Haranggaol is a small town on the north shore of Lake Toba and is famous for its cave, panoramic view, and fishing. It is also famous for its sweet mango fruit. It is about 4 hours from Medan. To see it on the map, click here.
What’s Special
Haranggaol is famous for an ancient cave located right on the shore of the lake basin. According to the legend, the cave area used to be the place where Batak kings went out for vacation. It has become their favorite location because of the special privacy it offers. The cave is not visible from the outside. In contrast, there are great views from the cave. The front view is a combination of the green forest and the blue lake. Cliffs and valleys dominate the back view.
Haranggaol is also famous for fishing tours. Many types of freshwater fish live in its waters. They include tilapia, blue panchax (white spot), walking catfish, silver barb, tinfoil barb, pearl danio, and much more. You can also enjoy this part of the clear lake by swimming and diving.
What to Enjoy
Here are some of the things you can enjoy at Haranggaol:
- Visit the traditional Batak houses. The traditional Batak houses in Haranggaol are made of wood and have unique saddle-shaped roofs. Visitors can tour the houses and learn about the Batak people and their culture.
- Watch a traditional Batak dance performance. The Batak people are known for their traditional dances, which are often performed during ceremonies and festivals. Visitors to Haranggaol can watch a traditional Batak dance performance at the village’s cultural center.
- Enjoy the scenery. Haranggaol is located in a beautiful setting, with Lake Toba and the surrounding mountains as its backdrop. Visitors can enjoy the scenery by taking a walk around the village, hiking in the mountains, or simply relaxing in the village’s many cafes and restaurants.
What to Expect
You will pass a number of curved and twisty roads along your way to the area. Avoid traveling at night due to the lack of road lighting. But, hotels and lodging are available at Haranggaol.
Here are some tips when visiting Haranggaol:
- Be respectful of the local culture. The Batak people are a very welcoming people, but it is important to be aware of their local customs. For example, it is considered rude to show too much skin, so it is best to dress modestly when visiting Haranggaol.
- Hire a local guide. A local guide can help you navigate the village and tell you more about its history and culture. You can find local guides at the tourist information center in Haranggaol.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Haranggaol is a relatively safe village, but it is always important to be aware of your surroundings, especially when traveling alone.
- Be careful when taking photos. Some of the best photo spots in Haranggaol are located on cliffs or other dangerous areas. Be careful and watch your footing when taking photos.
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