 About North Sumatera
The City: Medan Western Island: Nias
 
Toba Lake
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Samosir Island
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Batak House
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Kingdom's Stone
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Traditional Boat
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Panorama & Boat
| | | Toba Lake and Samosir Island The centrepiece of North Sumatra, Lake Toba's bracing climate and magnificent panoramas clear the mind and soothe the soul. For decades a magnet for regional and foreign visitors alike, Toba has developed into a full-featured highland resort while retaining the rustic charm and relaxed arnbiance that define Toba's attraction. Formed by a stupendous prehistoric volcanic explosion, the 100 km long lake is the largest in Southeast Asia and one of the deepest and highest in the world. The drama of that cataclysmic birth persists in 500 meter cliffs dropping into the blue-green waters. Surrounded by steep, pine-covered slopes, the climate is fresh and pleasant, with just enough rain to support the lush vegetation.
Samosir, the large island in the centre of the lake, is the home of the Toba Batak, considered at least by the Toba Batak as the original Batak tribe. One of the most prominent ethnic groups in the archipelago, Bataks living in distant cities will regularly return to their ancestral island. Even people not sharing the spiritual and historic connection with the island often return to Samosir, drawn, by the enchanting natural beauty and fascinating culture.
Three megalithic sites on Samosir bear witness to the glory and horror of Batak history. The three consist of 300 years old stone seats and benches arrayed in a circle. The first set of ruins was used as a conference area for Batak kings. At the second site, the rajas would sit in judgment of a criminal or enemy prisoner. If the accused were found guilty, the assembly would move to the third set, which featured the ghastly addition of a central stone execution block. Other, less gruesome attractions can occupy many days of exploration and discovery.
All over the island are superb examples of traditional Batak houses, with elaborate carvings and decorations. Performances of life-sized si gale gale wooden puppets are held frequently, and at any moment, the musical Batak might break into a impromptu song, the seeming effortless, multi-part harmonies belying the casual setting. In the early 1970s Samosir became a popular stop on extension of the 'hippie trail' from Katmandu to Bali, and a cottage industry grew around feeding and lodging the itinerant youths. Now, students and young professionals on tight budgets have replaced the erstwhile hippies, but the basic, good value accommodation, restaurants and general cosmopolitan atmosphere remain.
With few motor vehicles, the island is a walker's paradise. Local guides are available for the numerous hikes of varying difficulty around the island and surrounding lakeshore. Those who complete the 1600 meter climb up muddy trails to the village of Roonggurni need not be proud of their accomplishment: village children descend and re-climb the mountain every day to attend school.
The Slowboat to Samosir takes visitors to one Of the most tranquil locales in Sumatra. On this huge island, still almost free of motorized transport, the days stretch long and pleasant, affordding ample time for leisurely morning walks, relaxed afternoons and convivial nights. But the island is not completely isolated. Modern communication allows Samosir guests to contact anyone in the world, and is generally used to inform friends, family and employers that they will remain on Samosir for at least another week. |
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