Lake Toba
4.5
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Tours & experiences
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Top ways to experience Lake Toba and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
37 within 3 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
868 reviews
Excellent
452
Very good
305
Average
81
Poor
22
Terrible
8
AZKA G
Medan, Indonesia5 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Lake Toba is a large natural lake in Indonesia which is located in the caldera of Mount Supervulkan.
This lake has a length of 100 kilometers, 30 kilometers wide, and a depth of 1600 meters.
This lake is located in the middle of the northern part of Sumatra Island with a surface height of around 900 meters
This lake has a length of 100 kilometers, 30 kilometers wide, and a depth of 1600 meters.
This lake is located in the middle of the northern part of Sumatra Island with a surface height of around 900 meters
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johannaloves2travel
Palo Alto, CA53 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
Lake Toba, Samosir Island and its surroundings are beautiful and culturally interesting places to visit.
I arranged a private 4 day tour with Bob Sumatra Tours from Medan, lake Toba, Samosir Island to Berastagi, Mount Sibayak and the beautiful Karo highlands.
The region features beautiful nature from the lake to waterfalls, volcanoes and fertile highlands that are the pantry of Sumatra and beyond.
The region features Batak houses and history, delicious food and kind, hardworking people. I was glad to have a knowledgeable guide in Bob with local knowledge and connections.
I arranged a private 4 day tour with Bob Sumatra Tours from Medan, lake Toba, Samosir Island to Berastagi, Mount Sibayak and the beautiful Karo highlands.
The region features beautiful nature from the lake to waterfalls, volcanoes and fertile highlands that are the pantry of Sumatra and beyond.
The region features Batak houses and history, delicious food and kind, hardworking people. I was glad to have a knowledgeable guide in Bob with local knowledge and connections.
Written September 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol081
Melbourne, Australia54 contributions
Dec 2019
My family of 11 including 5 grandchildren had Christmas on Tuk Tuk Lake Toba. Stayed 4 nights, absolutely beautiful area, locals and visitors enjoying Christmas together, a very special time. Christmas with a difference for my grandchildren we even played cricket on Xmas day.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Global43096738783
1 contribution
Apr 2023 • Solo
An excellent tour with Miranda +62 823-6775-0347 she was very friendly. Took me all over the island and beyond. Always felt safe with her driving. Tours are customisable. I haven't had a driver who was a woman before, they are sadly quite rare. But I recommend to any solo female travellers looking for a safe and reliable guide.
She also has a home stay available though it was full when I booked.
The lake itself is magnificent with many waterfalls cascading down the steep sides of the caldera. View points at every turn, water sports and activities to partake in. Unique and interesting local culture and architecture. The predominant religion is christanity so its a low key party destination, plenty of bars and for some reason widespread and open sale of magic mushrooms.
She also has a home stay available though it was full when I booked.
The lake itself is magnificent with many waterfalls cascading down the steep sides of the caldera. View points at every turn, water sports and activities to partake in. Unique and interesting local culture and architecture. The predominant religion is christanity so its a low key party destination, plenty of bars and for some reason widespread and open sale of magic mushrooms.
Written April 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jolieliew
1 contribution
Apr 2023 • Friends
We had the amazing 6d5n trip with leading by Mr Arifan. He will explain the history and story for all the places we went to. He will bring us to the higher level to have a better mountain and lake view instead of just drop us at the common view point. He is a very good photographer as well.
Written April 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AmboNabilah
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia1 contribution
Mar 2023 • Family
It was an amazing trip and the view was mesmerizing. Adventurous journey but worth the trip.
Total coast around 200USD /pax include ticket from Malaysia to Medan, and car rental include driver from Medan to Toba and Toba tour.
For muslim travelers, it quite hard to find halal food. But still can survive eating food from mart (Indo Maret)
Total coast around 200USD /pax include ticket from Malaysia to Medan, and car rental include driver from Medan to Toba and Toba tour.
For muslim travelers, it quite hard to find halal food. But still can survive eating food from mart (Indo Maret)
Written March 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Iin
Jakarta, Indonesia12 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
My husband and I visited Lake Toba for a few days recently. The views of Lake Toba from every direction were very beautiful and amazing. We stayed at Samosir for 2 nights and really enjoyed our trip, not only because of the views and the unique Batak culture, but we also really liked the food and the friendly people there. During the trip, our guide/driver was Mr. Arifan Hasibuan (081396525896). He has a lot of experiences in the tourism industry in Lake Toba area and is very responsible. Thanks to him, our vacation on Lake Toba became very memorable.
Written April 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MidoriBru
Brussels, Belgium19 contributions
Jan 2023
We were planning to rent scooters to drive around the island, but because of the bad weather (heavy rain), we almost gave up. Then, we found a driver/guide, Mike, in the town of Tuk Tuk and he drove us not only all around the island, but also the main land part of Sumatra. He asked us what we are most interested in at first. As we like to see the nature (view points, waterfalls, etc.), he chose the itinerary to meet our desire. His English was good and as he was a native to the island, very knowledgeable about everything. I recommend him as a driver/guide when you are in Samosir Island!
Written January 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KimL9050
Penang Island, Malaysia44 contributions
Feb 2022
Medan & Lake Toba & Berastagi. Travel around the beautiful places with a good & nice private tour guide cum driver Mr Arifan.
