Discover the Enchanting Hard-to-Reach Fairyland: Lake Toba Journey Chapter

The second and third days were dedicated to exploring Berastagi and the scenic drive to Samosir Island. We finally reached our hotel on Samosir Island around 6:30 PM on the 30th, concluding a long but rewarding journey. Here’s a detailed look at the highlights from these two days.

🧳 Attractions
1️⃣ Sipiso Piso Waterfall (Photos 2-3): Ideal for a refreshing hike, this waterfall offers a picturesque adventure. The trek from the top to the bottom and back takes about an hour. While there are some shaded spots, they are limited, so don’t forget your sunscreen. Wearing sneakers is advisable due to the steep steps.

At the base of the waterfall, the misty river creates a magical, almost otherworldly atmosphere. The sun here is a gentle light, making it challenging to take good photos, but you can savor the joy of being gently rained on in the sunshine with wet hair! This spot is highly recommended, and even the most sedentary traveler will feel a sense of accomplishment after this excursion👌

2️⃣ Lau Debuk-Debuk♨️: After the physical exertion, unwind in the soothing hot springs. It’s a bit of a journey, approximately a 2-hour drive away. There are 4 or 5 pools, all with a similar sulfuric aroma. Soaking in the warm waters while chatting and admiring the mountainous and foggy landscape is incredibly relaxing.

The facilities, however, are quite basic. You’ll need to change clothes in the restroom and rinse off using the toilet faucet. No towels are provided, but there are rooms available, which might make the experience more comfortable if you choose to stay overnight.

3️⃣ Bukit Holbung Samosir (Photos 4-6): A charming little hill that only takes about 10 minutes to climb, offering breathtaking views of the lake and the distant Patung Yesus (Jesus Statue). The scenery is stunning. On the weekend, the road to the Jesus Statue was packed, reminiscent of a national holiday. Visiting Bukit Holbung and enjoying the view from a distance was a much more pleasant experience. Highly recommended!

4️⃣ One Tree Hill (Photos 7-8): Located within Taman Simalem Resort, the journey to this spot is bumpy, but the panoramic views are worth it. As our first stop, it left a lasting impression. It’s listed last because, after visiting, the scenery seemed somewhat repetitive. If you’re not staying at the resort, it might not be necessary to make a special trip.

🍽️ Restaurants
1️⃣ Restaurant RM Muslim Suroboyo Tongging: We ordered a set meal, and though I can’t recall the exact price, it was very affordable. We also added two plates of lobster, and the owner graciously didn’t charge us, possibly because he knew our driver. The grilled fish, crayfish, and fried eggplant were all delicious! The view is lovely, but the open-air setting means there are a few flies around.

2️⃣ River Side Samosir: Close to 3️⃣, our driver brought us here when we were really hungry. It’s a local favorite with no English menu, so we took a chance and ordered noodles, fried rice, and seafood. Every dish was a delightful surprise and well worth the visit.