Last Updated on January 2025
There are so many hotels in Lake Toba to choose from. Most of them are found in the central tourist area of Tuk Tuk on Samosir Island, in the middle of the enormous lake (resulting from the infamous Lake Toba eruption thousands of years ago).
From cute local homestays and quaint guesthouses to luxury resorts complete with pools, the options are endless.
With so many Lake Toba hotels to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to plan a holiday to this paradise in North Sumatra.
That’s where we come in!
We’ve been visiting Lake Toba for the last decade and now call Tuk Tuk home. (see As such, we’ve gotten to know the most popular hotels, homestays, resorts and guesthouses in the area.
Want to know more about this incredible destination? Check out our Epic Guide to Lake Toba.
If you’re after the best place to stay in Lake Toba, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a backpacker in search of a social Lake Toba hostel, a couple looking for a romantic retreat, or a family in search of a fun place for the kids to explore, you’ll find your perfect spot on our list. Keep an eye out for the yellow stars for our top personal recommendations in each category.
Ready to pick from the best hotels in Lake Toba? Let’s dive in!
This post was updated in April 2023 to ensure you have access to the most accurate, up-to-date information for your trip to Lake Toba.
Disclosure: The hotels listed here are affiliate links. That means if you click on a link and book a hotel, we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you!)
However, we have always paid out of our own pockets to stay at any accommodation, and all opinions are from our extensive research and our own experiences. We are not paid to promote any of these hotels and would not recommend them if we didn’t genuinely believe they are great places to stay!
Contents
In a Hurry? Here are Our Top Lake Toba Hotels
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Reggae Guesthouse
- BEST MID-RANGE OPTION: Toba Village Inn
- BEST HIGH-END OPTION: Tabo Cottages
Types of Lake Toba Accommodation
If you’re looking for a hostel in Lake Toba, you won’t find one. Sumatra, in general, doesn’t offer hostels – they have even better options!
For the same price that you’d pay for a bed in a dorm in many other places, you can get your own room, often with a private bathroom.
Plenty of guest houses in Lake Toba still offer the hostel vibe, with shared common areas, bars, and restaurants to meet other travellers.
Travellers who are looking for a bit more than just a basic bed will be spoiled for choice in Lake Toba too. Mid-range accommodations abound – from rustic, Batak-style houses to crisp modern rooms in newer resorts.
There are even luxury resorts for the high-end traveller, complete with multiple restaurants, pools, and rooms fit for royalty.
There are a selection of hotels on Airbnb Lake Toba, but the majority of places are easily booked on other platforms.
Regardless of whether you stay in a budget homestay or a fancy resort, you’ll find Batak culture woven through your entire experience. The beauty of Lake Toba is the way that their heritage is a part of everything they do – even while managing to cater well to overseas visitors.
Oh, and of course, you’ll have incredible lake and mountain views from pretty much anywhere!
Best Hotels in Tuk Tuk Lake Toba
In Sumatra, Lake Toba is one of the most famous places to visit, and the most popular place to stay in the Lake Toba area is on the tiny peninsula of Tuk Tuk on Samosir Island
Even though it’s the most tourist-oriented place in Lake Toba, it’s still a laid-back, lazy village with only a handful of tourists, which is all part of the serene, rustic appeal.
Lake Toba tourism boomed in the ‘80s but has subsided over the last few decades.
The entire peninsula is lined with guesthouses, hotels, resorts, and homestays – along with a vast array of restaurants and a few bars.
It’s a fantastic place to spend a few days, weeks, or months – actually, we reckon you’ll find it hard to leave when it comes time to step back onto the ferry.
You’ll find the most Lake Toba hotels and resorts in this area.
There’s plenty to see and do in Tuk Tuk. It’s a great place to base yourself for adventures around Samosir Island. From here, you can get to all the best places to visit in Lake Toba.
Here’s a breakdown of the best hotels in Tuk Tuk as chosen by Exploring Sumatra. We’ve broken the list down into budget guesthouses, mid-range accommodations, and high-end hotels to suit any budget.
Budget Tuk Tuk Hotels
Price-range below 300,000 IDR (19USD/Euro $30AUD)
There’s an abundance of budget hotels in Lake Toba, but budget doesn’t have to mean missing out on great locations, excellent food, and a good night’s sleep!
Our favorite Tuktuk budget accommodations below are clean, comfy, and offer a warm welcome.
Bagus Bay Homestay
Firstly, let’s clear up the name confusion. We would definitely not classify Bagus Bay Lake Toba as a homestay; it’s a guesthouse – and a very popular one.
