Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Indonesia

Lake Toba in North Sumatra, is one of the most beautiful volcanic Lake which belonged to Indonesia. Extent of approximately 1,145 square kilometers, Lake Toba looks like a sea, which lies at an elevation of 900 metres above sea level. He was the most extensive Lake in Southeast Asia. Has a depth of 450 meters, the deepest lake in the world.

In the middle of Lake Toba, there is an island named Samosir island. Samosir island has two small lakes namely Lake Sidihoni and Aek Natonang. Samosir Island area is almost the same with Singapore. On the island there is a society of the tribe, Batak Samosir. The tribe still holds firm beliefs of their ancestors. They are also still running a variety of rituals, which are always done first ancestor.

Lake Toba, Indonesia

On Samosir island there are two villages, namely, Tomok and Tuktuk, which is much visited by tourists. Tomok village, has many interesting attractions, namely, the tomb of King Sidabutar, Batak museums and dance recitals doll Sigale-gale are popular. Whereas, Tomok Village has many historical sites, in the village, there are many lodgings for tourists.

Samosir Island not only the appeal of these sites. Lake Toba is also surrounded by pine forest and several waterfalls, warm baths are also in the Woods. In there, views around the Lake is very beautiful, the air is very cool, so you will enjoy here.

For the people of Batak in the vicinity of the Lake, Lake Toba is not only a beautiful natural sites. They believe that, Lake Toba became his residence seven Batak deities, or commonly called by the name, Namborru. Whenever will do activities around the Lake, the community will pray and ask for permission in advance to the event gets a blessing and can run smoothly.

History Of Lake Toba

Like most natural attractions in Indonesia, in addition to having scientific history, Lake Toba also keeps the folklore that is believed to be the origin of the formation of the Lake.

According to folklore there, Lake Toba formed from family stories of phantom fish. In ancient times, there was a young man who was fishing in the Creek, which then managed to get a fish. Unlike other fish, a fish that is successfully captured, could speak and begged not to be cooked. The fish, then turns into a very beautiful woman named, Toba.

In the end, they were married. but there is one request that cannot be broken by the young man. That is, no one is allowed to know, about the origins of the beautiful woman whom he married. Their marriage walked lancer, then they have a son named Samosir. The naughty children, and always feel hungry.

One day, his mother was told to send Samosir food for his father who was working in the rice fields. But even eaten by Samosir. His father was already hungry, decided to go home. On the way, he saw Samosir was eating, a provision that is supposed to be for his father. Because the condition is very angry, he accidentally scold Samosir, and says that he is the son of a fish.

Once the skies darkened and rain fell directly with torrent. The water, also came out of the underground, which makes the townships inundated. Toba and Samosir is suddenly lost, when the village turns into a Lake of water. It was then that formed Lake Toba and Samosir Island, believed to be the embodiment of the demon fish and his son.

If seen from the more scientific, Lake Toba volcanic Lake was formed due to the eruption of Mount Toba, at thousands of years ago. Caldera forming eruption or crater giant later filled water into the Lake like today.

The explosion was so great, his scattered volcanic ash almost to all parts of the world, and causing death tolls, and reduce the number of people 60% of the time. In addition, according to the researchers, the eruption also affects the Earth's climate and weather so it enters ice age.

What can be done in Lake Toba

Explore Lake Toba is not enough in one day. These sites have many interesting things, which cannot be missed in your visit. For Example:

Sailing

Sail towards the Island of Samosir, the Charter will certainly be interesting experience. By renting boats for groups of 20-25 people for a day, you can always ask to stop at the point at which attractions You want to visit and groups. During the trip, you can see a beautiful view of Lake Toba. In addition, you can play banana boat and jet ski on the Lake.

Get to know the history of Batak

Here, you can get to know the history of Batak by visiting the historic sites. For example, in the village of Tomok contained, Tomb of King Sidabutar, Huta Museum Bolon at Simanindo is well, and, in his trial Stone Ambarita.

Tomb of King Butar is unique, because it is made of large stones without a connection, and there is a carving of the King's face on his grave stone. King Sidabutar was the first to inhabit Tomok. At the cemetery there is the tomb of King's successor, and two tombs of several members of the family. To get into these sites, you must wear ulos provided by officers at the entrance.

Huta Bolon "Museum. Here you can see the Custom House Batak Simanindo is well, relics of King Sidauruk who was made a museum culture Batak today. In the museum there are many collection of objects that are closely related to the Batak culture such as traditional clothes, fabric and also a coffin ulos containing dolls Sigale-gale.

Don't forget to visit the village Ambarita, contained the stone Council. A stone shaped like a table, it was used to execute prisoners. People who commit crimes like killing proven, stealing and rapes are punishable by death in this table.

Shopping

It felt incomplete if a vacation without shopping. In the area of Lake Toba and its surroundings there are many souvenir shops that sold ulos fabrics, distinctive guitar Batak, t-shirts, key chains and a variety of other souvenirs. Souvenirs-souvenir of this many you meet on the island of Samosir, Parapat, Balige and elsewhere around the Lake Toba. Prepare your wallet and hone Your bargaining skills.

What is interesting from the Lake Toba?

Sigale-gale doll

Doll Sigale-gale became one of the distinctive features of these sites. Wooden doll as high as 1.5 meters, complete with custom clothing Batak is a tor-tor dance with tourists. Sigale-dance performances this gale, you can watch in some places like Lake Toba tour, Museum of Huta Bolon and several other museums.

Sigale-gale ought to be keep within the coffin. This doll is incredibly sacred as a result of its long history. ranging from the favorite son of a raja Batak in precedent days, who fell whereas fighting. King became unhappy and sickly. Until then, physicians set to form a human-sized picket dolls, and her face is formed like the King's sons. in keeping with residents, the deceased King's son into a doll, thus start Sigale-gale and dance alone.

Lake Toba Festival

Lake Toba Festival, this event was held between the months of August-September. In this festival, held in a wide variety of cultural performances, as well as the race for people ranging from dance performances until the race boat ornamental. You can also find a variety of culinary delights, and hunting in beautiful fabric ulos event took place. If you want to witness this annual festival, you should've ordered plane tickets and hotel rooms, far-away days.