Top 10 Things To Do In Lake Toba

Lake Toba is the jewel in the crown of North Sumatra. There are many things to do in Lake Toba besides chilling by the famous crater lake. Located around 5 hours away from the capital of North Sumatra, Medan, this is one of the premium holiday destinations in the region.

Visitors flock to Lake Toba to check out the largest crater lake in the world and to enjoy learning about the culture of the indigenous residents called the Batak Toba.

Why visit Lake Toba

Lake Toba, nestled in the heart of Sumatra, Indonesia, beckons travelers with its breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. As you can see, there are many things to do in Lake Toba, including exploring picturesque landscapes, visiting traditional Batak villages on Samosir Island, indulging in local cuisine, and relaxing on serene beaches. With opportunities for swimming, hiking, and cultural immersion, it promises an unforgettable getaway for travelers seeking adventure and tranquility alike.

Recommended Things to Do in Lake Toba

Watch a show at the Museum Huta Bolon Simanindo

One of the top attractions in Lake Toba is the chance to check out a show at the Museum Huta Bolon Simanindo. Performances take place twice daily from Monday to Saturday, with one show on Sunday. If you make the journey to Simanindo Village for a performance, you will get to enjoy traditional Batak dancing and singing, and the signature part of the show is the slaughtering of a buffalo, although a live buffalo is used to recreate the mood and is fortunately not harmed during the proceedings.

Go kayaking

If you are looking for a chance to get some exercise and you want to enjoy the waters of Lake Toba up close, then consider kayaking. One of the best things to do in Lake Toba is to walk to the shoreline and look for the old-fashioned picnic spots here, as this is where you will also find vendors who will rent you a kayak. From here, you can shoot out across the water and take in all the beauty of the surrounding crater for which Lake Toba is so famous.

Bathe in the hot springs

If you fancy a long, hot soak, then head to the hot springs in Pangururan. Here, you will find a number of different ways to bathe, and there are concrete swimming pools as well as smaller natural rock pools that provide a more rustic experience. The water is quite hot as an underground source feeds it, and this is a good place to come if you have been touring the island all morning and are looking to relax. This is one of the favorite things to do in Lake Toba for the locals, too.

Visit Makam Raja Sidabutar

Another reason people flock to Lake Toba is to take in the amazing graves of the former Batak kings in Tomok. The graves are made of large slabs of carved stone, and you need to wear a traditional Batak ulos when you walk around the cemetery. This is a panel of fabric like a scarf that you drape over your shoulder and is used to show respect when you visit the final resting place of the royal family.

Take a boat ride on the lake

There are several ways that you can enjoy the waters of Lake Toba, but if you don’t want to get your hair wet, then one of the best ways is by taking a boat ride on the lake. You can rent a boat from a number of different places dotted around the lake, and prices are negotiable depending on how long you want to cruise around and how well you haggle. Most boats are small speed boats and come with a driver who will whizz you around and point out some of the sights.

Enjoy the food

One of the best things to do in Lake Toba is enjoy the food. The Batak Toba who live here are mainly Christians, and with that in mind, you will find many more pork-based dishes than in other parts of North Sumatra. Some of these include curries that are flavored with pork blood, or you can also get crispy barbecued pork.

As with the rest of North Sumatra, the Nasi Padang here is excellent and includes rice, which is then heaped with vegetable and curry dishes. Most of the main restaurants are located in Tomok Village, and you will also find some Western food choices here if you are looking for variety.

Admire the stone chairs in Ambarita

Another one of the famous attractions in Lake Toba is the stone chairs, which are situated in the village of Ambarita. The chairs date back some 300 years and would have been the seats of the king’s council in years gone by. Judgments and punishments would have been passed here, such as executions, and the chairs tower over you in size, giving you an idea of how a king’s council would have looked in the days of old.

Tour the island on a motorbike

If you have a motorbike license, there is no better way to get around Lake Toba than to rent a motorbike. You can rent a set of wheels from many of the guesthouses on Samosir Island very cheaply, allowing you to enjoy Lake Toba’s lush scenery firsthand. You can also rent a normal bike if you don’t have a motorbike license.

