Travel Guide for Lake Toba (2025)

Welcome to Lake Toba, the sparkling jewel of North Sumatra and the largest volcanic lake in the world. At its heart lies Samosir Island, a lush, mountainous island almost the size of Singapore. The village of Tuktuk, nestled on a narrow peninsula on Samosir’s eastern shore, is the beating heart of tourism here. With its laid-back charm, deep Batak culture, and breathtaking landscapes, Tuktuk is the perfect place to unwind and experience the soul of North Sumatra. In this travel guide for Lake Toba we gathered hands on information about this destination.

Information about Lake Toba

Things to know in advance

Lake Toba was formed by a supervolcanic eruption some 74,000 years ago and is now one of Southeast Asia’s most spectacular natural attractions. Samosir Island, which emerged after the eruption, offers a rich cultural experience rooted in the traditions of the Batak people – known for their music, hospitality, and unique architecture.

Tuktuk is the main tourist hub on the island, offering a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and activities. It’s also an excellent base for exploring the rest of the island. Lake Toba offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture, and is a must-visit destination for any traveler to Sumatra.

Orientation

Most travelers stay in Tuktuk, a compact and walkable area with everything you need: hotels, cafes, rental bikes, and tour offices. From here, it’s easy to explore the surrounding villages, hills, and viewpoints either by scooter, bike, or car. Other towns of interest on Samosir include Ambarita, known for its ancient Batak stone chairs, and Tomok, a small port village with traditional markets and the tomb of King Sidabutar.

How touristy is Lake Toba?

Lake Toba has been a well-known destination since the 1970s, particularly for backpackers, and tourism infrastructure in Tuktuk is well established – though still relaxed and far from the crowds of Bali. English is widely spoken in Tuktuk, and locals are welcoming and used to foreign visitors. Outside of Tuktuk, tourism drops off quickly and a more authentic, untouched rural vibe prevails. Like for other destinations in Sumatra June-August is high season, but even Tuktuk is far from crowded during that time.

Getting there and around

Getting There

To reach Lake Toba, most travelers fly into Kualanamu International Airport near Medan. From there, you have several options:

Private transfer or shared car: The drive to Parapat, the ferry terminal to Samosir, takes about 4 hours. It is best to book that through your accommodation at Lake Toba.
Public bus: Cheap, but slower and less comfortable. There is no schedule, they usually leave when full. They don’t have aircon and can be run down.
- From Medan airport: You have 2 options: Either take a bus to Siantar, then take another bus heading to Parapat. Or head to Amplas Bus Station in Medan city, then take a bus to Parapat.
- From Medan city: Buses leave regularly from Medan’s Amplas Bus Terminal directly to Parapat.
Train + taxi: Take a train from Medan city to Siantar, then continue by car or bus to Parapat.

From Parapat, ferries run hourly (from early morning to early evening) to Tuktuk. You can hop on at the main dock and simply tell the staff your hotel name—they’ll drop you at the nearest jetty.

If you are staying outside of Tuktuk it is best to contact your accommodation about the best way to get there.

Getting Around

Scooters are the best way to explore Samosir Island freely. Rentals are cheap (approx. IDR 100,000/day) and available everywhere in Tuktuk.
Bicycles are also an option but be prepared for hilly roads.
Private cars or drivers can be hired for day trips at your accommodation.
Public minibuses run between towns but are less reliable.

Practical tips for Lake Toba

Pack List

Pack for a mix of warm days and cool evenings. During the day, light clothing is perfect, but temperatures can drop at night, so a light jacket or sweater is handy. Don’t forget sunscreen and mosquito repellent—while malaria risk is low, mosquitoes are active in the evenings. A reusable water bottle is useful, as many guesthouses provide refill stations. If you’re planning on exploring by scooter or hiking, bring closed shoes or sturdy sandals as well as a rain coat.

