Posts
LAKE TOBA
General Information:
| Description | Lake Toba, the largest year-round lake in Southeast Asia, is located in the province of North Sumatra, Indonesia, approximately 176 km to the west of the provincial capital, Medan. It is the largest volcanic lake in the world. |
| Country | Indonesia |
| Latitude | 2° 30' 0" (2.5000) |
| Longitude | 99° 0' 0" (99.0000) |
Toba's origins are tectonic and volcanic. The lake was formed as a consequence of the largest volcanic eruption ever to occur on earth, approximately 75 000 years ago, which ejected some 1 500 to 2 000 km3 of material. Dust and other volcanic material reached as far as Sri Lanka and the Bay of Bengal. At some locations in the vicinity of Lake Toba, tuff layers as thick as 600 m can be found. In comparison, the largest recent volcanic explosion, Mount St. Helens, which erupted in 1980, produced 2.3 km3 of material.
Additional eruptions approximately 30 000 years ago created the island of Samosir in the middle of Lake Toba. (Lehmusluoto et al. 1999). The lake is approximately 90 km long and is situated approximately 900 m above sea level. The lake catchment area is approximately 43% hilly and 30% mountainous, with peaks more than 2 000 m above sea level. Average rainfall is more than 1 500 mm annually, and temperature fluctuates between 19°- 20° C. Of the 202 brooks and rivers that empty into the lake, only 70 run year-round.
Studies suggest that the inflow of water into the lake is decreasing. In the period 1920-1932, average inflow was 110 m3 s-1, which decreased to 104.4 m3 s-1 in 1957-1975 and to 90 m3 s-1 in 1976-1988.
Lake Toba in Sumatra, Indonesia,
is the world's largest volcanic lake, and also one of the best places
in Asia to chill out for a few days or longer. There may not be an
abundance of things to do at Lake Toba, but the atmosphere is so
pleasant that you probably won't even notice! Motorbike or private car
is the best way to visit several small sites in one day. Pulau Samosir, a newly formed island inside the lake, is blessed with great scenery, friendly locals, and a pleasant vibe.
Things to do in Lake Toba :
Drive Around the Island
Circumnavigating the whole of Pulau Samosir may require a very early start, however, riding along the lake on a motorbike is a very enjoyable way to see everyday village life. Old churches, volcanic scenery, and daily life keep every mile you drive interesting enough to see what's around the next bend. Overall, the roads are in fairly good condition, however, rough patches and random animal crossings keep things extra exciting. Helmet and international license laws are rarely ever enforced on Pulau Samosir. A motorbike can be rented for $7 per day; the price includes a full tank of gas which you do not have to replace. Cheaper rates can be negotiated if you take the motorbike for more than one day.
Visit an Ancient Batak Village
Perhaps most famous of the things to do at Lake Toba because of the accessibility, the ruins of an ancient Batak village along with stone chairs and head-chopping block can be found in the nearby village of Ambarita. The stone chairs were used for meetings by the local king, and both a torture stone and chopping block were once used for brutal executions.
Bagus Bay and Samosir Cottages, two popular guesthouses, regularly
have traditional music and Batak dance on Saturday and Wednesday nights
around 8 p.m. Like anything else, the number of tourists in attendance
determine if the show goes on. Shows typically begin tame as
everyone is still eating, then progress into fun drinking songs and
animated performances by very talented locals who play a mixture of
modern and ancient instruments.
Visit The Batak Museum
Located in Simanindo approximately nine miles from Tuk-tuk, an
ancient king's traditional house was restored and converted into the
Batak Museum. The museum is small, but a must if you are interested in
understanding more about the extremely interesting Batak culture;
admission is $3. Traditional dancing is sometimes performed at
10:30 a.m. each morning -- assuming that any tourists have shown up. The
dancing done at the museum is far more authentic than the
tourist-oriented variety performed in guesthouses.
Fisihing
Lake Toba is filled with fish of all sizes that regularly hang around the guesthouse docks and shore walls. Both nets and poles can be purchased at shops around Tuk-tuk. Try fishing in the morning; egg or bread leftover from breakfast makes great bait. Alternatively, fish are also attracted to a flashlight directed at the water which makes them easier to net at night. Locals may be willing to take you on a proper fishing experience by boat with a little negotiation.
