LAKE TOBA

My first visit to Lake Toba in northern Sumatra was in the 70s. At the time it was a popular tourist spot. I remember the tourist guide warning us not to ask for the price of anything for once a negotiatiion has started you have to buy. You may haggle but eventually you have to buy or risk a verbal assault.

These days Lake Toba is deserted with only a sprinkling of tourists. Even the touts have found it not worthwhile to hang around and waste their time.

Built in anticipation of a tourist boom, many hotels and guesthouses are empty or abandoned.

Now that US has lifted its travel advisory against travelling to Indonesia, things might turn around. For the sake of the Batak (the majority ethnic race), I hope tourists will return to Lake Toba.

The natural beauty is stunning. I stayed for 6 relaxing days.