Shop for textiles

Lake Toba is known for its pretty textiles, so make the most of it if you want to buy a souvenir of your time here. The village of Suhi-Suhi is best known for its woven fabrics, although in reality, you can get pieces all over Samosir Island. Lake Toba is particularly known for its ulos, which come in different sizes and are made by weaving strips of fabric in a range of traditional patterns.

Hike up Pusuk Buhit

Pusuk Buhit is the main mountain in the Lake Toba area and rises to some 2,000 meters above sea level. The mountain is considered to be sacred in Batak culture, as legend has it that Batak kings were born here in the days of old. If you want to hike up the mountain, be prepared for a rather long walk, as it takes around 5 hours to reach the summit. That said, if you fancy a workout, it is more than worth it, as you will get panoramic views of Lake Toba.

Best Accommodations at Lake Toba

Best Hotels in Lake Toba

There are many hotels, guesthouses, and resorts along the lake in Tuk Tuk, with some further away in smaller towns. You do not need to worry about the choice of staying in Lake Toba *, with the exception of Chinese New Year when it might peak with tourists, thus hiking in price and probably lacking in space. The best-rated hotel here is Horas Family Home * . In contrast, the best budget option here is the Toba Village Inn *.

High Mid-range (from 90 USD per night)

Horas Family Home

Horas Family Home is an excellent choice for those seeking an authentic cultural experience in Lake Toba. Run by a friendly local family, the homestay offers traditional Batak meals and cultural activities such as traditional dance performances. Staying at Horas Family Home allows guests to immerse themselves in the local culture and gain a deeper understanding of the Batak way of life. The homestay also offers traditional Batak meals and cultural experiences such as traditional dance performances.
Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com *
Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *

Taman Simalem Resort

Taman Simalem Resort is a fantastic option for those seeking a luxurious and peaceful stay in Lake Toba. The resort features spacious and beautifully appointed rooms with stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The resort’s location on a hilltop offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and the lush greenery and fresh mountain air create a serene and rejuvenating atmosphere. The resort also offers a variety of activities for guests to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, and cultural tours.
Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com *
Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *

Mid-range (50 – 90 USD per night)

Toledo Inn

Toledo Inn is a great choice for those seeking a comfortable and affordable stay in Lake Toba. The inn features cozy and clean rooms, and the friendly staff goes above and beyond to ensure guests have a pleasant stay. The inn’s location in Tuk Tuk village on Samosir Island provides easy access to the lake and nearby attractions, and the inn also has a restaurant serving delicious local cuisine.
Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com *
Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *

Budget (below 50 USD per night)

Toba Village Inn

Toba Village Inn is a great choice for those seeking clean and comfortable accommodations in a convenient location. The hotel offers a variety of room options, friendly staff, and a lovely garden area for guests to relax in. Additionally, the hotel’s location in Tuk Tuk village on Samosir Island provides easy access to the lake and nearby attractions. Overall, Toba Village Inn is a fantastic option for those on a budget who still want to enjoy a comfortable stay in Lake Toba.
Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com *
Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *

Toba Cats Garden

Toba Cat’s Garden is a wonderful choice for those seeking a unique and charming stay in Lake Toba. The hotel features cozy and comfortable rooms decorated with beautiful local art, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The friendly staff goes above and beyond to ensure guests have a memorable stay, offering helpful tips and recommendations for exploring the area. The hotel’s location in Tuk Tuk village on Samosir Island provides easy access to the lake and surrounding attractions, and the hotel also has a beautiful garden area for guests to relax and unwind.
Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com *

Tours at Lake Toba

Travel Tips:

1. Book the best accommodations – Booking.com* or Agoda.com *

2. Find the cheapest flight options that suit you – Skyscanner * or 12Go.asia *

3. Rent a car in advance and make your trip more convenient – Rentalcars *

4. Make the most of the time that you have! Exciting excursions, professional guides, and more – Klook *

5. Book your train tickets online easily – Tiket.com * or bus tickets at Easybook.com *

6. Order ahead Indonesian Rupiah with the best exchange rate – Wise Travel Card *