Samosir
Island · Samosir ·

Samosir

Island · Samosir ·

Scenic lake views, traditional villages, eateries & cycling trails

Samosir by null
Samosir by null

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Samosir Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia Get directions

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Samosir Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia Get directions

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Last updated

Nov 13, 2025

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@silverkris
9,878 Postcards · 2,262 Cities

Your new travel bucket list has to include these 7 unknown spots in Indonesia - SilverKris

"Located in the middle of Lake Toba, this large volcanic island — slightly smaller than Singapore and famed as the world’s largest island-in-a-lake-on-an-island — is the cultural heartland of the Toba Batak people. Visitors can explore well-preserved sopo traditional houses with distinctive curved roofs, watch or learn the ceremonial Tor Tor dance (known for its pounding-foot rhythms), and immerse themselves in longstanding Batak customs and performances." - Vanessa Tai

https://silverkris.singaporeair.com/inspiration/nature-adventure/travel-tips/hidden-gems-unknown-spots-indonesia/
Samosir
@silverkris
9,878 Postcards · 2,262 Cities

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

https://silverkris.singaporeair.com/inspiration/arts-culture/heritage/samosir-lake-toba/
Samosir

Lil T.

Google
This island is still undeveloped. Service is poor and people sometimes is tricky. They charge quite high for food, bike rent and accomodation. The time to prepare food is long at most of places There are some nice places but i dont think it worths time to visit as a foreign tourist.

Magen

Google
These island on the middle of Lake Toba or locally known as Danau Toba have a magnificent serene calm view of surroundings. Really recommends to visit here. Plenty of hotels here but need to book in advance so that can get a good deal. The Batak people are very friendly here, scooter rent for a 8 hour will cost around $8 with full fuel. Food is quite expensive. The maximum days that you can spent here 2 days otherwise will get bored

Subhrajit S.

Google
It was an heavenly experience to say the least! Bliss of solitude at its best. It's beautiful,it's serene, it's magnificent and it's worth your time ! Definitely a must visit, I am not even gonna try to describe this place because I know adjectives will fall short! Go go go . 😁

Traveloci S.

Google
Nice island to have a holidays with! The houses are very unique, I love it. There are some tourist attraction here, If you are from Medan, you have to take 5 hours driving car plus crossing over the Toba Lake about 1 hour by ferry or traditional ship. The cost is not too expensive.

James S.

Google
Samosir island is well worth the effort if you like different , fascinating places away from the tourist crowds. Situated in the centre of lake Toba, Samosir is easily reached by the frequent ferries that will actually travel along the island coastline to drop you off at the area you want to visit. Lots of history on this Island and many traditional Batak buildings. There are some great small restaurants and bars and a good way to explore is to cheaply hire a mountain bike from one of the many hire shops, grab a map and go explore. This island was a major stop of route on the hippy trail in the sixties and although now only a few foreign travellers make it here, it still has a really relaxed chilled vibe here. Lovely friendly people and a definite place to visit away from the normal South East Asia routes. Highly recommended.

Gérard D.

Google
An island (Samosir) in a lake (Toba) in a super-volcano (Toba) , on an island (Sumatra) part of an archipelago ... Very good climate, you can swim and have water entertainment, wide choice of places to stay, good food including fish... Quiet inhabitants, "batak" people, Christians by the way.... Tourism is not over developed but on the way...

evi S.

Google
You need to take ferry from Ajibata Harbor to Tomok for around 1 hour. The ticket for motorcycle is 32 IDR. I don't know exacly how much the price for people. Don't forget to visit Makam Raja Sidabutar and Huta Siallagan because those place have cultural and historical riches. During your visit in Samosir Island, you will see a lot of beautiful grave because Batak tribe praise the death more than other people. For them, death is an precious milestone. The island and the culture is beautiful. But I wish the local could be more tourist friendly.

Al G

Google
A bit of a drive from medan but worth the visit for the scenery and the local culture (and hearing about the dark past). Quite a few place to explore in the island but plan well ahead.