Simalem is a tourist village with a total developed area of 206 hectares (509 acres) located at Merek District, Karo. Simalem is about 4 hours from Medan. To see it on the map, click here.
The Lake Toba ecosystem restoration program carried out by PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminum (Inalum) last June was assessed by Taman Simalem Resort, which is in Karo Regency, in line with their program.
Support was conveyed by the Main Director of Taman Simalem Resort Sabaruhum Tambunan at the Coordination Meeting of the Lake Toba Ecosystem Rescue Team and Submission of Tree Seeds initiated by Doni Monardo from the Lake Toba Recovery Task Force in collaboration with the North Sumatra Provincial Government at Taman Simalem Resort last Wednesday.
Taman Simalem Resort is ready to work with Inalum. There are 160 hectares of land being maintained for forest areas as a form of commitment to preserving the nature around Lake Toba.
What’s Special
Simalem boasts not only a natural scenery of pine forest and Lake Toba. But, it also shows off a well-integrated park including a hotel and resort, outing and camping grounds, and some gardens. Here, you shall find a fruit garden, an animal garden, and a flower garden. In the fruit garden, the property owners have arranged the plantation of various fruit and vegetable (citrus, wasabi, dutch eggplant, avocado, etc.) neatly in one location. You will find similar setups in the animal and flower gardens, too. There are also a few small parks at Simalem, i.e. Fountain of Wealth, Pearl of Lake Toba, and Tongging Point.
Simalem is also home to a temple, flying fox bridges, cliff climbing prototypes, and a golf course. Not surprisingly, the architecture of hotel and other buildings combine the Batak and modern look.
What to Enjoy
Take the tour of the forest to Twin Waterfalls and ends at One Tree Hill. One Tree Hill is the spot from where you can see everything around the Taman Simalem Resort, Tongging Village, and Sipiso-Piso Hill from a distance. After that, tour the gardens and parks.
If you love adventure, you can play paintball and paragliding, or join the hiking. Some restaurants and cafes are facing Lake Toba, too.
What to Expect
Entrance ticket prices vary. For pedestrian it is Rp 50,000 ($ 3.50), motorcycle Rp 85,000 ($6), 8-seat minibus Rp 250,000 ($17.50), minibus of maximum 15 seats Rp 500,000 ($35), coach of maximum 20 seats Rp 900,000 ($60). coach of more than 20 seats Rp 1,200,000 ($85). You will receive a booklet of Taman Simalem Resort, a map, and discount vouchers that are redeemable into facilities, fresh vegetables, or soft drinks.
What Visitors Say
“Nice view,cool weather,delicious breakfast and a great ambience.” Celli (Source)
“Been here many times, just to enjoy the breathtaking “Danau Toba”, full view from the upper hill with family. Fresh air, best view, nice coffee shop, and they also sell green products. Those who loves photographs, will surely love this spot.” Richard S (Source)
“Just like painting..so amazing. A special place for you to relax, with very fresh air, trees are everywhere, many activities you can choose, and also you can buy organic groceries here, they also have many kinds of tea,…” Butet (Source)
“Here you can see, The panorama of Lake Toba with a different ‘taste’. There is an area surrounded by hills or commonly called One Tree Hill.” Shafira Saravina (Source)
“At Taman Simalem Resort, you can see the beauty of Lake Toba, above an altitude of 1500 meters. this morning’s panorama really fascinates my eyes.” diarysivika (Source)
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