[JW] The North Sumatra

[heejennwei]

Sumatra in Western Indonesia is the sixth largest island in the world. It doesn't have the temples, beaches and historical sights of Bali or Java, but it's certainly make up for the awesome scenery and thrilling treks. Home to Batak ethnic groups - the term used by Malays settlers to describe non-Muslims in the Sumatra. A place steeped in tradition and fascinating culture. Tourism in North Sumatra is still under-developed, and this is the exact reason why you can expect to see Sumatra at its raw culture and the charm in all its natural glory; free from commercialisation and human tampering.

AVERAGE COST
Accommodations below are based on 4-person stay. Indonesia is relatively affordable but slightly more expensive compare to Thailand! Hostel dorm per bed will cost around US$5 a night and Hostel private room for 4 cost around US$20 a night. Alternatively, Airbnb is available as a great choice to experience authentic local culture.

1. Pulau Samosir - Horas Family Home US$53/night - stayed for 2 nights
2. Tonging - Taman Simalem Resort US$103/night
3. Medan - Airbnb at Medan Town Centre US$33/night

Food (per person) in North Sumatra is slightly on a high side. We visited one of the popular traditional coffee joint in Pematang Siantar City, where a traditional hand brew coffee cost around US$5. A sit down restaurant with table service can cost from US$4 - US$6.

Transportation - With the help from Horas Family Home (Pulau Samosir), we pre-arranged a driver to pick us up from the Kualanamu airport (Medan) towards Pulau Samosir. It's an almost 5 hours ride with stops for scenery and meal, so yes, get a real comfortable car as possible. Once you've arrived at Pulau Samosir, you can get around the island by foot, bicycle or motorcycle. We hired the same driver from Horas, travel from Pulau Samosir towards Taman Simalem, Mount Sibayak and back to Medan. Total cost for the 4-day arranged driver cost around US$40 for 4 persons.

LAKE TOBA
Supervolcanoes are usually not on your radar unless you have special interest in them. In North America - there are Yellowstone, Valles Caldera and Long Valley Caldera; In Europe - Campi Flegrei in Italy; or if you're in New Zealand, most likely you've heard of Lake Taupo. In Southeast Asia - there's Lake Toba (Danau Toba), a beautiful caldera lake measuring at 100km by 30km. In the centre of Lake Toba is an island called Pulau Samosir.

Places of Interest and recommended time to spend:

1. Jump into Lake Toba - swim or kayak - 2 hours
2. Explore Tuk Tuk town - tranquil town on Pulau Samosir - half a day
3. Bukit Holburg - hill view of Lake Toba - 1 hour
4. Huta Siallagan - stone chair of King Siallagan - 1 hour
5. Pasar Tomok - local handicraft market - 1 hour

#1. At the Pematang Siantar City, Sumatra is famous for its Arabica coffee. Here you can find these great coffee at Cafe Kok Tong, which have been in operation since 1925, no espresso machine but traditional hand brewed coffee.

#2. The Lake Toba!

#3. The view of high land plateau of Parapat town from Pulau Samosir

#4. Sun beams streaming into the valley through the clouds.

#5. An invite into the Lake Toba, dock from Horas Family Home.

 

[heejennwei]

#6. We arrived at Medan in the morning, another 5-hour car ride to Parapat town. By the time we arrived at Pulau Samosir via ferry ride it's already past 3pm. We spent the rest of the evening chilling, swimming and kayaking at Lake Toba. Head out for Huta Siallagan, Pasar Tomok and viewpoints around Pulau Samosir on the next day.

#7. Enjoying our Sumatra milk coffee, pan-fried bananas and the view from Reggae Guest House at Tuk Tuk Siadong, Pulau Samosir.

#8. Sunset view from Reggae Guest House.

#9. A building with Batak architecture infusion, boat-shaped with intricately carved gables and upsweeping roof ridges.

#10. Sunset and contrail.