Lake Toba is the largest lake in Southeast Asia is indeed stunning. It is estimated that the lake was formed by the eruption Supervolcano about 75 thousand years ago. After the eruption occurred, formed a caldera that later fills with water and become lakes. Pressure upward by magma that has not come out cause the emergence of Samosir Island. The lake is situated 906 meters above sea level, measuring about 1,700 square meters. Toba surrounded by green hills with walls cadasnya. Samosir Island in the middle of the lake is still there anymore. So there is a lake above the lake.
Once the foot set foot in Parapat, much can be done travelers to enjoy the lake and natural surroundings. Want to swim, ride a boat, around the lake, or just watching the water. All fun. Travelers also can go to Samosir Island. From Parapat, available transport ferry which departs every hour to the village of Tomok. Tomok is the main village on the east coast of Samosir. This village is one tourist destination. In Tomok among others there are some old traditional houses and tomb complex of King Sidabutar. If you want around the lake also can rent a motor boat.
Lodging from simple to five-star hotels are widely available. To eat is also no need to fuss. Restaurants, restaurants, and cafes scattered. Want to make souvenirs souvenirs? Travelers with easy to get in Parapat or also on the island of Samosir. Lake Toba can be reached from the city of Medan with a private vehicle, rental car or public transportation. From Medan to Parapat via either through High Cliff and Siantar. Can be via a route-Karo village Purba Pematang until Brastagi. The scenery along the way is not less interesting.
Slumped
It has long been a mainstay of tourism of Lake Toba in North Sumatra. This lake, in addition to attracting tourists to the archipelago is also popular overseas. Lake Toba''The potential is really incredible. But tourism here dropped since the 1997 crisis,''complained Camat Girsang Sipanganbolon, Jonni Saragih. As an illustration, Saragih said in 1996 in Parapat hotel occupancy rate reached 80 to 90 percent. Now reduced to only 25 to 30 percent. In the past, many foreign tourists, is now the number could be counted on the fingers. ''Frankly we were almost desperate to face this situation,''he admitted.
Toba tour collapsed, in addition to the crisis was also aggravated by smog, the fall in Sibolangit Garuda, Bali Bombings, sampat tsunami in Aceh. Last''spread rumors that there will be a big eruption at Lake Toba. It makes people afraid to come here,''said Saragih still with sad expression. Be the enchanting Lake Toba now languish. Left by admirers. He is like a sleeping angel. Her beauty was closed, although not yet faded.
In the village of Tomok for example, people who used to rely on the lives of many tourism sector is now back to farming. ''Now the few who came, not like before,''one trader said Linda clothes near the tomb of King Sidabutar in Tomok. The beauty of Toba is now not strong enough to bring in tourists. Plus, Saragih said, they feel dianaktirikan by the central government in the matter of promotion of tourism. ''In a very poor campaign. Moreover, with this autonomy, the ability of very limited area.''
Hardyanto Hasono, tourism actors who are also administrators of Lake Toba ASITA Jakarta said today it could not expect much from foreign tourists. This was said because the package tours of Lake Toba is no longer on sale in Europe. ''I think it's time the perpetrator of tourism in North Sumatra thinking about other markets. For example, Malaysia and China. So do not expect us to sell to Europe,''he said.
In addition to Malaysia market, Hardyanto also suggested that local tourist potential are being developed. ''I think the local tourist market is great, but do have to work hard,''he said. Saragih said the real potential of tourism in Lake Toba can be developed. That among other things can be done through the coordination of seven districts around Lake Toba. ''Coordination at the provincial level should be increased,''he suggested.
In addition to natural attractions, Toba he has another attraction. Namely Samosir Island with its cultural, spiritual tours North Tapanuli, and Toba themselves become historical tourism. What is meant by historical tour Saragih, President Megawati has launched the construction of Bung Karno Monument in 2004. But until now there is no realization. ''Now we bill on the president's promise now, because it's the government's commitment,''firmly Saragih.
Not only about the decline of tourists, the beauty of the Toba now also face the threat. Ecosystem of Lake Toba region is threatened by water hyacinth plants which cover the surface of many lakes. Another threat, Saragih said, is a pig farm in Salbe, District Purba. Livestock waste discharged into the lake fear it would disrupt the ecosystem of the lake in the long term. Another threat is the impact of the number of floating cages for fish. Tilapia fish rearing is done by the Swiss Foreign Investment. Maintenance of fish in floating cages used in the form of fish feed pellets. The remains of exhaust can cause heavy metals in lake sediments.
From the top of the hill, when the sun about to sink, the reflection of red light refracted in a vast lake. It's stunning scenery. Unfortunately not many now who want to enjoy it.
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