Batak Houses on the Lake

Bite-sized trip

Location:
Sumatra: Berastagi - Lake Toba
Duration:
4 days / 3 nights (flexible)
Price:
From £ 425.- per adult (excluding flights)
From £ 269, - per child (up to 11 years)

In addition to jungle and wildlife, Sumatra also has plenty of cultures. The Bataks are a unique group of people who live around the fairy-tale Lake Toba. They speak their own language and, in addition to the Christian faith, also stick to their own traditional beliefs. Lake Toba is quite large and hilly, but the area you'll be staying with your family is called Tuk Tuk, and a beautiful part of the town to explore the characteristic village by bike. With uninterrupted views across the lake and densely wooded jungles as the backdrop, it's a beautiful, unusual and welcoming place to take the family.

Day 1 – Arrive in Berastagi

Today you’ll head to Berastagi, it is a lot cooler here and home to some of Sumatras most breathtaking scenery. The city is surrounded by green fields of the Karo highlands and two volcanoes that dominate the landscape. Take the family to the local markets to sharpen their senses, in addition to classic spices, you’ll find local fruits, fish, vegetables and locally made jewellery. Your hotel is located on a hill overlooking the vast green landscape. It’s large and not particularly atmospheric for its lush location, but with beautiful views, big rooms and a large swimming pool, it’ll keep the whole family happy.

Day 2 – Arrive on Samosir Island

From Berastagi you’ll head back onto the road for a further 6 hours to the stunning Lake Toba. Along the way, take a stop at a Batak village where you’ll stroll around the houses and meet some of the local families in this small village. You’ll then head onwards to board the ferry to Samosir island. On route, you’ll witness the fog that hangs above creates a magical atmosphere of the lake that’s surrounded by densely wooded mountains, with traditional Batak houses sticking out above the green treetops.

Once you arrive at the island, you’ll immediately feel the laid back atmosphere. The hotel is located directly on Lake Toba and has a wonderful swimming pool looking out on the stunning views that all ages can appreciate. In the evening head to the local restaurants and get your family to enjoy trying a variety of different dishes, especially some traditional Indonesian food.

Day 3 – Exploring the culture and free time

As you explore the island over the next couple of days, you’ll find typical Batak houses surrounding the lake. Tomok is the most important village on the island and a brilliant place to see wooden Batak houses with ritual graves and unique tombs. For a greater experience of the local culture and deeper insight for the kids, pay a visit to Simanindo village, where you can watch the daily Batak dance performances accompanied by homemade instruments. If you’d rather get around the island on wheels, bicycles are available for hire on the island.

In the evenings, try some local Indonesian specialities in one of the little restaurants lining the roads of Tuk-Tuk, before sitting back and watching the sun go down over the lake.

Day 4 – Departure

After breakfast, it’s time to leave the Samosir peninsula and the fairy-tale surroundings of Lake Toba. Take the ferry back to Parapat and your driver will take you onto your next destination.