Looking for a respite from the hot and sweltering weather of Singapore? Look no further than the highlands of Lake Toba and Berastagi, whose gateway city Medan is only a 1.5 hour flight from Singapore. Pamper yourselves with a luxury stay at Taman Simalem, a 4 star mountain lodge perched 1,200m above sea level, overlooking the impressive Lake Toba. Explore the Batuk and the beautiful natural scenery at your own pace and in comfort with your personal guide and driver. Get a bit dirty; hiking up a live volcano with romantic love wordings on its shallow crater lake. Conclude your trip with a city tour of Medan and a durian treat at the highly rated Si Bolang Durian Cafe.
ITINERARY
Day 01
SINGAPORE – MEDAN – LAKE TOBA
Upon arrival at Medan’s Kuala Namu International Airport, you will be greeted by our friendly local representative who will embark on a picturesque journey through pine forests, terraced plantations and verdant meadows to Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world (~6 hrs drive). Arrive at Parapat and take the ferry to Samosir Island, a scenic island in the middle of the lake. Settle into accommodation on the edge of the lake.
Overnight: Samosir Villa Resort at Samosir Island
Day 02
LAKE TOBA
Explore Batak culture and the beautiful natural scenery around Samosir Island. Simanindo, the house of a former Batak chief which has been converted into an Ethnological Museum (Huta Bolon), showcases the history and culture of the Batak tribe. Ambarita is an ancient Batak tribal village, well known for its ancient courtyard of stone chairs and table in front of the king’s house. The courtyard is said to be the place where village matters were discussed and wrongdoers tried. There is also a separate courtyard where the accused were tortured and beheaded. If time permits and if you are interested, you can also visit the well-tended royal residence of the Simalungan Batuk chiefs. The site consists of a large main building that functioned as tunique andhe king’s quarters and a harem. Look out for the buffalo skulls that symbolize the power of the chief and the gecko motifs (boraspati) that symbolize wealth and wisdom. There is an option to visit the local market or just to sit back, swim and relax by the lake. In the late afternoon, transfer to Taman Simalem Resort at Tongging (~ 3 hrs drive).
Overnight: Taman Simalem Resort at Tongging
Day 03
LAKE TOBA – BERASTAGI
Today you will proceed to the Karo highlands in Berastagi – home of the Karo Batak people (approx. 2 hrs drive). Drive down to the shore of Lake Toba to visit Tongging Village which is famous for its fish farming cottage industry. Learn about the villagers’ farming lifestyles and try some delicious Ikan Bakar (grilled fish) freshly caught from the lake. Thereafter you will proceed to the magnificent 120 m high Sipiso Piso Waterfall reputed to be the highest waterfall in Indonesia. For the more adventurous travellers, you can trek down (approx. 1 hr. return hike) to the bottom of the waterfall to take a peek at its whirling plunge pool. After settling down at the guesthouse, devote some time to immerse yourself in the local culture of Berastagi. Swing by the local fruit and flower markets, explore the native Batak Karo villages and enjoy a leisure hike up to Gundaling hill for a panoramic view of volcanoes Sinabung and Sibayak.
Overnight: Mikie Holiday Resort or similar at Berastagi
Day 04
BERASTAGI – MEDAN
An early morning hike up to the summit of Gunung Sibayak (approx. 3 hrs. return hike) will reward you with sweeping views of the surrounding volcano landscape. The volcano is high in geothermal activity with fuming vents spewing out crystalline sulphur which was mined on a small scale in the past. There is a beautiful heart shaped crater lake where love wordings have been formed by visitors using the volcanic rocks. Descend to the volcano base and take a dip in one of the hot spring pools to refresh yourself. Visit the vegetables, fruits and flowers markets and savour one of its most famous produce – Markisa (passion fruits). Enjoy a leisure hotel breakfast before transferring to your hotel in Medan (approx. 3 hrs. drive).
Visit Marian Shrine of Annai Velangkanni a very unique catholic church with a Hindu temple-liked architecture. Take a step back in time to the nostalgic Baba Nyonya era at Tjong A Fie’s Mansion – a two story high 35-rooms mansion built in 1895 by Tjong A Fie, a rugs-to-riches Hakka entrepreneur. The mansion is built in Chinese, Malay and Art Deco architecture styles and with feng-shui principles in mind. Explore some of the grandest rooms like the ballroom, the dining area and Tjong A Fie’s personal bedroom which is bigger than 3 modern day bedrooms in Singapore. Durian lovers will be excited to know that Medan is the durian capital of Indonesia. Feast on durians and by-products like ice-cream, puffs etc. at the highly rated Si Bolang Durian Cafe.
Overnight: Radisson Hotel or similar at Medan
Day 05
MEDAN – SINGAPORE
Free and easy at your own leisure in Medan (with driver and guide support) till airport transfer for your flight home.
Package includes:
- All local land transport including airport transfers.
- Ferry tickets to Samosir Island
- Entrance fees to all places of interest as stated in the itinerary including Sipiso-piso waterfalls
- All accommodation with breakfast included
- Local Indonesian guide cum driver (English speaking)
Package excludes:
- Return international air tickets
- Indonesian VISA (ASEAN citizens are VISA-free up to 30 days)
- Travel insurance
- All meals not indicated
- Guided Mt Sibayak sunrise hike (can be arranged)
- Tips for driver/guide
- All expenses of a personal nature
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IWT LLP, acts only as an agent for The Client in acquiring transportation, accommodations, sightseeing, trekking and other services for The Client’s benefit, and on the express condition that IWT LLP shall not be liable nor responsible for any loss (including without limitation, direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential loss, economic loss), damage, mishap, bodily injury, death, delay, defect, omission or any irregularity that may be caused to The Client, third parties or properties. IWT LLP is to be released from all liabilities deriving from acts of terrorism, hijacking, civil unrest, natural calamities, labour strikes, thefts or any other factors beyond IWT LLP’s control. Any losses and expenses are to be borne by The Client. In the event that IWT LLP is found liable by a court of competent jurisdiction on any basis in relation to The Client’s booking done via IWT LLP, IWT LLP’s maximum liability to the client is limited to the cost of the booking in question. See our full Terms and Conditions.