Berastagi North Sumatera

Jakarta has a peak tourism as well as with Lembangnya Bandung, Medan has also the peak tourist attractions are no less interesting and beautiful. Namely Brastagi area, a trip from Medan to Berastagi take 1.5 to 2 hours using a private vehicle travel. With public transport can be taken within 3 hours, because the distance the city of Medan to Berastagi travel approximately 50km away. along the way we can enjoy beautiful views to the left and right beside the road we could see the scenery of tea plantation and tobacco, and daily activities of society northern Sumatra.

Before entering the Brastagi we will pass Kaban ginger, here a lot of tea plantations and tobacco plantations, many traditional markets around Kaban this ginger. Activities of traders and buyers in the market eligible to be photographed, and the people were very friendly with the arrival of tourists and tourists who see. After that we went on a trip to Berastagi, here the air was getting cool and cold. He wanted to stop by dikedai coffee to enjoy coffee and the view around the mountains.

Berastagi is a very beautiful area, the area which is located in North Sumatra that have a height of 1400 meters above sea level. The air here is very clean and cool, this

because it is surrounded by mountains and forests - forests that are very beautiful. Does not feel the trip as long as 1.5 hours a lot of fun. From the hills we can enjoy views of the green and could see the volcano and Sibayak Sinabung. Sibayak volcano is still active today and has a height of 2000 meters, the location of this Sibayak mountain not far from Berastagi.

Not only that, Brastagi very famous for vegetables and fruit - fruit, fruit that is very famous here is passion fruit. Passionfruit Brastagi very popular until the whole of Indonesia, and many made quintessence syrup. Indeed dibrastagi if we do not enjoy the fruits Brastagi did not complete it's like, let alone cold weather and cool very supportive of us to eat more food.

After that we continued to Tongging attractions, there are a large waterfall that is Sipiso Piso waterfall. Piso name means knife, this waterfall is sharp and in surrounded by a deep ravine in the northern Sumatran tana, the distance to the location of this waterfall that is 24 km from Kabanjahe. and is located around the edge

Northern part of Lake Toba. Disekiling has views of waterfalls and gorges are very beautiful, high-piso waterfall Sipiso approximately 130 meters. I am very interested to get to this waterfall, as the distance from the top down this waterfall is pretty much when on foot. Finally I decided to walk down a path toward Sipiso piso Waterfall, to walk a steep curve and this should be very cautious. Many paths that have been damaged and not infrequently we have to crawl and clinging to the side of the road, it is advisable to use shoes and drinking water to taste. Fortunately in every way a lot of residential houses are made for the rest of the walkers feet, so if you are not strong or sudden rain during the trip we can get enough rest.

Arriving based Sipiso Piso Waterfall, lost our sense of fatigue because of the river and waterfall scenery seen directly is very beautiful. Eve is radiated very cool because debris from the ears of water waterfall wet our face that makes us linger longer live under, after taking some photos we finally continued our journey upward. At the time of behind the new road was tired, because it does not feel way to the waterfall is down. And now we have to climb up and over.

Once above the struggle, we are in the Tour Tongging, tongging situated on the edge of Lake Toba in the north near Sipiso piso waterfall. It was from here is very beautiful view of Lake Toba, toba lake flanked by two mountains of rock along the bottom. We unwind here, after struggling to climb out from under Sipiso piso waterfall. Like tiredness disappeared instantly when we enjoy the beauty of Lake Toba, Berastagi leave a lasting impression for me. One time I definitely will be back again

SEMBAHE TOURISM

Sembahe is one of the resorts are quite attractive. Its location is not far from Medan. Only about 35 km diruas road Medan - Berastagi. With latency is only about 40 minutes by car, we've arrived at their destination without excessive fatigue.
Its location is quite convenient. Located right in the cool temperate areas in the region Deliserdang, District Sibolangit. Sembahe is a village that stretches along the main road between Medan, Berastagi. The village was split flow of the river that flowed freely. Elongated winding, rocky. River bathing place that is the natural attractions Sembahe River.
The water is cool and shady indeed have a considerable attraction. Many visitors come here to relax on weekends or public holidays. Especially if it was summer. Presumably they wanted to soak in a winding river flows like a giant snake.
Many baths in Sembahe, the largest baths located right after the bridge in the center of the village of Sembahe. This place is most crowded. About 500 yards away from where there are bathing Alam Indah, here, too many visitors. One kilometer from this place there are also natural bath Karona

