The indigenous customs of Samosir Island in Lake Toba - SilverKris

"An island within Lake Toba formed by a massive volcanic eruption, it feels both familiarly rural and defiantly insular: winding, flower-edged roads, pastel homes and the everyday sounds of village life give way to distinctive Batak culture. Visitors encounter soaring, boat-shaped rumah bolon, multicoloured sarcophagi, elaborate family graves and a giant white cross on the eastern hills; long, sometimes violent histories linger in relics such as stone‑chair courts. Batak identity is visible everywhere—in language, dance, rousing porch-and-boat music, and woven ulos scarves decorated in red, black and white—and expressed in local flavours like andaliman, a peppery citrus spice, and terong belanda, a passion-fruit/tamarillo blend. Practically unglobalised, the island remains under-the-radar (no hotel chains, few cars, motorbikes the favoured transport) but is preparing for change via a Geopark/UNESCO push and improved airport access, making now a particularly rewarding time to experience its otherworldly landscapes, cultural ceremonies and quiet charm." - Jonathan Evans