A Look at 3 Top Lake Toba Tourist Spots Developed by the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing

 

Tuesday, 15 September 2026

 

Lake Toba is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Indonesia. Located in North Sumatra, this huge volcanic lake is surrounded by mountains, traditional Batak villages, and beautiful natural scenery.

 

To make the area more comfortable and attractive for visitors, the Indonesian Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing, or PUPR, supported infrastructure development at several tourism destinations around Lake Toba.

 

Here are three interesting spots that received development support.

 

Pantai Bebas Parapat

 

Pantai Bebas Parapat is located in Simalungun Regency and offers beautiful views of Lake Toba and Samosir Island.

 

The area was developed as a public open space with several facilities for visitors. These include an amphitheater, playground, sports facilities, a skate park, a jogging area, and an observation tower.

 

The area is not only suitable for tourists who want to enjoy the lake view. It can also be a relaxing place for families, young travelers, and anyone who simply wants to sit down and enjoy the cool Toba air.

 

There is also another public open space nearby, with shelters inspired by traditional Batak Bolon houses.

 

Kampung Ulos Hutaraja

 

The second destination is Kampung Ulos Hutaraja in Lumban Suhi-Suhi Village, Pangururan, Samosir.

 

This destination is especially interesting for travelers who want to experience Batak culture. Huta Raja is a traditional village that continues to preserve local customs and traditions.

 

One of the highlights is ulos weaving. Visitors can see local women working on traditional textiles and visit a showroom displaying their work.

 

The Ministry of PUPR also revitalized several traditional Bolon houses in the area. Four new Bolon houses were also prepared as homestays, giving visitors the chance to experience a more traditional atmosphere.

 

For a more relaxed experience, travelers can also enjoy coffee near the lake while watching the sunset.

 

Huta Siallagan

 

The third spot is Huta Siallagan in Simanindo District, Samosir Regency. The village is another important destination for experiencing Batak culture.

 

One of its attractions is the famous Sigale-gale dance, a traditional cultural performance that is closely connected with the Batak community.

 

Huta Siallagan and Huta Raja were both developed as tourism villages. The improvements included the revitalization of Bolon house roofs, new buildings, public toilets, kiosks, an amphitheater, plazas, roads, parking areas, signs, and an information center.

 

According to the source, the development of these two villages was supported by a budget of around Rp55.8 billion from the state budget.

 

These three destinations show that tourism development around Lake Toba is not only about building new attractions. Better public facilities can make it easier for travelers to enjoy the area’s natural beauty while also experiencing local culture.

 

So, if Lake Toba is on your travel list, don’t just stop for the views. Take some time to visit Parapat, explore traditional villages in Samosir, see ulos weaving, and learn more about Batak culture along the way.