Where to Stay at Lake Toba

Choose from a range of accommodations that cater to different preferences and budgets, mostly centered around Tuktuk on Samosir Island:

Luxury Hotels and Resorts:
Travellers seeking a luxury accommodation, Marianna Resort is the perfect fit. It is modern and features great lake views. For a more upscale experience, Taman Simalem Resort on the North short of Lake Toba offers stunning views over the lake, beautiful gardens, and a tranquil setting, though it’s a bit further from the main hub on Samosir island.
Mid-Range Hotels:
Comfortable and well-rated accommodations like Zoe’s Waterfront, Toba Village Inn, Hub Tata and Tabo Cottages provide scenic lake views, swimming pools, and cozy restaurant areas perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.
Guesthouses and Homestays:
Bagus Bay, Reggae Guest House, Romlan’s and many other guesthouses in Tuktuk offer budget-friendly and authentic stays, often with direct lake access and friendly local hosts. These are great options for backpackers or anyone looking for a relaxed atmosphere and local interaction. There are not hostels with dorm rooms.

Weather

Lake Toba enjoys a relatively mild and temperate climate due to its elevation (about 900 meters above sea level). Days are usually warm and sunny, with temperatures around 25–28°C, while nights can be surprisingly cool, especially in the rainy season (October to April). Rain tends to fall in short, intense bursts in the afternoon or evening, so it’s smart to carry a compact raincoat or umbrella.

Money

While larger hotels and tourist restaurants in Tuktuk may accept cards, cash is still the most commonly used payment method, especially for transport, local food, and small shops. ATMs are available in Tuktuk, Pangururan, and Parapat, but they can occasionally be out of service or out of cash—especially on weekends or holidays. Bring enough rupiah with you from Medan or another large town, and try to keep a mix of small and large denominations.

Medical Care

In Tuktuk you only find the small Tuktuk Medical Centre Clinic that can handle minor injuries or illnesses such as fevers or stomach issues. For anything more serious—such as infections, broken bones, or emergencies—you’ll need to travel to the hospital in Balige or return to Medan. Pharmacies (apotek) are available and stock basic medications, but bring any prescription medications you might need, along with a small travel first-aid kit.

Religion and Culture

The dominant culture around Lake Toba is Batak Toba, and the majority of the population is Protestant Christian. This creates a more relaxed and open social atmosphere compared to more conservative areas of Sumatra. You’ll see churches in nearly every village, and Sundays are taken seriously as days of worship. Respectful behavior is appreciated everywhere, especially when visiting traditional sites or Batak homes—ask before entering and dress modestly when needed.

Crime and Safety

Lake Toba is considered very safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a generally peaceful atmosphere. Petty theft is rare but can happen—lock up valuables in your accommodation and don’t leave things unattended on the beach or on your scooter. Roads can be winding and poorly lit at night, so drive carefully or avoid long-distance travel after dark.

SIM Cards and WLAN

Mobile coverage is decent in Tuktuk and surrounding towns. Telkomsel and Indosat offer the best reception on the island. SIM cards are best purchased and registered in Medan before you arrive on Samosir Island. Most guesthouses and cafes offer free Wi-Fi, but speeds can vary and may slow down during peak hours. For reliable internet, buy a local SIM with a good data package.

Sockets & Adapters

Indonesia uses Type C and F plugs (the same as in Germany and much of Europe), with a standard voltage of 230V. No adapter is needed if you’re coming from Europe. However, power outages can occur occasionally, especially during storms, so consider bringing a power bank for backup charging.

Laundry

Doing laundry in Tuktuk is easy and affordable. Many guesthouses offer next-day laundry service for around IDR 20,000–30,000 per kilo. Drying might take longer during the rainy season, so pack accordingly if you’re on a tight schedule.

