Lake Toba: A Guide for Muslim Travellers to North Sumatra's Stunning Lake

Lake Toba, situated in North Sumatra, Indonesia, has long captivated the attention of global travelers. Its formation resulted from the massive supervolcanic eruption of Mount Toba, considered the Earth's largest eruption in the past 28 million years. With Samosir Island located in its center, it offers not only impressive scenery, but also the unique culture of the Batak people and a peaceful getaway.

Also read: 10 Muslim-Friendly Islands in Indonesia

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Muslim tourists looking for a destination with natural beauty, accessible halal food, and prayer facilities, Lake Toba is a welcoming option. Your journey here promises an unforgettable experience, thanks to both the breathtaking scenery and the deeply rooted local culture with its unique traditions. Are you ready to immerse yourself in the beautiful green landscapes of Lake Toba?

Six Must-Visit Attractions in Lake Toba

1. Lake Toba

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The lake itself is a major attraction and arguably one of North Sumatra’s tourism icons. Its large size and peaceful atmosphere are captivating. Take a boat tour to see its vastness and the surrounding caldera walls. Swimming is possible in certain areas, though you have to be careful as the lake is deep. The best spot for this is at the Lumban Silintong Beach. If you want something more relaxing or simply want to keep yourself dry, you can try kayaking or simply adoring the calm water from its shore. The lake's changing colors under different weather conditions make it interesting to observe and photograph.

2. Samosir Island

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Located in the middle of Lake Toba, Samosir Island is a large volcanic island. Explore its interesting villages like Tomok, known for its old Batak—local tribe—tombs and traditional dances, and Ambarita, famous for its stone chairs and the Siallagan kings' execution grounds. Experience the unique culture and history of the Batak Toba people while enjoying the island's beautiful nature.

3. Tomok Village

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As mentioned, Tomok is a cultural hub on Samosir Island. Here, you can witness traditional Batak houses with their distinctive saddleback roofs, intricate wood carvings, and learn about the ancestral customs. Don't miss the ancient stone tombs, including the megalithic tomb of King Sidabutar, which tells tales of the island's rich past.

4. Ambarita Village

Image credit: Toba Caldera Geopark | Official Website

The Samosir Island is quite big that you’ll encounter another interesting village: Ambarita. This village is known for its well-preserved stone court and the Siallagan kings' execution site. See the megalithic stone chairs arranged in a circle, where tribal leaders used to hold meetings and make decisions. This is where you can take a glimpse into the island's intriguing history.

5. Sipiso-Piso Waterfall

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Located on the northern edge of Lake Toba, Sipiso-Piso Waterfall is an impressive waterfall dropping about 120 meters into a deep valley. The panoramic views of Lake Toba from the surrounding area are simply breathtaking. It's no surprise that this particular waterfall is frequently captured in photographs and videos.

6. Siadtaras Hill

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Siadtaratas Hill presents a charm that's just as captivating as the other hills surrounding Lake Toba. However, its trail is a bit more challenging due to its steeper incline. But this shouldn't deter you, as the view that unfolds upon reaching the top makes the effort entirely worthwhile. This hill evokes the scenic hillscapes of New Zealand, with its green grasses and trees beautifully contrasted against the blue expanse of the lake from an elevated perspective. For those wishing to linger longer, setting up a tent for camping is an option. The nighttime atmosphere here is not only soothing for the body but also incredibly calming for the mind.

Finding Halal Food While Exploring Lake Toba

While the majority of the population around Lake Toba follows Christianity, finding Muslim-friendly food options is generally quite manageable. You'll want to keep an eye out for Indonesian restaurants, particularly those that specialize in seafood and vegetable dishes. Also, look for chicken or beef items that are clearly labeled as halal. A simple and often delicious halal choice you'll find at lakeside eateries is grilled fish, known locally as ikan bakar. To make your search easier, we've put together a list of some recommended halal restaurants in the Lake Toba area:

1. Rumah Makan Islam Murni Parapat

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When it comes to halal dining around Lake Toba, this restaurant is definitely one to remember. It's been serving the many visitors to this popular destination for over 30 years, making it a bit of a local legend and a favorite for many. Their menu features a wide variety of Indonesian dishes, from the flavorful nasi pecel (a Javanese salad with peanut sauce) and rich curries (gulai) to fragrant nasi gurih (coconut rice), comforting soto (Indonesian soup), and hearty lontong sayur (rice cakes in vegetable stew).

Address: Jl. Haranggaol No.15, Tiga Raja, Kec. Girsang Sipangan Bolon, Kabupaten Simalungun, Sumatera Utara 21174
Opening hours: Daily, 6:00 AM - 9:30 PM

2. Damasus Nataboan Resto

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There's something truly special about enjoying fresh seafood with the beautiful scenery of Lake Toba as your backdrop. Damasus Nataboan Resto is a fantastic place to experience this perfect combination. With its spacious dining area, it's often a popular choice for larger groups. As you enjoy the gentle breeze, a plate of expertly grilled fish or lobster cooked in a savory and slightly salty sauce is sure to satisfy your appetite.

