Indonesia ; Medan, Berastagi, Lake Toba
Way over due post. Been wanting to write one, but have been so caught up with everything else.
So this trip happen during 3-7 Dec 2015. A very short but exciting one.
Day 1
We arrived at Kualanamu international Airport , Medan in the morning and met up with our driver whom till the very end of the entire trip, I don't know his name. And started off our journey up to Berastagi. Woah, it was a very very unexpectedly long ride. We thought it will take only about 2-3 hours, but ended up only at Berastagi at our home stay 5 hours later.
We stayed at Nachelle Homestay, hosted by Abdy, Mery and their two adorable daughters. Abdy took us on a ride to check out the Mt. Sinabung after we settled into the room. But sadly, on our day of arrival, the clouds were too overwhelming and we didn't get to see anything. We tried again after we were back at our homestay from the roof top, but the clouds were never disappearing.
Day 2
We all couldn't sleep well at all. Me and Zg only manage to sleep for about 1-2 hours while Debbie had none. We woke up at 3.30am and set off to our long awaited Mt. Sibayak Sunrise hike. It was so refreshing and cooling. I never thought I would ever climb onto one volcano. Also, with such a nice local guide to bring us around.
Once again, our hopes on seeing the sunrise I was dampen by the clouds. We are really unlucky. But, that definitely didn't dampen our mood as we had so much fun just climbing. Well, it always never just about the pretty view at the end, but the way up and down matters a lot too. We climb up Mt.Sibayak in the dark and came down in the daylight. Was a totally different view and expectation of what we have seen and what we thought we have seen. I am totally amaze by this hike. Really am.
After the hike back down and experiencing all the hot air spewing out of the volcano, we went down to hot springs. The temperature was adjust differently in the various pool. We went there and chilled for about an hour or so. Then left for their very famous BBQ pork lunch and they even made a detour and took us to their farm. Carrots and all. Very kind and generous people they are. Definitely staying with them again if I am ever there again.
After all those mud cleaning session and showering and packing, we hit the road again and left for Lake Toba where we book a room from Tabo Cottage that was run by a German. First time taking the ferry for the car up. So we had to have a long wait from Parapat to Samosir island as we were late and the ferry that we aim for to arrive at, left before we manage to reach on time. So we had no choice but to wait for another 3 hours for the next ferry. Everyone arrived sleepy and tired.
Oh ya, dinner was at a place where the driver recommended. Very very disappointing. Our fried rice has chicken bones without the meat in it and Debbie had instant noodles cooked for her noodles. Really weird restaurant. Disappointing.
Day 3
We went for a very no atmosphere traditional Batak Dance, then walk around before ZG decided to rent a motorbike and act like a policeman behind us. Meal was so awesomeeee. Fresh lake fish. Yumzxzx.
Then we went back to our hotel to rent the canoe which apparently only one canoe is working. And after, came the jet ski and Banana boat. So much fun :D Although Debbie and ZG made used of the opportunity during the time we got thrown out of the banana boat to kick and whack me. Injury was all over. My rib cage and forehead and arm. Oh man.
Day 4
The entire day was basically on the road to Medan city. We took the ferry back to mainland, Parapat. Went to buy all the food that I was suppose to bring back home. Then we went for a massage. Feel so good, before we head back to our airbnb apartment.
The owner, William, was not around and had his aunt came to pass us the keys. It was sooooo funny as there were communication problem. Before they found out that we actually could understand Hokkien. So lucky. She is so nice, even told me to take lemon juice as she heard me sniffing and having a flu.
We then went to have dinner at Jalan Wajir. Nice seafood place recommended then head back to sun plaza for a short walk and had everyone staring at us before we decided to head back as everywhere is closing.
I actually like Berastagi and Lake toba better. Feels much cleaner in those area. Also, the drainage system isn't as wonderful as Singapore which means, when it rains, it floods so bad that its as high as the wheel. Plus, the water is muddy. Feels like bangkok or worse. Cant really compare much.
Day 5
We went to sun plaza early for breakfast and realise that none of the stores actually open on time. oh god. waited and we were starving but manage to eat in the end. we had steak for breakfast. I am so amaze by myself. Then we went to the supermarket and bought so much stuff and head back to pack and left for the airport.
But in anyway, thank you for those that have made this trip possible and safe in every way for us. Really appreciate it ! There ends our amazing short little trip. Next hiking trip will probably be to Mt. Bromo. :D
Next up, Krabi and Bangkok in June 2015 !
