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Lake Toba, Indonesia
Photo: Derivative work by john2690. Other authors listed on source image page., CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Eastern side of Lake Toba is a region within Lake Toba.
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Bukit Gibeon
Purple-roof complex of church popular for locals and the Christians to pray. The church only open on weekend. There's a small waterfall and swimming pool opened for public every day.
Bukit Indah Simarjarunjung
Aside from the green pine forest and surrounding hills, tourists can enjoy the beauty of Lake Toba from this place. Although it does not seem so close, Lake Toba still looks beautiful when viewed from this point. Another spot to view the eastern side of Lake Toba.
Air Terjun Katasa
Air Terjun Ponot
A 3-step waterfall, one of the highest in Indonesia, around 200 m.
Air Terjun dan Waduk Sigura-Gura
Said to be the highest waterfall in Indonesia at 250 m, the Sigura-Gura Falls and the nearby dam are part of the Sigura-Gura hydro power plant complex that powers most of North Sumatra. It is operated by the state-owned PT Inalum. The dam is said to be the 2nd largest in Indonesia. Access is limited, but there's a lookout from the main street to view the falls, the dam and the power plant complex.
Air Terjun Tonduhan
Kebun Teh Sidamanik
This tea plantation is owned by PTPN IV and opened in the early 1900s. Sidamanik Tea Plantation can be reached in less than three hours from Medan City. Moreover, there is now a toll road connecting Medan to Tebing Tinggi City. The location of the tea plantation is also not far from Lake Toba.
Rafting in Parhitean: Asahan River is a river in North Sumatra which flows from Lake Toba. This river passes Porsea, district Asahan, and ends at Nibung Gulf, the Strait of Malacca. The river is 150 km in length and passes through the valleys of the Barisan Mountains. The Asahan River, especially around the Tangga village, flows around 120 m/sec with grade IV-V + and has an average depth of 5 m: it is considered very challenging by whitewater rafting enthusiasts.
Try Lake Toba crayfish dishes.
Serves lontong sayur also mie gomak for breakfast.
Good coffee.
cheap and central. Overlooks the market (therefore a bit noisy, especially on Saturday) and is very close to the ferry station. Rooms are about Rp 70,000, pretty clean and with shower
Offers spacious rooms, Wifi and cable TV and a swimming pool.
A bit expensive by Lake Toba standard, but it offers a very splendid view of Lake Toba especially the Junior Family room type. Food from hotel are expensive, it's recommended to eat outside of hotel. Has swimming pool for adults and kids (separated).
One of the better hotels, although only 2 to 3 stars. Can be crowded with families and Indonesians at weekends and on public holidays.
Early on Saturday morning there is food market: fruits, vegetables, fresh fish (or still alive). You can get everything very cheap (compared to western standards). It is packed with people and food. Go before 09:00 then there is still plenty of choice.
Articles and travel topics about East and Indonesia.
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