This two-day scootering trip begins in TukTuk, Samosir Island, an area the size of Singapore. The paved main road on Lake Toba’s Samosir Island makes driving easy. We did not scooter around the whole island; instead, we spent two days scootering half of the island at a slow pace.
What Scooter and Where to Rent?
We rented a scooter from Mas Cottage for Rp 80,000 to Rp 100,000 per day. It is a Yamaha Mio 125, powerful enough to drive around the lake.
The terrains in Samosir Island feature highlands and lowlands, small villages, and you can find yourself staying and riding along with the Batak traditional houses. Lake Toba’s otherworldly beauty is defined by its calm, ocean-like waters surrounded by lush green mountain ridges. It appeared as a grand oil painting hanging on the wall. The one-hour ferry journey chugs to Samosir Island, crossing Lake Toba, and small towns and churches become clear on the horizon.
Samosir is in the middle of a gigantic lake, connected by ferries and the only highway from Pangururan, the west side of the lake. The Bataks people are inhabitants of this majestic lake and Samosir Island. They were animists and then converted to Christianity. It is the world’s largest crater and the largest lake in Southeast Asia. The island is great for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddling. Stay safe! Lake Toba is also known to be one of the deepest lakes in the world.
Driving Along Jalan Pulau Samosir
Jalan Pulau Samosir and Jalan Simolon Purba are connected and are the main highways that connect the island. There are many intersections in villages. As I drive along the island shoreline, I want to stop at every peak to appreciate the grand lake. I liked the road to Tomok and Simanindo. In the highlands, less traffic, and breezy on summer days. Parhallow Viewpoint and coffee shop have one of the best panoramic views of the majestic lake. You can see the fish farms. Drive along this road, and you will find several similar viewpoints.
On the way, you see a farmer’s market for villagers to sell produce. Villagers come in trucks and scooters carrying their animals and vegetables. Batak traditional houses are still commonly found on the island. At the end of the road, we found this small village with only a few traditional homes. It looks like a great place for napping.
The Highland
In the highland, like an eagle’s gaze, the tiny blocks appeared to be a quiet fishing village on the shore. Farmers plowed the land by the foothill appeared as miniatures. As you descend to the fishing village, you will find many villages along the road. Children are running home after school. The descent takes around 20 minutes on a narrow paved road. You can explore the village and farmlands. The fertile soil and water from the lake are advantages for paddy farming. Doors are a way to show elaborate artwork of the Batak tribe. This village is near the Dacitic Lava Flow that was formed by the last eruption of the Toba Supervolcano magmas.
Hot Springs
Hot springs in Lake Toba are one of the main attractions on the west side of the lake that can be accessed by road. I found it quite a disappointment as the hot spring is like dying. The local operators used water pipes to draw hot springs to their pools. The road to Pangururan is busy and dusty, like going back to Medan.
Batak cuisine
Indulges in Batak cuisine that can be enjoyed in any restaurant on the island if you have not tried it in Medan. There are very limited restaurants outside of TukTuk and Ambarita. Opposite the museum, a coffee shop patronized by locals for breakfast. Try their Mie Gomak – noodle dish. The other dish is Arsik, a wedding banquet dish.
Best Time to Visit
May to September is the dry season. The best time for hiking, scootering, and outdoor activities.
November to March is the monsoon season in Southeast Asia.
Duration
3 Days for Samosir Island
4 – 5 Days around Lake Toba and Samosir Island
How to Get to Samosir Island from Medan Airport?
Medan Airport is the closest airport to Lake Toba, and Parapat is the port where you take the ferry to Samosir Island. It takes around 3-4 hours to travel from Medan airport to Parapat, with 30 minutes for lunch.
7-seater Minivans are available at the airport to take you to Parapat. Rp. 100,000
Private taxis are available near the arrival. Rp. 650,000
TIP: If you come in your car, you can also take it to the ferry. I am not sure about the price.
How to Get Around Samosir Island?
Scooter is the best way to get around.
Walking or cycling is possible for short distances.
Where to Stay?
Most hotels are on Tuktuk and Ambarita, the east side of the island. The ferry will drop you off at the hotel, and a pick-up will be arranged by the hotel.
Laster Jony’s Guesthouse
is in the town of TukTuk. You find shops and restaurants in this area. $12, +6281263437553
Ecovillage Silimalombu farm stay is a vocational gateway to heal your body with organic farm vegetables and fruits. It’s quite a distance from TukTuk and the only boat that goes directly to Silimalombu daily at 10 AM (except Saturday) or 1 PM (except Saturday). $14 for boarding and $12 for lunch and dinner.
Mas Cottage has a great view of the lake. The ferry drops off and picks up from here. $30 for 2 pax