Address: Jl. Lkr. Tuktuk, Tuktuk Siadong, Simanindo, Kabupaten Samosir, Sumatera Utara 22395
Opening hours: Daily, 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

3. Rumah Makan Islam Mami Tempo

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Rumah Makan Islam Mami Tempo not only offers tasty home-style Indonesian cooking but also does so at very reasonable prices. So, don't be surprised if you find this place packed with customers during lunchtime. It's hard to resist a warm bowl of nasi soto (rice with a flavorful soup) or perfectly fried fish served with a zesty chili sauce after a day of exploring the sights.

Address: Jl. Lkr. Tuktuk, Tuktuk Siadong, Simanindo, Kabupaten Samosir, Sumatera Utara 22395
Opening hours: Daily, 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM

4. Rumah Makan Muslim Hajjah Zuleka

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When you're visiting Lake Toba, trying the distinctive cuisine of Sumatra is a must. For an authentic and halal experience, Rumah Makan Muslim Hajjah Zuleka, located near the main tourist areas, is a great bet. Some Sumatran specialties you can order here include telur balado (eggs cooked in a spicy chili sauce), daun ubi tumbuk (mashed cassava leaves), and ikan arsik (a unique spiced fish stew). What's more, this restaurant is open from early morning until late at night, making it a convenient option for breakfast or a late dinner.

Address: Jalan Sisingamangaraja Depan Pantai Bebas, Parapat, Kec. Girsang Sipangan Bolon, Kabupaten Simalungun, Sumatera Utara 21174
Opening hours: Daily, 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Don't Miss These Traditional Halal Foods

1. Bagot ni horbo

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Did you know Indonesia has its own kind of "cheese"? Bagot ni horbo is a traditional food of the Batak people, the local ethnic group around Lake Toba. It's made from fermented buffalo milk. The taste might be a bit unusual if it's your first time, but it's definitely a unique addition to your food adventures.

2. Na niarsik / ikan arsik

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This dish, which combines fish with a rich and aromatic blend of spices, makes a wonderful choice for lunch or dinner. The fish is slowly cooked in the spice mixture until the liquid reduces, resulting in a tender and incredibly flavorful meal.

3. Mi Gomak

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These noodles have a texture and thickness similar to spaghetti, which is why they're often called the "spaghetti of Batak"—with a local twist, of course. A serving of mi gomak typically comes with a creamy coconut milk-based sauce, anchovies, tofu, and boiled eggs.

4. Naniura

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Made primarily with fish, naniura is a local dish you really should try. Interestingly, the fish isn't cooked with heat but is instead marinated in a special Batak spice mix. Its distinctive flavor is a favorite for many, even if some might be a little hesitant to try it at first.

Mosques and Prayer Facilities

Finding mosques or prayer facilities around Lake Toba is becoming easier. Larger towns like Parapat and certain areas on Samosir Island have mosques where you can pray. Local people are usually understanding of Muslim travelers' needs. These are some mosque that you can find around Lake Toba:

• Masjid Nurul Islam
  FX8V+82F, Onan Runggu, Samosir Regency, North Sumatra

• Masjid Raya Al Hasanah
  Jl. Danau Toba No.1, Kec. Pangururan, Kabupaten Samosir, Sumatera Utara 22392

• Masjid Al Hadhonah Balige
  Jl. Mesjid, Napitupulu Bagasan, Kec. Balige, Toba, Sumatera Utara

• Masjid Al Muhajirin Tampubolon
  Jl. P. Siantar No.2, Saribu Raja Janji Maria, Kec. Balige, Toba, Sumatera Utara 22312

• Masjid Raya Al-Hidayah
  C5W4+PJ3, Jl. Prof. Dr. Midian Sirait, Parparean IV, Kec. Porsea, Toba, Sumatera Utara 22384

• Masjid Al Barokah
  JX2F+G97, Pardamean Sibisa, Ajibata, Toba, North Sumatra

• Great Mosque Taqwa Parapat
  Jl. Sisingamangaraja No.2, Simalungun, Kec. Girsang Sipangan Bolon, Kabupaten Simalungun, Sumatera Utara 21174

Getting to Lake Toba

Image credit: Kualanamu International Airport | Official Website

The usual way to get to Lake Toba is through Medan's Kualanamu International Airport (KNO). From the airport, you have several transport options:

• Private Car/Taxi: Hiring a private car or taxi is the most direct and comfortable way, taking about 3-4 hours to reach Parapat, the main town by Lake Toba.

• Shared Taxi/Shuttle Bus: Several shuttle bus services run between Medan and Parapat, offering a more affordable option. These usually leave from specific points in Medan and take around 4-5 hours.

• Public Bus: The cheapest option is a public bus from Medan to Parapat. Be prepared for a longer trip, possibly 5-6 hours, and a more local travel experience.

Once you reach Parapat, you can easily take a local ferry to Samosir Island, which is a short and scenic boat ride across the lake.

Also read: 20 Years After The Tsunami: What to See, Do, and Taste in Aceh, Indonesia That You Don’t Wanna Miss

Lake Toba, with its stunning natural beauty, unique culture, and increasing facilities for Muslim travelers, offers a truly interesting and welcoming destination. From experiencing the vastness and peace of the lake itself to exploring traditional Batak villages, seeing impressive waterfalls, enjoying halal food, and finding convenient prayer places, this Indonesian gem provides a rich and memorable experience for any Muslim visitor looking for both adventure and relaxation.