North Tapanuli

North Tapanuli

¤ North Tapanuli is a regency on the southern shore of Lake Toba. Tarutung is its capital city. Other towns in the regency are Siborongborong (location of the Sisingamangaraja XII International Airport), Sarulla, and Muara. To see it on the map, click here.

What’s Special

North Tapanuli is famous for its natural sparkling water bath, among other attractions. Residents claim there are only two soda baths in the world (another being in Venezuela). Bubbles of fizzy gas pop through the cracks in the rock. While soaking and feeling the sensation of the hot sparkling water, you will enjoy the stunning view of North Tapanuli countryside.

It is also famous for Sibandang, an island inside Lake Toba beside Samosir. But, the shoreline around Sibandang is mostly rocks, in contrast to sandy beaches of the Samosir island in general. It is a favorite night fishing spot. So, instead of spending the day on the sands, you will spend the night on the rocks. Local people also call it “mango island” because it produces a lot of mangoes and sells them to other regions in North Sumatra. Residents plant almost the entire island with mango trees. The fruit is of superior quality with a sweet taste.

North Tapanuli is also identical with Christianity. The Cross of Love symbolizes the region’s past and present interest in the religion. Over 90% of people in North Tapanuli are Christians, compared to 27% in North Sumatra.

Points of Interest

Below is the list of some points of interest in North Tapanuli:

Natural sites

1. Huta Ginjang
2. Panabungan Hot Spring
3. Parbubu Soda Water
4. Sibandang Island
5. Sipoholon Hot Spring Bath
6. Tarutung

Cultural sites

1. Cross of Love
2. Sopo Partungkoan
3. Toga Aritonang Monument

Select North Tapanuli as your travel destination if you wish to visit Lake Toba and the above attractions. See all destinations.