Have you ever heard of Medan? It's the capital city of North Sumatra, a province on Indonesia's Sumatra Island. You may recognize Toba Lake as the backdrop if you've watched the movie Missing Home (Bahasa Indonesia: Ngeri-Ngeri Sedap). The movie showcases the beauty of the nature surrounding Toba Lake, making it even more famous now.

Toba Lake is one of Indonesia's largest natural lakes in North Sumatra. In fact, it is the largest natural lake in Southeast Asia. The lake was formed from a supervolcanic eruption approximately 70,000 years ago.

As a result of this eruption, Lake Toba was created and is now one of the most popular destinations for tourists visiting Medan. It's no wonder you'll find complete facilities and infrastructure to engage tourists and allow them to explore the beauty of Toba Lake.

If you want to spend some time at Lake Toba, you can reach it by plane. The closest airports to Lake Toba are Sibisa Airport in Toba Regency and Sisingmangaraja International Airport XII in North Tapanuli Regency.

Not only Lake Toba, but there are also various attractive destinations near the lake that you can visit!

1. Situmurun Binangalom Waterfall

Location: Jonggi Nihuta, Lumban Julu, Hatinggian, Toba, North Sumatra 22386

Situmurun Binangalom Waterfall is an excellent destination to visit near Lake Toba. The waterfall stands at a height of 70 meters and flows through the Lom River before ending at Lake Toba. The water flows gently, making it an ideal location for swimming.

In the Batak language, the language of the indigenous people of North Sumatra, "Binangalom" refers to the name of the Lom River, which translates to "the cooling water."

2. Pusuk Buhit Mountain

Location: Panguruan Samosir Mountain, North Sumatra

The next destination is Pusuk Buhit Mountain. For locals, this place is considered sacred as it is believed to be the origin of the Batak ethnic group. The mountain is located between Harian Boho, Sianjur Simula-mulai, and Panguruan.

Specifically, Pusuk Buhit Mountain is situated in the large hole of a super eruption on Samosir Island. It is located 1,900 meters above sea level, which allows you to enjoy fascinating views of Toba Lake from the highest peak in the area. You can even go trekking on Pusuk Buhit Mountain!

3. Paropo

Location: Dairi Regency, North Sumatra

For those who have already visited Paropo, some may say that the area is quite similar to Ranu Kumbolo, located in Semeru, East Java. As you approach the mountainous area, you will see waterworks before you. Whether you visit Paropo or Ranu Kumbolo, both are worth considering. If you are in North Sumatra, there's nothing wrong with visiting Paropo!

4. Holbung Hills

Location: Dolok Raja, Harian, Samosir Regency, North Sumatra

Holbung Hills is one of the background areas in the movie "Missing Home," as previously mentioned. The natural beauty of the hills attracts tourists to the area.

Some visitors to Holbung Hills have compared the location to the background of the children's show "Teletubbies." Enjoy the breathtaking views while having a great picnic with your family here!

5. Bakkara Valley

Location: Baktiraja District, Humbahas Regency, North Sumatra

Bakkara Valley is a historical site for locals in North Sumatra. It was the former home of the national hero of North Sumatra, Raja Sisimangaraja XII, who fought against Dutch colonialism during the colonial era in Indonesia.

The valley also offers stunning views of two rivers, the Aeks Silang River and the Aek Simangira River, which flow through the villages in the Bakkara Valley before ending in Toba Lake.

While in Bakkara Valley, you can also visit the castle of Raja Sisimangaraja for free.

6. Efrata Waterfall

Location: Sosor Dolok, Harian, Samosir Regency, North Sumatra

Efrata Waterfall is a must-visit destination in the Lake Toba area. It is easily accessible and offers stunning natural beauty surrounded by lush greenery, providing a refreshing atmosphere.

7. Gajah Bobok Hills

Location: Raya Merek-Sidikalang Street, Situnggaling, Merek, Karo Regency, North Sumatra Utara

In Bahasa Indonesia, Gajah Bobok means the position of a sleeping elephant. The hills are named after this because their geographical appearance resembles a sleeping elephant.

If you are a first-time trekker, the trek offered by Gajah Bobok Hills might be suitable for you. The panoramic views offered by Gajah Bobok Hills are also stunning. Even at night, if you go camping, you can see the Milky Way and stars spread across the sky.

8. Siadtaratas Hills

Location Paropo, Silahisabungan, Dairi Regency, North Sumatra

As the surroundings of Lake Toba were once ancient mountains that became massive holes due to an eruption, it's no wonder there are so many hills in the area. One hill worth visiting while in Lake Toba is Siadtaratas Hills, which many consider the best spot in the area.

To reach the hills, however, you must trek to the top. Despite the fatigue you may feel during the trek, the panoramic views from above are well worth it. Additionally, you can camp at the top and enjoy the stunning views accompanied by the beautiful skies above. This spot is also perfect for watching the sunrise over Lake Toba!

9. Menara Pandang Tele Samosir

Location: Turpuk Limbong, Harian, Samosir Regency, North Sumatra

Menara Pandang Tele Samosir is a scenic spot that offers panoramic views of the lake and mountains from above. To reach the observation tower, you can take a winding road. This scenic spot has been a popular destination for visitors to Toba Lake since 1988.

In addition to the stunning mountain and lake views, you can also see the Efrata Waterfall and Holbung Hills from above. Locals run food stalls where you can enjoy a snack or meal during your visit to Menara Pandang Tele Samosir.

10. Indah Simarjarunjung Hills

Location: Simarjarunjung Street, Butu Bayu Pane Raja, Dolok Pardamean, Simalungun Regency, North Sumatra 21163

Your trip to Lake Toba would be complete with taking proper photos with the beautiful lake views in the background. There are many great spots to capture such photos, including the Indah Simarjarungung Hills. There are various spots to take pictures at these hills, offering many photo ideas.

11. Bathing Pool and Bukit Gibeon Waterfall

Location: Parsaoran Sibisa Village, Ajibata District, Toba Regency, North Sumatra 22386

Lake Toba offers a family-friendly spot for those looking for a great place to have fun with their little kids. Bukit Gibeon Waterfall is an option you should put on your bucket list before going to Lake Toba. It is famous for its natural beauty and the bathing pool below the waterfall, which tourists can use.

The water in the bathing pool comes from the mountain, making it a refreshing place to dip! The cost to enter the bathing pool area is around IDR 10,000 on weekdays and IDR 20,000 on weekends.

12. Sapo Juma Tongging Flower Garden

Location: Tongging Village, Merek District, Karo Regency, North Sumatra 22173

In addition to its natural beauty, Lake Toba offers an off-the-beaten-path flower garden worth visiting. One of the most recently discovered by tourists is the Sapo Juma Tongging Flower Garden in the Karo Regency. The garden is part of the Sapo Juma Homestay.

If you only want to visit the flower garden, admission costs around IDR 20,000 per person.

13. Sidiangkat Sidikalang Peak

Location: Subulussalam Street – Sidikalang No. 171, Dairi Regency, North Sumatra

Sidiangkat Sidikalang Peak is another great place to visit for a photo opportunity! In the area, you will find a massive bird's nest made by locals, which provides a perfect spot for a great picture with the background of Lake Toba. You only need to pay around IDR 5,000 to take unlimited pictures at the massive bird's nest spot.

14. Strolling Around Lake Toba with Ferry

One of the most exciting things to do while at Lake Toba is to take a ferry and stroll around the area. The government provides the ferry as an incentive for tourists to visit Lake Toba. If you plan to ride the ferry, you can reserve tickets from the official website of the Lake Toba Package at the following link: https://laketobapackage.co.id/.

15. Tomok Tourist Village

Last, you can get up close and personal with Batak culture at Tomok Tourist Village! This village is the resting place of the Batak funeral king from decades ago. You can also visit the Batak tribe museum here, called the Museum Suku Batak. While in Tomok Tourist Village, buy some souvenirs to remember your experience!

Have you become interested in visiting Lake Toba after learning about several other destinations while in North Sumatra? Remember, no matter where you go, the most important part of vacationing is maintaining and keeping the area clean so that it can exist for a long time.

Get ready to pack your bags for a trip to Lake Toba with Traveloka! From booking flights to reserving hotel rooms, everything you need for your vacation is prepared by Traveloka. Have a happy holiday!