The Lake of Toba

Lake Toba

Lake Toba is located in North Sumatra Province, Indonesia. It is the largest lake in Southeast Asia and the largest volcanic lake in the world. Lake Toba was formed as a result of a super massive volcanic eruption with a magnitude of VEI 8 around 69,000 to 77,000 years ago, which triggered global climate change. Current accurate dating methods place the eruption at around 74,000 years ago. This eruption is the largest explosive eruption on Earth in the last 25 million years. According to the Toba catastrophe theory, this eruption had a major impact on human populations around the world; the impact of the eruption killed most of the humans alive at that time and is believed to have caused population declines in East-Central Africa and India thus influencing the genetics of human populations throughout the world until now.

Scientists agree that the Toba eruption triggered a volcanic winter that caused a drop in world temperatures between 3 to 5 °C (5.4 to 9.0 °F), and up to 15 °C (27 °F) in the upper latitudes. Follow-up research in Lake Malawi, East Africa, found ash deposits from the Toba eruption, but found no evidence of major climate change in East Africa. That's the history of the formation of the world's largest volcanic lake. 

Lake Toba Now.

Thousands years later after the greatest  distater of the world changed becoming a beautiful place to visit, Toba Lake now is a famous and an important tourist spot in Indonesia, the fresh surrounding with greenery scenery are the mix of condition that people want.

Lake Toba is part of the Bukit Barisan mountains in Sumatra, the weather is quite cool for the size of the tropics. Surrounded by hills around the lake. With small towns typical of North Sumatra here and there around the lake such as the cities of Balige, Parapat, Silalahi and their surroundings. Those who inhabit the vicinity of the lake are the majority Batak tribes.

If you like complete natural beauty in one place then I recommend you to visit there, the complete package is water attractions, forests, culture and nature reserves all at once.

Place to Visit.

There is some places to visit sorounding the lake:

1. Tomok Village

Traditional Houses of Tomok Village

Come to Tomok Village for a unique cultural experience. Located at the edge of the jetty to Parapat, this small village features beautiful Batak houses and many historical sites. The tomb of King Sidabutar, the stone statues, the sigale-gale dance performance, and the nearby Batak Museum are some of the highlights. You will find plenty of stalls in the area selling typical Batak souvenirs.

2.Sibandang Island

Sibandang Island

The island, which is located opposite the coast of Samosir Island, has not been exposed much by the media. Its unspoiled natural conditions make this island known as a place where angels fall asleep. Wherever you look, Sibandang Island will present a beautiful panorama of Lake Toba that captivates your heart. This island is also known as a producer of sweet mangoes, you know. To get here, you can take a boat across Lake Toba.

3.Pusuk Buhit

Pusuk Buhit

Pusuk Buhit is the name of one of the peaks on the western edge of Lake Toba. In Batak mythology, the peak is said to be the "birth" of the tribe. So actually Pusuk Buhit is a sacred hill for the Batak people who believe it to be the birthplace of the Batak King also. But now this place is free for everyone. At the top of the hill you can enjoy the solemn atmosphere as you go up the winding trails and capture some amazing photos of the mind-blowing scenery.

4.Holbung Hill

Holbung Hill

If you don't want to climb Pusuk Buhit, you can climb the hills around Lake Toba which are no less beautiful. One of them is Holbung Hill. To reach this hill, you must pass through the port of Parapati Tiga Raja to reach Tomok, Samosir. Local residents make hiking trails to reach the top of the mountain. The slope is very gentle and only takes 10 minutes to reach the top. The view from the top of the hill is a sight you definitely can't forget.

5.Sigale Gale Dance Show

Sigale Gale Dance Show

This tourist spot is located in Tomok, Simanindo, Samosir Regency, North Sumatra. This show is a typical cultural presentation there which is taken from the sad story of a king who lost a lot when his son died.

Originally there was a magical aura in the dance, but now that element has been much reduced and displays more of an artistic side. Sigale-gale teaches us about love.

6. Sapo Juma Tongging Garden

Located in Tongging Village, Merek District, Karo Regency, this flower garden is an object that you should visit because of its beauty. Combining beautiful landscapes as the background, they built flower gardens and resorts that complement this beautiful nature. Besides that. This park is close to another beautiful location, namely the Sipiso-piso waterfall.

How to go to Toba Lake?

You can go there directly flying from Jakarta to Silangit airport (Siborong borong) an airport close to Lake Toba. But you can also go through Medan City. 

The best way to get from Medan to Lake Toba will be by hiring a car or a taxi. This is especially affordable if you are travelling with a group. The more adventurous can have a go at the public transport, which will inevitably take more time. While taking the train is possible, note that the closest train station is a Pematangsiantar, which is still quite some distance away from Parapat town on the edge of the lake. It is here at Parapat where you can take a ferry across to Samosir island, the crater island in the middle of Lake Toba.

There are a lot of hotels surrounding the Lake of Toba, don't worry!

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