Tongging is a village, a place to relax as well as to stretch. Located at the north end of Lake Toba, it has the height of 900 meters (2,953 ft) above sea level. It is within the Merek District, Karo. It takes 4 hours to travel by land from Medan to Tongging. To see it on the map, click here.
Ulos woven fabric is a traditional Batak cloth, especially for the Toba Batak tribe, in North Sumatra. Ulos are often used as ceremonial gifts because this cloth symbolizes the status of the Batak tribe. The uniqueness of this cloth can also be seen from the long process. Tourists who want to know more about the process can visit three villages, namely Tongging, Paropo, and Silalahi on the northwest coast of Lake Toba.
The material used to produce this cloth is colored cotton thread which is colored by dipping the thread in a natural dye solution derived from plants. To get the blue-colored thread is obtained from the indigo plant, the red color is from sappan wood and noni, and the yellow color comes from turmeric. Meanwhile, to get black, mix indigo and green, and mix indigo and turmeric. Currently, the production is more modern, using ATBM (non-machine looms). Then the threads used are also finished threads and many use synthetic dyes because the prices are more affordable.
What’s Special
Tongging is ideal for relaxation. It has a panoramic view of the lake, hills, and forest. It is an ideal lodging place for those interested in visiting Sipiso-Piso Waterfall and Gajah Bobok Hill as both are at Tongging.
Tongging is also perfect for stretching. There are many things to do there, from swimming and playing with fresh water, walking around enjoying the scenery around the settlement, fishing, paragliding, to hiking and trekking to the hill near Sipiso-Piso Waterfall.
What to Enjoy
Get spoiled with cool air and incomparable beautiful views. First, watch the scenery around the foot of Sipiso-Piso Hill. On the left and right side of the road you can see green fields planted with shallots, carrots, potatoes, and other vegetables. Then, after you have passed through this agricultural area, get another type of views from the top of the hill towards Lake Toba. The blue look of the lake and the green vegetation shall amaze.
After that, visit the icon of Tongging: Sipiso Piso Waterfall. It is one of the best waterfalls in the world. It is also the largest waterfalls on Lake Toba.
When you feel hungry, you can enjoy the typical Batak cuisine such as Naniura and Arsik at nearby restaurants. Make sure you try Batak fish. The fish lives only in the waters of Lake Toba.
What to Expect
The road from Medan to Tongging is exciting. The asphalt is smooth, but there are many curves and trajectories along the road. And the scenery is decorate with green hills and Lake Toba underneath. Entrance to Tongging is subject to a levy of Rp 5,000 ($0.40) per adult upon arrival at the village gate.
What Visitors Say
“The air is very fresh, I still remember when I breathe to the air, very different. the view that you can enjoy is the vastness of Lake Toba and the flower garden there. the flowers are also beautiful, you can take pictures with the flowers but don’t damage them. family gather place is very suitable there. for road access is quite complicated. I have examples of photos, hopefully you are interested.” Ali Arman (Source)
“Really awesome view.. you must come to take a picture and enjoy the view.” Ardi Putra (Source)
“Nice place with fresh & cool air 😁😁.” Penny Thai (Source)
“At Tongging Beach Baths, we can see the vastness of Lake Toba. Actually the Tongging Beach Baths are Lake Toba but in different districts. From there too, we can enjoy the beautiful mountain ranges. Some of my friends took a bath and some fished in Lake Toba even though the hooks were borrowed from other visitors.” Bocah Udik (Source)
“Along the 5 km journey, I amaze to follow this beautiful natural mosaic. On the left and right, beautiful green hills stand with blue water that blends serenely with pines that are like squirrels in the northern corner of Lake Toba.” diarykarim (Source)
Next point of interest: