Samosir Island
Pulau Samosir
A 'lake island' in the middle of Lake Toba, roughly the size of Singapore, the heartland of Batak culture and a great place to circle by motorbike.
Samosir Island was formed when the lake floor was uplifted after a volcanic eruption, and it covers about 630 square kilometres. Strictly speaking, it is separated from the main island of Sumatra only by a narrow canal. The east coast is where most visitors gather, while the west coast and highlands have rice paddies, pine forests and scattered Batak villages, with a slower pace. The classic outing is to rent a motorbike in Tuktuk and do a day's loop of the island road. Head north to the Ambarita stone chairs and the Simanindo Museum, then pass through the hot-spring town of Pangururan on the northwest corner, which is linked to the mainland by a bridge. Continue south to the Bukit Holbung viewpoint, then loop back to Tuktuk. The full loop is about 120 km and takes a full day. Roads are fair but winding, with few petrol stations, so fill up before setting out. Expect afternoon showers and bring a raincoat.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Lake Sidihoni
- Tomok King Sidabutar's Tomb
- Ambarita Stone Chairs (Huta Siallagan)
- Tuktuk
- Bukit Holbung
- Batu Gantung
- Parapat
- Aek Rangat Hot Springs