Samosir island

Samosir island is an island in the moddile of Lake Toba. This island is a large volcanic island, formed after the eruption of the Toba supervolcano around 75,000 years ago.

Understand

Samosir is the largest island within an island and the fourth largest lake island in the world. It also contains two smaller lakes, Lake Sidihoni and Lake Aek Natonang. Across the lake on the east of the island lies the Uluan Peninsula. The island was historically linked to the mainland of Sumatra on its western part by a narrow isthmus connecting the town of Pangururan on Samosir and Tele on mainland Sumatra, but it was split by the Tano Ponggol Canal and bridge in 1906, which was widened in 2019. Tele consequently offers one of the best views of Lake Toba and Samosir Island. One of the most important objects on the island is a Lutheran church, and opposite it is a huge hill.

Get in

There is a one-hour ferry ride across the Lake Toba from the town of Parapat. The passenger ferry leaves from Tiga Raja harbor every hour between 8.30 and 19.00. For those running late, there is an option to take the passenger boat from Ajibata to Tomok until 8.30 pm. A car ferry leaves the mainland from Ajibata and lands in the small town of Tomok, about a 10-minute drive from Tuktuk until 9 pm. Some hotels may also have their own ferry service.

Get around

If you're going around the island with foot, motorcycle or bicycle, be sure to put on some sunblock as when you venture out in the morning things can be deceiving due to the cooler temperatures in the morning cause of the higher elevation, but the sun will be intense by mid-day.

By motorcycle

In Tuktuk, it's possible to hire a motorcycle for a day or two and get out and about Rp 70,000 per day including full petrol. You can bargain down to Rp 50,000 per day in low season if you hire for several days. Outside of Tuktuk may be harder to rent motorcycle, but do try to ask your hotel for help. Most of the motorcycles available for rent are the owner's own transportation, so you may need to return it to them before sunset (depends on owner) or you may be charge for an extra fees. Take a map. There are no police checking licenses and there is not much traffic - just watch out for the big trucks, buses and diabolical bridges. Honking around is a norm to indicate that there's incoming car from the opposite or there's a car bypassing you from the back (in driver's point of view). A good journey to take on a motorcycle would be to travel North from Tuktuk around to the western shore, stopping at the tourist sites along the way such as the many and varied traditional houses and villages. The roads are very bad in the center of the island (bumpy and washed out) and it takes half a day to cross this way (verse 1–2 hours by coast road which is more scenic anyway). You can expect to ride at least up to 100 km in the day.

Example Becak/tuktuk prices at Mar 2024, 100k+: https://m.facebook.com/dutsmanurung/photos/a.101588561281553/153971816043227/?type=3

By bicycle

Most of the cottages and guest houses at Tuktuk will rent you a very serviceable bicycle for a nominal fee (for locals, it's about Rp 100,000), this is a very much preferred way to get around there. Outside of Tuktuk, hiring bicycle may be a bit hard, but do ask your hotel for help.

By foot

Exploring by foot is limited to surrounding area only.

See

• 1 Museum Huta Bolon, Simanindo. At the northern tip of the island there is a Batak Museum with traditional dance performed twice daily at on 10:00. Rp 50,000. (updated Feb 2015)
• Stone chairs and old houses, Ambarita. 8am-6pm. Stone chairs used for judgement and executions on a village square, in front of a line of old Batak houses (about 50-100 years old, but look older). Many houses are still in use. Rp 5,000 (June 2017). (updated Feb 2015)
• 2 Huta Siallagan (Huta Siallagan (Stone Chairs, statues and execution area of King Siallagan)), Jl. Lkr. Tuktuk, Desa Siallagan, Pindaraya, Kabupaten Samosir, Sumatera Utara 22395 (about 30 min walk north of Tuk Tuk). Batak houses, tomb. Rp10,000. (updated Apr 2024)
• 3 Geosite Sipalakka, Ambarita, Simanindo, Samosir Regency, North Sumatra (about 25 min walk north of Tuk Tuk). Free. (updated Apr 2024)
• 4 Tomb of King Sidabutar (Batak king grave), Tomok. The Batak king who adopted Christianity is buried in Tomok, a village 5km southeast of Tuktuk. (updated Apr 2024)

Do

Rent a scooter to get around. Scooters cost about Rp 80,000-100,000 per day. Petrol is Rp 10,000 per liter as of April 2024.

