Indonesia – Sumatra – volcanoes and lakes
From jungle humidity of Bukit Lawang to the cool air of the Sumatran highlands, a 2 day stay in Berastagi. The village is culturally dominated by the Karo people, the main highlights of this village are the active volcanoes of Mount Sinabung and Mount Sibayak ( you can climb this one) the golden Buddhist temple of Lumbini and a fruit market. As we were recovering from our 3 day trek we chose not to climb a volcano but we did chill out around town……
We have just spent a few tranquil days on the beautiful island of Samosir in Lake Toba, Sumatra. This is the heartland of the Batak people. Our guest house on the edge of the lake in beautiful gardens and infinity pool, just perfect. The fresh fish from the lake was delicious.
Some interesting facts about the region, the circle of stones in the photos below was the courtroom for the Batak people. If the person was found guilty of a serious crime, they were executed and the body chopped up and distributed to the rest of the village, who would eat the body. A practice which only stopped in 1870
The lake is in a crater formed by one of the biggest volcanic eruptions in history. Check out these facts:
- The explosion was the equivalent of 21 MILLION Hiroshima bombs
- The crater is 100km x 30km
- Samosir island is the size of Singapore
- The eruption caused a worldwide winter which lasted 6-10 years
- 540 billion tons of water were blown into the stratosphere
- The world’s temperature remained reduced by the effects of the eruption for 1,000 years.
Now that’s a big eruption
Time to move on now, our journey back to Jakarta, is 5 stages….moped, boat, taxi, plane, taxi….. then our journey east commences.
14 Comments
Forestwood
Now that place is amazing! I assume it is just cloud arising and not an eruption from Mt Sinabung?
I have not seen a catholic church as unique as this one.
Eating bodies? That’s a severe criminal justice system.
P.S. Why are their soldiers/guns on the monument in the street – is that from WWII?
Such a fascinating place. Thanks for sharing. I doubt I will see it in person so it was good to read about it here and visit virtually.
Phil & Michaela
There is some cloud around the volcano but the rest is steam and white gas, that is usually there. The monument is for independence from The Netherlands, there are many representations around the country like this. It will actually be independence day whilst we are in Indonesia, on 17 August they will be celebrating 81 years.
Forestwood
Thanks Phil. How exciting to be there for Independence day! I imagine that will be another amazing experience!
Steven Berger
Wow again. Just love the pictures. How do you find such fascinating places to visit? The temple looks like ones in Yangon.
Stay safe,
Steve
Phil & Michaela
Perhaps we now need to visit Yangon 😀
Steven Berger
I think you’d love Myanmar.
Eha Carr
Michaela and Phil – thank you, thank you, thank you! Absolutely the only familiar photos I had seen before were those of the Batak houses, and then not such good and clear ones! The sunsets, the fruit markets, the Batak houses and the wealth displayed in the Lumbini Temple . . . how would the majority of us know if there were not the two of you 🙂 ? Must say I am hugely amused by the photo of the school bus . . . hmm, don’t somehow think this would be allowed on the streets of Oz or Great Britain . . . they are used to it > doubt there are too many accidents . . .
Phil & Michaela
We have visited so many fruit markets across the word and this one was right up there, the fruit is beautiful, varied and plentiful, probably due to the very fertile land surrounding the volcanos. Every bit of spare land there are beautiful crops. Actually in Berastagi, I can honestly say I that they grow the sweetest, most succulent pineapple that I have ever tasted….. anywhere!
restlessjo
Fabulous images again, Michaela. That temple is pure beauty and I love the Batak houses. The courtroom, not so much! Incredible to think of the power of volcanoes and how easily our world can be torn apart xx
Phil & Michaela
I know, the force of the natural world is incredible, its going to be a theme on this trip and as there are in excess of 100 active volcanoes in the country, I guess, sadly, there will be more disasters to come in the future
Heyjude
The Batak houses are very interesting. Let’s hope there isn’t another eruption on that scale.
Phil & Michaela
The house are a work of art outside but very rustic inside, some build a brick building attached to the back of them, I guess they need to when they have big families living in such close quarters.
Toonsarah
These both look like such great places to chill a bit after your trek 🙂 I love the photo of the school bus! The fruit market looks wonderful and the island both beautiful and fascinating. The Batak houses are lovely but I’m glad they’ve revised their justice system 😆 As for that eruption, wow, those are some stats!!
grandmisadventures
that Batak village is so interesting and the golden temple so striking