He is a responsible and easy to communicate with. He arrange the hotel, nice restaurant and also tourist attraction for us. Such as Lake Toba, Air Terjun Sipiso Piso & Mount Sibayak. So, we can travel in relax mood. Really enjoyed it!
He is a responsible and easy to communicate with. He arrange the hotel, nice restaurant and also tourist attraction for us. Such as Lake Toba, Air Terjun Sipiso Piso & Mount Sibayak. So, we can travel in relax mood. Really enjoyed it!
Written January 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Foo June
5 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
Enjoy Medan-Lake Toba- Berastagi nice view and local food with great driver and also good tour guide Mr. Arifan (Contact No.: +6281396525896). He very friendly and professional service trusted person.recommended good services
Written January 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kasmadi Munthe
Malang, Indonesia173 contributions
Tahun 2008 saya pernah mengeliling Danau Toba, karena teman-teman sekolahku ada di sekitaran sana, namun yang paling berkesan adalah di pinggiran Runway bandara Si Langit yang sudah menjadi bandara Internasional, kemudian dilanjutkan ke Parapat.
Bersambung
Gauri p
1 contribution
I understand after about 4 hours taxi trip from Medan airport to Parapat jetty to get to a hotel in Lake Toba itself (is ist Samosir Island?) you need to get a ferry to cross the lake and I learned that there was an incident in June 2018 when the ferry capsized due to carrying surplus beyond its capacity, almost 200 passengers drowned. So my question is is the ferry trip dangerous?
PaulSiow
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia2,731 contributions
Quite safe as long as not overloaded. There are life jackets on board. The boat trip is quite enjoyable. Try to avoid public holidays and the crowds.
zoeeetann
9 contributions
Hi Christie D. where did u find your tour guide? i m going next week but since im a single female, i am abit sceptical to travel wtih a tour guide and a driver, 2 men. Can you recommend your tour guide?
thanks alot. how much did u pay for your private tour?
Christie D
Langkawi, Malaysia44 contributions
Hi Apologies for not getting back to you sooner but unfortunately I only just saw your message tonight. Ronnie Betchak ÷62081362774855.He is a gentleman i would have no reservation recommending him. The costs will depend on where you want to go. He is fair and won't
try and rip you off. We loved Toba
Lynn L
Stockton on Tees7 contributions
Does anyone know the date for Lake Toba festival 2019
SGK
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia5 contributions
Hi.. i am planning for a trip to lake toba but i am unsure how many days should i account for sight seeing? What are the top 3 places would someone suggest to visit around lake toba?
Furuya Yohei
2 contributions
May I know that any daytour of hire a motorbike driver on Samosir Island and how much of it?any recommandation?
Tiara Tours Indonesia
Medan, Indonesia13 contributions
Hi,
The rate is approx USD 10 day - 15 USD / day
You may ask for motorbike at some hotel around the island
Thank
Arina A
Johor Bahru, Malaysia43 contributions
I'm going to Lake Toba end of this month. Anyone has the contact number for driver & transportation that can bring us around to the places of attraction?
AnneMiekeFSK
Eindhoven, The Netherlands1,197 contributions
Send me an pm please. Maybe I can help you.
Zhong Y
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia2 contributions
anyone has experience with Robby medandriver before? Thinking to book a package with them but I'm wary of its service, didn't see many reviews on it. Your responses are very much appreciated:) thanks
sylviatan2017
Singapore, Singapore2 contributions
He confirmed my booking by email, and cancel on me 2 days before my arrival. Beware, you may be left without a car if he gets a better deal.
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Claim your listingLake Toba - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Toba
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Lake Toba:
- 7 Days 6 Nights North Sumatra Tour (Bukit Lawang-Berastagi-Lake Toba) (From $740.06)
- 2D1N Medan-lake Toba Car Rental (From $200.00)
- Medan City Tour 3 Days 2 Nights (From $400.00)
- 6 Day North Sumatra Highlights - Jungles Orangutans Lakes and Volcanoes (From $967.80)
- 3N/4D Lake Toba Culture & Sunrise Soft Trek For School (From $437.09)
- Hotels near Lake Toba:
- (0.04 mi) Samosir Villa Resort
- (0.11 mi) Carolina Cottages
- (0.13 mi) OYO 1812 Dg Inn
- (0.35 mi) Horas Family Home
- (0.16 mi) OYO 2379 Hotel Sibigo
- Restaurants near Lake Toba:
- (0.09 mi) Juwita Cafe - Cooking Class
- (0.12 mi) Today's Cafe
- (0.11 mi) Tuktuk Pizzeria Restaurant
- (0.13 mi) Coffee2Go
- (0.19 mi) Sekapur Sirih Restaurant
- Attractions near Lake Toba:
- (0.65 mi) Roy's Pub Live Music
- (0.65 mi) Erick Souvenir Shop
- (1.84 mi) King Siallagan's Stone Chair
- (1.03 mi) Rumang
- (6.03 mi) Holbung Hill
Lake Toba Information
Excellent Reviews | 446 |
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Very Good Reviews | 305 |
Lake Toba Photos | 1,807 |