Do visit the west! Especially the viewpoint at the northwest tip called 1 Pantai Batu Hoda. Very chill place with a couple of huts to relax and have coffee in. It's away from the roads and bustle of touristic jet skis.

Get to the viewpoint in the northeast, after Tomok near Latihan Paralayang, for a good accessible view over the lakes while up on the hills. Take a right fork after passing Tomok town. Roads are good. The road on the left fork is not paved.

Without your own transport, possible day tour of island examples: 1100k by car, 500k by moto w driver. Boat tour 350k if enough people (Toba boat cruise trip, Friday 10am, +62 831 0456 8381).

• Fishing. Rental of a fishing rod (Rp 120,000 including bait) is possible.
• Water scooters. with a guide on-board Rp 150,000 per half hour. (updated Feb 2015)
• Speed boat rides. Private boat to Tomok or Tuktuk costs Rp 700,000 and takes 10 minutes. (updated Feb 2015)
• Kiddle ride. Self paddle "kiddle ride" boats for Rp 40,000 per hour. (updated Feb 2015)

Buy

Ulos (cloth) is an important part of Batak culture. This cloth is often used in traditional ceremonies and other formal events. Ulos has a distinctive pattern with dominant colors of black, red, and white. The manufacturing process is done traditionally without using machines, and is often decorated with gold and silver threads, making it more valuable. The market price for traditional woven Ulos is around Rp2,000,000 , while factory-made is available at a more affordable price, around Rp45,000 per piece of cloth.

At Tomok Market, you will find various accessories made of wood, such as bracelets, necklaces, and key chains. Local craftsmen create these accessories with gorga patterns, a typical Batak motif, which is dominated by black, white, and red. These accessories have also attracted the attention of the national and international markets. The price of these accessories starts from Rp5,000 per piece, pretty affordable option for typical Samosir souvenirs.

Eat

The main road around Tuktuk is lined with small restaurants of varying quality. Also on offer is magic mushroom and various "happy herb" pizzas if you want that.

• Cotney Restaurant (by the Samosir resort). Rendangs, curries. Internet is available at a reasonable local price. 
• Jenny's Restaurant (there are only one or two roads so ask for Jenny's). Restaurant with view of Lake Toba. Curries, fresh lake-fish, steamed or grilled, western food such as schnitzel (breaded pork or chicken chop pan fried). Desserts include fresh papaya that grows in the back-yard or a golden-brown banana pancake with chocolate sauce and a sprinkle of coconut. Once all the guests in the small place with only about 5 tables are fed and happy, Rinto will take the guitar from the wall and entertain his patrons 
• Joe's (about 2 km from Tuk Tuk towards Ambarita). A family restaurant with a kind, friendly owner. Chicken à la batak Rp 25,000, banana chocolate cake Rp 80,000 (for a whole cake). Also has fresh vanilla for sale (Rp 70,000 for 100 grams) and motorbike rental. 
• Leo's Restaurant (in Tuktuk, walk in the direction of Ambarita, 100 m before Toledo Inn, the restaurant is above the street). Batak food, including pork and lake fish with local spices. Large Bintang Rp 35,000, 100 g fish Rp 8,000, served with fried potatoes (one portion of fish is 500 g normally, but they might have bigger ones, too). Family run, used to be one of the first restaurants in Tuktuk, then closed for some time and reopened in 2010 by the son of the previous owner. (updated Apr 2016)
• Marco Polo, Close to the northern tip of Tuk Tuk (walk north past most restaurants, about 15 min from Carolina). Views and reasonably priced food. Make sure to try the avocado sandwich for Rp 10,000, the avocado tree can be seen from the balcony. The owners are extremely nice and helpful but don't seem to get many customers as they are past the main tourist area. 
• Maruba Restaurant, Tuk-tuk (in between Amberoba Hotel and Rodeo Accommodation). Traditional Batak and Indonesian food and a variety of Western meals such as schnitzels, real homemade burgers, pasta and roast chicken with fresh herb stuffing. Brown bread, burger buns and baguettes baked most days. English breakfast with smoked bacon is delicious. You can order a Batak feast one day (or less) in advance. Some choices are boneless fish curry, ikan na neura (very fresh raw fish marinated with candlenuts, spices & lime juice), napi nadir (a Batak style curry made with grilled chicken), saksang (chopped pork cooked with Batak spices and fresh pig's blood (blood is optional). Also available to order – delicious Lake Toba freshwater lobster (crayfish) at a very reasonable price. 
• Orari Restaurant, Tuk-Tuk (next to Anju), ☏ +62 625 451093. Restaurant with traditional Batak, Indonesian and European cuisine. Spaghetti bolognese, nasi goreng 'special', beef rendang, BBQ fish. Restaurant has a view of the lake. Motorbike rentals also available for Rp 60,000. 
• Tabo Cottages, Tuk-tuk, ☏ +62 625 451318, tabores@indo.net.id. Free wifi, western-styled food served, the extensive menu is possibly pricier than other options. They have baked goods and European quality natural yoghurt. Fish is caught directly from the lake. from Rp 215,000. 
• Today's cafe, Tuk-tuk (5 min walk from samosir guesthouse). The owner of this small cafe, Juliet, is very friendly. Main meals from Rp 20,000-35,000. Wifi for Rp 100,000 an hour. 

