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Published: June 25th 2017
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Let's just start by saying we loved it here and could easily have stayed longer than the three nights we had. To say Lake Toba and Samsomir Island is beautiful is a vast understatement. I believe Lake Tabo is the largest lake created by a volcanic eruption way back when, and I believe too that it is incredibly deep - don't you just love the scientific accuracy - but someone told me so. What I do know for sure is that it is huge, clean, and warm, cause I tested it myself when I went for a swim, and it was about the same temperature as the swimming pool. Surrounded by lush green mountain ridges and coloured with the uniquely designed Batak houses, it has a very definite charm.
But equally charming is the fact that it is still relatively untouched by tourism, very laid back and easy going, inexpensive, and populated with a gentle, friendly people - many of whom love to sing. I was surprised to note the amount of Christian churches here - in this predominantly Muslim country. There are both Catholic and Lutheran based Protestant denominations in Sumatra - who also, I am told, love to
Batak Houses
This design is unique to Sumatra, and evidenced everywhere in the hotel designs, housing projects, etc. sing during their ceremonies. Singing is also prolific in other settings, like the live music performances and jam sessions we heard walking around one night, one of which we actually stayed up late enough to listen to, and were pleasantly surprised to find a very talented band playing an eclectic mix of classic rock and pop, including Pink Floyd, Santana, Van Morrison, Sting, and of course, Bob Marley, all beautifully delivered.
The population here is very low compared to most other parts of Asia. Maybe everyone moved to Medan, city of many millions, or some other parts of Asia or elsewhere. This is, after all an island, where job opportunities are limited. But life on an island is more laid back, seemingly by definition, unless the island is Hong Kong, or Manhatten.
So we hopped on a couple of motor scooters and explored the village of Tuk Tuk, where we were staying, as well as cruising around to visit a bit of the island's north western coastline. It was good fun and great practise for the fairly soon to be travelled again, much busier roads of Bali.
Accomodations on Lake Tabo are plentiful, and many are located
right on the lake, so the ferry very conveniently drops you right off at your hotel dock. There is a broad range of prices to suit every budget. We chose to stay at a newer resort - The Tabo Village Inn - because it had great reviews, it looked lovely, and it came with fresh Belgian bread at breakfast, baked by the owner himself. Guido was also extremely accommodating in helping us arrange transportation, rent motorbikes, and even went shopping with Stan for medications for me when I was in dire straights just before we were about to commence our second twelve hour travel day in less than a week.
It was wonderful, and difficult to leave Lake Tabo after only three nights. But our time on Sumatra is limited, and we have yet to make our way to Banda Aceh and Pulau Weh Island, on the norther tip of Sumatra.
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Susan
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Gotta have 'em fresh or they just aren't as much fun right?