Tucked away in the heart of Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Samosir Island is more than just a sight – it’s a jaw-dropping experience! As one of the world’s largest volcanic lakes, Lake Toba is packed with history and stunning scenery – making Samosir Island a totally bucket-list worthy destination when exploring Indonesia.
As part of the UNESCO Global Geopark, Lake Toba was formed around 74,000 years ago following a massive supervolcanic eruption. Spanning approximately 100 kilometres in length, 30 kilometres in width, and plunging to depths of a whopping 505 metres, Lake Toba is not just a natural wonder – it’s a living history book of Earth’s wild and wonderful past.
Samosir Island is also the cultural heart of the local Batak Toba people, one of Indonesia’s largest ethnic groups. Renowned for their rich traditions and customs, here you’ll see firsthand their thriving culture, with pointed-roof houses called “Bolon” adorning every village and unique cuisine which is rarely found elsewhere.
Set aside 3-days and 2-nights to explore the stunning surroundings of Lake Toba and immerse yourself in Samosir Island’s indigenous Batak heritage.
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Recommended Accommodation on Samosir Island:
- Luxury Stay: Marianna Resort & Convention
- Family Stay: Labersa Hotel & Convention Centre Samosir
- Mid-range: Samosir Cottage Resort
- Budget: Parbaba Beach Hotel
How To Get There
Your main gateway to the breathtaking Samosir Island is via Raja Sisingamangaraja XII International Airport (DTB). This airport is the closest to Samosir, with a scenic 2-hour journey required to reach the island. Flight schedules to this airport are limited, with connections available only from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Jakarta, so bear that in mind if you’re travelling from Bali, as you’ll need to transit through Jakarta.
Best Time to Visit
Samosir Island enjoys a tropical climate with average temperatures ranging from 17°C to 27°C. The best time to visit is between April and September during the dry season. This period offers clear, sunny skies, perfect for trekking, sailing on Lake Toba, or exploring the local villages.
Itinerary
Day 1: Discovering Natural Beauty and Lake Toba’s Stunning Scenery
Afternoon:
- After landing, head to the Tele Observation Tower. Built in 1988, this vantage point provides epic 180-degree views of Lake Toba, the surrounding hills and Pusuk Buhit, an impressive mountain which is believed to be the original birthplace of the Batak people.
- Enjoy a tasty lunch at a local warung (eatery) nearby the observation tower.
- Continue onwards to Bukit Sibea-bea, a popular destination famous for its towering Christ Blessing Statue, the tallest of its kind in the world, standing at a staggering 61-metres high.
Evening:
- Just 20-minutes from Bukit Sibea-bea is Holbung Hill, a picture-perfect spot to relax and watch the sunset. The hill offers panoramic views of Lake Toba and its mountainous surroundings, making it a popular camping spot for those keen for a wild and wonderful Samosir experience.
- Enjoy dinner at a local eatery on the way back to your hotel.
- Check-in and rest after a busy first day.
Day 2: Exploring Batak Culture on Samosir Island
Morning:
- Start off with breakfast at the hotel and fuel-up for the day ahead.
- Begin your cultural exploration with a visit to Huta Siallagan, an ancient Batak village spanning 2,500 square metres. Step back in time at this fascinating site which features three unique styles of authentic Batak housing, built traditionally close together with no internal walls. A highlight is the “Stone Chair”, a historic court of justice once used by King Siallagan to adjudicate criminals and decide their fate.
- Proceed to the Huta Bolon Simanindo Museum, known for its traditional architecture and beautifully preserved heritage. The museum showcases impressive local artefacts such as the iconic Sigale-gale wooden spiritual doll used by the Batak people during burial rituals, as well as unique keepsakes that once belonged to the royal family.
Afternoon:
- Have lunch at a local eatery in Tomok village in Simanindo.
- Visit Tomok Tourism Village to experience firsthand mesmerising Batak cultural performances where you’ll also spy the enchanting Sigale-gale statue. Those who really want to get involved will have the opportunity to participate in the traditional Tortor Dance accompanied by Gondang Sabungan music. Don’t miss buying Ulos, traditional Batak woven cloth, which makes the perfect souvenir of your North Sumatran adventure.
Evening:
- Relax on the white sands of Parbaba Beach, a lakeside destination perfect for unwinding and enjoying activities like banana boat rides or climbing aboard the duck-shaped paddle boats.
- Have dinner at a nearby local restaurant and try some of the area’s famous dishes including Arsik (steamed fish cooked in lime juice and ground spices), Gomak Noodle (often nicknamed “Batak Spaghetti” the yellow noodles are cooked with vegetables, ginger and coconut milk, and topped with a boiled egg) and also Saksang (spicy minced pork or buffalo meat that’s stewed in coconut milk and spices).
- Return to your hotel and rest.
Day 3: Heading Home
Morning:
- Check-out of your accommodation early and head to Ambarita Harbour.
- If you previously arrived by road, why not mix things up with a Lake Toba ferry crossing from Ambarita to Ajibata Harbour in Simalungun. The ferry operates every 1.5 hours, with the first crossing at 7:30am. Tickets cost IDR 170,000 per car and can be purchased online via https://ferizy.com/ or at the ticket counter. Arrive 45-minutes before your departure time to make sure you snag a ticket and avoid missing the ferry.
- After your 1-hour ferry ride, stop by Adian Nalambok rest area for breakfast and an aromatic coffee made from locally sourced beans, whilst soaking-up the scenic views of Lake Toba and the surrounding hills.
- Continue to Raja Sisingamangaraja XII International Airport (DTB) for your flight home.
Final Words
Spending 3-days and 2-nights on Samosir Island promises plenty of unforgettable Indonesian memories that you’ll be replaying long after you get back home. With one of the world’s largest volcanic lakes and its rich cultural heritage, there are so many reasons to visit this UNESCO Global Geopark treasure – come and see the magic for yourself!
