Samosir, Volcanic island in Lake Toba, North Sumatra, Indonesia.
Samosir is an island in Lake Toba that spans about 630 square kilometers and contains two smaller lakes within its mountainous landscape, with peaks around 1077 meters high. The terrain features hills and valleys where communities settle between the water bodies.
The island was created roughly 75,000 years ago when the massive Toba supervolcano erupted, which also formed the lake. A canal dug in 1906 separated it from the mainland and turned it into an island within an island.
The island remains the heartland of Batak civilization, where traditional houses with distinctive architectural features appear throughout different settlements. These structures shape daily life and reflect craftsmanship traditions that continue today.
Ferries run regularly from Parapat to Tuktuk, the main entry point where most accommodation and services are located. Orientation on the island is straightforward since facilities cluster around this central area.
The Tano Ponggol Canal, built in 1906, is a remarkable engineering feat that turned a land bridge into a waterway. This narrow channel remains a overlooked piece of local history that most travelers pass by without noticing.
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