There is only one way to live, step by step, seconds by seconds, no one can skip a step/ a second in life. This is to remind us to always appreciate the smallest/ simplest details in life.

The first wander is local getaway, samosir island at lake toba. It is known mostly by locals, a small island where the native people is call the bataknese. Their language might not be very soft-spoken, but after a while, their warmest welcome is shown by their big laugh and long conversation.

Lake toba is the biggest volcano lake in the world (a lake on top of a mountain), and samosir island located right in the middle of it. It is one of those untouched traditional area with thick culture intack.

It feels like....
The first view of the lake toba is around 15 minutes before arrival at ferry terminal, half way through narrow road in woods surrounding, suddenly in spilt seconds the breathtaking view of the lake and mountains appear. Picture perfect. The first thought is "who could have guest?" very understated. A welcoming summer breeze welcome you with the warmest local and traditional feeling. And how that 3.5 hours ride was worth it.

How to wander....
Flight from singapore/ jakarta direct to medan (polonia airport). Car ride from airport to lake toba - estimated 4 hours (in traffic), 2.5 hours ( no traffic). There is only 1 ferri terminal to crossed the car over from prapat island (the main island) to samosir island (45 minutes).
At samosir there are Motorbike rentals.

Spots to see/do...
To circle the entire samosir island is 5 hours car ride

Tomok: the main area where tourist souvenir shops, local cuisine, and the tomb of the old king located.

Permonangan: the 360degree view of the entire lake toba. Must go. The car will ride through the mountain road where the view of local living is so real and thick. Along the ride is full on scenic view. The first pit stop will be a local style so call cafe with first class view from their wooden balcony. Continue the ride you will see the amazing waterfall direct from your car window just 5 meter away. Then at the highest point where the 360degree view of lake toba.

Ambarita: for those who love culture, This is a definite pitstop. Where the stone chair located. This is where bataknese ancestore held important meetings. With the surrounding of traditional batak house, which the locals still stay in until today.

Pangururan: natural hot springs

Sidihoni nihuta: this is a lake on top of a mountain that in on top of a lake that again on top of a mountain. This lake is belief by the locals to be sacred, the color of the lake will represent a vision. However, it is believe (not confirm) due to the 2006 tsunami, earthquakes has caused a crack at the bottom of the lake that drained out the water.

The lake toba: the most important attraction, jump into the lake (the water is great temperature) and the local kids play in it like its their plastic duckie pool (how environment shape us). And take a local ferri/jetski around the lake.

Sleep and rest...
Recommended: villa samosir resorts ( and the surrounding smaller on a budget accomodation).

Money talk...
Everything is affordable and cheap

End tale...
Local tourism that is not known by many is like a hidden treasure that our land left for us to appreciate. Enjoy the little things in life.