Pantai CerMin

 

Pantai cermin

Walking along gandoriah beach about south side along more less 1500 meters, passing through the path with a lot of coconut’s trees and a shady of sea spruces side to side, along this path we will served by a lot of food’s kios which are sale nasi/ rices ‘SEK’ a.k.a Santai/ relax Enak/cozy Kenyang/ full (take meal with Relax, Cozy beach atmosphere and get Full), some specific pariaman foods –sala lauak-sala udang-sala cumi-sala kapitiang-sate pariaman, and etc. Finally come to the cermin beach, The name of cermin was refer to CEmara MIni/ mini spruces. The cermin beach located near by pariaman district government office. It is about more less 1.5 KM from downtown, with wide and slooping beach, a fresh sea atmosphere, are fix for tourism destination in pariaman city, such as picnic, held a birthday party, art and music performing, and sightseeing.

Pantai cermin....yeah may be u don't know where this beatifull place is.
cermin beach is located in north sumatera , serdang bedagai,about a hour drive from medan.
The first ever water theme park in North Sumatera, situated at Serdang Bedagai and is only about 60 minutes drive from Medan. Get wild and wet with our wide array of pools for water based fun. There is something for everybody from exciting water slide rides to relaxing lazy pools. Have a go at the swimming pool while children splash it out at the children’s pool under the watchful eye of mommy and daddy. End your day with a satisfying meal at our two restaurants. Choose from fresh - just caught off the coast - seafood to international favorites.
Nestled in Pantai Cermin amid lush greenery and sandy beaches, Pantai Cermin Resort Hotel offers an unforgettable holiday experience for your and your family and friends. We offer a wide variety of attractions including our water theme park, business center, gym, conference room and other facilities to make your stay a memorable one..

Tongging..

 

Tongging

Tongging located on the south approximately 35 km from Berastagi Lake Toba is located right dipinggiran. From this location looked very free and beautiful expanse of blue water that surrounded the lake Toba string of hills and mountains up to around the island of Samosir. This unique panorama diperindah longer with the mountain peaks and Sipiso-piso waterfall Tongging on the left and right, revealing a stunning panorama.

FAITH GARDEN TOUR

Taman Iman

 Faith Recreation Park, an appropriate name for the location that contains a million of this meaning. Pine lined brought coolness to the eye. . Garden of Faith is located at Dairi, District Sidikalang. There are a lot of beautiful scenery and charming, there are also places of worship. The building houses of worship worship each religion seems stand strong. All houses of worship there. As if Dairi want to show that the religious diversity of mutual harmony and unity is something noble and decent values ​​instilled Like:

1. Mosque

2. Church

3. Temple

4. Vihara

5. Etc.

There are also travel story of the Lord Jesus was crucified, along with his mother named Maria.Jalan decreased, although tiring but at least a tergapai meaning from there. Reliefs that depict the journey of suffering of Jesus before ascending to heaven (The Passion of the Christ) was alive. The statues depict when Jesus was on trial, tortured, bore the cross to Top Golgata until finally He was crucified and buried in a cave.

 

Taman Iman

 

Taman Iman

Taman Iman

TOBA LAKE...

