Treat yourself to a rewarding escape in a true land of discovery that is Parapat. This Indonesian town sits on the northern edge of Medan. If you're eager to reach Samosir Island as quickly as possible, this town offers the perfect launching point. Lake Toba exploration, the Tigaraja market, the monkeys of Sibaganding—this destination holds countless surprises. Your visit opens doors to a place where every corner reveals a new chapter of Indonésie.

Discovering Parapat

Parapat is a charming small port town, north of Medan, in the province of North Sumatra. This destination captivates with its serenity and pristine air. Its location on the shores of Lake Toba, on the Uluan Peninsula, provides an idyllic setting for water activities such as kayaking, canoeing, fishing, water skiing, paddleboats and speedboats. Administratively, it belongs to Simalungun Regency.

Recognized as the main ferry transit point, it is the departure and return point for all passenger ferries bound for Samosir Island. Perched on the inner flanks of the crater, the town offers exceptional panoramas over Lake Toba.

The town attracts travelers from around the world, drawn by its bustling market, a wide choice of numerous hotels and the opportunity to taste delicious dishes in local restaurants.

What to See?

Tigaraja Market

Every Saturday, a lively market takes place in Parapat, on the shores of Lake Toba. A palette of colors and fragrances envelops you, though certain odors—particularly from the fish section—may be less pleasant. Across the street, explore the section dedicated to clothing and other merchandise. And remember, negotiation is part of the experience when making purchases.

Monkeys at Sibaganding

Head about 5 km from Parapat toward Pematang Siantar to observe and feed the monkeys at Sibaganding. Buy bananas or oranges on site, as you cannot bring your own food for the monkeys. Be cautious as they can be quite bold. Keep an eye on your belongings.

Lake Toba

It is the world's largest volcanic lake, offering spectacular views from the town, a hilltop or surrounding landscapes.

Samosir Island

Spanning 640 km², Samosir Island is the world's largest island within a lake and the fifth largest freshwater lake island. You can reach it by ferry from Parapat in about an hour. Marvel at the magnificent panorama that unfolds before you as you make your way to this island. You will also discover the renowned Batak culture and traditional Toba Batak houses.

Climate

Parapat enjoys a tropical climate, with abundant rainfall even during the driest month. Each year, the region records approximately 3,093 mm of precipitation. The average temperature stands at 20.5°C.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit is during the dry season, from April to November, to fully enjoy the views without being hindered by clouds, fog and rain. If you wish to experience a unique local celebration, plan your trip for June or July to participate in the annual Lake Toba Festival.

For a wonderful cultural experience, plan your trip for June or July to participate in the annual Lake Toba Festival.

To get there from Medan, the journey takes between 4 and 6 hours and several transportation options are available.

By Public Bus

If you're on a tight budget, the best option is to take a public bus. These buses regularly operate routes to Parapat and drop all passengers at the bus terminal. Some buses can also drop you at the shores of Lake Toba. Some may have agreements with local minibus drivers, offering a route closer to your hotel for a few extra rupiah. Before boarding, make sure the bus serves the Lake Toba waterfront, from where most hotels are within walking distance. You can also ask other local passengers or check if the bus is heading toward Tigaraja, the market site on Saturdays, and the departure point for boats to Tomok, Ambarita and Tuk-tuk on Samosir Island.