Drink

This area is in a depressed tourist state but is actual a wonderful gem that should be on the world stage. So while some places may look like not much is going on- just go in - and the momentum will build into a fun filled night with new friends. There is one discotheque on Friday and Saturday nights - expect the 1980s music. Better to drink at your guest house generally. There are a number of fine spots around the Tuktuk area to catch a sunset beer. Especially on Saturday night you can hear a chorus of parties going around the Tuktuk area.

• Samosir Cottages. you will provide a wonderful local Batak performance that is a mixture of traditional dances and fantastic drinking songs. (updated Feb 2015)
• Reggae Bar. It is perched high up looking over the lake. (updated Feb 2015)
• Hibiscus Bar. It is on the main street is hosted by two wonderful local girls and plays cool tunes. (updated Feb 2015)

Sleep

There are numerous hotels and guest houses, mainly in Tuktuk but with a few scattered in other small towns around the island. During Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb), many Indonesians come for vacation and will pay generously for their rooms (about triple the rate). To accommodate these guests, some guest house owners may ask their existing guests to vacate their rooms, but only giving them very short notice. Therefore, when arriving before Chinese New Year, check with the guest house owner to ensure your stay will not be interrupted.

• Aman guesthouse, Jl. Tuktuk (next to Tony's). Traditional Batak houses with hot water shower. Rp 40,000-50,000 per room. 
• 1 Bagus Bay, Jl. Tuktuk, Samosir, ☏ +62 625 451287. Next to the lake. A dark wood and bamboo bar/restaurant gives the place a relaxed feel. The most rooms are basic. They have a restaurant and internet and WIFI. Rp 30,000-175,000. (updated Sep 2016)
• 2 Hotel Barbara, Ambarita, ☏ +6285261687343. Small quite relaxing place a few km from Tuktuk with lovely scenery and good swimming. Rooms are clean and located in several houses. Western and Indonesian style food is served in the restaurant or on the terrace. Tourist information and good tips about Sumatra. From Rp 70,000. (updated Nov 2022)
• Christina Guesthouse, Jl. Tuktuk, ☏ +62 625 451027. A small relaxing place with lovely scenery and good swimming. Rooms are clean and located in several traditional Batak-houses). Internet and Skype access are available for reasonable price. Western and Indonesian style food is served in the restaurant. General tourist information and good tips about Sumatra. From Rp 50,000. 
• 3 D'Flo homestay & Cafe, Jl Raya Simanindo, Pangururan (near Parbaba beach), ☏ +6281382409044. start from Rp 200,000 for 2-bed room without water heater / Rp 250,000 with water heater, Rp 600,000 for family room with small kitchen (up to 6 people). (updated Jan 2024)
• Ebikel's Homestay (just next to Hotel Carolina). Homestay with a decent room and affordable price. The owner Ebikel is a helpful and willing guide to Samosir Island. 
• Haraira, Jl. Lkr. Tuktuk (Close to Jennys Restaurant). Large very clean rooms with hot water shower (Rp 80,000-100,000/night). Well maintained garden in front of the rooms towards the Lake. Really nice view, good swimming. 
• 4 Hotel Carolina, Tuk-tuk Siadong, Samosir, ☏ +62 625 451210, carolina@indosat.net.id. 49 rooms set in a beautiful tropical garden. It has a restaurant with a verandah overlooking the lake. Staff are very helpful. Small Batak style cottages up the hill have cold water only. Luxury rooms on the lake shore come with hot water, a bath tub and a fridge. They have a lake area for swimming with a diving board and pontoon to relax. The hotel can organize travel, trips and motorbike rental. Computer room and free Wi-Fi in the restaurant area, though the speed can be very slow. Rp 45,000-150,000+10%. (updated Sep 2016)
