I didn’t come to Sumatra for the beaches.
I came for Lake Toba, volcanoes, and the Batak culture. But on my way down
from the highlands, someone mentioned a beach—a quiet one, tucked away near the Taman
Simalem Resort.
Curious and exhausted from my fast-paced itinerary, I decided to check it
out.
I didn’t expect to find one of the most peaceful lakeside spots I’ve
experienced in all of Indonesia.
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| jokka2traveller.com |
How to Get There
– A Journey Through the Highlands
The road to Taman Simalem Beach winds through the lush mountains of Karo Regency,
about 2.5–3
hours from Medan, North Sumatra’s capital.
I hired a car from the city (roughly IDR 600k for a round trip with a
driver), but many travelers rent scooters or join tours heading to Lake Toba.
Here’s the basic route:
· From
Medan,
head south toward Berastagi, a highland town known for its cool air and
fruit markets.
· Then
follow the road to Merek and onward to Taman Simalem Resort, which
lies on the northern
rim of Lake Toba.
· The
beach is part of the resort complex, nestled at the bottom of a winding
private road—open to resort guests and day visitors.
Location: Inside Taman
Simalem Resort, Tongging area, North Sumatra
Entrance Fee: IDR 25k–50k
(for day visitors)
Opening
Hours: 08.00 AM – 06.00 PM
First Glimpse:
Serenity by the Shore
google.com
Unlike Bali’s crashing waves or Java’s dramatic cliffs, this beach didn’t
roar.
It whispered.
The shoreline was more lakeside than oceanic—soft, pebbled, framed by tall
trees, and facing the vast expanse of Lake Toba’s calm waters. A few wooden
boats were moored nearby. The sky reflected perfectly on the surface.
There were no crowds, no pushy vendors, no loud music. Just the
wind, water, and birdsong.
It was the kind of place where you automatically speak more quietly.
What to Do at
Taman Simalem Beach
This isn’t a beach for partying. It’s a beach for being present.
1. Meditate or Practice Yoga
There’s something about the
setting that invites stillness. I brought my mat one morning and practiced
facing the sunrise. It felt like time slowed down.
2. Canoeing on the Lake
The resort offers canoe
rentals or guided boat rides. Gliding on Lake Toba’s surface in the early
morning mist was magical.
3. Swim (Gently)
The water is fresh, cool, and
incredibly clean. There are no waves—just a gentle ripple. I swam slowly,
alone, with forested hills in the distance.
4. Nature Walks
The beach is connected to several short forest trails. I spent an hour
wandering through giant ferns and flowering trees before looping back.
Best Time to
Visit
The weather in this region is pleasant year-round, thanks to its high elevation
and tropical
climate.
However, the best times are:
· May to September
– The dry season, with warm days and cooler nights
· Morning (6–9 AM)
– Clear skies, fewer people, and perfect light for photos
· Late afternoon (4–6 PM)
– Golden hour reflections on the lake
Tip: Even in the dry season,
afternoon
rains can roll in quickly, so bring a light jacket or poncho if
hiking.
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| mktours.co.id |
Where to Stay
The most convenient place to stay is Taman Simalem Resort itself, a
sprawling eco-resort with various room options:
· Jungle Lodge: Rustic rooms immersed
in forest
· Tongging Point Villas: Views of Lake
Toba from your window
· Price Range: IDR 400k–1,500k per night
I stayed in a mid-range lodge with a terrace view—and every morning felt
like waking up in a postcard.
Don’t Miss:
Local Food
Inside the resort, I tried arsik, a Batak-style grilled fish
spiced with torch ginger and andaliman. Pair it with steamed rice and avocado
juice, and it becomes a meal you’ll remember long after.
Final Thoughts
Taman Simalem Beach doesn’t shout. It doesn’t dazzle. It soothes.
In a country where beaches often mean excitement, surf, and selfies, this
one offers a rare
stillness. A place where nature holds you, gently, and asks
nothing in return.
If your travels through Indonesia are feeling too fast, come here. Slow
down. Sit by the shore. Listen.
You’ll thank yourself.