If you're seeking a destination that blends breathtaking landscapes, deep cultural roots, and quiet tranquility far from the crowds, then you can find it in North Sumatra, Indonesia. It should be on top of your travel list. This trip will take us from the bustling city of Medan, along the stunning shores of Lake Toba, to serene and spiritual places of North Sumatra. We go there on mid July 2025.
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An Unforgettable Itinerary
2 tough girls travel from Jakarta to Medan from dawn. We rushed to CGK International Airport for the earliest flight, around 6:00 a.m. We were greeted with culture shock on the plane by people who spoke quite loudly and firmly in the Batak dialect. After sleeping on the plane for about 2 hours, we landed in Medan Kualanamu Airport (KNO).
Our journey begins KNO in Medan. From there, we will travel to Rantau Prapat with train (+/- 5 hours to there). We were picked up by our acquaintances there. Our acquaintances was Frater who are studying theology to becoming priest.
He drove the car and took us to to visit the St. Peter the Apostle Church, a historic church with unique architecture in Rantau Prapat. We wet Father Yonas there, and stayed there for one night in the monastery. I inform to my friend at Jakarta through Whatsapp group and their response was make me laugh. They said like the church was creepy and it's looks like we were going to perform an exorcist in the forest. The layout of the church is also called funny because it is directly opposite the Chinese public cemetery with the Big Bong (large tombstones typical of China).
St. Peter church actually beautiful church with a different architecture from Jakarta. The church is only a small church, no AC and without luxury. It's not a not a large parish. This is because the distance from one village to another is quite far, so a small church was built to support their worship activities. It makes me feel grateful for the ease which we can worship in big cities like Jakarta, but our laziness to go to church is still high.
The next day, we head to Sipiso-piso Waterfall. Located in the Karo highlands, We took almost 5 hour with car from Rantau Prapat via the Trans-Sumatra route. We starting this Journey with breakfast of uduk rice (I realized that breakfast there always starts with a heavy meal). We also stopped for lunch at BPK Dalinta Jumpa, Lubuk Pakam. It's serves BPK (Babi Panggang Karo - Karo style roasted pork).
At Sipiso-piso, this waterfall offers a spectacular view with water plunging 120 meters into a gorge. To go down to the waterfall, we need to take 1000 steps. You guys can imagine we have to go back and forth with the incline of the footpath. Therefore, it's worth to try because from here you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Lake Toba West Side from above.
That night we stayed at one of Hostel (I forgot the name of the hostel but it's cheap and clean).
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The Charms Of Lake Toba And Beyond
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End the Journey with Happiness
He drove the car and took us to to visit the St. Peter the Apostle Church, a historic church with unique architecture in Rantau Prapat. We wet Father Yonas there, and stayed there for one night in the monastery. I inform to my friend at Jakarta through Whatsapp group and their response was make me laugh. They said like the church was creepy and it's looks like we were going to perform an exorcist in the forest. The layout of the church is also called funny because it is directly opposite the Chinese public cemetery with the Big Bong (large tombstones typical of China).
St. Peter church actually beautiful church with a different architecture from Jakarta. The church is only a small church, no AC and without luxury. It's not a not a large parish. This is because the distance from one village to another is quite far, so a small church was built to support their worship activities. It makes me feel grateful for the ease which we can worship in big cities like Jakarta, but our laziness to go to church is still high.
The next day, we head to Sipiso-piso Waterfall. Located in the Karo highlands, We took almost 5 hour with car from Rantau Prapat via the Trans-Sumatra route. We starting this Journey with breakfast of uduk rice (I realized that breakfast there always starts with a heavy meal). We also stopped for lunch at BPK Dalinta Jumpa, Lubuk Pakam. It's serves BPK (Babi Panggang Karo - Karo style roasted pork).
At Sipiso-piso, this waterfall offers a spectacular view with water plunging 120 meters into a gorge. To go down to the waterfall, we need to take 1000 steps. You guys can imagine we have to go back and forth with the incline of the footpath. Therefore, it's worth to try because from here you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Lake Toba West Side from above.
That night we stayed at one of Hostel (I forgot the name of the hostel but it's cheap and clean).
--
The Charms Of Lake Toba And Beyond
After soaking in the natural beauty of Sipiso-piso yesterday, In this morning we treat our taste buds with savor the legendary Mie Pangsit 24. We will stop at Simpang 4, a culinary must-try in the area.
