even though it's crowded, you can often find solitude if you know where to look. Plus, it's cheap. Here's an article about exploring Gili Trawangan.
- I bet visiting the Komodo Island is among the top of your bucket list. If so, you are going to need this: Here's a complete backpacking guide to the Komodo Islands.
- Want to visit Kelimutu lakes? Here's a complete travel guide on how to get to Kelimutu lakes in Flores.
- Flores is another great island that deserves way more credit than it receives. There's the Komodo islands, Kelimutu tri-colored lakes, and so much more. Here is a 10-day travel guide for Flores and Komodo Island.
- Watch a travel video I made about Bali, Lombok, and Flores here: Nusantara, a journey through Bali, Lombok, and Flores, Indonesia.
- Not convinced by my words about Indonesia and Southeast Asia? Check out my photographic journey through the subcontinent: 64 photos that will inspire you to visit Southeast Asia.
- Wondering where you want to go next? How about Timor Leste? Visit Timor Leste Travel Guide page for more information about traveling to Timor Leste.
- To see all articles about Indonesia, visit the Indonesia Travel Guide page.
- Looking for more travel guides for Southeast Asia? You can find more on my Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.
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