Lake Toba is the most interesting tourist object in the Province of North Sumatera, Indonesia. It is as the largest inland lake in South-East Asia and one of the deepest in the world [ more than 500 metres]. Lake Toba has a length that spans 100 kilometres from Northwest to South and a width of 30 kilometres. Water surface of Lake Toba is around 900 meter of sea level. It’s surrounded by Mount Piso-Piso on the north and Mount Pusuk Bukit on the west.
Parapat, the town in the coast of the lake has many hotels and restaurants which provide good food. But the last five years the number of the tourist decreases which caused some of the hotels closed down, either temporary or for good. Most tourists are local or from neighboring countries. The tourists normally pass through on their way to Samosir Island in Lake Toba. The town offers scenic surroundings, good eating, and souvenir shopping.
Parapat can be reached within 4 hours ride from Medan, the capital city of North Sumatra. There are many souvenir shops along the road down to the market.You can find T-shirts, ceramics, cheap clothes and various souvenirs, the most popular is local made woven blankets called ‘Ulos’.
Samosir Island is accessible by ferry from Ajibata or Parapat. One of the main inhabited areas in the island is Tuktuk. This popular destination offers scenic views at very low prices. People come here to relax, enjoy the sceneries, eat well and cool down from tougher in other areas.
The culture of the local can be seen in the daily life of the villages in Samosir. Western tunes have replaced the harmonic popular songs of the wrll-singing Bataks. In Tomok 200- year old stone sarcophogus of King Sidabutar built in the shape of ship is its most famous sight. It is located a short walk away from the lake. Tomok is also known for Sigale-gale dance.
