For a beautiful getaway with nature, culture, and comfort, this Medan Tour Package travel guide will help you explore the best attractions, accommodations, and activities around Danau Toba.
You can find boutique resorts with great views of Lake Toba. Cultural spots exist on Samosir Island. Perfect for both luxury travelers and families on vacation.
This blog post covers everything you need to know. It includes when to go, what to do, and where to eat and stay. You will also find a sample itinary for a 4-day, 3-night Medan package.
✨ Why Visit Medan & Lake Toba? Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Danau Toba Medan is Southeast Asia’s largest volcanic lake, located in North Sumatra. Surrounded by lush hills and dotted with Batak traditional villages, Lake Toba offers both relaxation and adventure. The nearby city of Medan acts as the perfect gateway, combining colonial charm with diverse cuisine and bustling markets. Whether you’re planning a romantic relaxing place or getaway or a multigenerational getaway, a Medan Lake Toba tour offers unforgettable memories.
☀️ Best Time for Your Medan Lake Toba Tour
Planning your Medan Lake Toba travel at the right time makes all the difference. Here’s a seasonal breakdown to help you decide:
Dry Season (May to September)
This is the best time to visit. Expect clear skies, calm waters on Lake Toba, and ideal conditions for sightseeing, trekking, and boat rides. Perfect for families and luxury travelers.
Transitional Months (October to November)
Mild rains start rolling in, but landscapes turn lush and green. Tourist crowds are fewer, making it a good time for photography and peaceful getaways.
Rainy Season (December to April)
Expect heavier rain, especially in the afternoons. While outdoor activities may be limited, this is the best time for cultural tours and spa stays. Hotel and tour rates are also more budget-friendly during this season.
💡 Pro Tip: Even in the rainy months, mornings are often clear. Pack a light raincoat and waterproof footwear.
Travel Tip: Even in the rainy season, mornings are often clear. Bring a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes.
🏔️ Top Attractions for Medan Lake Toba Tourists
1. Lake Toba (Danau Toba Medan)
A majestic crater lake perfect for swimming, kayaking, or simply soaking in the view from a lakeside infinity pool.
2. Samosir Island & Tomok Village
Take a ferry to this culturally rich island. You can see the famous stone chairs, traditional Batak houses, and the king’s execution site. Don’t miss shopping for local handicrafts.
3. Sipiso Piso Waterfall
Marvel at one of Indonesia tallest waterfalls, cascading 120 meters into a lush canyon. The ideal photo stop offers an extraordinary view of Lake Toba.
4. Berastagi Highlands
Cool mountain air, volcano treks, and strawberry farms. Perfect for kids and a change of scenery.
5. Taman Simalem Resort
A high-end retreat with jungle trails, an organic farm, and dramatic views over the lake. Great for family bonding or spa indulgence.
6. Maimun Palace, Medan
Royal gold interiors and a fusion of Islamic, Malay, and European architecture.
7. Tjong A Fie Mansion
Step back into Medan (Explore Medan’s tourism on the official Indonesia Tourism) colonial past at this beautifully kept or maintained Chinese merchant’s home.
8. Great Mosque of Medan
An architectural marvel combining Middle Eastern, Indian, and Spanish design elements.
9. Central Fruits Market
A vibrant stop to visit the central fruit market, perfect for tropical fruits and fun local snacks for the kids.
10. Patent Shop Medan
Stop at a patent shop to buy local food products like Teng Teng or Ting Ting—a family-favorite peanut candy.
🍽️ Local Cuisine & Where to Try It
Must-Try Dishes:
- Arsik: Spicy Batak-style fish
- Naniura: Batak “sashimi” (citrus-marinated fish)
- Saksang: Pork with Batak spices (for adventurous palates)
- Bika Ambon & Lapis Legit: Layered Indonesian cakes
- Lontong Sayur Medan: Coconut curry rice cakes, great for breakfast at the hotel
Top Restaurants:
- Tip Top Restaurant (Medan) – old-style buildings, Indonesian-Western fusion
- Mujur Nauli (Parapat) – Best for Batak cuisine with views of Lake Toba
- The Thirty-Six (Medan) – Modern café with family-friendly menu
- Garuda Restaurant (Medan) – Nasi Padang buffet perfect for foodies
🧭 Hidden Gems & Lesser-Known Spots
- Holbung Hill: Sunrise trek on Samosir Island with panoramic views
- Lumban Suhi-Suhi Village: Learn ulos weaving from Batak artisans
- Efrata Waterfall: Peaceful, lesser-known alternative to Sipiso Piso
- Bukit Indah Simarjarunjung: Scenic selfie spot with hanging swings and treetop cafes
🛡️ Safety Tips & Cultural Etiquette
- Safety: Generally safe, but avoid walking in unfamiliar areas after dark. Stick to bottled water.
- Etiquette:
- Greet locals with “Horas”
- Dress modestly in temples/villages
- Ask before taking photos of people
- Remove shoes before entering homes
🧳 Sample 4-Day Medan Lake Toba Tour Itinerary
🗓️ Day 1: Arrive in Medan – Parapat – Lake Toba
- Arrive at Kuala Namu Airport
- Visit Central Fruits Market & patent shop to buy Teng Teng or Ting Ting
- Local restaurant for lunch
- Arrive at Parapat Lake Toba, check-in to resort
- Evening: Lakefront dinner, relaxation
🗓️ Day 2: Explore Samosir Island
- Ferry to Tomok Village
- Visit stone chairs & execution place of the king
- Cultural show + ulos weaving demo
- Return for lakeside spa session
🗓️ Day 3: Sipiso Piso – Berastagi – Back to Medan
- Morning: Stop at Sipiso Piso Waterfall
- Drive to Berastagi: visit flower markets
- Return to Medan for check-in
🗓️ Day 4: Medan City Tour & Departure
- Explore Tjong A Fie Mansion & Maimun Palace
- Lunch at Tip Top Restaurant
- Depart for airport
💼 Where to Stay
Luxury:
- 🏨 Taman Simalem Resort – Jungle retreat with wellness packages
- 🏨 JW Marriott Medan – Top-tier service in the heart of the city
Mid-Range:
- 🏨 Carolina Hotel (Samosir) – Comfortable with great lake access
- 🏨 Swiss-Belinn Medan – Reliable brand with modern design
Budget:
- 🏨 Bagus Bay Homestay – Friendly, clean, family-run
- 🏨 Sibayak Guesthouse – Affordable option near the lake
🚐 Transportation Tips
- Airport: Arrive at Kuala Namu, 45 min from downtown Medan
- Private Car: Best for families or groups—flexible and safe
- Ferries: Run from Parapat to Samosir Island every 30–60 minutes
- Car Rentals: Available, but local driver services are more convenient
🧠 Final Travel Tips
- Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) – Carry cash in rural areas
- SIM Card: Telkomsel is recommended for strong signal coverage
- Language: Bahasa Indonesia is widely spoken; English in hotels/tour areas
- Packing: Light layers, swimwear, sunblock, rain jacket (Dec–Apr)
📣 Ready to Plan Your Dream Medan Lake Toba Tour?
If you are planning a trip to Medan, consider a tour package. Lake Toba (Learn more about Lake Toba on Wikipedia) offers beautiful scenery. A great place for a luxury vacation or a cultural experience with family exists.
💬 Got questions? Want a tailored itenary?
📞 Contact us for your personalized Medan Lake Toba tour!
📧 info@indonesiatourconnect.com
📱 WhatsApp: +62 822 7750 8804
🌐 Visit: https://indonesiatourconnect.com
