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Prapat: Lake Toba – Haze on the Water

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Veröffentlicht am 1:34 19.08.2007 von explorerlfk



Many superlatives can be applied to the spectacular volcanic crater lake of Toba in North Sumatra. Apart from being the largest lake in South East Asia, it is also said to be the deepest lake in the world, reaching a depth of 500 metres in some places. In the middle is the ‘island’ of Samosir, which itself boasts an area almost the size of Singapore. The region provides a visual and cultural feast, so it is not surprising that it is a magnet for tourists. Unfortunately, it also seems to suffer certain unpleasant side effects as a result of this popularity.

The region is home to the resilient Christian Batak, and examples of their bold and distinctive architecture are prevalent in the area. Sadly, also prevalent are signs and banners discouraging the use of drugs. I scratched my head in confusion on seeing these, until I was approached on two separate occasions by touts asking if I would like to buy some ‘grass’. Ignoring them proved relatively easy. However, to have been accosted in such a way in the first place was slightly unnerving and disappointing.

Fortunately, this did not distract from the outright beauty of the place. Ferries regularly ply the waters between Prapat on Toba’s east coast, and the towns of Tomok and Tuktuk on Samosir. Not surprisingly, the views are spectacular regardless of the angle from which you take them in. You might find yourself taking hundreds of photographs in an effort to do justice to the scenery. A walk between Tomok and Tuktuk is also relaxing. You can take in the Batak culture and lifestyle, as well as such sites as the 19th century tomb of the chief of the Sidarbuta clan. Along the way, try to ignore the herds of buffalo roaming around freely. They will eye you off, but if you just keep walking on calmly, and present as little of a threat as possible, you should not have any problems.

If you are fortunate enough to remain untouched by the more unsavoury aspects of Lake Toba, then it really is airy and refreshing, and a nice escape from the grime and chaos of places such as Medan. With magnificent scenery and unique culture, it is little wonder that it is such a popular tourist attraction. It’s just a shame that this has brought along some unwanted baggage with it.

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Prapat Batak church, Lake Toba. Prapat The 19th century tomb of the chief of the Sidarbuta clan, Lake Toba. Prapat A very small view of a very large lake. Lake Toba.
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