Parapat is the biggest town on the north shore of Lake Toba with a concentration of lodging facilities. It connects the largest city in North Sumatra, Medan, with various destinations on the northern and eastern shores of the lake. Parapat is 4.5 hours south of Medan. To see it on the map, click here.
On February 2, 2022, Indonesian President Jokowi inaugurated the newest spot near the Parapat City monument which was named Pantai Bebas Parapat. Visitors can sit back and enjoy the beautiful view of Lake Toba right in front of their eyes. The facilities offered are also quite a lot, starting from the viewing post, skateboard area, and jogging area to food stalls.
What’s Special
Parapat is the most popular tourist destination in Simalungun. It offers the scenic beauty of Lake Toba and a historical tour of its own.
There is an old house at the tip of a peninsula that has a very steep cliff. Built before a 2-hectare yard by the lake in 1820, the building is a landmark of Indonesia’s defense of its independence. It is where President Sukarno (first president) was in exile for about one month during the Dutch invation in 1949. The Dutch wanted to regain control of Indonesia after the country declared independence in 1945. There are also some other neoclassical buildings at Parapat, which add to the charm of the town.
What to Enjoy
Parapat is a stunning tourist spot. It is a shame to miss it if you are visiting Lake Toba. Parapat is not only famous for the beauty of Lake Toba, but it is also home to many tourist attractions:
What to Expect
You will find the scenic views of Lake Toba just minutes before you arrive at Parapat. Entrance fee is Rp 20,000 ($1.80)/ car (including passengers). There are speed boats ready to take you from Parapat to Samosir island. They charge around Rp 500,000 ($37)/round trip of 4 people.
What Visitors Say
“A nice spot to view Samosir island and Lake Toba from a different side.” Teacher Life Story (Source)
“Need more nature? Just come to Toba Lake. You soul will be refresh and relax. Enjoy and explore the secret place near Lake Toba.” Hidayat Batubara (Source)
“The atmosphere at night is also not as quiet as I imagined. Time and again the sound of the horns of buses or trucks and ambulances passing on the uphill path near the gaze. Because it is indeed the Central Sumatran Cross route to West Sumatra from North Sumatra.” ibudilaaugusty (Source)
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