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Referred to as the
centrepiece of North Sumatra Lake Toba offers
beautiful scenery and a pleasant climate. Lake
Toba is the largest lake in South East Asia
measuring 100km in length; it is also one of the
deepest and highest lakes in the world. The lake
was formed after a prehistoric volcanic
explosion; today the surrounding landscape is
steep and fertile. Lake Toba has the island of
Samosir situated in the centre of the lake and a
regular ferry is available from the mainland to
Samosir. Samosir is home to the hospitable
tribe, Toba Batak and is well worth a visit,
just to capture the traditions and culture of
the tribe.
WHERE TO EAT
High quality hotels can be found on the mainland
at Prapat, many of which have restaurants
serving European food. Leo's jazz blues
restaurant & cafe (near Elsine GH & Hora's
Homestay) offers video, pizzas & happy hour.
Reggae bar (near Samosir & Anju cottages) boast
a pool table. Tuk-Tuk and Samosir are littered
with small cafes to larger more upscale
restaurants. Explore, and you will not be
dissapointed!
WHERE TO STAY
Two star hotels
and comfortable home stays can be found on the
Island of Samosir.
GETTING AROUNG
Lake Toba is approximately 3 hours by road from
Medan there is a frequent bus service that runs
from Medan to Lake Toba and hired taxis
available. If you are in Samosir and wish to go
to Lake Toba there is a regular ferry service
that will carry passengers and motorcycles. If
you so desire there are private speedboats for
charter.
ACTIVITIES
Lake Toba is a spectacular experience, it is a
walker's paradise. There are a variety of tours
available encompassing Samosir and the
surrounding area. The ferry from the mainland to
Samosir is a pleasant experience and a trip to
Samosir provides an insight into the local Batak
culture that resides on the island. If you're
into photography Lake Toba is a good place to go
and take some magnificent pictures.
ATTRACTIONS
BATAK CULTURAL CENTER
Lively and exciting dance and
music performances are held here every Saturday
night for a modest entrance fee; alternatively
Prapat hotel has a similar cultural exhibition
on their premises for tour groups. The week-long
Lake Toba Festival is held annually in June,
where alongside the song and dance, is the
fascinating canoe race held by competing
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