Also called "Toba Caldera" by some, "Lake Toba" is the most beautiful lake and a supervolcano with at least four volcanic cones and three craters, creating almost a surreal scenery.
Located in the middle of the northern part of the Indonesian island of Sumatra and 62 miles long and 18 miles wide, it is also the largest lake in Indonesia and the largest volcanic lake in the world.
The natural beauty and the sheer size of the lake is breathtaking and overpowering at the same time.
Formed by a gigantic volcanic eruption some 70,000 years ago, and some studies say it might have been associated with causing previous ice age/climate change and the largest human population bottleneck ever.
The island in the middle - Pulau Samosir - was joined to the caldera wall by a narrow isthmus, which was cut through to enable boats to pass; a road bridge crosses the cutting. Samosir island is the cultural centre of the Batak tribe who are now mostly Christians.
Despite depths plunging to over 1,600 feet in parts, Lake Toba is continually warmed by volcanic activity. Swimming in the pleasant, mineral-rich water is the perfect therapy for any road-weary traveler.
Pulau Samosir, or Samosir Island, located in the center of the lake is not that small at all with a size that is equivalent to Singapore. The island was formed by a new volcano cone pushing up through the Toba caldera and provides the perfect escape from the city of Medan
Most of Lake Toba's tourism is centered on Samosir Island, mainly in the small village of Tuk Tuk. Plenty of guesthouses, restaurants, and a few bars are present to keep travelers happy in between dips in the lake. A handful of small but interesting Batak cultural sites on Samosir Island are worth checking out.
The easiest way to get to the lake is via the small town of Parapat, the town by Lake Toba. Parapat is about five hours drive from Medan, so you should leave early in the day.
The best time to visit the area is drier months, May to September. Oh, and make sure to stay away from happy pizzas and magic mushroom shakes containing illegal drugs when you are dining there.
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