See Traditional Weaving
The small village of Buhit is home to weavers of the traditional Batak
cloths used in dances and rituals. The cloths are wrapped around the
head to keep sun off. Buhit is located north of Tuk-tuk (take a right as
you exit the main gate) before you arrive at Panguruan and the hot
springs.
Additional eruptions approximately 30 000 years ago created the island of Samosir in the middle of Lake Toba. (Lehmusluoto et al. 1999). The lake is approximately 90 km long and is situated approximately 900 m above sea level. The lake catchment area is approximately 43% hilly and 30% mountainous, with peaks more than 2 000 m above sea level. Average rainfall is more than 1 500 mm annually, and temperature fluctuates between 19°- 20° C. Of the 202 brooks and rivers that empty into the lake, only 70 run year-round.
Studies suggest that the inflow of water into the lake is decreasing. In the period 1920-1932, average inflow was 110 m3 s-1, which decreased to 104.4 m3 s-1 in 1957-1975 and to 90 m3 s-1 in 1976-1988.
Lake Toba in Sumatra, Indonesia,
is the world's largest volcanic lake, and also one of the best places
in Asia to chill out for a few days or longer. There may not be an
abundance of things to do at Lake Toba, but the atmosphere is so
pleasant that you probably won't even notice! Motorbike or private car
is the best way to visit several small sites in one day. Pulau Samosir, a newly formed island inside the lake, is blessed with great scenery, friendly locals, and a pleasant vibe.Things to do in Lake Toba :
Drive Around the Island
Circumnavigating the whole of Pulau Samosir may require a very early start, however, riding along the lake on a motorbike is a very enjoyable way to see everyday village life. Old churches, volcanic scenery, and daily life keep every mile you drive interesting enough to see what's around the next bend. Overall, the roads are in fairly good condition, however, rough patches and random animal crossings keep things extra exciting. Helmet and international license laws are rarely ever enforced on Pulau Samosir. A motorbike can be rented for $7 per day; the price includes a full tank of gas which you do not have to replace. Cheaper rates can be negotiated if you take the motorbike for more than one day.
Visit an Ancient Batak Village
Perhaps most famous of the things to do at Lake Toba because of the accessibility, the ruins of an ancient Batak village along with stone chairs and head-chopping block can be found in the nearby village of Ambarita. The stone chairs were used for meetings by the local king, and both a torture stone and chopping block were once used for brutal executions.
Ambarita is located three
miles northwest of Tuk-tuk along the main road. The stone chairs are not
on the main road, ask in town about how to get there. Hiring a Batak
“guide” inside the village is both entertaining and well worth the $1 --
prices are variable -- for learning about the cannibal rituals and
Batak culture.
Visit the Hot Springs
The hot springs are located on the side of the island opposite Tuk-tuk, outside of Pangunguran, the largest settlement on Pulau Samosir. While the hot springs are interesting to see, the sulfuric smell is noxious and the water is too hot to enjoy.
Skilled motorbike drivers can brave the terrible road higher into the hills to see the source of the hot springs. The views of Lake Toba from above the hot springs is spectacular -- the best place to grab a photo of Lake Toba.
Visit the Hot Springs
The hot springs are located on the side of the island opposite Tuk-tuk, outside of Pangunguran, the largest settlement on Pulau Samosir. While the hot springs are interesting to see, the sulfuric smell is noxious and the water is too hot to enjoy.
Skilled motorbike drivers can brave the terrible road higher into the hills to see the source of the hot springs. The views of Lake Toba from above the hot springs is spectacular -- the best place to grab a photo of Lake Toba.
See Traditional Batak Dance and Music
See a Lake Inside a Lake
Tucked away in the island interior west of Tuk-tuk is Lake Sidihoni.
Interestingly, there are very few lakes within lakes in the world. Getting
to Lake Sidihoni is tricky. You must brave the rough road between
Ronggumihuta and Partungkoan on motorbike, then hike the slightly
obscure path.Visit The Batak Museum
Located in Simanindo approximately nine miles from Tuk-tuk, an
ancient king's traditional house was restored and converted into the
Batak Museum. The museum is small, but a must if you are interested in
understanding more about the extremely interesting Batak culture;
admission is $3. Traditional dancing is sometimes performed at
10:30 a.m. each morning -- assuming that any tourists have shown up. The
dancing done at the museum is far more authentic than the
tourist-oriented variety performed in guesthouses.
