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Fairytale in SamosirRoute: Bukit Lawang - Samosir IslandSamosir 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 this trip to Indonesia, 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. If you'd like to start building your Indonesia holiday, take a look at our range of bite-sized Indonesia tours. Alternatively, if you'd rather leave the planning to us, you can take your pick from our selection of ready-made holidays in Indonesia. Want to find out more? Have a chat with one of our Indonesia travel specialists on 01273 322052 Please note that you are only able to travel to Sumatra during the months of May to October due to the monsoon rains. |
| Duration | 3 days / 2 nights |
Accommodation |
Comfortable hotel on Lake Toba (see our photos here). |
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Price |
£119 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 |
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Transport |
Transport by private car, outbound ferry to Samosir |
Excludes |
Entrance fees, other meals, bike hire on Samosir, return ferry from Samosir |
Day 1: Bukit Lawang - Samosir IslandEarly this morning on your trip to Indonesia, 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 tranquillity 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. |
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Day 2: Samosir Island - Free daySamosir 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 a lot 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 during your trip to Indonesia 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 trip to IndonesiaSadly it's time to leave Samosir Island and Lake Toba today as this trip to Indonesia comes to an end. 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 continue your trip to Indonesia as you head further south to visit Indonesia's Minangkabau tribe, or take an interesting route north on an Indonesian trip to the volcano in Berastagi. |
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Trip to Indonesia - Accommodation (Click to enlarge)
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