It is estimated that Toba Lake was formed during a volcanic eruption about 73.000-75.000 years ago and which was the most recent super volcano eruption. Bill Rose and Craig Chesner from Michigan Technological University estimated that volcanic materials that were spewed out the mountain totaling 2800km3, with 800km3 ignimbrites rock and 2000km3 volcanic ash that is estimated was blown (wind) to the west for 2 weeks. This incident caused mass death (destruction) and to several species also causes extinction. According to some DNA proof, this eruption also shrinks the humankind population to around thousands back then.
After this eruption, a caldera was formed that was filled by water afterwards and now known as Toba Lake. The pressure from the dormant magma, which has not yet erupted, caused Samosir Island to emerge. The region that now known as Samosir Island originally was a peninsula that attached to the Sumatran mainland. In this peninsula the Netherlands built the water canal 10 m width.
For the first time visitors, going through Medan-Parapat route seeing a lake as big as that made Samosir appear like an amazing grand island. However, the island perspective will certainly faded with the increase in Toba plateau visitor, Nias and the other places in the south, through Medan-Berastagi route. Samosir occupied a central geographical position in the Toba plateau region. With the declaration of the Toba Samosir Regency (the inhabitants 302.000 lives, the area with wide of 3.440 km including the lake) it finally ascend from only a shadow into a Regency. Moreover, the width of Samosir Island exceed Singapore (647 km), in fact Toba Lake almost twice bigger than Singapore. The Samosir image in tourism books as the backpackers location must be changed because this historic place must restore the greatness of its past.
Legend of Toba Lake
Once upon a time, lived a young orphan farmer in the northern part of the Sumatra Island. This area was very dry. The young man lived from farming and fishing. One day he went fishing, he already fishing for half of the day but still not getting any fish yet. So he returned home for the day turns to night, but when he nearly left he saw a big beautiful golden fish, he then caught the fish and brought it home. He intended to cook the fish right away but watched the beauty of this fish he then cancelled his intention. He chose to keep it as pet, and then he placed it in a big pond and feed it. On the next day, like usual, he went to his farm, and on the noon he comeback home, to have lunch. But when he arrived in his house he was very startled for the meal had prepared to be eaten. He then fears that the fish might be stolen, and then hastily he ran to the back of his house.
However, the fish was still in place, for a long time he thinks, “Who cooks those meals”, but because his is very hungry, he ate those meals. But this incident continued to occur again repeatedly, every time he came home for lunch, the meals are prepared on the table. Then one day this young man made a strategy to find out who cooks those meals, the next day he then began to commence his strategy, he then hide around the trees close to his house. He was waiting for a long time, but the smoke in his kitchen still has not been seen, and when he then intended to return home, he began to see the smoke in the kitchen.
"Hey woman, who are you, and where are you came from?” the woman began to drop tears, and then the young man saw his fish was no longer in the pond. He asked the woman, “hey woman, where is the fish in that pond?” the Woman cried intensely, but this young man continued to ask and finally the woman answers, “I was the fish that was caught by you”. The young man then startled, but because he felt that he had hurt the feelings this woman, then he said, “Hey woman, did you want to become my wife??” the Woman then startled, he stay quiet, then the young man said “Why are you silent??” Then the woman said, “I wanted to become your wife. But with one condition.” ”What is the condition?” the young man quickly asked, the woman then said, “In the future if our child was born and grew, never even once you said that he/she was anakni Dekke (child of a fish) ”. The young man then agreed to that condition and swore he will never say it.
Then they were married and granted a child. When the child was 6 years old, this child turn to be very naughty. Then one day the mother told her child to deliver meals to his father field, the child then went to deliver rice to his father. But in the middle of the trip, this child was felt hungry, then the child opened food package for his father, and ate the food. After finished eating, the child then wrapped it back and continued the trip to his father's field. On arrival the child gave the food package to the father, the father was very happy, the father then sat and immediately opened the food package that was sent by his wife to be carried by his child. But he was very startled when he opened the package there is only bones remained. The father then asked his child “Hay my child, why there are only bones left in this package??” And the child answers,” In my trip I felt hungry, so I ate the food.” Listened to that the father was very angry, he then slap his child and said, "Botul maho anakni dekke (Why you child of a fish),". The child is then ran home crying and ask to his mother “Mak, Olo do na in dokkon amangi, botul do au anakni dekke? (Mother, is it true what father said, that I am a child from a fish?) ” Heard his child's words his mother was startled. While dropping tears and saying in her heart, “My husband has violated his swore, and now I must return to my place.” Then the sky was suddenly become dark followed with lightning, thunder, storm, and rain. The child and the mother disappeared, from their footprint emerged a spring that flowed water as swiftly as possible. Until this area was turned into a lake, that was named as “Tuba Lake” the lake without mercy, but because of the bataks was difficult to say “Tuba”, then this lake was mentioned as

TUK-TUK @North SUmatera

The visitor also could visit Tuk Tuk to look for accommodation (inns and hotels), 42 km from Pangururan to Tuk Tuk or one-hour trip on car. Approximately 50 inns and hotels in various classes are available in Tuk Tuk. There are also several high-class hotels here. From the positive aspect, clearly tourism supported the local business. On the other hand, the physical development practical ignored principles of the business and town planning when businessmen rushes to built hotels, guesthouses, etc.
Entered Tuk Tuk is like visiting Legian or Sanur Bali in the early stage. With several shops displayed clothes and art objects, followed by cafes, discos and hotels. At night, a lot of rejoicing tourists (mostly domestic) surrounded campfire while playing the musical instrument and the typical Batak song.

