Northern Sumatera, with it's colorfull and ethnically mixed population, is after Java, the most crowded province in lndonesia. Currently it has over 11 milion inhabitants. As the capital of North Sumatra, Medan has a very strategic position.
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The proud of North Sumatra is Lake Toba, which was formed about 75,000 years ago during one of the most powerfull vulcanic eruption.Toba Lake was formed by a stupendous prehistoric volcanic explosion. The eruption was 75.000 years ago and leaving a spectacular caldera with wonderful landscapes. Toba Lake is the largest volcanic lake in Southeast Asia and the highest lake in the world, with gigantic size of 1.265 sq km and a depth of over 450m. NIAS Island, on the westcoast of North Sumatera has plenty of interesting places and some megalitic stone remains till nowdays.The traditional houses all survived the earthquake as they were originally designed and built earthquake proof, and they obviously did a good job. TANGKAHAN, In regard to Tangkahan, it is 5hr bus drive from Medan with not so good roads condition but so worthy to put in your ittinerary while exploring the nature of Sumatera's jungle.There is so much to do there with nature, waterfalls to visit and swim under, a hot water sulphur spring where one can lie full length with one's head resting on a rock and read a book. TOBA LAKE, Lake Toba is enormous and I thought it was a stunning place to explore, with the warm water and the lovely scenic view when the sun go down up the hill from your balcony.
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Bawomataluo- NIAS Island : the kings villiage is a large and morelikely a kind of traditional village, with an amazing position overlooking the bay and surrounding villiages, but if you want a taste of some less developed villiages you may consider a walking tour round some of the other villages nearby such as orahilli. From where you stay on the beach an easy walk will take you to Hiliamaetaniha which still has many traditional houses and monuments (including a stone penis!). TOBA LAKE/ SAMOSIR : There are a few traditional houses up on the plateau on Samosir Island in Lake Toba, but unless you climb the steep escarpment or hire a motorbike it will be likely difficult to get to them. There are museum type presentations at Ambarita (Siallangan - near Tuk Tuk), Tomok and Simanindo (Museum Huta Bolon).
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| What's really great: |
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Doing the tubing along the river at TANGKAHAN(as you can check on my TANGKAHAN's pics). It was so amazing as the water so clear and so fresh aout of any kind of pollution at all. The real natural jungle of Sumatera can be seen in here by staying in one of the hut up the river, so kind of back to nature things... We do go on jungle treks for exploring the jungle during the day. This Tangkahan is so primitive style to live with as no mordern facilities can be found easily for the days.
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The little village of Bukit Lawang is situated on the eastern banks of the pretty Bahorok river.
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| Accommodations: |
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The clear water of TANGKAHAN
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Sederhana Inn for budget stlye hotel, right in the centr of city close to WATER TOWER (as the lanmark of MEDAN city).
WWW.tripadvisor.com/medan/sederhana_inn
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MERDEKA WALK/ Food centre.
Right in the center of Medan with the open-air atmosphere for dinning, surrounded with many old-Dutch style building arround the park. Many varieties of food, including western, chinese and Traditional Indonesian food available here.....
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Published on Saturday August 18th, 2007
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Fri, Sep 07 2007 - 12:15 PM
 by delfster
hi jansen...
i love your report.
i go to medan almost every year. since my parents came from medan. i hope you had great experience there.
cheers,
delvi |
Tue, Aug 21 2007 - 01:29 AM
 by downundergal
Good effort and a nice read!
Cheers,
Kerrie |
Sun, Aug 19 2007 - 03:19 PM
by mistybleu
Nice report, very interesting.
All the best - Amanda |
Sun, Aug 19 2007 - 05:33 AM
by davidx
| Good, interesting and informative report. |
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