If you’re looking for a kind of hostel/social/backpacker hangout vibe, this is the place to be. While we haven’t spent the night at Bagus Bay, we’ve met many travellers who have. Plus, we’ve hung out here a lot for meals and made good use of the free pool table, as well as attending their Batak dance and music performances a few times (pre-COVID).
Every time we visit, there seems to be a decent number of guests around, so this is a good spot to connect with other travellers.
There’s a sizeable restaurant with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. The grounds are quite spacious, too, in comparison to other budget accommodations.
There’s a well-worn volleyball net, and you can wander down to the lakeside and enjoy the peace and quiet.
The restaurant and public areas have free Wi-Fi, and you can organise scooter rental and Lake Toba tours from here.
As for the location, the spot is nice and central: you have plenty of other food options right on your doorstep.
The accommodation is simple and basic – fine for backpackers who won’t be spending much time in the room but don’t expect any extras.
Thumbs Up:
- We love the extensive menu here: you’ll need plenty of time just to read through the menu and choose what you want from the enormous range of local and western dishes. The prices are fair and servings are more than filling.
- The twice-weekly Batak singing and dancing were great fun pre-COVID, but have yet to resume.
- There aren’t many hostels in Sumatra, but this place definitely has a hostel/backpacker vibe that we like.
Thumbs Down:
- More recent reviews note that the rooms are very basic and run down and that they could use a bit of renovating. Don’t expect much from the budget rooms other than a reasonable price and a place to lay your head!
- There were also comments that the staff were less than accommodating. When we visit for food, we have always found them polite and friendly, although you usually need to place your order at the bar instead of waiting for service at your table.
CLICK BELOW TO BOOK
Laster Jony's
We have heard soooo many good things directly from people who stay at Laster Jony’s time and time again. We have visited to check this place out, and it looks like a great spot for budget travellers.
Laster Jony’s is located in a very picturesque cove on the Tuktuk peninsula. While it may be in a quieter area, it’s not far from Jalan Impres and Jalan Gereja – the two roads that cut across Tuktuk to join the “circuit.”
Because of this, you’re just a short walk away from other restaurants and bars.
Rooms are basic but clean, and the staff are helpful and friendly.
There is good Wi-Fi and on an on-site restaurant with delicious food. Bicycle and scooter hire can be arranged here.
Best of all, is the family atmosphere and the friendly staff. You’ll often find yourself sitting on the shores of the lake singing songs with your local hosts until the wee hours.
Thumbs Up:
- Right on the lake so you can swim, fish, or just gaze at the beauty from your front doorstep.
- Comfortable beds.
- Super friendly and accommodating hosts.
- Rooms may be basic, but they are absolute lakefront in a gorgeous spot.
Thumbs Down:
- Remember, this is a budget-friendly guesthouse, so in the budget rooms, you’ll be in for cold showers (or just take a dip in the warm lake!)
- Recent comments mention that the place may be a little run-down.
- Several reviews mention that the noise from neighbours is problematic – not the most quiet place.
CLICK BELOW TO BOOK
Reggae Guest House - TOP PICK!
Welcome home! This is where we used to stay every time we visited Lake Toba. For us, stepping off the ferry onto the concrete wall in front of Reggae Guesthouse is truly like arriving home. We’ve spent months living in the comfortable rooms here, enjoying the home-cooked meals and savouring ice-cold beers from the restaurant with those jaw-dropping views.
It may not be the fanciest place in Lake Toba, but the vibe more than makes up for any surface wear and tear. We’ve spent a lot of time in the cheapest rooms and find them more than adequate – and always clean and comfy. Every single one is right on the lakeside, so you can literally step out your front door and dive into the lake.
You can even sleep in the converted Batak house that’s more than a century old and has been retained by the family for generations.
In 2019, they completed four fancy new rooms adjacent to the older rooms. We’ve had a good look through those these rooms. They’re lovely, as you’d expect, with all the mod cons and fantastic balconies to relax on.
The top floor of the new rooms is dedicated to two family suites. Each suite has two spacious bedrooms with large queen beds, and a sizeable bathroom ensuite in the front, lake-facing room.
All rooms (even the budget ones) have hot water and Western-style toilets. No mosquito nets, but in all our time there, we’ve never had an issue with mosquitos.
There is Wi-Fi. It doesn’t reach the rooms that we’ve stayed in, but working from the balcony area of the restaurant is a pleasant experience anyway, with those views!
We love that Reggae Guesthouse Lake Toba is run by a local Batak family who have lived there for generations. “Auntie,” as we affectionately call her, is a warm and smiling lady who makes you feel at home. The staff are always willing to help in any way.