• 5 Liberta Homestay, Jl. Lkr. Tuktuk, Samosir, ☏ +62 625 451035. It has quiet private cabins on the lake. Traditional Batak houses, good atmosphere. The room No1 is a good choice, because of the view and terrace. Friendly owner Mr Moon will sing, cook, and go out of his way for you. He also provides a herbal blend against diarrhea. Rp 60,000. (updated Sep 2016)
• Mas Cottages (about 2 km from Tuktuk towards Ambarita). Closer to the ancient ceremonial stone chairs than downtown Tuktuk. Variety of accommodation options all directly on the lake including suites and traditional Batak houses. Prices are a bit higher for this secluded location. Rooms with hot water, but the hot water is unreliable. Good breakfast. No Wi-Fi or internet, and the nearby internet café seems always to be closed. Rp 60,000-70,000. 
• Parnas Homestay and Bar, Jl. Tuktuk Siadong, Samosir, ☏ +62 625 451167. A very chilled out place on the left wing of the peninsula Tuktuk. 4 very spacious and beautifully furnished rooms with bathroom, direct access to the lake and stunning views. There's a huge Bar and restaurant with a communal room. free pool billiards, table tennis, darts. Live music, scooter rental, BBQ, laundry. Rooms between Rp 60,000 in low season and Rp 150,000 in high season (note: confirm the agreed room price in writing as it may change when you get the bill). 
• 6 Romlan, ☏ +62 625 451386, romlantuktuk@yahoo.com. Small guesthouse with 12 rooms including 2 batak cottages in both a single and a 2-storey building. The rooms are clean and comfortable with attached bathroom. All rooms have a direct lake view. Good for swimming and relaxing. Local and Indonesian food including some German meals. Free Wi-Fi. Private boat dock. Cottages Rp 40,000 (must ask), rooms Rp 150,000 (Rp. 120,000 low season). (updated Nov 2022)
• Samosir Cottages, Tuktuk, ☏ +62 625 451170, info@samosircottages.com. Good for those who arrive late in Parapat, there is usually a representative to take them to the cottages. The waterfront is clean, and the large restaurant food and drinks. Batak music provided every Wednesday night and Saturday night. If you walk outside the hotel you can use a local cafe which may offer some more variety and cheaper prices. They also own Samosir Villa Resort 5 min drive away. Its sister resort has new rooms, free internet, a pool and a restaurant providing food and drinks. From Rp 200,000. 
• Tabo Cottages, Tuktuk, ☏ +62 625 451 318, tabores@indo.net.id. Rooms are clean and quite modern by Sumatran standards. Free Wi-Fi. Western-styled food served in the restaurant is good. From Rp 120,000. 
• Tony's Guest House. Nice people and nice double room. Vegetable taco for Rp 21,000. From Rp 25,000. 
• 7 Tuk-Tuk Timbul, Jl. Lkr. Tuktuk, Samosir (along the road from Tuktuk to Ambarita), ☏ +62 81 2640 11194. Basic bungalows along the Lake Toba shore, with a small restaurant. (updated Sep 2016)
• 8 Sibayak guesthouse, Tuktuk Siadong, Simanindo, Kabupaten Samosir, Sumatera Utara 22395, ☏ +62 812-6568-6890. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Free wifi in restaurant (nok in standard room, too far but ok outside near the hamac), towel, no soap/shampoo, western toilet w bucket flush (no toilet paper or toilet gun), water fountain for refill, moto rent, tour options. Restaurant prices: Rp 15-20,000, drink Rp 5-12,000, breakfast Rp 7-15,000. no dorm, single room Rp 90-170,000 (standard cold shower, double hot shower, superior hot shower), double room Rp 110-190,000, triple Rp 260,000, quad Rp 310,000. (updated Apr 2024)

Stay safe

Exercise caution for traffic and beware for pickpocket / robber especially at night time.