Buzz
Setting foot on the shores of Lake Toba, the priceless natural gem of Indonesia, an essential destination for every avid traveler.
Indonesia's Echoes of Dalat at the Majestic Lake Toba
Departing from the city of Medan, Indonesia, amidst scorching temperatures of 36-37°C, after a 4-hour drive through winding mountain roads, surrounded by lush tropical forests, stepping out of the car, a refreshing sensation instantly enveloped me, reminiscent of arriving from Ho Chi Minh City to Dalat.
And there I stood at Lake Toba, the invaluable masterpiece of nature in Indonesia, a must-visit spot for those exploring the wonders of Indonesia.
Located in North Sumatra, 176 km from Medan, Lake Toba is a water-filled volcanic caldera, a 'gem within the volcano,' formed after a catastrophic eruption that occurred around 30,000-75,000 years ago.
Encompassing over 1,145 km² with a depth of 450 meters, Lake Toba truly resembles an ocean – the largest lake in Indonesia and the world's largest volcanic lake. Leisurely nestled at an altitude of 905 meters above sea level, surrounded by mountain ranges, Lake Toba stays cool and refreshing throughout the year.
Toba is a place for relaxation and enjoyment of the pristine landscape. When admiring the beautiful mountain peaks reflected in the expansive lake, all worries seem to vanish. A notable aspect of Toba is its dedication to environmental preservation. At a resort we visited, crops ranging from vegetables and fruits to organic tea and coffee are cultivated without the use of chemicals, providing sustenance for both the resort and its environmentally conscious guests.
On the day we arrived at Toba, the sky was veiled in mist, preventing us from fully appreciating the grandeur of the lake. However, compensating for it was a floating, ethereal sensation as if suspended amidst the clouds. A local resident guided us to the best spot to witness the breathtaking sunrise – One Tree Hill. I made a personal promise to return on a clear day to relish that truly magnificent moment.
The limited time during our visit did not allow us the opportunity to explore Samosir Island within the lake. It is said to host unique Batak villages with ancient wooden houses, simple yet charming, featuring roofs curving upwards like boats, peeking through fields of corn and chili plants.
Returning to the city of Medan, we visited Maimun Palace (or Maimoon Palace in Indonesian) – one of Indonesia's renowned historical landmarks. Designed by an Italian architect and constructed between 1888 and 1891, the palace covers an area of approximately 2,772 m² with 30 rooms. Although only a portion is open to tourists, the palace attracts visitors from all over, not just for its historical significance but also for its unique interior design blending various styles from Malay, Spanish, Indian, and Italian influences.
By Mỹ Hòa/Vietnamnet
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Explore: Travel Handbook by Mytour
MytourJune 9, 2017