We visited the grave of the Frater's mother family on the first day before going to Samosir Island. It turns out that in Batak culture, family graves are not placed in cemeteries like in Jakarta, but on inherited land (it could be in the middle of a rice field, on the side of the road, or even behind the family home). It is not unusual to find a lot of graves on the side of the road. The 1st family grave we visited was in the middle of the rice fields. We need to get down and be careful to get to that place so as not to slip.
The journey continues to Ajibata Ferry Port to cross Lake Toba to Samosir Island. 1st stop in Samosir Island was Tomok, we watch the Sigale-gale performance, a fascinating wooden puppet show that tells the deep legends and stories of the Batak people. As noon approached, we stopped at a roadside grilled fish restaurant, a family acquaintance of Frater's. There, we were served inexpensive grilled fish and BPK (with a delicious and attractive taste).
From Tomok, we visit several interesting spiritual and cultural sites. In Pangururan, you'll find the St. Michael's Church, a silent witness to the history of religion in this region. We prayed and took selfies there. Our adventure continues to the Tele Bridge to enjoy a magnificent panorama of Lake Toba. Nearby, you'll find Efrata Waterfall, which has its own charm with water flowing over green rocks.
We visited the grave of the Frater's mother family on the first day before going to Samosir Island. It turns out that in Batak culture, family graves are not placed in cemeteries like in Jakarta, but on inherited land (it could be in the middle of a rice field, on the side of the road, or even behind the family home). It is not unusual to find a lot of graves on the side of the road. The 1st family grave we visited was in the middle of the rice fields. We need to get down and be careful to get to that place so as not to slip.
The journey continues to Ajibata Ferry Port to cross Lake Toba to Samosir Island. 1st stop in Samosir Island was Tomok, we watch the Sigale-gale performance, a fascinating wooden puppet show that tells the deep legends and stories of the Batak people. As noon approached, we stopped at a roadside grilled fish restaurant, a family acquaintance of Frater's. There, we were served inexpensive grilled fish and BPK (with a delicious and attractive taste).
From Tomok, we visit several interesting spiritual and cultural sites. In Pangururan, you'll find the St. Michael's Church, a silent witness to the history of religion in this region. We prayed and took selfies there. Our adventure continues to the Tele Bridge to enjoy a magnificent panorama of Lake Toba. Nearby, you'll find Efrata Waterfall, which has its own charm with water flowing over green rocks.
Then for that night we stayed overnight at the relative house of Frater's father.
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A Journey Full of Inspiration
We continue to Continue to Palipi today.
We visited the grave of the Frater's Father Family, the grave located behind the yard is a bit uphill that it is near the family home. We also visited the family house and it's still a traditional Batak house on stilts. It is made of wood and when you step in there you feel cool.
After visiting there, we continued our journey to the Toga Sinaga Monument, a monument of great historical and cultural value for the Batak community. Afterward, we visited the White Sand Beach on the shores of Lake Toba, which offers beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere. we take out lunch there and we drank coconut.
--
A Journey Full of Inspiration
We continue to Continue to Palipi today.
We visited the grave of the Frater's Father Family, the grave located behind the yard is a bit uphill that it is near the family home. We also visited the family house and it's still a traditional Batak house on stilts. It is made of wood and when you step in there you feel cool.
After visiting there, we continued our journey to the Toga Sinaga Monument, a monument of great historical and cultural value for the Batak community. Afterward, we visited the White Sand Beach on the shores of Lake Toba, which offers beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere. we take out lunch there and we drank coconut.
Not far from there, we will hike up to Sibea-bea Hill to see the iconic Jesus Blesses statue while enjoying an incredible view of Lake Toba from a height. After a day of exploration, it's time to rest and enjoy authentic Batak cuisine at Lapo Codian, the perfect place to experience traditional dishes and a warm atmosphere. We tried horse meat and buffalo milk there and it's tase like rendang meat and milk in general.
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End the Journey with Happiness
Our final destination is Salib Kasih (Love Cross) in Tarutung. This monument was built to commemorate the first missionaries in the Batak land, and from its peak, you can see a beautiful view of Tarutung City.
This adventurous journey will conclude with a flight back to Jakarta from Silangit Airport. This trip isn't just about beautiful scenery; it's also about experiencing the rich culture and deep spirituality found in the 'hidden paradise' of North Sumatra.
I am ready to start another unforgettable adventure
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