Bali is a safe choice; but if you and your partner love adventures and are up to discover new things, Lake Toba might be the answer.
Recognised as one of UNESCO Global Geoparks, Lake Toba is both the largest lake in Indonesia and the largest volcanic lake in the world. In the middle of the caldera lies the famous Samosir Island. It’s serene as it is culture-rich, making Lake Toba the perfect choice to slow down and reconnect with the love of your life.
Though it took three to four hours drive from Medan or Kualanamu Airport, choosing Bobocabin Signature Toba as your accommodation for the whole trip comes with privileges, starting from easy access to one-way airport shuttles to private car rent.
So buckle up and prepare to fall in love all over again in the mesmerizing Lake Toba with Bobocabin’s 3-day guide!
Day 1
09.30 – 10.30: Breakfast at Kopi Sio
Choosing the earliest arrival time for your flight to Kualanamu is very recommended. That way, you can stop by in Pematangsiantar for breakfast and stretch in-between trips.
Cool breeze, spacious area and comforting brunches, Kopi Sio offers various coffee and non-coffee choices as well as a spread of assorted dishes from ayam penyet sambal kecap andaliman to the good old aglio olio spaghetti.
11.00 – 13.00: Stretch and Relax in The Kaldera Toba
As you arrive at Bobocabin, it wouldn’t hurt to check out the nearby Kaldera area to stretch and relax before your check-in time.
The Kaldera sits on 386,7 hectare with the height of 1,300 mdpl, overlooking the small Sigapiton village tucked in-between two hills. You can take endless photogenic selfies or just stretch out your body to the beautiful view after a long ride from Medan.
14.00 – 15.00: Check-in and Unpack in Bobocabin Signature Toba
Checking into your deluxe cabin, you’ll be greeted with a rustic yet modern quaint cabin.
The wooden accent on the cabin complements the hi-tech features such as B-Pad that you can use to control the smart window, lighting fixtures, even a bluetooth speaker. At Bobocabin, there’s various ancillaries that you can explore, but for now, just take it slow by unpacking and relaxing after your long ride; your anniversary getaway has just begun!
15.30 – 16.00: Intimate Afternoon Tea with Bobocabin
Maybe you both fell into the comfiest nap for an hour or two. Don’t feel guilty, it’s what our Bobocabin is made for.
When you’re ready to explore, start small by indulging in an intimate afternoon tea by your cabin porch. While the Bobocabin x Oza Tea is seeping, take a bite from the complimentary gluten-free almond cookies and use the serene time to enjoy the company of your partner.
16.30 – 18.00: Sunset in Parapat
Photo: Fadli Azhari via Unsplash
Half an hour drive from Bobocabin Signature Toba lies Parapat, a small port town that connects the mainland to the Samosir.
Lively and friendly, Parapat is the place to go when you want to explore the area but aren’t too keen on going anywhere further. Besides, the sunset from the ports or the shores is an enchanting one to witness.
19.00: Reconnect and Unwind
Back at Bobocabin, nothing feels better than indulging The Perfect Feast, a curated stay package with an all-inclusive afternoon tea or hot chocolate evenings, BBQ set, and a special breakfast for the two of you.
After the BBQ feast, there’s plenty other activities you can do together; from renting the bonfire to roast marshmallows or corns, play with mini fireworks, or just stay in the cabin to watch movies with our mini projectors and getting to know each other all over again with TentangKita cards.
Read Also: To Love and to Hold: Bali’s Romantic Honeymoon Guide
Day 2
04.00 – 04.30: Bobocabin Breakfast
Start the second day really early for the adventure of a lifetime in Lake Toba!
If you take The Perfect Feast package, you can cook our special Bobocabin breakfast of your choice, or, try out the local signatures like Mie Gomak or Nasi Goreng Andaliman that will surely tickle your tongue and fill you up with energy–you’ll need it!
05.00 – 08.30: Sunrise Hike in the Kaldera
Nothing more romantic and thrilling than to catch the sunrise through a reinvigorating morning hike package with Bobocabin!
With only Rp150,000/pax, you’ll be guided through the nooks and crannies of the Kaldera with an expert. If you’re up for something more intermediate, you can also contact the host for a separate bike trip.
09.00 – 10.00: Freshen Up at Bobocabin
When you’re back from the morning hike, take the time to freshen up in your hi-tech cabin with an en-suite bathroom and a breathtaking view from your smart window. You can order some coffee or snacks from the hosts while you get ready for the next activities.
11.00 – 12.00: Ride the Boat to Tuktuk
In Parapat, there’s a small ferry or boat that departs every hour to two ports in the Samosir Islands, Tuktuk and Tomok. The ride to Tuktuk will take 30 minutes and cost less than Rp20,000/pax.
13.00 – 14.00: Lunch at Horas Restaurant
As you arrive in Tuktuk, you can arrange a scooter rental and take an 11 minute drive to both locals and expats favorite’s, Horas Restaurant. This quaint, vibrant, and humble establishment is the perfect choice for you to enjoy a nice and fulfilling lunch overlooking the beautiful Lake Toba directly.
Vegans and non-vegans alike can both enjoy their selection of western and Indonesian dishes. The locals also recommend you to also get their special lemon cake if you’re craving for something sweet and zesty!
14.30 – 15.30: Exploring Huta Siallagan and the Stone of Justice
In Ambarita, near the ferry port you arrived in, is Huta Siallagan. Recently revitalized, it’s the perfect place for you to get to know the local customs and culture. With only Rp10,000/pax, you can check out the stone court, where the criminals of those within King Siallagan’s kingdom are brought to justice. Don’t forget to bring back the signature Ulos that is carefully weaved by the locals here.
Read Also: Now You Can Craft Your Own Batik in These 5 Authentic Batik Village, Indonesia
16.00 – 17.00: Romantic Jetski Ride
Photo: Mary Markevich via Freepik
For the thrillseekers who can’t get enough, there’s plenty of water sports ancillaries that Bobocabin can help arrange for you, like jet ski, for starters. If it’s too much for the both of you, but you still want to enjoy the lake, there’s also the cute duck-pedal boat for you to rent.
18.00 – 20.00: Pizza at Jenny’s
Samosir nights aren’t perfect without a dinner at Jenny’s Restaurant. The ‘local’ expats are always drawn to this quaint joint. They offer a wide variety of meals, but their speciality lies in their cheesy pizza. They also provide local beers and wines, as well as fresh smoothies. Jenny’s will close your Samosir experience on a nice note before you go back to the mainland and spend your last night of anniversary getaway with Bobocabin.
Day 3
10.00 – 12.00: Close your Toba Chapter with Rumah Makan Elizabeth
After checking out of Bobocabin, make sure to stop by Parapat before you leave. There’s plenty of lakeside restaurants that serve the best lunch, and Rumah Makan Elizabeth is one of them. If you’re unsure what to order, try their freshly-caught ikan bakar from the lake itself along with their signature andaliman sambal!
Reconnect to Connect
Whether it’s your first, fifth, even tenth; nothing is too much when it comes to celebrating anniversaries. Every year marks another milestone of all the things you and your partner went through; all the small kisses, the endless bickering, and every tear shed.
Your partner deserves it, and so do you. Celebrate your love with Bobocabin now!
Header image by: Reza Arbain Rustam via Unsplash
