- Region: North Sumatra
- Height above sea level: 904 m
- Dimensions: 87x27 km
- Area: 1103 sq. M. km
- Volume: 240 cu. km
- Maximum depth: 505 m
- Type of mineralization: fresh
- The catchment area is 3658 square kilometers. km
The island of Sumatra is famous for its beautiful, exotic and truly amazing nature. For example, here is located the largest and deepest of the volcanic lakes of Southeast Asia. It strikes travelers with an unusual story, but even more - with its beauty. Toba is one of the most popular tourist sites of Sumatra and the whole of Indonesia . We learn more about it.
How did the lake form?
Approximately 74 thousand years ago there was a colossal event in its scale - the eruption of the Tobu supervolcan. The consequences of it were disastrous. The hot gas and ash reached the stratosphere and closed the Sun for 6 months, resulting in a "volcanic winter" on the planet, and the average temperature fell by several degrees. Then every 6th living thing on Earth died, and the evolutionary process was thrown back 2 million years ago.
The volcano itself exploded. His dome collapsed inward, forming a huge depression in the form of a bagel. Gradually, it filled with water, forming the same lake in the flooded caldera of the Toba volcano. Now its area is 1103 square meters. km, and the depth in some places exceeds 500 m. The width of the reservoir is 40 km, the length is 100 m. Cones have already begun to form on the slopes of the caldera, from which millennia later new volcanoes will grow.
About Samosir Island
In the middle of the pond is the largest volcanic island in the world. It was formed as a result of the elevation of rocks. Today the area of Samosir is 630 square meters. km (this is slightly less than the territory of Singapore ). Here lives the indigenous population - bataki. They are engaged in fishing, agriculture and craft: carved from the tree are very beautiful statuettes and trinkets, which are happy to buy up visitors.
The most tourist place on Samosir is the peninsula of Tuk-Tuk, where cafes, guesthouses, hotels and souvenir shops are concentrated. Tourists stop here, and then travel around the island to:
- to get acquainted with the culture of the bataks;
- visit local attractions ;
- enjoy exceptionally beautiful nature.
Experienced travelers recommend this place as one of the best in Indonesia. To see all his beauties best, renting a bike or a moped and rummaging around the island.
Lake Toba today
Despite the turbulent past of this area, rest here promises peace, pacification, unity with nature. The climate is warm, but not hot (+21 ... + 22 ° C throughout the year), which is a pleasant surprise for those who have already traveled the tropics. On Lake Toba, there are rarely many tourists, there is no crowd, there is no need to book accommodation in advance.
The banks of the Toba are picturesque and clean. Here grow mixed and pine forests, many bright flowers and aquatic plants. On the banks of the locals grow coffee, corn, spicy herbs, coconut palms. There are a lot of endemic fish in the pond. Can see:
- rice eel;
- pearl zebrafish;
- a raspy barbus;
- Javanese betta;
- Asian pike;
- batkskuyu fish (a rare, endangered species).
What to see on Lake Toba?
Of course, the main attraction of the flooded caldera of the volcano Toba is the local nature. It is stunningly beautiful: green hills, pine trees growing on their slopes, the clear blue water of the lake. To many Russians Toba is reminiscent of Lake Baikal. Among other attractions of interest to foreign tourists, let's name:
- the Sipiso-piso waterfall ;
- settlements of bataks;
- the tomb of King Sidabatar.
Eco- and ethnotourism are the main types of recreation on the shores of Lake Toba. Other entertainment is available:
- walks on a boat or speedboat;
- water skiing, catamarans;
- fishing .
Go here best in May or summer. If you decide to go on holiday in February, then prepare for what will be rainy, but not crowded.
How to get there?
To enjoy the beauty of the volcanic lake and rest on its shores, you must first get to the island of Sumatra. It is easier and more convenient to do this by air transport - the nearest airport to Toba is located in Medan . Further from there you need to take a taxi to Parapata, from where the ferry goes to the island of Samosir. Such a trip will cost 35-50 thousand Indonesian rupees ($ 2.62-3.74).
You can also reach Lake Toba from Bukit Lavangu, Berastagi, Kuala Namu.