Tomb of King Sidabutar
Just three miles southeast of Tuk-tuk in the
village of Tomok are more stone remains and ancient tombs. The site is
small but interesting, however, you must negotiate a labyrinth of tacky
souvenir stalls to visit the site. Find the ruins by taking a right from
the main road in Tomok through the narrow alley lined with souvenir
stalls. Most people find the carved man on the front of the largest sarcophagus strangely out of place.
Just three miles southeast of Tuk-tuk in the
village of Tomok are more stone remains and ancient tombs. The site is
small but interesting, however, you must negotiate a labyrinth of tacky
souvenir stalls to visit the site. Find the ruins by taking a right from
the main road in Tomok through the narrow alley lined with souvenir
stalls. Most people find the carved man on the front of the largest sarcophagus strangely out of place.Fisihing
Lake Toba is filled with fish of all sizes that regularly hang around the guesthouse docks and shore walls. Both nets and poles can be purchased at shops around Tuk-tuk. Try fishing in the morning; egg or bread leftover from breakfast makes great bait. Alternatively, fish are also attracted to a flashlight directed at the water which makes them easier to net at night. Locals may be willing to take you on a proper fishing experience by boat with a little negotiation.
See Traditional Weaving
The small village of Buhit is home to weavers of the traditional Batak
cloths used in dances and rituals. The cloths are wrapped around the
head to keep sun off. Buhit is located north of Tuk-tuk (take a right as
you exit the main gate) before you arrive at Panguruan and the hot
springs. Transportation
Most visitors fly to Kuala Namu International Airport of Medan. Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Sriwijaya Air, Citilink provide the flight to Kuala Namu International Airport of Medan, and then travel onwards by land to Parapat, the town by Lake Toba. Parapat is about 4 hr by car from Medan or 4-6 hr by public bus. You can also go from Berastagi or Bukit Lawang to Parapat. There is only one Cirrus/MasterCard ATM on the island (at the white beach entrance) so you should get enough cash at Parapat before crossing the lake to the island. This ATM DOES NOT ACCEPT VISA Cards. So please ensure you take sufficient cash from the many ATMs in Parapat before you come to Samosir.
TANGKAHAN
Tangkahan
is sometimes mentioned as the HIDDEN PARADISE IN SUMATRA. It
is definitely hidden and for many a paradise. It is the perfect
place to get off the beaten track, but still have access to nice
food and comfortable bungalows. Tangkahan is an interesting place in
many ways. Interesting for what it has to offer and an interesting
background. The elephants, the jungle, and the clean rivers are
obvious attractions. What makes Tangkahan different is that it is a
good example on how community based eco-tourism can stop illegal
logging, improve livelihood, and develop a sense of pride amongst
the locals. This development on the border of Leuser National Park
where the bigger river Batang Serangan meets the smaller river
Sungai Musam is the hidden paradise of Tangkahan.
Tangkahan is a small village on the border of Gunung Leuser National Park located in North Sumatra. It is situated at the junction of 2 rivers, the Buluh River and the Batang River. Tangkahan specialises in eco-tourism activities like jungle trekking and Elephant trekking. Lembaga Pariwisata Tangkahan (LPT) is a local organization formed with the purpose to develop eco-tourism as a new form of lively hood and in this way prevent illegal logging. The idea was successful and illegal logging was effectively stopped in 2001. Indecon helped establish LPT and gave training in guiding, handicraft, etc. CTO is the the tourism business owned by LPT. All visitors to Tangkahan end up in the Visitor Center managed by CTO. They also control the eco-tourism, promote, receive bookings, coordinates, and arranges the elephant riding.
