<h1>toba lake</h1>

World famous is the crater toba lake in the Batak highlands; approximately five hours drive from Medan. toba lake is the largest lake in South East Asia and also one of the most spectacular, surrounded by tall mountains and with the large island of Samosir in the middle.

The centerpiece of North Sumatra,lake toba's bracing climate and magnificent panoramas clear the mind and soothe the soul. For decades a magnet from regional and foreign visitors alike, Toba has developed into a full-featured highland resort while retaining the rustic charm and relaxed ambiance that define Toba's attraction.

There are a lot of must-visited-places around Lake Toba, the top 5 of them are:

1.Ambarita

Ambarita is an ancient Batak tribal village on Samosir Island, in Lake Toba. It is located an hour's walk northwest from Tuk Tuk or about 20 minutes by boat. I visited it together with a small group of AsiaExplorers members.

What makes Ambarita interesting, from an anthropological standpoint, is that during ancient times the Toba Batak people of Ambarita practised a form of carnibalism. What remains today is the cluster of stone chairs where the village elders held council. Whenever an enemy was captured, the elders would invite the rulers of neighbouring villages to a conference, to determine the fate of the victim. The victim is held in behind bars under one of the houses.

2.Parapat

Gateway to Danau Toba, Parapat is a great place to stock up on supplies and enjoy the semblance of an urban existence before plunging into the rugged countryside. This is a necessary stepping stone to some of Indonesia's most interesting backcountry.

Parapat may not have a distinct tourism flavor, but it is well stocked with shops and hotels. Given its status as a secondary transport hub, it's also well connected to the rest of the region.

The pier to the south of town is the launching point for Danau Toba holidays. Ferries shuttle passengers across the lake to Samosir Island, a destination that was once known for its party atmosphere. Today Samosir is much quieter but still well worth the visit.

3.Simanindo

Simanindo is a small Toba Batak village on the northern part of Lake Toba, about 16 km from Ambarita. Tourists come here to view the restored house of the Toba Batak king. This house has since been turned into a museum. In front of the museum is a row of ancient Toba Batak tombs of the ancient Simanindo kings. Just as in Pematang Purba, the Batak kings of Simanindo are Christians. Hence there are Christian motifs in the design of their tombs.

Next to the Simanindo king's house is a replica of a traditional Simanindo Batak village. Here, traditional Batak dances are performed daily at 10:30am and 11:45am to a crowd that is almost always exclusively foreigners, and most likely Westerners. When I was there with a group of AsiaExplorers members, we were the only Asians watching the show.

4.Tomok

A traditional village with beautiful houses and ancient tombs. Tomok is gateway to Samosir and one of the main landing-points on the island. Rows of stalls sell an array of handicraft, traditional ulos cloth and Batak musical instruments. The 200-year-old stone sarcophagus of King Sidabutar built in the shape of a ship is its most famous sight. He was the Batak King that introduced Christianity to the Batak people. It is located a short walk away from the lake. Tomok is also known for the Sigale-gale dance.

5.Tuk Tuk
Samosir Island is accessible by ferry from Ajibata or Parapat. One of the main inhabited areas on the island, Tuktuk has been described as Samosir's answer to Bali's Kuta Beach. Tuk Tuk is the main tourist center on Samosir Island. It is a pleasant place for walking around, shopping and admiring the views over Lake Toba. This popular destination offers scenic views at very low prices. People come here to relax, enjoy the sceneries, eat well and cool down fronm tougher travelling in other areas. Culture is available on certain days and in other nearby villages anyway. Western tunes have replaced the harmonic popular songs of the well-singing Bataks.

source:http://www.articlesbase.com/exotic-locations-articles/must-visited-places-around-lake-toba-3817107.html