Super-Volcanic

Lake Toba was formed in a dramatic event that, according to scientists, also had a direct impact on the development of the planet and the human race. Somewhere between 69,000 and 77,000 years ago the Toba volcano staged the world’s most powerful eruption in the past 25 million years. The “super-volcanic” or “mega-colossal” eruption left a huge, deep crater that filled with water.

Around 40,000 years later, the magma chamber beneath the lake started to move upwards, and Samosir Island emerged from the depths. Ash from the Toba eruption was dumped all over Southeast Asia in a layer ranging from 15 centimetres to several metres thick, and also covered the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and South China Sea. The dust in the atmosphere depressed average global temperatures by 3-5 degrees Centigrade (and up to 15 degrees in higher latitudes) and plunged the whole world into volcanic winter for a decade. Some scientists say the Toba event was responsible for a 1,000-year global cooling period that caused a human “genetic bottleneck”. Most of the world’s animal and plant life died off in droughts and other severe climate phenomena, and only 3,000 to 10,000 early humans – from whom we are all descended – remained.

As a consequence of Toba’s eruption, our ancestors were forced to devise survival strategies that kickstarted the evolution of modern man and made us who we are today, so the theory goes. Good to know Samosir lies between 900 and 1700 metres above sea level, which keeps temperatures at an average of 20 degrees Centigrade. Nights and rainy days can be cold, so bring some warm clothes. The local people are friendly and welcoming, and will greet you with a heartfelt “horas”. To toast your new Batak friends, say “lissoi”. Do not worry about being cut off from the world as it is not hard to find internet facilities on Samosir, especially in the guesthouses, hotels and cafés in Tuk Tuk.

The nearest airport is in Medan, three hours by car, From Parapat there are frequent ferries to Tuk Tuk and the neighbouring town of Tomok, on Samosir. There are also private boats for hire. If you are going to Tuk Tuk, ask the ferry master to drop you at the jetty of your hotel or guesthouse. The crossing normally takes around an hour, but the water can get choppy during the northeastern monsoon season (September to January) when strong winds sweep down the steep sides of the caldera.


Whenever you decide to explore North Sumatera, just get in touch at Explore-Sumatera. It's our pride to introduce you to the most beautiful and fascinating Lake Toba, that happened to be our home sweet home.

There are many type of accommodation available on Samosir Island, so there is nothing to worry about.
Please feel free to get in touch here,  Samosir Island
You can tell us what you have in mind, to make this trip of yours happen.




But if  you only want to make a short getaway to Batam Island, please feel free to contact us here Barelang,

where you can enjoy the seaside and the best seafood with best price. Feel free to contact us, we will assist you to the best of your choices.