After leaving Prapat, the main harbor on Lake Toba, we proceed via terraced rice fields on the borders of the lake, while on our left hand the impressive Bukit Barisan mountain range rises up. We pass traditional Toba Batak villages surrounded by wringing trees, some hundreds years old, impressive King's graves while all along the road yellow and red flowers are beautifying the region. The temperature is sub tropical and therefore not too hot.
For many visitors the Toba Batak highlands are one of the highlights of Sumatra. On the way we pass by the hot sulphur springs of Sipopholon. In due time we arrive at Tarutung, the centre of the protestant Batak Church. After Tarutung we have the choice to take the road with the thousand curves, to the old harbor town of Sibolga, on the west coast, on the Indian Ocean, or continue the Trans Sumatra highway to Padang Sidempuan. If we go to Sibolga you can count over eleven hundred bends on this road through the Bukit Barisan mountain ranges. Towards the end, we are rewarded with a view of the beautiful natural harbor.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Medan
Overnight stay in Hotel Deli River situated just outside Medan in the middle of a tropical garden. Here you can rest after the long journey or make a walk in the neighborhood
Day 2: Medan/Samosir via Brastagi
Impressive route through the jungle to the mountain village of Brastagi in the Karo highlands. After a stop in Brastagi we continue the route to Lake Toba via pineapple, clove and ginger plantations. Stops en route at the tribal kings' house of the Simalungun Batak in Pematang Purba and the Sipisopiso falls. In the afternoon we arrive in Prapat at the famous Lake Toba from where we cross over to the island of Samosir. The car goes with us. Overnight stay on Samosir island right on the lakeside.
Day 3: Samosir/tour to Tomok, Ambarita and Simanindo
On this beautiful island you can visit the typical Toba Batak villages: Tomok with its kings' tombs, Ambarita with its execution tables and in Simanindo you can see traditional Batak dances. Overnight stay on Samosir.
Day 4: Samosir. Today you can take nice walks or swim in the Lake. Overnight stay on Samosir.
Day 5: Samosir/Sibolga
In the early morning you will cross the lake to Prapat from where you leave for Sibolga. Along the southern shores of lake Toba with its lovely rice fields and huge Batak kings' graves you travel through the Toba highlands. During the trip you will pass hot sulphur springs at Sipoholon. In Tarutung, the center of the Protestant Batak church, you turn towards the direction of Sibolga, the old harbor town on the Indian Ocean. By an amazing road with a thousand curves, straight through the Bukit Barisan ridge, you will arrive late in the afternoon in Sibolga, the town where time seems to stand still. You will lodge in a nice hotel on the island of Poncan Gadang, 20 minutes by boat from Sibolga.
Day 6: Sibolga/Poncan Gadang
You can enjoy the heavenly surroundings on this Robinson Crusoe Island. You can also dive and snorkel over beautiful coral gardens. Diving equipment can be rented on the island. Overnight stay on Poncan Gadang.
Day 7: Sibolga/Bukittinggi
The route to Bukittingi in the Minangkabau highlands brings you again right through the Bukit Barisan mountain ridge of Sumatra. It is an impressive tour in which you drive through a wall of tropical rain forest. En route you pass the equator in the place Bonjol. In the afternoon we arrive in the cool and pleasant town of Bukittingi. Overnight stay in Bukittingi.
Day 8: Bukittinggi
In the morning city tour taking in 'Fort De Kock', the museum, the market and the 'Karbouwengat'. The former Fort De Kock lies on a strategic point where you have an excellent view of the surrounding mountains. Next you can visit the Minangkabau museum, the colorful marketplace and the famous canyon 'Karbouwengat' (Ngarai Sianok). After these visits we depart for the mysterious lake Maninjau, along the way descending to the lake by the 44 curves. In the afternoon we return to Bukittingi.
Day 9: Bukittinggi. Trip to the Harau Nature Reserve with huge rock formations, the Minangkabau Palace in Pagaruyung and Lake Singkarak. Overnight stay in Bukittinggi.
Day 10: Bukittinggi/Padang via Anai valley. On arrival in Padang we proceed to the airport Tabing to depart for your next destination.
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- Overnight accommodation in good medium hotels in 2 person rooms
- Breakfast daily
- Transport in comfortable air-conditioned minibus or bus, fuel
- Cost of the ferry Parapat - Samosir and vice versa
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Indonesia
Nature & Wildlife
Ecotourism
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