They say that Toba is the largest volcanic Lake in the world. 100 kms long and up to 30 kms wide it lies 905 m above sea level. That’s why it is little cooler here! But there is something strange regarding the shape of Toba: some 1/3 of its shape is a big island: Samosir – the home of Batak people. Toba is up to 500 m deep.
I was surprised seeing this lake for the first time because the shores of Toba are high and very picturesque. Today I took the ferry from Parapat where I live to Tuk-Tuk on Samosir island. Roads on the island are narrow and in the villages you can still see many traditional Batak houses.
I used opelet (a junk microbus) to reach the northern tip of Samosir, where they have Batak Culture Museum. For 50000 rs entry fee you can not only visit the houses and the dugout canoe of the Batak king but also enjoy the show of the Batak dances on the open air.
It was late afternoon when I took a ferry back to Parapat. Kilo of tomatoes on the bazaar cost 5000 rs (half dollar) similar is the price for the bananas. But it is extremely difficult to find the bread. They have bakery, but you must order the loaf a day before!
