Tele is a hilly area west of Lake Toba in Tele Village, Harian Boho District, Samosir. There is a tower (Tele Tower) that provides an observation point of Lake Toba on the side of the village road. To see it on the map, click here.
What’s Special
Tele is the only route to access Samosir island by land. All other routes are by ferry only. The land trip will pass a bridge connecting Sumatra with Samosir.
Here are some of the things that make Tele special:
- Stunning views of Lake Toba: Tele is located on a hilltop overlooking Lake Toba, giving visitors stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
- Tele Tower: Tele Tower is a popular tourist attraction located in Tele. The tower offers panoramic views of Lake Toba and the surrounding area.
- Hike to Puncak Tele: Tele Hill is a mountain peak located near Tele Village. It offers stunning views of Lake Toba and the surrounding mountains. The hike to Tele Hill is challenging, but it is worth it for the views.
- Traditional Batak market: Tele has a traditional Batak market where visitors can buy souvenirs and local produce.
Meanwhile, Tele Tower offers an unparalleled 360° view of Lake Toba. The lake, the island, and much more are visible from this tower. Visitors can see the beauty of Lake Toba in all directions from the viewing post.
What to Enjoy
There are three levels of the post. You can walk up all the way to the rooftop to get the best view. Alternatively, get to the first and second floors for a moderate experience. Both stories have glass walls, suitable for viewing as well as photography.
So, what is there to see? On the left side, there is the legendary Mount Pusuk Buhit. On the right side, there are towering mountain rows, deep valleys, and green pine hills. There is also a residential area to see at the foot of the sacred mountain.
Before continuing the trip, enjoy some drinks and Batak cuisine in the rest area not far from the tower.
What to Expect
The road to the location is uphill and very winding. The width of the road is estimated to be about 3 meters (9 ft). So, it is advisable to be careful.
Here are some tips when visiting Tele Village and Tower:
- There is a small parking area at the village entrance.
- There is no entrance fee to visit Tele Village.
- Be respectful of the local culture. Tele Village is a traditional village, so it is important to be respectful of the local customs and traditions.
- Leave no trace. When you are finished visiting Tele Village, be sure to take all of your belongings with you and dispose of any trash properly.
- The tower is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- The entrance fee is Rp 10,000 (US$0.70) per person.
- The views from the top of the tower are stunning. Be sure to take your time and enjoy them.
- On a clear day, you can see Lake Toba, Samosir Island, and the surrounding mountains.
- There is a small cafe at the top of the tower where you can buy drinks and snacks.
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