You need a boat to reach the most ancient and untouched island on an island
- Our Hidden Earth
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Deep in the heart of North Sumatra lies a phenomenon of such colossal scale it feels like a geological secret whispered across the ages.
The destination is a huge, towering island, dramatically placed in the middle of a massive, ancient super-volcanic crater lake, giving it an atmosphere of complete and profound isolation.
The only way to reach this forgotten land is a slow, meditative ferry ride across the deep, calm waters of the magnificent caldera.
The legendary destination we have discovered for you is Samosir Island, which sits proudly within the waters of Lake Toba in the North Sumatra Province of Indonesia.
This volcanic island is the cultural heartland of the Toba Batak people, whose distinctive wooden houses, called rumah bolon, line the shores with their traditional, upturned roofs.
Samosir offers an extraordinary holiday for keen walkers and culture enthusiasts seeking a truly authentic Indonesian experience.
The island’s incredible, enduring secret is its colossal origin: it was formed by the sheer upheaval of magma following the devastating eruption of the Toba supervolcano some 75,000 years ago.
This isolation has allowed the unique Batak culture to flourish, preserving its elaborate stone tombs, ancient villages, and ceremonies, offering an eerie glimpse into a spiritual heritage built upon animism and ancestry.
It is a genuine living museum of an indigenous people who resisted outside influence for centuries.
For the practical traveller, be aware that while the main tourist hub of Tuktuk has plenty of facilities, the island’s interior is rugged, mountainous, and retains a sense of wild, untouched nature.
Although there is a road connecting the island to the mainland, most visitors arrive by ferry and hire a motorbike to navigate the winding roads, so be ready for adventure rather than easy driving and car park access.
Pack your essential boots and sun cream in your boot, as the high-altitude sun is intense.
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