If you need to hire a scooter, figure out ferry schedules, find a driver or guide, or have any issues, they’ll gladly help. To me, the fact that they remembered my name when I came back a year after my first brief visit meant the world; that’s the kind of place we love to support!
Thumbs Up:
- The views, the views, the views…. we challenge you to tear your eyes away from them! Private, clean area to swim in the lake. Quiet part of Tuk Tuk but surrounded by shops and restaurants.
- Sometimes live acoustic music as a bonus in the evenings if you’re lucky as the local guys gather for Bintangs. Super friendly staff and homey vibe.
Thumbs Down:
- We can’t see many negatives about Reggae Guest House Lake Toba. However, it’s important to mention that to get to any of the rooms requires navigating at least one or two flights of concrete stairs. If you have mobility issues, this may not be the right spot for you.
- Bear in mind that the most budget-friendly rooms are basic. You’ll have clean sheets, blankets, a western toilet, and hot water, but no extras.
CHECK OUT OUR FULL TOUR AND REVIEW OF REGGAE GUESTHOUSE BELOW!
CLICK BELOW TO BOOK
Romlan Guesthouse
Romlan is a highly-rated budget guesthouse in Tuk Tuk, Lake Toba. We haven’t had the pleasure of staying here personally, but have connected with many travellers who raved about their time at Romlan.
Situated on the shore of Lake Toba, Romlan offers a restaurant, shared lounge, and pretty garden areas. There is free Wi-Fi and a private beach area where guests can swim in the lake. You can even hire kayaks here to explore a little further afield.
The location is great, with many other restaurants within walking distance. Scooter hire and tours can be organised by the Romlan staff.
Thumbs Up:
Guests appreciate the friendly, helpful staff, and everybody raves about the fantastic, well-priced food at this popular restaurant. The beds are comfy, and the facilities clean.
Thumbs Down:
There are some comments about the noise of the speedboats and jetskis from the lake early in the morning; however, this is the case for any Lake Toba lakeside hotel, and nothing that a good set of earplugs won’t fix.
CLICK BELOW TO BOOK
Mid-Range Hotels in Tuk Tuk Lake Toba
Price-range 300,000IDR – 600,000IDR (20-40 Euro/USD $30AUD)
Need a little bit more comfort than your average backpacker? These mid-range Lake Toba hotels are just what the doctor ordered.
These guesthouses offer bit more space, a comfy bed, and if you’re lucky, maybe even a pool!
Gokhon Guesthouse
Gokhon Guesthouse is another we haven’t stayed at, but it has such consistently high ratings on booking platforms that we’d be remiss not to mention it.
Located on the ring road circling Tuk Tuk peninsula, Gokhon is right on the lake shore. It has a garden, a private beach area, and a terrace. Wi-Fi is available, as is free parking.
Rooms are equipped with a desk, flat-screen TV, and balconies with seating areas.
There is no restaurant on site, but plenty right on the doorstep, including one of the best in the area, Jenny’s!
Thumbs Up:
- Guests were impressed with the friendliness of the manager and commented that the facilities are ideal for families (and very well-maintained). The lakeside location is picturesque, and the location handy to explore the rest of Tuk Tuk.
Thumbs Down:
- Guests struggled to find any issues with Gokhon Guesthouse. Even the lack of a restaurant isn’t an issue due to the plethora of great eateries nearby.
CLICK BELOW TO BOOK
Hub Tata Guesthouse
Hub Tata Guesthouse is a beautiful place to stay in Tuktuk. Previously known as Bamboo Guesthouse, this property has had a beautiful makeover courtesy of new management.
The rooms are virtually right on the lake, with beautiful big windows that take full advantage of the spectacular views across the bay.
The rooms have been refreshed Bali style – with crisp clean furnishings, brand new SUPER comfy beds, and wooden furniture/decor.
Bathrooms are clean and spacious, with western flush toilets and hot water showers.
The WiFi is good, and the price includes breakfast from the excellent Hub Tata restaurant above, which guests say has the best breakfast they’ve experienced in Indonesia!
The location is great – not just for views, but you’re only a short walk from Jalan Impres – a shortcut that takes you across to the other side of Tuktuk with plenty of restaurants and shops.
Thumbs Up:
- Awesome lakeside location with great views.
- Super comfortable beds and newly refurbished rooms.
- Great restuarant attached.
Thumbs Down:
- Like many Tuktuk guesthouses, the walls between rooms can be quite thin, making for potentially noisy neighbours.
