Lake Toba is surrounded by stunning hills, each offering panoramic views of the lake from above. While Bukit Holbung is widely known, there are other hills with equally breathtaking scenery that deserve a visit. Here are some remarkable camping spots to explore:
1. Pusuk Buhit
Photo credit: calderatobageopark.org
Located on the western edge of Lake Toba on Samosir Island, Pusuk Buhit stands at an impressive 1,982 meters above sea level, spanning the districts of Sianjur Mulamula, Pangururan, and Harian Boho. This hill is deeply rooted in Batak heritage, as local legends tell that Pusuk Buhit is the birthplace of the Batak ancestor, Si Raja Batak. Traditional rituals and ceremonies still take place here, making it a revered site for the Batak community.
You can reach Pusuk Buhit by following the trail from Limbong Village, commonly used by locals heading for worship. To get to Limbong Village from Pangururan, take the main road toward Tele, then pass through Boho Village. The climb to the top takes about 3-4 hours, and along the way, you’ll encounter rare Edelweiss flowers and scenic viewpoints over Lake Toba and surrounding hills. Additionally, the trail passes by numerous Batak historical sites, including Aek Rangat, Simullop Peak, Siboro Village, and the Siraja Batak Cultural Village.
Entrance fees are affordable at Rp10,000 per person, with parking fees of Rp10,000 for cars and Rp5,000 for motorcycles. Adventurous campers can enjoy a night on the hill, with local guides offering camping packages starting at Rp500,000, including camp gear, meals, a tour guide, and photo documentation.
2. Bukit Indah Simarjarunjung
Photo credit: tobamuslimtour.co.id
This hill, located at Jl. Simarjarunjung in Simalungun, North Sumatra, sits at around 1,200 meters above sea level between Lake Toba and Samosir Island. From Medan, it’s a 2-3 hour drive through Tebing Tinggi and Pematang Siantar. The area is very accessible, with good road infrastructure and ample parking.
Bukit Indah Simarjarunjung offers a variety of activities, from trekking to flying fox rides. Numerous photo spots are available, such as swing sets, woven rattan seats hanging from trees, and a "Love" seat designed for couples. This hill is also popular for pre-wedding photoshoots, thanks to its beautiful backdrops of Lake Toba, Mount Sibayak, and Mount Sinabung. Visitors can also sample delicious North Sumatran food from local vendors here. Camping on the hill costs around Rp50,000 and includes facilities like toilets and mats. Nearby homestays and villas offer cozy, rural-style accommodations.
Entrance fees to Bukit Indah Simarjarunjung start at Rp15,000 for motorcycles and Rp40,000 for cars, with additional fees for attractions. The hill is open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., while accommodations are available around the clock.
3. Bukit Sitalmak-Talmak
Situated in Negeri Sihotang Village, Samosir Regency, Bukit Sitalmak-Talmak is 1,121 meters above sea level and easy to access. From Medan, it takes about 3-4 hours by car. If you’re coming from Silangit International Airport, take the road through Tele, heading towards Pangururan and finally arriving at Negeri Sihotang Village. It’s recommended to bring or rent a vehicle due to limited public transport options, which will also give you the flexibility to explore the area.
This spot is ideal for beginners and campers who want to enjoy sunrise and sunset views without an intense climb. The night sky here is a spectacular sight, with stars and the moon shining brightly. Visitors should bring their own camping and cooking equipment, and follow local customs, including rules about tent-sharing and food restrictions.
Bukit Sitalmak-Talmak is also perfect for pre-wedding photo shoots, with many picturesque angles to capture. Nearby Pangururan offers hotel options within 2-4 kilometers of the hill. The entrance fee is Rp10,000 per person, covering access to tree houses, gazebos, parking, restrooms, photo areas, and a camping ground. Bukit Sitalmak-Talmak is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
When visiting these scenic spots, remember to respect local customs and keep the area clean.
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