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Lake Toba/East
Eastern side of Lake Toba is a region within Lake Toba.
Towns
[edit]
Map of Lake Toba/East
- Kisaran, capital of Asahan Regency.
- Raya, capital of Simalungun Regency.
Understand
[edit]The majority of the people who live in this area are Batak Simalugun; although some residents have tribes from other areas such as Batak Toba, Karo, Pakpak, and Mandailing. The people in Simalugun adhere to Islam, Christianity, and Protestantism.
Get in
[edit]Get around
[edit]See
[edit]Hills
[edit]- 1 Hill of Gibeon (Bukit Gibeon), Sibisa (continue the main road from Parapat to Balige and you will see a sign, just follow the sign). Puprle-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.
- 2 Simarjarunjung hill (Bukit Indah Simarjarunjung), Jl. Simarjarunjung (between main road of Parapat and Merek). 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.
Waterfalls
[edit]- Katasa Falls (Air Terjun Katasa).
- 3 Ponot Falls (Air Terjun Ponot), Desa Tangga (about 15 minutes after passing the bridge of the Asahan River at the small village, there is a Y fork; take a left fork heading down). A 3-step waterfall, one of the highest in Indonesia, around 200 m.
- 4 Sigura-gura Falls & Dam (Air Terjun dan Waduk Sigura-Gura), Desa Pintu Pohan Dolok. 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.
- 5 Tonduhan Falls (Air Terjun Tonduhan).
Others
[edit]- 6 Sidamanik Tea Plantation (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.
Do
[edit]- Asahan River. 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.
- 1 Aek Manik (Bah Damanik), Simalungun Regency. Take a bath or swim at this natural spring. The water is clear and there are white sand at the bottom. Legend says that this is a bathing place for the King Damanik and his family. Rp 10,000 per person.
Buy
[edit]- 1 Parapat Saturday moring market, Jl. Harangaol, Parapat. Sa 05:30~11:00. Early on Saterday moring there is food market: fruits, vegetables, fresh fish (or stil 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.
Eat
[edit]Many restaurants in this region are concentrated around Parapat. Outside of Parapat, it's quite hard to find decent places. In Parapat, most restaurants are located either on the main road or in hotels. The hotels offer some western dishes, whereas the local restaurants are either Batak (pork may be present) or Minang/Padang (which will be the only option for Muslim). Many hotels will include a basic Indonesian breakfast of coffee and either fried rice (nasi goreng) or fried noodles (mie goreng)
Drink
[edit]- b.caro coffe shop, Jl. Haranggaol 114, Parapat (5 minutes from down town, 2 minutes from Tigaraja harbour), ? +62 62541306. Good coffee. Rp 3,000 per cup.
Sleep
[edit]- Charlie's Guesthouse, Parapat. 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
- 1 Danau Toba Cottage, Parapat. Offers spacious rooms, Wifi and cable TV and a swimming pool. rooms Rp 260,000-400,000.
- 2 My Nasha Hotel, Tigaras, ? +62 81809351766, +62 81534534383, mynashatigaras@gmail.com. A bit expensive by Lake Toba standard, but it offers a very splendid view to 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). start from Rp 500.000.
- 3 Niagara Hotel and Resort, Parapat. One of the better hotels, although only 2 to 3 stars. Can be crowded with families and Indonesians at weekends and on public holidays.