Indonesia > On the way to Lake Toba

At half past four, the mosque near the lodge sounds. The call to prayer rings out loudly. Sigh! Once it’s over, I turn over for a bit more sleep. Unfortunately, the rooster also repeatedly tries to announce that morning has arrived.

Indonesia - The Sipisopiso waterfall has a drop of 120 meters

I turn over again nonetheless. At quarter to seven, my own alarm goes off. Today, warm water comes out of the shower—wonderful! Although I don’t mind having cold water occasionally, it’s also very nice to be able to stand under a warm shower again after five days. This is the first time on Sumatra. Shaving is also more comfortable with warm water. After breakfast, I set off for Lake Toba. The bus weaves through the busy traffic. I’m glad I’m not sitting up front. Cars frequently overtake recklessly. Sometimes Mario, the driver, has to brake sharply to avoid a collision. It’s cloudy today. I don’t think we’ll stay dry until the evening. Near the town of Merek, the bus turns off. A few kilometers further lies the largest waterfall in Indonesia.

Indonesia - The old Simalungun palace rests on twelve decorated pillars

Already from the parking lot, I can see the tall stream of water. The Sipiso-piso waterfall has a drop of 120 meters. Around the viewpoint, many local tourists and school groups are also present. Shy schoolchildren try to start a conversation in English, but it mostly comes out as giggling. At the village of Pematang Purba, I visit the Simalungun palace of the king (radja). The main building, the Rumah Bolon, was built without nails and rests on twelve beautifully decorated pillars. This was the residence of the radja. The palace remained in use until 1947. The radja was probably killed during a palace uprising. The route from the palace to the port town of Parapat runs along the crater rim. Lake Toba was formed 75,000 years ago during a volcanic eruption—probably one of the largest eruptions ever. The ash cloud caused a drop in temperature worldwide. A lake the size of the IJsselmeer formed in the crater. In the middle, a peninsula emerged: Samosir. I will be staying on this island for the next few days. When I arrive at the port in Parapat, the hotel’s ferry is already waiting. Each hotel has its own boat to pick up guests. I stand on the upper deck during the crossing. On both sides, the crater rims are shrouded in clouds. At the Tabo Cottages Lodge, I am warmly welcomed with a drink. The grounds are neatly maintained. My room is also charmingly decorated in the local Batak style. A perfect place to spend the next three nights.