Lake Toba (Danau Toba) is the world’s largest volcanic lake, located in Sumatra, Indonesia. Its surface area extends to 1,130 square kilometers (436 sq mi) and its body length spans 86 kilometers (53 mi). As a popular tourist destination a 45-minute flight to the northwest of Singapore, this place has many interesting places to explore. We have grouped them into 8 locations (see above).

LakeToba.com provides a comprehensive travel guide to Lake Toba hotels, tours, car rentals, and more. Below are some frequently asked questions about Lake Toba.

Why is Lake Toba famous? It has plenty of historic geological sites, beautiful landscapes, and amazing views. For example, Samosir island in the middle of the lake hosts many Batak cultural sites that you cannot find elsewhere. As such, Lake Toba has been one of the most attractive destinations in Asia. It is also one of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) global geoparks recognized for their significance to the world.

Is Lake Toba still active? Like any other super volcano, Mount Toba is still active in a sense that it continues to heat up underground. This is how hot springs in the area get their fuel. But, there is no imminent threat that the mount will erupt in the near future. Geologists from Trofimuk Institute of Petroleum Geology and Geophysics have estimated that it may take thousands of years before another blast is likely to occur. The last eruption took place 74,000 years ago.

How to get to Lake Toba? Local travelers from outside North Sumatra can choose among several land routes to Medan, then we suggest they book rental cars for convenience. The main road from Medan to Parapat (the nearest shore from the city) takes about 3.5 hours. International travelers should first book a flight to Medan, then follow the same suggestion as above. Lake Toba connects to the world via two international airports. See more.

What to see in Lake Toba? See the blue lake and its surrounding landscapes, Samosir island, local people and culture, and more. If you have more time, stop by Medan to see the city and how it stays in sync with Dutch architecture. At Bukit Lawang, you may also see wildlife including tigers, elephants, and orangutans. Two out of only three species of orangutans live near Lake Toba. See more.

What to do in Lake Toba? You can enjoy many points of interest during the day and the serenity at night. For instance, you can spend time with your family to play on the beaches or in the water. Water sports such as jet ski and banana boat are available at affordable prices. Make sure you also try local food. On top of that, Lake Toba offers trekking experience into the protected rain forest to see the wildlife.