- There are stairs leading to the rooms, so if you have mobility issues, this may not be a suitable place for you.
CLICK BELOW TO BOOK
Toba Village Inn - TOP PICK!
There’s a special place in our heart for Toba Village Inn. When Carly was a newbie solo traveller to Sumatra, there was virtually no information online about Lake Toba, Tuk Tuk, or hotels. She had no idea what to expect, but luckily found this place online.
Toba Village Inn turned out to be so perfect that she stayed here several times more before opting for more budget accommodations.
Toba Village Inn is one of the fancier accommodations in Tuk Tuk, Lake Toba. The rooms are super clean and the beds are huge and comfy – complete with mosquito nets and beautifully designed western-style bathrooms.
Ten years ago, the pool was fantastic. Now, they’ve upgraded, and there are TWO pools to swim in, as well as lake access. The grounds are lush with exotic plants and flowers, and there’s an exquisitely serene jetty to stroll along.
The on-site restaurant is lovely, with a nice range of local and western food and drinks. As always in Sumatra, what is most special about Toba Village Inn is the kindness of the staff at all levels. They’ll remember your name, go out of their way to help you, and always warmly welcome you back.
Some rooms have fridges and air conditioning, but not all. If those things are essential, check when you book.
Thumbs Up:
- Huge comfy beds, super clean, gorgeous lakeside location in a quiet yet central area. Lovely caring staff who will take great care of you. Top-notch facilities.
Thumbs Down:
- This place is not as spacious as it once was due to new room additions.
- We have heard numerous reports that the breakfast is not good.
CLICK BELOW TO BOOK
Tuk Tuk Timbul Bungalows
Tuktuk Timbul is the place to go if you want a little extra peace and quiet, as it’s not on the “main” ring road that circles Tuk Tuk peninsula. Instead, this Lake Toba hotel is on the outskirts of the main tourist area, along the picturesque road that leads to Ambarita.
Although we haven’t stayed at Tuktuk Timbul, it is rated quite highly on the main booking platforms, so worth including in our list of best hotels in Lake Toba.
Tuktuk Timbul Bungalows is located on a large patch of green land on the edge of the lake, overlooking the central Tuktuk area. It has a restaurant, a shared lounge, garden and Wi-Fi (although guests report that this doesn’t reach all the bungalows).
Some of the bungalows are self-contained with small kitchens, great for families that want to be able to prepare their own food. There is also a traditional Batak house to stay in.
Because of its location, if you want to stroll around the restaurants and shops of Tuktuk, you’ve got a slightly longer walk to deal with (it’s about 2kms to Tuktuk). Alternatively, rent a scooter and you can pop over whenever you like.
Thumbs Up:
- Because it’s removed from the other hotels, bars, and restaurants, you’ll find a bit more of a peaceful vibe here. The food is said to be tasty and affordable, and the staff kind and helpful
Thumbs Down:
- Part of the charm of Tuk Tuk is being able to step outside your guesthouse and wander around soaking up the village vibes. This is a little trickier from Tuktuk Timbul, but that may appeal to some travellers! There were several comments lamenting the lack of cleanliness here, in early 2022.
CLICK BELOW TO BOOK
High-End Hotels in Tuk Tuk Samosir Island
Price-range 600,000IDR + (40 Euro/USD $60AUD+)
Tuktuk doesn’t currently have any 5-star rated hotels (although there is an enormous 5-star resort due to open in 2024!)
But there are definitely some quality accommodations here with everything you need – including lakeside locations, beautiful pools, spacious rooms and delicious foods.
Take a look our top fancy hotels in Tuktuk.
Tabo Cottages - TOP PICK!
Tabo Cottages is another favourite hotel of ours in Samosir Island Lake Toba – and we’re not the only ones. While many places in Tuk Tuk are often a little empty, Tabo Cottages seems to always be buzzing, even during low season.
We highly recommend a stay here. Even if you don’t choose to spend your nights in one of their rooms, you should drop in for lunch and dinner to enjoy the fabulous food, drinks, and beautifully landscaped grounds.
We often spend time eating and hanging out in one of the various outdoor seating areas, surrounded by gorgeous tropical flowers and well-established trees. The menu is full of fresh, healthy options – think bowls stacked full of guacamole, towering sandwiches, delicious local options, and healthy teas and smoothies.
There’s even a bakery here complete with fresh bread and a variety of cakes.
The pool at Tabo Cottages is inviting, and you’ll love the Batak-style open-air building that looks out over the lake.
The accommodations are well done, and there’s a good mix of options.
