Hanging Stone (Batu Gantung) is a natural wonder that comes with a popular legend at Parapat, Simalungun. It is a large rock that resembles a human body that seems to hang on a cliff wall on the shores of Lake Toba. To see it on the map, click here.
What’s Special
This rock will make you stunned because it is indeed hanging on the cliff. About 2 meters (6.5 ft) tall, this stone looks as if it is escaping from the edge of the cliff and falling.
According to the legend, there was girl who lived with her parents in a small village on Lake Toba. Her name was Seruni. She was sad because her father asked her to marry her cousin while she loved another young man in the village. She took her dog Toki for a walk with her chaotic mind. Suddenly, Seruni fell as she stood near the lake. In her struggle for survival, she was able to grab the cliff but unable to climb back up. Toki ran home to tell the parents about the accident and to find help.
Upon returning to the cliff with Seruni’s parents, the dog tried to rescue her further. But unfortunately, he also fell to the cliff. Seruni, whose heart was still overwhelmed by sorrow, thought she would rather stay on the cliff than returning home to marry her cousin. She exclaimed “Parapat, parapat, parapat” to the rocks nearby. Parapat means “get closer.” The rocks began to stick to their bodies and finally formed the hanging stones. So, there is not just one stone at the site, but also another one for the dog. The residents took “Parapat” as the town’s name.
What to Expect
You need to hire a boat to see the hanging stone. It won’t be visible from the ground. You can use your trip to visit a number of other places and sightsee the lake from inside.
Visitors throw out coins into the lake to empathize with Seruni. So, bring some coins.
What Visitors Say
“Beautiful panoramic lake and hanging stone legend.” Budi Man (Source)
“Extraordinary.” Abdul Manan Berutu (Source)
“Cool tourism in the Lake Toba area.” Wawan Benny (Source)
“Become the allure of tourists when down or across to Samosir Island. To get a close look at this Hanging Stone, you have to rent a boat/ferry from Parapat port or you can stop by before crossing to Samosir Island.” Valent Huba (Source)
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