Tangkahan
is sometimes mentioned as the HIDDEN PARADISE IN SUMATRA. It
is definitely hidden and for many a paradise. It is the perfect
place to get off the beaten track, but still have access to nice
food and comfortable bungalows. Tangkahan is an interesting place in
many ways. Interesting for what it has to offer and an interesting
background. The elephants, the jungle, and the clean rivers are
obvious attractions. What makes Tangkahan different is that it is a
good example on how community based eco-tourism can stop illegal
logging, improve livelihood, and develop a sense of pride amongst
the locals. This development on the border of Leuser National Park
where the bigger river Batang Serangan meets the smaller river
Sungai Musam is the hidden paradise of Tangkahan. Tangkahan is a small village on the border of Gunung Leuser National Park located in North Sumatra. It is situated at the junction of 2 rivers, the Buluh River and the Batang River. Tangkahan specialises in eco-tourism activities like jungle trekking and Elephant trekking. Lembaga Pariwisata Tangkahan (LPT) is a local organization formed with the purpose to develop eco-tourism as a new form of lively hood and in this way prevent illegal logging. The idea was successful and illegal logging was effectively stopped in 2001. Indecon helped establish LPT and gave training in guiding, handicraft, etc. CTO is the the tourism business owned by LPT. All visitors to Tangkahan end up in the Visitor Center managed by CTO. They also control the eco-tourism, promote, receive bookings, coordinates, and arranges the elephant riding.
Tangkahan is combinations of vegetation and topography makes it a marvelous tourist spot rarely found elsewhere. The Batang Serangan and Buluh rivers, converging exactly in this zone, are typical of rainforest streams, with diverse varieties of vegetation and colorful rocks and Sumatra Elephants on their banks. The clear, bluish green river water againts the panoramic view creates a mystical atmosphere. The Best season to Visit is June to October.Things to do in Tangkahan :
- Ride the Sumatran elephants in the jungle
- Float down the clear river
- Go jungle trekking
- Soak yourself in hot springs
- Or take a course in how to handle and care for elephants
Transportation
There are 2 ways you can get to Tangkahan. From Medan there are only 2 buses a day leaving from Pinang Baris Bus Terminal, leaving at 10am and 1pm and taking around 4.5 - 5 hours (longer if raining). The cost is 15,000Rp per person. Buses leave Tangkahan at 7.30am and 2.30pm to go back to Medan. You can also get to Tangkahan from Bukit Lawang either on the back of a motorbike, a very bumpy 3 hour trip or hire a 4WD to take you. Prices for a 4WD can be up to 1,000,000Rp (US$83) for a one way trip.
NIAS ISLAND
Nias Island covers an area of 5,121.3 km2 (1,977.3 sq mi) (including minor offshore islands). It is mostly a lowland area rising to around 800 m (2,600 ft) above sea level. There were 756,762 inhabitants on the island (including minor offshore islands) at the 2010 Census.
It is located in a chain of islands parallel to the west coast of Sumatra; Simeulue is about 140 km (87 mi) northwest, and the Batu Islands are located about 80 km (50 mi) southeast. This chain, which resurfaces in Nusa Tenggara in the mountainous islands of Sumba and Timor, is the forearc of the South Sumatra Basin along the Sunda Trench subduction zone.
At Nias the oceanic plate is being obliquely subducted under the Asian Plate at the rapid rate of 52 mm (2.0 in) a year (Milsom).
Things to do in Nias :
Stone Jumping
Stone-jumping is a traditional ritual on Nias island, North Sumatra,
with locals leaping over large stone towers.The tradition was born out of inter-tribal conflicts and was once
potentially deadly as the walls were covered with spikes and sharpened
bamboo sticks. Centuries ago, Nias Island was divided into several regions ruled by
landlords or warlords. It was not a hereditary position, nor was it
gained by force, but rather through entertainment of the masses. Whoever
threw more parties known as “owasa” gained the favor of local
communities and became their leader. But organizing these festive events
didn’t come cheap, and the island’s landlords would constantly fight
each other and use the spoils of war as funding. To start a war, they
needed able brave men who had to prove their worth at drafting
challenges.Becoming a soldier was a big honor for the young men of Nias and earned them a higher social status in the community, but physical attributes and weapon mastery were not enough to convince their leaders. They also had to jump over a 2.3-meter-tall stone wall without touching it. To make things even harder for candidates, the top of the obstacle was covered with spikes and sharp bamboo sticks, and the jumps often resulted in serious injuries and even deaths. According to some sources, Hombo Batu was also a way of training soldiers to jump over walls during a siege and light the enemy’s camp ablaze with torches. After the warring period ended, the stone jumping ritual of Nias Island became a rite of passing for young boys. Those who managed to pass the test and leaped over the tall obstacle were considered men and gained the attention of local girls. The ritual of Hombo Batu is still practiced today, minus the sharp spikes, but sadly the women are more impressed by men who own a car or a motorcycle than by those who can jump really high. Tourists on the other hand are always mesmerized by the bold men wearing traditional costumes who run toward the wall and use a stepping stone to fly-kick over it.
