Lake Toba in Sumatra, Indonesia
Lake Toba, in Indonesia's North Sumatra Province, is Sumatra's main attraction and among the most idyllic spots in Southeast Asia. It has in the last 50 years been converted from a backwater tribal town are to a highland resort area similar to Baguio City in the Philippines. Lake Toba is just over 100 miles (four hours) by road from the North Sumatran port city of Medan. It is possible to fly into Medan from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Penang.The Topography: The lake is among the deepest crater lakes in the world. It rests in the crater of one of Sumatra's many volcanoes. The 650 square mile lake is almost 1500 feet deep. Beaches are lined with pine trees. The climate is cool and dry. And steep, scenic mountain slopes surround the lake.The Town of Parapat: Parapat is the area's main town. Former president Sukarno managed Indonesia's independence movement from here for a time. Today it is mostly a busy, touristy stopover on the way to the lake's real attraction - Samosir Island. Prapat is the embarkation point for ferries to the island.Samosir Island: Samosir Island is the ancestral home of Sumatra's Toba Batak people. Six Batak tribes live in North Sumarta. Batak culture, arts, and crafts in themselves are an attraction for the region. Samosir Island also provides some excellent trails and paths for trekking and day hikes. Swimming is also an option.A Warning: Beware: Lake Toba is the sort of place people come planning to stay 48 hours and instead decide to forsake the rest of their schedule and just spend their two-week vacation there. It is refreshing. And it is inexpensive.Comments
You must be logged in to post a comment.
No comments yet on this topic.
Be the first one!