Tabo Cottages Lake Toba is owned and managed by Annette and her Batak husband. Originally from Germany, Annette has called Tuk Tuk home for many decades now and is a fantastic host with a wealth of knowledge about the local attractions and culture.
Thumbs Up:
- Fab pool, large, comfy restaurant with lots of areas to relax. Extensive grounds with flowers and trees.
- Friendly, attentive staff and very well run. Tours, cars, and anything else you need readily available.
Thumbs Down:
- As far as we can tell, there are no bad parts to this place; however, you’ll need to book directly through their website, as they aren’t on any of the well-known booking platforms. Make sure you book well in advance too, as they are one of the most popular hotels in Lake Toba!
CLICK BELOW TO BOOK DIRECT
Zoe's Paradise Waterfront Hotel
One of the newer hotels at Lake Toba, Zoe’s Paradise Waterfront Hotel is extremely highly-rated, and one of the top hotels in Lake Toba Indonesia. The design is modern but with beautifully designed nods to the Batak architecture of the region.
Complete with high-speed Wi-Fi, a pool and garden area, and a lovely restaurant, you can expect quality service and high standards at Zoe’s Paradise. Run by Marlen and her Batak husband, and named after their daughter, travellers looking for western-style standards and comfort will find it here.
Even better, there is an emphasis on being environmentally friendly at Zoe’s Paradise; they even make their own cleaning products and use LED lighting to reduce power consumption. Favouring eco-conscious practices, you won’t find air conditioning in the rooms, but the Lake Toba weather isn’t too sweltering, so the fans provided should be enough to keep you cool.
Refill your water bottles for free, enjoy foods purchased from island resources where possible, and enjoy swimming in the pool that is kept hygienic without nasty chemicals.
Although we’ve yet to stay at Zoe’s Paradise, we have eaten at the restaurant (yum) and had a peek inside, and it looks super clean, comfy, and suitably fancy without being over the top.
Thumbs Up:
- Consistently great reviews talk about cleanliness, attentive staff, and top-notch facilities.
- The lake views are gorgeous, and the location is ideal – only a short walk around the corner to get to our favourite live music/bar venue, Roy’s Pub.
Thumbs Down:
- This is a hotel-style accommodation in Lake Toba, with all the rooms contained within one building – quite a departure from the majority of hotels in Tuk Tuk that have self-contained rooms – though this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Note that some of the rooms are up several sets of stairs, and there is no elevator, so this may not be ideal for people who have mobility issues.
CLICK BELOW TO BOOK
Horas Family Home
Horas Family Home is somewhat of an esteemed institution in Lake Toba. They have excellent reviews and consistently rate the highest on all the booking platforms. The attention to detail and welcoming, holistic, family vibe seem to work extremely well.
While we haven’t personally stayed here, we’ve heard nothing but glowing reviews and seen the property; it really is lovely.
Though the prices here are at the upper end of the scale for Tuk Tuk, you get a lot of value for your money. Even the cheapest two-room apartments offer free Wi-Fi, garden views, a minibar, slippers, and toiletries. The family apartment has so many extras that it’s impossible to list them all!
Hosted by husband and wife team Hotman Siallagan and Berend Bakker, guests become an instant part of the family and have so much to do without even leaving the property.
Families in particular, will love staying here – the kids (and grownups!) can interact with the fish, rabbits, chickens, cats and dogs and help out with the organic veggie garden.
There’s free fishing in the pond, swimming, kayaking, relaxing in the sun, cooking, learning composting and recycling…. And of course, a lovely pool to cool off in.
Centrally located in Tuk Tuk, you’ve got plenty of great restaurants, bars and shops nearby, but the food here is prepared just for guests and is highly rated. If you do want to do your own cooking, you’ll find well-equipped kitchens and a dining area in each unit.
Thumbs Up:
- Dedication to sustainability, local produce, well-suited to small groups. Everything you need is here, and the team are super helpful and friendly. You’ll get a warm welcome to Lake Toba here – plus, animals!!!
Thumbs Down:
- May be out of reach for budget backpackers, but if you get a group together, well worth the splurge.
CLICK BELOW TO BOOK
Hotels in Parapat Lake Toba
First things first; if possible, we recommend NOT staying in Parapat – unless you actually have important business there.
It’s not the quietest, cleanest, or prettiest area in Lake Toba. You definitely won’t happen upon the best hotel in Lake Toba here. When you travel to this area, it’s better to head straight across to Tuk Tuk and find a little place to call home there.
However, if you miss the last ferry across from Tiga Raja Port (which leaves at 19:30), you may need to find a place to bed down for the night before catching the ferry the next day).
