Fascinating Lake TOBA

5days 4nights in Medan – Parapat – Berastagi

From our base in Muar, our group left for Kuala Lumpur by bus on Thursday midnight, 23 Oct 2009. We were 22 persons, 3 women, 1 child and the left are men, a nice and pleasant group. After 5 hours the long trip, we arrived at LCCT Airport, Kuala Lumpur. The sun was still being asleep and we had a plenty time to prepare and verify anything belonging to our group. After Subuh praying, we checked in. At 7.40 am, we flew to Medan, Indonesia for 1 hour and landed at 7.35 am local time. After finalizing all immigration and baggage matters, we went through for late breakfast.

Our first schedule was going to Parapat, located at the edge of Lake Toba. On the way to Parapat, we had much time for buying Medan’s special snack (tengteng, tingting, pangpang, etc). Overnight at Danau Toba International Cottage, swimming pool and spa were available there, but only 2 couples used those facilities. After breakfast, we cruised Lake Toba to go to Samosir Island. We went to Tomok Village to see the old Bataknese & old grave stone of King Sidabutar and Ambarita Village to see the primitive stone chairs & execution place made by King Sialangan. And the last ~as a human typical~ most of us lost much money for Batak’s souvenirs (shopping!!).

Back to Parapat, we went directly to Berastagi. We also stopped at Simarjarunjung Hill to enjoy some of such scenery and took pleasure in Simalungun’s famous ginger tea and banana-fried to warm our body surrounded by chilly air. Our trip was continued to Sipisopiso Falls in Karo’s Kabanjahe area to see an extraordinary view of Lake Toba from Northern. Overnight in Berastagi ~the frosty city~ nobody took time for swimming at the hotel (freeze!!).

After breakfast, we visited cabbage farm and flower & fruit market. On the way to Medan, we stopped over at Gundaling Hill, located in between 2 active volcanoes, Mt. Sibayak & Mt. Sinabung. Our trip was continued via Sibolangit, the scouts’ international camp area. At the lunch time we arrived in the North Sumatra’s Capital, Medan. We spent 2 nights in Danau Toba International ~the five star hotels~ with swimming pool, cafes & karaoke facilities. Almost 3 days we spent our time and money in Medan, visited Maimoon Palace, the Grand Mosque, Chinese Temple, Souvenir shops, Batik shops, Pasar Ikan, factory outlet, malls, etc.

Finally, on 27 Oct 2009 evening we had to go back to our normal live and we were home safely. Thanks God! That is the end of our memorable trip. JUMP TO OUR MEMORIES