Lake Toba - Samosir Island

LakeToba is not only an impressive sight to the eye, but it also holds a number of statistics that can truly show the enormity and importance of it. Its most recent evolution occured 100,000 years ago when a massive eruption caused the caldera to collapse on itself and thus form the largest lake in the whole of South East Asia. With depths reaching a staggering 450 metres, the lake covers a massive 1707sq km, bigger than several well known countries! To emphasise this point, Samosir Island, which is a prominent sight on the lake is the size of Singapore! With mountains rising on all sides and traditional Sumatran houses on the lake side, this is really one stop that is essential to any visit to Indonesia.

Arriving into the town of Parapat, we were greeted by the usual throng of touts, but these guys struck me as a little different. The first thing that they did was to give us information on boat times to the village of tuk tuk, on Samosir and help us with our bags into a nearby cafe. We ordered some food and drinks and had a chat with them, at which point i asked for some info on the island and each guesthouse that they represented. The guys were courteous to us and each other, not at all pushy and a pleasure to be around. If only all touts could behave like this i'd never have a problem in engaging each and every one of them!

When the boat arrived we decided to follow one guy to Samosir Guesthouse and from there walk to a couple of others and check them out.

Each tout took this with a smile and informed us that if they could help at any other point of our stay then they'd do their best. Sure they would get something out of it, but i'd rather give my money to someone friendly, than someone pushy, any day of the week. The small boat did a loop around the peninsula of tuk tuk and dropped each passenger at their requested hotel - all of which had small landing docks!

Sadly Samosir Guesthouse had no hot water rooms, so we walked around tuk tuk for 20 minutes checking each guesthouse in turn. The last place we ended in was Reggae Hotel, where the lovely owner showed us her rooms. When we told her we were still deciding, she told us that it was no problem if we didn't want to stay that night, but maybe it would be best to come back the following day to see the views from the room, as it was already pitch black.

As she wasn't pushy and her rooms were excellent value, i decided that this was where i wanted to stay. For $3 we got a room on the lakeside with a huge bed, hot water en suite bathroom and balcony with hammock, chairs and table. Pretty amazing value for money by any standards!

Having showered and changed into some warmer clothes - Toba is 600m above sea level and a bit chilly at night - we went to the attached hotel restaurant for our Dinner. The food proved to be just as good value as we were served up a huge portion of sweet and sour chicken with rice and 3 large pieces of chicken and chips all for $3. Due to the fall in tourism at Toba and the abundance of businesses set up purely for tourists, prices have plummeted, making it just about the best value for money you will find anywhere in Asia.

After Dinner drinks were taken in Samosir Guesthouse, which had a free pool table and table tennis table as well as a huge screen TV for sports and movies. With beer costing less than $2 for a 660ml Bintang, you would normally find such places packed, but Julia and I were the only guests that evening. Around midnight we began to walk home through the dark, yet pretty little streets, passing beautiful Batak style hotels, most of which stood empty. When we had nearly reached our hotel, i heard a thick Yorkshire accent approaching us in a group, along with 4 other guys. Jokingly i said to Julia that it was Ash, a guy from Bradford who we met in Manila several months ago. As the group approached i saw the long hair and began to wonder if fate really could throw us together again like this! As we passed i said 'Hi Ash', just to see if it was him and clearly by his bemused look of 'how can someone know my name in the middle of the night, on an island with about as many toursists as fingers on my hand' i knew it was! I swear, this World is smaller than any of us imagine :) Obviously it was decided to go to the nightclub up the road, where about 10 people were doing their best at having a good time.

After a few nightcaps, it was agreed to meet the following day.

The next morning i heard the lapping of the water against the wall outside our room and as i opened my eyes and peered out, i had a breathtaking view of Lake Toba in front of me. When the lady had said that maybe we would want to see the room in the daytime, she had not been kidding, this was a million dollar view and i felt almost guilty to be paying only $3.

For the next 2 days Julia, Ash and I hung out together and just enjoyed the tranquility of the environment. The food in our restaurant was amazing, the little walks we took were relaxing and not once were we hassled by anyone.

On a night time our evenings were spent down at Samosir Guesthouse, where we met a nice English couple called Stephen and Nicki and chatted into the early hours setting the World to rights.

On Wednesday we set out on motorbikes to take a look around the rest of the island and see the little tourist attractions. These included the Tomb of King Sidabutar located at Tomok, some stone chairs and furnishings at Ambarita, where criminals were beheaded in the olden days and eventually ending up in some hot springs at Pangururan on the opposite side of the island. Along the road we passed many traditional Batak houses and were blessed with beautiful views and good weather throughout. Back in tuk tuk that night, we rounded off a fantastic stay with a fantastic meal, at a little restaurant with an attached trout farm! A couple of fish with chunky chips were ordered and followed up with the traditional bintangs and a movie at Samosir Guesthouse.

