Indonesia Traveling Guide

Lake toba is a caldera, formed by a volcanic eruption. Located in North Sumatera Province, Sumatera island, in western part of Indonesian archipelago, Lake Toba is the largest volcanic lake in the world with 100 km long and 30 km wide and 505 deepest point.

The volcanic eruption that formed Lake Toba is recorded in Geology history as a one of the largest supervolcanic eruption in the world. The eruption occurred in about 75,500 years ago and had cause massive climate changes and, consequently a change of the face of living being on earth. In the centre of the lake there is an island named Samosir.

Today, Lake Toba offers astoundingly beautiful panorama. The view of the traditional houses with roofs imitating form of ship is no less beautiful. Lake Toba inhabitants also include various families of fishes. The scene may offer a great escape for those who want to run away from the buzz of busy life.

The main town is Parapat, about 4 hours by car from Medan (4-6 hours by public bus). You can get there by public transportation like bus or just ask your hotel for minivan. Other way is by a shared cab service leaving from Medan airport at scheduled times.

Alternatively you can book the whole taxi of course it will cost you more, another great way to get to Lake Toba is by train. Two or three trains leave each day. For accomodation, there are hotel, cottage, homestay and questhouse.