Tomok Village is a small village on the east coast of Samosir Island, Lake Toba. It is right on the edge of the connecting dock to Ajibata, Parapat. Tomok is the traditional village well-known as the gateway to Samosir. To see it on the map, click here.
What’s Special
The number of tombs and objects of ancient megalithic and ancient relics makes this location one of the most important cultural destinations on Lake Toba. For example, you can find here the sarcophagus big stone chieftain of Sidabutar, cut from a single block of stone. The face is carved with the lion face-mythical creature, partly bull, partly elephant. In the saddle-shaped lid is a small statue of a woman carrying the bowl believed to represent the dead chief’s wife.
There are 4 things to see in Tomok:
| No. | Attraction | Description |
| 1 | Tomb of King Sidabutar | Grave complex of Tomok kings |
| 2 | Batak Museum at Tomok | A restored former residence of king and museum |
| 3 | Batak traditional houses | Beautifully painted traditional houses, with their backs facing the lake and granaries in front yards. |
| 4 | Sigale-gale Dance | Puppet dance show near Tomok market |
Together with all the souvenir stalls densely populated near the dock, the cultural sites are the main attraction of the village.
What to Enjoy
Here are some of the things you can enjoy at Tomok Village:
- Visit the traditional Batak houses. The traditional Batak houses in Tomok Village 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 Tomok Village can watch a traditional Batak dance performance at the village’s cultural center.
- Visit the Batak Museum. The Batak Museum houses a collection of Batak artifacts, including traditional clothing, weapons, and musical instruments. Visitors can learn about the Batak people and their culture at the museum.
- Visit the Tomb of King Sidabutar. The Tomb of King Sidabutar is a megalithic tomb that is believed to be the tomb of the first king of the Batak people. Visitors can learn about the history of the Batak people and King Sidabutar at the tomb.
- Enjoy the scenery. Tomok Village is located in a beautiful setting, with Lake Toba and the surrounding mountains as its backdrop. Visitors can enjoy the scenery by taking a boat ride on the lake, hiking in the mountains, or simply relaxing in the village.
What to Expect
If you want to buy the souvenirs, ask for a half price first and expect to end up paying like 60%-70% of the initial quotes. Always negotiate even though there are price tags. You will probably be asks to drink some coffee at a few houses you will find there. Give them little tips if you accept the offer.
Here are some tips when visiting Tomok Village on Samosir Island, North Sumatra, Indonesia:
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Tomok Village is a traditional village located on a hillside, so there is a bit of walking involved. It is important to wear comfortable shoes and clothing that you can move around in easily.
- Bring water and snacks. There are a few small shops in the village, but it is always a good idea to bring your own water and snacks, especially if you are planning on doing any exploring.
- 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 Tomok Village.
- 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 Tomok Village.
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