The following day the boat picked us up to transport us back to Parapat, where we caught a connecting bus back to Medan. It ended a marvellous stay in a magical place and i can't recommend this place highly enough. Hopefully tourism will pick back up in the near future and certainly the quality and value for money on offer were second to none. Anyone reading this, go there now, whilst its still like this and not full to bursting like the beaches in Thailand, you won't regret it, i promise!!!

The Incredible Lake Toba

Lake Toba is one of the awesome natural   wonders of the world. This is a crater lake so enormous it has an island almost the size of Singapore in its centre. At over 1,145 square kilometers, Lake Toba is actually more like an ocean than a lake. This is the largest in Southeast Asia and the deepest lake in the world with a depth of about 450 meters.

Lake Toba is a place to come and sit back, relax and absorb some beautiful pristine scenery. As you sit and take in the view of the picturesque mountains set against the cool clear lake, you will feel the worries of the world melt away. As the lake sits 900 meters above sea level there is a cooler climate here making a refreshing break from the heat, humidity and pollution of the city.

It’s hard to imagine a more scenic place to come and enjoy hiking, swimming and sailing although once you arrive it might be difficult to resist the anesthetizing effects of the lake. The cool clear water coupled with the relaxed atmosphere and friendly people is what draws visitors from all over the world to Toba.

Venture onto the island of Samosir in the middle of the lake and you will discover mountains steeped in cool mist, clear waterfalls to swim under and locals taking their water buffalo out in the fields.

This is a place to come and enjoy the legendary Batak hospitality.Say cheers and enjoy some traditional palm wine with the locals. Sit and have coffee and chat with islanders keen to practice their English. Where-ever you go, it won’t take long to make a new friend.

On the main land, there is accommodation available in town of Parapat. Parapat occupies a small, rocky peninsula jutting out into the lake. On the way down to Parapat you will get some spectacular views as the lake first comes into sight as the road winds its way down the mountain closer to the shoreline.  In Parapat live the Batak Toba and Batak Simalungun people who are known as a happy and easygoing people, famous for their lively and sentimental love songs.

Many visitors prefer to take the more scenic option and stay on the massive island of Samosir in the middle of the lake. The original home of the Batak Toba people, the island has many traces of ancient days including stone tombs and traditional villages. This is where you’ll be able to discover unique and ancient Toba culture. The natural beauty of the island means that it’s also an ideal place to come and get away from it all. Samosir is accessible by regular ferries from Parapat.

Despite being a tourist spot for many years, Samosir still remains a natural and undisturbed natural beauty. Venture away from the small villages of Tuk Tuk or Tomok and you will find yourself in the country surrounded by farmland, churches and strange tombs peppering the landscape.

Touristm at North Sumatera

North Sumatra (North Sumatra), which has many sights and interesting potential, ready to serve as the national tourism sector, such as Bali, Yogyakarta and other provinces. Head of Culture and Tourism, North Sumatra, Ir Nurlisa MSI Ginting told AFP in Medan, on Friday, said the North Sumatra has a natural wealth that was quite special, it needs to be developed for a better life. As Lake Toba, one of strategic natural resources, prompted local governments need to prepare the supporting facilities to allow visitors to enjoy a trip to the venue. Facilities include an environment that must be preserved, hygiene, communities around tourist areas and even a friendly staff of local and foreign tourists. These efforts are expected to become more value as a choice of tourists visit this region. He has submitted the matter to the parties involved in developing the tourism sector, including with the Department of Roads and Bridges and Bappeda for road infrastructure to the North Sumatra attractions improved to facilitate transport. National roads to tourist destinations in North Sumatra as to Lake Toba, Parapat Berastagi, Sibolga and Nias was considered quite long and much damaged, and therefore should receive special attention and promptly corrected. Nurlisa added that the campaign about potential local nature is also very important and requires the role of all parties, both local governments and communities. One such campaign organized by Expo in Jakarta, North Sumatra, which is expected to attract domestic tourists as the main target. Socialization to the community in Java is a necessity, so that they are interested for a trip to North Sumatra. Disbudpar Sumut chasing the target for about 200 thousand visitors achieved in the year