We’ve had to do this twice: once when we arrived too late, and once when we needed to catch an early flight from Silangit airport the next day and knew we wouldn’t be able to make it across early enough with the ferry times. We found our accommodations on foot at the last minute, and would not recommend either place we stayed at!
We’ve found a few in Parapat that look like decent places to catch a few zzz’s on your way to or from Tuk Tuk.
Unfortunately, the budget options available have less than stellar reviews. They may do for a night at a push, but don’t expect too much other than a place to lie down!
If you have the budget, there are some highly-rated hotels in Parapat, but they do fall into the high-end category. Here are the best options we found for places to stay in Parapat, Lake Toba.
Budget Parapat Hotels
Bear in mind that the budget hotels in Parapat are very bare bones. None of them has very high reviews, but for travellers on a budget, they’re a good solution for a one-night stay.
Here are the top-rated properties on the most popular booking platforms.
Oyo 90331 Hotel Toba Shanda
Recent reviews skew wildly between “Good” and “very good” to “bad” and “the worst hotel ever.” So book with caution and low expectations and you may be pleasantly surprised!
Overall, this budget hotel in Parapat has more positive reviews than negative, so we’ve included it here for the time being.
It’s nice and close to the ferry port for a quick escape. Lake views and Wi-Fi are available,
Recent reviews comment on the rooms smelling strongly of smoke and being decidedly dirty.
CLICK BELOW TO BOOK
RedDoorz @ Parapat
Be aware that there are two “RedDoorz” hotels in Parapat. The other is called “RedDoorz near Danau Toba Parapat.”
This one has better reviews, so we have not included the other option.
The reviews aren’t outstanding, but they are positive overall.
While a little further away than the Oyo listing above, RedDoorz @ Parapat is still within Parapat, so only a short drive or a slightly longer walk from the ferries.
It’s also cheaper than the Oyo, with fewer negative comments from guests.
Guests loved the pleasant staff and the great location close to a range of food stalls. While far from perfect, most agreed that this was a passable place to spend a night.
The main complaints were that the windows don’t shut, allowing mosquitos to enter and making the room quite noisy to sleep in. One guest commented that there was no hot water.
CLICK BELOW TO BOOK
Pandu Lakeside Hotel Parapat
While the booking websites look promising – boasting about satellite TVs, an outdoor pool, a beach area and a restaurant, the reviews are less than stellar. For this price, you’d expect a few extras, but some people comment that the hotel is outdated, dirty, and a bit noisy.
The latest reviews are mixed: some guests seem happy with the facilities, while others comment on the lack of cleanliness.
The good thing is, it’s super close to Tiga Raja port, so you can catch the first ferry to paradise in the morning!
CLICK BELOW TO BOOK
Mid-Range Parapat Hotels
There’s a bit of a gap in the market here. While there are some mid-range priced places to stay in Parapat, the ratings on the main booking platforms are not favourable, especially if you look at the recent reviews.
As such, we can’t currently recommend any mid-range Parapat hotels, but are welcome to suggestions if you know of any!
High-End Parapat Hotels
Khas Parapat
A lake-front Parapat hotel with its own white-sand, private beach!? What’s not to like!
If you’re looking for comfort and style in your stay at Parapat, Khas Parapat has you covered.
The views are lovely, and you can book a boat tour, hire a jet ski, or zoom around on a banana boat from the front of the hotel.
There’s even a gorgeous dining area with pagodas right on the lake.
It’s not right in the centre of the Parapat port area, but still close enough to the ferries to be convenient.
Rooms are clean and pretty, with nice views.
There are plenty of places to do some souvenir shopping nearby. Breakfast has a good spread, and it’s nice to be so close to the lake. That private beach is a real bonus!
Recent comments noted that the older, non-renovated rooms are a little well-worn, yet the same price as the newly renovated ones, so may not provide as much value.
CLICK BELOW TO BOOK
Hotel Niagara
Hotel Niagara Parapat is the most highly-rated hotel in Parapat, Lake Toba. Just a short walk from Tiga Raja and Ajibata Porst (where you can catch the ferry across to Samosir Island), this beautiful resort is designed for comfort.
It has stunning lake views, an enormous pool, and exceptional facilities.
If you have the budget, why not make the most of your time in Parapat with a stay at this awesome resort. The only downside is, you may not want to check out!
CLICK BELOW TO BOOK
Hotels in Balige Lake Toba
Located on the southwest shore of Lake Toba, Balige is not generally on the main tourist track, but it really should be! Not only is this place pretty and picturesque, but it’s also handy for visitors arriving via Silangit Airport.
