Samosir Island Indonesia

Fairytale in Samosir

Samosir Island lies in the middle of the magical Lake Toba, where the mist which often shrouds the lake and the surrounding green countryside give the area a mystical atmosphere. The Samosir peninsula and the huge lake are one of the most spectacular sights on Sumatra and according to many travellers a definite highlight.

During our Samosir Island tour, you'll explore the island on your own. Due to its size and the hilly countryside, cycling is one of the best ways to visit the many traditional Batak villages on the island. Samosir Island is known for the Batak houses, which are still used as family homes today. The unusual graves and tombstones are equally remarkable.
Duration 3 days / 2 nights

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel on Lake Toba
Comfort level 3 (see accommodation)

Price

£99 per person - based on 2 people

Includes

Accommodation with breakfast, transport by private air-conditioned car with driver from Bukit Lawang to Parapat, return ferry Parapat - Samosir

Transport

Transport by private car, return ferry to Samosir

Excludes

Entrance fees, other meals, bike hire on Samosir

Day 1: Bukit Lawang - Samosir Island

Early this morning, you’ll leave Bukit Lawang and head south through the hills. The winding and somewhat poor roads make it quite a long drive (approx 7 hours) but the spectacular scenery more than make up for it. Your driver will take you all the way to Parapat where you’ll board the ferry to Samosir Island. Your driver will buy your one-way ferry ticket for you.

Crossing Lake Toba on the ferry gives you another chance to take in the beauty of this area. The deep, dark lake is surrounded by densely wooded mountains, the traditional Batak houses sticking out above the green treetops. Once you arrive at your accommodation on the small village of Tuk-Tuk you can just enjoy the peace and tranquility of the place. Your comfortable, recently renovated hotel is directly on Lake Toba and your room has a balcony with wonderful views across the lake.
Samosir Island Indonesia - Batak villages
Samosir Island Indonesia - local performances

Day 2: Samosir Island - Free day

Samosir Island is a peninsula the size of Singapore in the middle of Lake Toba and at 1707m² the largest lake in South-East Asia. There's lots to do on the island and cycling is one of the best ways to get around. You can rent a bike close to the hotel for around £2 per person. It’s best to reserve a bike the evening before, just to be sure that it's ready for you the next day. 

The traditional villages here are full of the typical Batak houses which you can visit to get an idea of how the local people live. The villages are quite spread out so cycling is the best way to get around. Samosir Island is quite hilly, which means it's tough pedalling at times but what goes up must come down, so at the end of each climb you’ll be rewarded with a lovely easy downhill stretch to your next stop.

Tomok is the most important village on the island and a good place to visit the wooden Batak houses, the old graves and tombs. If you like to dance then pay a visit to the Simanindo village, where you can watch the daily Batak dance performances accompanied by local musicians using self-made instruments. In the evening, you can indulge in some of the local Indonesian specialties at one of the little restaurants in the village tuk-tuk. You’ll stay another night in your hotel on Lake Toba.

Day 3: Samosir Island - End of module

Sadly it's time to leave Samosir Island and Lake Toba today. You'll need to take the ferry back to Parapat - simply buy your ferry ticket on the spot and board the ferry which runs all day between Tuk Tuk and Parapat. Just remember to be back on the mainland on time to start your next trip.

From Parapat, you can head further south to Meet the Minangkabau, or take an interesting route north to for some Indonesia volcano climbing in Berastagi.
Samosir Island Indonesia - Meet the locals


A peek at your accommodation

       

 

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