Lake Toba/West

Western side of Lake Toba is a region within Lake Toba.

Towns

• Pangururan, capital of Samosir Regency.
• Sidikalang, capital of Dairi Regency.
• Dolok Sanggul, capital of Humbang Hasundutan Regency.

See

• 1 Aek Tano Ponggol Bridge (Jembatan Aek Tano Ponggol), Pangururan (you won't miss the bridge as you reach Pangururan). The only iconic red bridge connecting mainland Sumatra to Samosir island. The bridge was inaugurated on August 2023 to replace the old small bridge. (updated Jan 2024)

• 

  Bukit Holbung

  2 Holbung (Bukit Holbung), Harian, Samosir (continue the road from Sibea-bea hill). A splendid rolling hills that offer breathtaking view of the western part of Lake Toba. Also a popular spot for camping. Rp 5,000 per person, parking fee Rp 10,000 per car (2018). (updated Jan 2024)
• 3 Sibea-bea (Bukit Sibea-bea) (between the road of Tele & Pangururan, there's a fork with a sign). possibly the highest statue of Jesus Christ in the world, with a reported height of 60 m (197 feet) overlooking Lake Toba. For comparison, the famous Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro is only 30 m in height. Rp 100.000 per car. (updated Apr 2024)
• 4 Sopo Guru Tatea Bulan. an open-air museum presenting the creation myth of Batak. free. (updated Jan 2024)

• 

  Tele observation tower terrace overlooking western Lake Toba & Samosir island.

  5 Tele observation tower (Menara pandang Tele). Offer a view of Mt. Pusuk Buhit and the whole western side of Lake Toba. There is a small souvenir shop just beside the tower. The road to here are narrow and offer limited parking place. The tower is closed for renovation as of Dec 2023. (updated Jan 2024)
• 6 Waterfront Pangururan, Pangururan. The lakeside Pangururan is converted into a park & walkway spanning from Tano Panggul bridge until Pangururan's market. Every weekend at 8 PM, there's fountain show that last about 20-30 minutes. Come early to get best front view as it's packed with lots of people. Free. (updated Jan 2024)

Do

• 1 Aek Rangat hot springs, Aek Rangat (from Pangururan town, cross the bridge to Mt. Pusuk Buhit and head right at fork). There are several establishments at hot springs, most of which also offer accommodations and restaurants. If you stay or eat at the establishment, the entry fee may be free. The water is hot. Locals usually use their hands to get some water out of the pool. Standing in the pool is possible, but you probably won't be able to swim. Rp 10,000 per person. (updated Aug 2018)
• 2 Pusuk Buhit (Gunung Pusuk Buhit), Sianjur - Pangururan. A sacred mountain for Batak people, which legends say they originate from. With a height of 1982 m, this mountain is the most accessible mountain to be climbed around Lake Toba. The climbing is easy and can be completed in less than a day. Climb from just after midnight to time your arrival at summit before sunrise to get best experience. (updated Apr 2018)

Eat

• 1 Mie Pangsit Way 88, Jl. SM Raja No 22, Pangururan (turn right after the bridge to Pangururan, on the right side across Indomaret). Chinese food and wonton noodle (similar to Medan) (updated Dec 2018)

Sleep

• 1 Saulina Resort, Jl. Aek Rangat, Kel. Siogung Ogung, Pangururan (if you are coming from Tele, turn left on the fork before the land-bridge to Samosir island, with the bridge right of your position), ☏ +62 626 20810. One of the hotels at Pusuk Buhit foothills just at the lakeside. Not much activity at night except taking a dip in nearby hot springs. Rp 420,000 for standard room, Rp 2,150,000 for villa (6 people). (updated Dec 2018)