103. TOBA

Lake Toba is a caldera, the largest volcanic lake in the world. Smack in its middle is this huge Samosir Island, many times larger than Singapore. It's sparsely populated, chiefly by the Bataks, an indigeneous people...

 

We're very likely the last of the Mohicans from Singapore to visit Lake Toba after the rest of Singapore's been there and done it. It was quiet, we had every place to ourselves and received undivided attention from service staff ..... these days most of the visitors are from Malaysia. We did not bump into any Singaporeans.

We're not complete idiots, some parts are missing...at an ancient burial spot of Batak royalty...

Hot roti meals on wheels

Steam escapes from a side vent....

On the ferry across to Samosir Island, a short 30mins ride, with the island in the background...

Open advertising of a fungus which when chewed, gives a high. This is cultivated by the islanders from cow dung which is left in a warm room to allow the mushroom to sprout.....

Brastagi, up in the hills is cool and lovely to stroll around in.. 
This place is good for honeymooners, meditators and retirees to get away from the 'madding crowd'

With its cooler air, the flora is varied and interesting

 

It's fruits too are unusual - this one's pepinos...

Typical Batak architecture....