So this trip happen during 3-7 Dec 2015. A very short but exciting one.
Day 1
We arrived at Kualanamu international Airport , Medan in the morning and met up with our driver whom till the very end of the entire trip, I don't know his name. And started off our journey up to Berastagi. Woah, it was a very very unexpectedly long ride. We thought it will take only about 2-3 hours, but ended up only at Berastagi at our home stay 5 hours later.
We stayed at Nachelle Homestay, hosted by Abdy, Mery and their two adorable daughters. Abdy took us on a ride to check out the Mt. Sinabung after we settled into the room. But sadly, on our day of arrival, the clouds were too overwhelming and we didn't get to see anything. We tried again after we were back at our homestay from the roof top, but the clouds were never disappearing.
Day 2
We all couldn't sleep well at all. Me and Zg only manage to sleep for about 1-2 hours while Debbie had none. We woke up at 3.30am and set off to our long awaited Mt. Sibayak Sunrise hike. It was so refreshing and cooling. I never thought I would ever climb onto one volcano. Also, with such a nice local guide to bring us around.
Once again, our hopes on seeing the sunrise I was dampen by the clouds. We are really unlucky. But, that definitely didn't dampen our mood as we had so much fun just climbing. Well, it always never just about the pretty view at the end, but the way up and down matters a lot too. We climb up Mt.Sibayak in the dark and came down in the daylight. Was a totally different view and expectation of what we have seen and what we thought we have seen. I am totally amaze by this hike. Really am.
After the hike back down and experiencing all the hot air spewing out of the volcano, we went down to hot springs. The temperature was adjust differently in the various pool. We went there and chilled for about an hour or so. Then left for their very famous BBQ pork lunch and they even made a detour and took us to their farm. Carrots and all. Very kind and generous people they are. Definitely staying with them again if I am ever there again.
After all those mud cleaning session and showering and packing, we hit the road again and left for Lake Toba where we book a room from Tabo Cottage that was run by a German. First time taking the ferry for the car up. So we had to have a long wait from Parapat to Samosir island as we were late and the ferry that we aim for to arrive at, left before we manage to reach on time. So we had no choice but to wait for another 3 hours for the next ferry. Everyone arrived sleepy and tired.
Oh ya, dinner was at a place where the driver recommended. Very very disappointing. Our fried rice has chicken bones without the meat in it and Debbie had instant noodles cooked for her noodles. Really weird restaurant. Disappointing.
Day 3
We went for a very no atmosphere traditional Batak Dance, then walk around before ZG decided to rent a motorbike and act like a policeman behind us. Meal was so awesomeeee. Fresh lake fish. Yumzxzx.
Then we went back to our hotel to rent the canoe which apparently only one canoe is working. And after, came the jet ski and Banana boat. So much fun :D Although Debbie and ZG made used of the opportunity during the time we got thrown out of the banana boat to kick and whack me. Injury was all over. My rib cage and forehead and arm. Oh man.
Day 4
The entire day was basically on the road to Medan city. We took the ferry back to mainland, Parapat. Went to buy all the food that I was suppose to bring back home. Then we went for a massage. Feel so good, before we head back to our airbnb apartment.
The owner, William, was not around and had his aunt came to pass us the keys. It was sooooo funny as there were communication problem. Before they found out that we actually could understand Hokkien. So lucky. She is so nice, even told me to take lemon juice as she heard me sniffing and having a flu.
We then went to have dinner at Jalan Wajir. Nice seafood place recommended then head back to sun plaza for a short walk and had everyone staring at us before we decided to head back as everywhere is closing.
I actually like Berastagi and Lake toba better. Feels much cleaner in those area. Also, the drainage system isn't as wonderful as Singapore which means, when it rains, it floods so bad that its as high as the wheel. Plus, the water is muddy. Feels like bangkok or worse. Cant really compare much.
Day 5
We went to sun plaza early for breakfast and realise that none of the stores actually open on time. oh god. waited and we were starving but manage to eat in the end. we had steak for breakfast. I am so amaze by myself. Then we went to the supermarket and bought so much stuff and head back to pack and left for the airport.
But in anyway, thank you for those that have made this trip possible and safe in every way for us. Really appreciate it ! There ends our amazing short little trip. Next hiking trip will probably be to Mt. Bromo. :D
Next up, Krabi and Bangkok in June 2015 !