If you need a rest before facing the two-hour drive to Parapat to get to Samosir, there are plenty of accommodation options in and around Balige. Some are good value to just rest for a night before continuing your journey, while others make lovely retreats in themselves.
We’ve not yet spent any time in Balige, but it’s on the top of our list, and we’ve heard such good things about the town and the surrounding area.
Balige looks like the perfect place to base yourself in to explore a bit more off the beaten track. The local “beach” – Pantai Bulbul – isn’t overly attractive, but if you mix and mingle with the locals, we’re sure you’ll discover some hidden treasures here.
Budget Hotels in Balige
Balige J&J Guest House 2
Centrally located in Balige, right near the beach, this tidy guesthouse is well rated by guests. You’ll find a shared kitchen and lounge, 24-hour front desk, and room service. Because you’re right in town, it’s easy to find food.
Recent reviews mention that the rooms are nice and clean and the host is very friendly and helpful.
This is a great place for families, and there are a range of rooms for budget travellers.
CLICK BELOW TO BOOK
OYO 1095 RAP Hotel
This budget Balige accommodation is very highly rated by guests across all booking platforms.
Located on the main road in a central location, it’s not far from the beach. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms, air conditioning and lake views from the spacious windows.
Recent reviews affirm that this budget Balige hotel is comfortable and clean, with friendly, helpful staff. There are even water refills on each floor.
This looks like the perfect place to stay in Balige on a budget.
CLICK BELOW TO BOOK
The Boat Homestay & Spa
While this cute homestay doesn’t have many reviews yet, the ones it does have are 10/10!
This one is in the central part of Balige in a great location. It’s one of the few hostel-like accommodations we’ve come across in North Sumatra (outside of Medan).
They have double rooms or budget bunk beds in female-only or male-only dorms, which is perfect for solo or budget travellers to Lake Toba.
Reviews rave about the friendly owner and great vibes in a peaceful location.
CLICK BELOW TO BOOK
Mid-Range Balige Hotels
Capital O 540 Esther Hotel
Flights to Lake Toba Sumatra can now arrive at Silangit Airport, which is much closer than the main airport in Medan. If you’ve just arrived at Silangit airport and are desperate for somewhere clean and affordable to rest your head, Capital O 540 Esther Hotel is a great option.
It’s less than two kilometres from the airport, so you’ll be snoozing soundly before you know it. Amenities include a restaurant, 24-hour front desk, room service and free WiFi. Guest reviews are overall positive, but don’t expect luxury!
Guests who stayed recently loved the location, the clean bathrooms, the good breakfast, and the friendly service.
CLICK BELOW TO BOOK
Tiara Bunga Hotel & Villa
Need some privacy in your hotel near Lake Toba? Tiara Bunga is reachable only by boat at certain times of the day. Perched right on the edge of the lake, you’ll find units equipped with air-con, TVs, kettles and bathrooms.
There’s an attractive pool and private beach area, as well as room service and Wi-Fi. The hotel design is modern and sleek.
A few years ago, this was highly rated, but recent reviews have pointed out a few issues.
Some guests haven’t been happy with the level of cleanliness throughout the hotel and say that the food is a little average.
Overall, Tiara Bunga Hotel & Villa is rated well, though. It has great views and a nice place to stay away from the central Balige area.
CLICK BELOW TO BOOK
Pondok Berata Dapdap
Well, this looks like a little slice of heaven! As with the above option, Pondok Berata Dapdap can only be reached by boat – so there’ll be no exploring other than via a kayak on the peaceful lake.
Every unit has a fully equipped kitchenette if you want to BYO food, and some have terraces or balconies with mountain views.
With a more traditional wooden, design, guests rave about the food, the scenery, and the super friendly staff who make you feel like part of the family.
Pondok Berata Dapdap is extremely highly rated, in recent reviews as well as older ones.
The owners are said to be warm and friendly; the food is delicous and priced reasonably. And there are plenty of activities to do nearby, such as hiking, swimming, and canoeing.
This looks like the ideal Balige getaway for some serenity and healing.
CLICK BELOW TO BOOK
High-end Balige Hotels
Labersa Toba Hotel & Convention Centre
Need a family-friendly upgrade for your Balige hotel? Look no further than the Labersa Toba Hotel & Convention Centre.
This is a large, multi-story hotel set in the centre of Balige, Lake Toba. One of the best things about it is that it is right next to the Labersa Toba Fantasi Waterpark. If you stay here, you get free entry – a fun activity to keep the kids occupied.
