North Tapanuli is a main tourism region in the province of North Sumatra. Geographically, North Tapanuli is located at latitude 1º 2' 24" North and longitude 90° 99' 35" East and borders on the north with Karo Regency, and on the west with Central Tapanuli. Its area is 1,060,530 hectares including Lake Toba which covers 11,260 hectares.
Topographically, North Tapanuli lies on the ridges of Bukit Barisan with its hilly and rolling land. Most of the land is composed of a tuft land layer, mixed with sand, gypsum and volcanic layers which make relatively fertile soil for agriculture.
According to the 1992 census, North Tapanuli's population was 700,976 with a density of 74 inhabitants/km in 29 sub-Regencies. The majority of its population is Batak.
The natural beauty of Samosir island, Tao island, and Sibandang island, includes Lake Toba, the steep surrounding hills and mountains, a large valley, and natural forests which provide various facilities with arrangement of Dalihan Natolu in the life of the inhabitants of this area. Please come to these tourists attractions. You will be welcomed with the warm greeting of North Sumatra, "HORAS."
TOURISM IN NORTH TAPANULI
North Sumatra General Information
North Sumatra lies at latitude l°N - 4°N, longitude 98°E - 100°E, and borders on the special region of Aceh on the north, the province of West Sumatra and Riau on the south, the Malacca straits on the east, and the Indian Ocean on the west. The total land area of North Sumatra covers an area of 71,680 sq km, with 10,256,027 inhabitants.
The province of North Sumatra is comprised of 11 regencies, 7 municipalities, and 3 administrative cities. The capital is Medan. It is the western gate of the Indonesian archipelago. It faces the Malaysian Peninsula, and is separated by the Malacca straits. Medan has developed a lot in the last several years. It also has a lot of historical remains which show how the tradisional life styles were maintained by previous generations.
The province of North Sumatra is rich in flora and fauna. The main exports are rubber, tea, palm oil, cocoa, coffee, and tobacco. The fame of Deli tobacco makes North Sumatra well-known in the world. Deli tobacco has been available ever since the Dutch colonial era. It is still exported to Europe and other countries. Some other crops which are also grown are tobacco, rubber, tea, coffee, cocoa, and coconut. North Sumatra is also famous for its many different kinds of delicious fruits; i.e., salak, rambutan, mangoes, mangosteens, langsat, durian, markisah, oranges, and watermelons.
North Sumatra is an exciting place to visit, especially, for those who really enjoy staying in villages. North Sumatra is predominantly covered by large forests, hilly areas, volcanoes, and some coastal areas with beautiful white sand. There are many tribes, different cultures, and languages, and as a result, there are many different kinds of interesting arts and crafts that can be found throughout the area.
Tourists can get to North Sumatra from various places. The best choices are to take a ferry from Penang to harbor of Belawan or to arrive by plane, getting off at Polonia airport in Medan. The transportation systems are quite good in both the cities and rural areas. It is suggested that tourists who would like to go to North Sumatra take transportation from Aceh, all the way to Jakarta going through Riau or West Sumatra. Moreover, the highways have recently been recently been repaired and you can board luxury buses which are air conditioned so you can enjoy your trip.
Tanah Karo oh Tanah Karo
There is a golf course walking distance from the town centre, and just ten minutes from 'Marquisa town' by bus (Rp 500) is Tahura National Park, a beautiful spot for exploring the jungle. There is a good waterfall and many clear and easy paths. You will almost certainly see wildlife a short walk into the jungle, gibbons or other primates almost certainly, and a good chance of seeing a hombill or some other exotic bird.
The park also has elephants and horses if you fancy an hours ride. It can be very pleasant just riding around Gundaling Hill for the views and the cool air. Admission to the park is Rp 1.000. There is more to do around Berastagi than just climbing volcanoes, it is also an excellent centre for jungle trekking. Its also only a Rp 500 bus ride away from Sibolangit Botanical Garden - a circular path around the perimeter and many paths within. There is wildlife apart from huge trees and exotic flowers. Wear appropriate clothing - (unless you love leeches!)
Twelve km south of Berastagi is Kabanjahe, from where you can walk 4 km to the primitive, ancient, traditional village of Lingga where the design of the houses with their horn-shaped roofs has remained unchanged for centuries. Five or six families live in each house, but each has its own family stove. You can stay overnight in a longhouse in a traditional village, (ask for Mr Teger at Café Raymond.) You can go rafting to Bukit lawang - Berastagi is a perfect spot for a variety of day trips to a variety of places, although its main attraction remains its two active volcanoes.
Sibayak, the closest to town, is 2,100 meters high but fairly easy to climb. It takes about 3 hours and the hot springs at the base are a must after you come down. There are several pools of different sizes and temperatures. It is easy to reach by public bus, and if you feel invigorated enough to walk back to town, there is a little used path through the jungle which starts in the village by the Springs. The local villagers will point you in the right direction.
The other volcano, Sinabung, 2,400 meters is higher, steeper, harder work - you need your hands to climb at times - but it is very rewarding, you can see Lake Toba from the summit and there is the pleasantly scenic Lake Lau Kawar at the bottom where you can swim or stay at the campsite. From here you can travel further south buy bus to the Liang Pahar Cave, with its spectacular limestone formations.
