Lake Toba - Lukestar

Advantages: scenery
Disadvantages: persistent souvenir sellers

...A trip to Sumatra for many is not complete without a trip to Lake Toba. Danau Toba is the local name for this lake which is the biggest in Indonesia. The lake itself is three times larger than Singapore and is about 450 metres deep. Lake Toba is accessible from a small town called Parapat on the north eastern side of the lake. The lake itself is stunning and reminds me somewhat of Lake Windemere. There is a huge island in the middle of the lake called Samosir island which was originally inhabited by the Batak people of Indonesia. The Bataks are an indigenous tribe of cannibalistic people who came from the northern regions of Cambodia and Vietnam and settled in the highlands of Sumatra. There are three settlements on the island still and if you go to Tomok village on Samosir you will be able to see a few tombs of the Batak King... Read review

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Advantages: Beautiful and quiet
Disadvantages: A long way from Java

...and it really is massive. Danau Toba is so vast that it's central island alone is the size of Singapore. It's an utterly beautiful and serene place, where days just drift by in a mix of swimming, canoeing, shopping, generally hanging out and chatting. Its one of the easiest places to do nothing that I've ever been. If it's a bit touristy for you (it's been a backpacker hangout since the 60's) then you could always try the nearby Danau Maninjau (Danau means lake in Indonesian) - if possible even more laid back. I spent a week there doing nothing but swimming and playing cards and drinking beer, for next to no money. A tip worth knowing is that if you're only intending to visit Toba, you can fly into Medan which has an international airport - it's not easy but it's possible. And it's preferable to trekking overland from Jakarta, a bus... Read review

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Advantages: Just entertaining
Disadvantages: Don't too believe in tales, but its hidden value

...These few days, my only son who is about 5 years old always asks me to tell him some tales on his bedtime. Being a young parent and facing this unexpected requirement from my son for the first time, certainly I got surprised very much! By the time, I thought things for times. I knew that I had heard or read a lot of folklores, but remembered none of them! Then I appologised and explained to him that I had lost all of my memories on the tales; I promised that I was going to tell him some tales on the next day. Fortunately he agreed with me and as the consequence I have to find some resources of some tales which are considered to be approprite to be reproduced for children. Have you ever faced the situation as I have just experienced? Well, today I would like to share this one with you, The Beginning of Lake Toba. I am sure that... Read review

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