Discover Indonesia’s Lake Toba & Samosir Island: Ultimate Travel Guide

Embarking on a spontaneous adventure, I followed an Indonesian colleague to a destination that was completely off my radar. This four-day, three-night journey began in Singapore, with a flight to Medan, Indonesia, and continued by private car upon arrival.

The landscapes were breathtaking, and for someone who has spent years in Southeast Asia, it felt like stepping into a different world, reminiscent of Europe. However, the trip also highlighted some of Indonesia’s notable challenges: the underdeveloped infrastructure led to long, tedious hours on the road, and the local cuisine, which heavily features fried foods and chili, was a struggle for those with more delicate palates.

One of the unexpected joys was discovering the delightful avocado coffee, a unique and surprisingly delicious treat. Additionally, the durians were not only incredibly affordable but also of excellent quality, rivaling those found in Malaysia.

Despite these pleasant surprises, I would hesitate to recommend this location. On the final day of our trip, I fell ill with gastroenteritis, and my husband experienced the same after we returned home. If given the choice, a trip to Europe would likely offer a more enjoyable and hassle-free experience.