Simalungun

Simalungun Regency, on the lake’s eastern shore, is famed as Lake Toba’s gateway – home to Parapat, the classic resort port where ferries depart for Samosir Islandmindat.org. Beyond its function as a transit hub, Simalungun boasts a regal heritage distinct from other Batak regions. In the highlands lies the 200-year-old Rumah Bolon royal longhouse, an ornate wooden palace of the former Simalungun kings now preserved as a museumflickr.com. This glimpse into the Simalungun Batak kingdom – with its carved architecture and rich court traditions – highlights the regency’s proud history. Culturally, Simalungun people maintain unique customs and a dialect of the Batak language all their own. Visitors can enjoy the scenic winding roads through Simalungun’s tea plantations and pine forests, stop at viewpoints overlooking the lake’s blue expanse, and hear local legends like the Batu Gantung (Hanging Rock) cliff tale. Blending natural beauty with royal legacy, Simalungun offers both relaxation and a touch of romance with the past on Lake Toba’s shores.