This place does come with a high-end price tag, although some guests question if there is enough value.
The quality is there, but it lacks some of the expected amenities from this level of hotel: there are no hair dryers or fridges in the room, no gym and no water refills.
However, the place is generally of high quality. Clean, great service, and lovely views.
Guests who stayed at this Balige hotel recently commented that the pool was a bit on the small side, and thought the breakfast selection was good, but the food a little average.
CLICK BELOW TO BOOK
Damar Toba
Damar Toba is one of the newest – and fanciest – hotels in Balige. On booking platforms, it has few reviews (but very good ones!) However, if you search for this property on Google and look at the Google Business listing, there are dozens of excellent reviews.
Located in central Balige, Damar Toba offers rooms with air conditioning, patios with lake views, private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs and safety deposit boxes. There is even Netflix to splurge on if you feel like relaxing in one of their beautifully designed rooms instead of heading out to explore the area!
There is an excellent restaurant offering quality food – including some highly rated Batak cuisine.
Guests can enjoy live music at night, sip on a mocktail or cocktail, and just soak up the vibes.
Overall, this appears to be one of the best luxury hotels in Balige, with an overwhelming amount of positive reviews. Guests don’t have anything negative to say other than that the price of food may be a little more expensive than elsewhere.
CLICK BELOW TO BOOK
Luxury Resorts in Lake Toba
Taman Simalem Resort
Wow. So, we have yet to stay at this gorgeous resort, but we want to include it as it looks impressive and may appeal to some visitors looking for a luxury retreat in Lake Toba in Sumatra.
Taman Simalem is outside of the main tourist accommodation areas of Lake Toba, which actually adds to the appeal. Although it looks like you’d never have to leave the (206 hectares!) grounds during your stay, it’s not far from the fantastic Sipiso Piso waterfall (listed on our Top 5 Waterfalls to see in Lake Toba), and some beautiful hiking and viewpoint areas.
Taman Simalem resort Toba boasts organic farms, fruit orchards, tea and coffee plantations, and many accommodations dotted around the estate. You are immersed in nature and feel like you have plenty of privacy and space, yet have all the amenities you could ever need when staying here.
For groups, check out the stunning Tongging Point Lodge; it’s like a super fancy hostel, with multiple beds in one room.
Tongging Point Hotel is as posh as they come – with prices to match.
The Waterfall Hotel is less pricy in comparison, but still modern, clean, and uber comfortable.
Then there’s the Waterfall Villa, too. Not for the budget traveller, but if you’re in the market for a luxury resort holiday in paradise, this is your spot.
Of course, you’ll need to take time out from exploring the grounds to eat, and you’re spoiled for choice with numerous places to eat: Kodon Kodon Café on the edge of a rainforest, a Chinese teahouse on the Cliffside, VANA restaurant with its plant-based menu, Agro café with juices and snacks, and TobaCafe right in the middle of the property (umm, right next to the golf course and coffee/tea estate, of course.
Thumbs Up:
- Archery, yoga, horse riding, hiking, farm tours – so much to do in this gorgeous spot.
- Perfect for honeymooners or those in need of some timeout with cash to spare.
- This is one of the most impressive places to stay Lake Toba – a true 5 star hotel experience!
Thumbs Down:
- This place is so big, you need a shuttle bus to get to breakfast from your room and a guide map to get around. Not necessarily a bad thing!
CLICK BELOW TO BOOK
Your Essential Sumatra Travel Toolkit
TRAVEL INSURANCE: An absolute necessity whether you’re travelling for a week, a month or a year. For flexibility and affordability, we highly recommend SafetyWing.
Click here for SafetyWing plans and prices
MONEY MANAGEMENT: Grab a free Wise account to easily store and switch currencies, send money all over the world, and withdraw from ATMs throughout Indonesia. We would be LOST without this amazing tool.
Sign up for a free Wise account
FLIGHT FINDER: Nothing beats Skyscanner for sourcing the best flights to, from, and around Sumatra. Filter your search according to the cheapest or fastest options. We use this every time we fly.
Find flights with Skyscanner
BOOKING ACCOMMODATION: We always use Booking.com when we travel throughout Sumatra and beyond. Easily find your ideal guesthouse, hotel or resort.
Search Booking.com
NEED HELP? Looking for guides, drivers, or any other travel advice? We’re always happy to help.
Email us – even if just to say hi!
This Post Has 2 Comments
Pingback: Best Time to Visit Sumatra Indonesia - Your In-depth Guide!
Pingback: Travel to Lake Toba - Your Ultimate Guide! We are Sumatra