Batu Katak (Frog Stone) is a tourist area that has a clear river under the hills of Bahorok in Langkat. It is about 2.5 hours from Medan. To see it on the map, click here.
During his visit a few months ago, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno said that tourism based on environmental sustainability using digital was in great demand. In the future, thematic training will be held here at Batu Katak, in order to encourage marketing. In advancing tourist destinations, he wants to really fight for Langkat Regency. He said that apart from needing road repairs, wifi is also necessary because tourism cannot develop if there is no network.
What’s Special
The Batu Katak river is under shady trees inside the Gunung Leuser National Park, a protected forest area. Some currents are strong, some are light, and you can choose which one to bathe in. Besides the natural bath, you can also enjoy the sensation of adventure into some caves: Cave of Match, Cave of Pupuk Mentar, Cave of Water, Cave of Batu Rijal, Cave of Door Wind, and Cave of Mbelin.
What to Enjoy
- The caves
Explore the caves. Take tour guide services to ensure your safety. The caves are dark so bring a flash light to get the most out of them. You will find unique structure and environment in each of them.
- Batu Batak bath
Soak in natural baths. This is what most visitors do. The water at Batu Katak is so fresh that staying inside it makes you feel good. After the bath, enjoy local food, especially durian. Durian is name of fruit that has typical smell and taste.
- Rafting and trekking
Get your adrenaline pumping with rafting and trekking. There is a rafting line along the river. Separately, you may want to join a trekking tour of Mount Kapur. Both ventures require guide services.
- Flora and fauna
See a variety of flora and fauna. As mentioned earlier, Batu Katak is inside the Gunung Leuser National Park. The park is home to about 130 species of mammals and 325 species of birds.
- Local culture
Tour the culture and interact with local residents. The majority of the people here is from the Karo tribe. When possible, attend a wedding party to see their traditional food, clothes, dances, and musical instruments.
What to Expect
Entrance fees vary depending on which attractions you enjoy. For example, Batuk Katak bath charges an entrance fee of Rp 3,000 ($0.20). The car parking fee is Rp 10,000 ($0.80), motorcycle parking fee is Rp 5,000 ($0.40).
You are recommended to use the services of tour guides to maximize your experience, as they can tell you what to do for the best excitement. Bargain their fees in advance, but they should not be more than Rp 200,000 ($ 15) per day. Bring camping equipment if you who want to spend more time by the river or in the jungle.
What Visitors Say
“Good location and need a lot of care and public facilities needed, for the comfort level of visitors.” Candra Maulana (Source)
“Great, the water is clear and cold.” Yudi Bodonx (Source)
“Nice tourist place for trips to the forest, to caves and rafting on rubber tubes connected together by a rope. Also the seat of Green Life – Tiger House (Czech-Indonesian forest reserve).” Jiří “Jerry Panther” Janas (Source)
“Usually people always enjoy river bathing in the natural tourism of Batu Katak. The place is relatively safe and comfortable for children. Because the river water that flows is not deep and the water looks clear green. Understandably, this water is still water flowing from Mount Louser.” blogger parenting (Source)
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