Discover God’s Emerald: Explore the World’s Largest Volcanic Lake with Private Chauffeur Service

Lake Toba, a breathtaking volcanic lake, is nestled in the northern part of Sumatra Island, Indonesia, on the Mada Plateau. It boasts the title of the largest freshwater lake in Indonesia and holds the distinction of being the world’s largest volcanic lake.

How to Get There:
[一R] Begin your journey with a 45-minute flight from Kuala Lumpur or Penang to Kualanamu Airport in Medan, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Malacca Strait. Upon arrival, hop on an airport bus or hire a car. We opted for a seven-seater vehicle with a Chinese-speaking driver, costing RMB 575 (375,000 IDR) per day, comfortably seating four people and leaving ample space for luggage in the back row.

The scenic drive to Parapat dock at Lake Toba takes about 4.5 hours. From there, the driver will guide the car and passengers across by ferry to the enchanting Samosir Island, also known as Shamoshisi Island.
[二R] Alternatively, take the airport bus or hire a car for a 4.5-hour journey to reach the Parapat dock at Lake Toba.

[三R] Embark on a 50-minute ferry ride 🚢 to Samosir Island, also known as Shamoshisi Island, which is roughly the size of Singapore.

Geography: The lake, shaped like a rhombus, stretches 100 kilometers in length and 30 kilometers in width, covering an area of 1,130 square kilometers. At its heart lies Samosir Island, measuring approximately 45 kilometers long and 20 kilometers wide. This island, comparable in size to Singapore, ranks as the fifth-largest lake island globally.

Formation: Approximately 70,000 years ago, a colossal volcanic eruption occurred here, leading to a dramatic reduction in the global population and ultimately forming the magnificent Lake Toba we see today.

Culture: Samosir Island is a treasure trove of Batak culture, featuring traditional longhouses with their distinctive upward-curving roofs that resemble horns. The island is also home to stone-built tombs of the Batak royal family, the Sidabutar clan, and a palace longhouse constructed over 200 years ago for the King of Simalungun. This impressive structure is built entirely from wood and ropes.

Sipiso-piso Waterfall: At the northwest end of Lake Toba, the renowned Sipiso-piso Waterfall cascades down more than 300 meters, offering a spectacular sight.

Itinerary (with a Chinese-speaking driver):
Day 1
– Pick up from Kualanamu (Kualanamu) Airport
– 2.5-hour drive to Sibayak Volcano 🌋
– Overnight stay in Brastagi

Day 2
– Visit Sinabung Volcano
– Explore Bukit Indah Simarjarunjung (if not congested, can be changed to Sipiso-piso Waterfall)
– Depart from Parapat dock at Lake Toba by ferry 🚢 to Samosir Island
– Discover Batak ruins
– Visit Dolok Sipira
– Overnight stay on Samosir Island

Day 3
– Relax at Cattage Aek Tawar Sari
– Enjoy the views at Bukit Sidihoni
– Soak in the Rianiate Hot Springs
– Hike Hulbung Mountain
– Marvel at the scenic viewpoint with the Jesus statue
– Overnight stay on Samosir Island

Day 4
– Return trip to Medan City or Airport