Historical and traditional old court of law of the Toba bataks, in the form of a set of stone chairs, Ambarita village, Sumatra, Indonesia

Sights & Activities around Lake Toba

Ambarita Stone Chairs – Ancient megalithic site where Batak kings held council and delivered justice.
Tomok Village – Visit the tomb of King Sidabutar and browse souvenir stalls offering Batak carvings and ulos (traditional textiles).
Simanindo Batak Museum – A cultural performance and museum set in a traditional Batak house.
Hiking to Tele Viewpoint – Panoramic view of the lake and surrounding mountains from across the bridge to the mainland.
Hot Springs at Pangururan – Relax in natural hot springs, especially enjoyable during cooler evenings.
Swimming & Kayaking – The lake’s calm waters make it great for a refreshing swim or paddle trip.
Visit Efrata Waterfall – A scenic cascade set amid lush farmland and rice terraces. It is on the mainland and takes half a day or so to visit.
Local handicraft workshops – Learn about ulos weaving or woodcarving with a local guide.

Restaurants in Tuktuk

Tuktuk is full of cozy restaurants and cafés. Many offer traditional Batak dishes as well as Indonesian and Western options. Specialties include:

Ikan mas arsik – Spiced carp prepared in a rich turmeric sauce.
Saksang – A Batak specialty made from pork or dog meat, usually reserved for traditional feasts (ask before ordering).
Rendang Batak – A local twist on the famous Indonesian beef dish.
BPK (Babi Panggang Karo) – Grilled pork served with sambal and andaliman, a Sumatran spice similar to Sichuan pepper.

Recommended spots:

Laster Jony’s – Offers a relaxed atmosphere and a diverse menu with both Western and Indonesian dishes at very reasonable prices. The view over the lake is absolutely stunning. Sometimes they have live music, too.
Jenny’s Restaurant – A local favorite for many years with cozy dishes and relaxed atmosphere. It’s famous for their grilled fish or lobster fresh from the lake.
Roy’s Pub – A good place for live music and mingling with other travelers.
Hub Tata – Come here for your intake of healthy and delicious food. The menu features smoothie bowls, sandwiches, veggie bowls, juices and a variety of local and Western food.
Tabo Restaurant – Attached to Tabo Cottages, offering great food and an in-house bakery.
Coffee2Go – Located opposite the Marianna Hotel, this is a great and woman-run eatery. From nasi goreng to avo on toast, you will defintely find something to try.

Alcohol

Alcohol is sold in various places. Many restaurants and shops in Tuktuk serve beer and sometimes local palm wine (tuak). Bintang beer is widely available. However, outside Tuktuk, alcohol may be harder to find.

Shopping in Tuktuk

Tuktuk offers souvenir shops selling:

Ulos (handwoven traditional cloths)
Wood carvings
Beaded jewelry
Local coffee and herbs (e.g. at Tabo Cottages or Coffee2Go)

Markets in Tomok and Parapat also offer more local shopping experiences, including fresh fruit, snacks, and second hand clothes. Ambarita’s local market is held every Thursday morning, while Tomok’s market is on Saturdays and Sundays.

Lake Toba with children

Lake Toba is family-friendly, especially for kids who enjoy nature. Some family-friendly accommodations such as Tabo Cottages or Horas Family Home have large gardens or lake access for swimming. Activities like boat rides, visits to waterfalls, and farm walks can keep kids engaged. Be mindful of spicy food and always ask for “tidak pedas” (not spicy).

Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

Greet locals with a smile; Batak people are very friendly.
Dress respectfully in churches or traditional sites.
Try speaking a little Bahasa Indonesia – it’s appreciated!

Don’t:

Be overly loud or rowdy in sacred places.
Assume all Batak dishes are halal – many include pork.
Litter – the lake is beautiful, let’s keep it that way.

Summary

Tuktuk and Lake Toba offer a serene, culturally rich escape far from Indonesia’s touristy hotspots. Whether you’re seeking lake views, cultural insights, or fresh fish, this destination rewards the traveler who stays a while. Embrace the slower pace, dive into Batak hospitality, and let the magic of Lake Toba sink in.