The Samosir Cup, a round of the UIM-ABP Aquabike World Championship, will take place on Lake Toba from November 22nd until November 26nd. On November 24th, the race take place at the city of Pangururan, not far from Barbara Guesthouse. If you're visiting Lake Toba at that date, don't miss it! The Samosir Cup is the first time that the Aquabike World Championship has been held in Indonesia. The event will feature some of the best aquabikers in...
Street food. It's something as Asian and as authentic as it gets. But what should you eat? And how do you avoid your stomach protesting a few hours later? Whether you're heading to Lake Toba or elsewhere in Indonesia, keep reading. Hotel Barbara is here with the best street food tips! The golden rule: follow the locals Street food comes in all shapes and sizes, from dazzling setups to run-down stalls. Look past appearances; it's all about...
Behind the ring road encircling Samosir Island, nestled within Lake Toba, lies a hidden hiking paradise with enchanting trails. From novice hikers and families to mountain enthusiasts, there's something for everyone. It's truly a hidden gem as there are hardly any marked trails. But fear not! Hotel Barbara has laid out the possibilities for you. 1. A Walk in the Park (1 km) Looking for a short stroll, perhaps with little ones? Head to Getsemane...
Tourists adore them: traditional Batak houses. These unique homes belong to the Batak people, residing around Lake Toba. They perch on sturdy stilts, about a meter tall, with sweeping roofs. Wondering where to witness this wonder? In this blog, Hotel Barbara reveals the top spots! 1. Stone Chair of King Sialaggan Conveniently located near Hotel Barbara, this attraction showcases well-preserved traditional houses. Guides explain their historical...
Lake Toba, a stunning lake surrounded by natural and cultural beauty. With just two days during your Indonesian journey, maximize your experience! Hotel Barbara provides a ready-made plan. Read this blog to find out more! Day 1: Scooter Adventure! Samosir, the island on Lake Toba, offers peaceful roads, perfect for a scooter ride. If you're up for it, grab a bike! Need more on biking? Click here to check out our blog on cycling! The route is...
Making a journey through Indonesia is an incredible experience. But let's face it: all those new impressions, activities, and the climate can be exhausting. Fret not! At Hotel Barbara, we offer perfect wellness facilities. In this blog, you'll learn more about them. Traditional Massage What could be better than a soothing massage after a tiring day? The Bataks (the ethnic group residing around Lake Toba) have a rich tradition of massages. At...
How to explore a lake that spans an impressive 1130 km2 (making it the largest volcanic lake in the world!)? And an island within it of another 630 km2? If you find yourself with, let’s say, two days to spare on Samosir during your Indonesian adventure, how should you go about discovering Lake Toba? Here are the top 6 ways: 1. Rent a Scooter The most popular mode of transportation for both locals and tourists is undoubtedly the scooter. The...
Wanna have an active vacation? Then be sure to hop on a bike during your stay at Hotel Barbara! Around Lake Toba, you'll find a rare combination in Asia: excellent asphalt roads with minimal traffic. Moreover, you'll cycle along the water at an altitude of at least 900 meters, sparing you from the sweltering heat. It's no wonder that cycling is gaining popularity here. More and more, you'll spot tourists and groups of locals exploring the...
Want to visit our hotel or restaurant? Here's how to get there! Hotel Barbara is located on Samosir Island, in the village of Unjur. If you're heading to Hotel Barbara in Ambarita on Samosir from Kuala Namu airport, take the toll road towards Tebing Tinggi and then the main road towards Parapat. The ferry ports are located in Ajibata, which is right next to Parapat. If you're driving, the ferries depart for Tomok and Ambarita. In either case,...
Exploring the beautiful Lake Toba by canoe or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is one of the most exhilarating and healthy activities you can do on your holiday. And, if you're looking to enjoy a wonderful experience, our hotel in Indonesia offers a fantastic opportunity to do so. Our hotel is a wonderful place to try your hand at kayaking or SUPping in the most picturesque of surroundings. Do you want to try SUPping? Our team is happy to give you...