Surfing
Nias is an internationally famous surfing destination. The best known surfing area is Sorake Bay, close to the town of Teluk Dalam,
on the southern tip. Enclosed by the beaches of Lagundri and Sorake,
the bay has both left and right-hand breaks. As they wait for waves,
surfers can often see sea turtles
swimming below. There are also two consistent, world-class waves in the
nearby Hinako Islands, Asu and Bawa. Many lesser-known, high-quality
surf spots with low crowds await adventurous travelers. Nias was part of the famous Hippie trail of the 1960s, particularly traveled by surfers, which led to Bali. It has been the site of several international surfing competitions in the past, particularly before the 1998 Indonesian Reformation Movement.
Despite the storied history of surfing in Nias, international surfing in Nias has slowed down especially (but not specifically) due to the recent earthquakes.The situation is slowly changing, however.
The best time yu should come to Nias Island is in the winter season. Swell is coming every 5/6 days, if the outside Nias is not breaking the inside wave is always working 365/365 days a year. You can go fishing or diving. It is also very good for beginners. A boat trip in Nias Island a very special experience, you definitely have to try. You will discover the coast and all its different breaks, a unique time. This also the best way to make some good movies or shootings.
Nias is only 60kms north of the equator, receiving plenty of organised swell from the Southern Ocean lows. Expect numerous 6-10ft (2-3m) SW swells from April-Oct and some occasional 3-6ft (1-2m) swells during the off-season along with various 2-6ft (0.6-2m) cyclone swells that can have lots of W in them. Historical data shows a 100% swell consistency from April to September, averaging out at 7ft with a 14sec period and peaking at 12ft/21sec. The first half of the year shows mainly light NW for half the time plus oiled glass, zero winds for a whopping 20% of the time. Winds get a bit stronger through July to November with a more E-SE dominant direction, but it is still variable and early/late glass-offs are a given. October seems to be the windiest month with a combo of SE and NW at 10-20mph. Tidal ranges are only 2-3ft (1m), but it has an effect on the super-shallow reefbreaks, especially since the earthquake, which saw some reefs rise by up to 2.5m (8ft) while an island just 20km (13mi) north subsided by 1.7m (5.5ft).
| SURF STATISTICS |
J
|
F
|
M
|
A
|
M
|
J
|
J
|
A
|
S
|
O
|
N
|
D
|
| dominant swell | S -SW | S -SW | S -SW | S -SW | S -SW | S -SW | ||||||
| swell size (ft) | 3--4 | 4-5 | 5 | 6 | 5-6 | 4 | ||||||
| consistency (%) | 60 | 70 | 80 | 90 | 70 | 60 | ||||||
| dominant wind | SW -NE | SE -N | E -SW | E -SW | SW -N | SW -N | ||||||
| average force | F2 | F2 | F2 | F2 | F3 | F3 | ||||||
| consistency (%) | 55 | 56 | 47 | 56 | 63 | 59 | ||||||
| water temp (C) | 29 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 28 | ||||||
| wetsuit | boardshorts | boardshorts | boardshorts | boardshorts | boardshorts | boardshorts | ||||||
Transportation
To reach Nias, there is a weekly ship from Jakarta to Gunung Sitoli; there were ferries from Sibolga to Gunung Sitoli, Teluk Dalam, or Lahewa every day; before the Asian financial crisis hit Indonesia, there was a daily flight from Medan to Gunungsitoli. This became less frequent following the crisis. Since the 1998 Reformation, however, transport links on and to the island have become poor. Internally, the road system is in a very bad condition. Externally the air and ferry links are unreliable. There are two ferry terminals (Gunungsitoli and Teluk Dalam) and an airport (Binaka, near G. Sitoli) on the island, serviced mainly from Sibolga and Medan respectively. However, local ferry companies regularly go out of business (or their boats sink), so only one terminal may be active at any given time. Since the 2005 earthquake, transportation has improved to cope with the increase in travel needs for reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts. Wings Air and Manunggal Air are the airlines that fly to Gunungsitoli from Kuala Namu International Airport of Medan.
Video: Taken from "Kuku Bima" Advertising
