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A traditional dance performance in Badjo, Indonesia with people in cultural attire.

Things to Do in Parapat, Indonesia

Photo made by Sony Feo on Pexels.com

When to visit

NOT BUSYJan24°20d rain
NOT BUSYFeb24°18d rain
MODERATEMar25°16d rain
MODERATEApr26°12d rain
MODERATEMay27°8d rainBEST
BUSYJun28°5d rainBEST
BUSYJul28°4d rainBEST
BUSYAug28°3d rainBEST
MODERATESep27°6d rainBEST
MODERATEOct26°10d rain
NOT BUSYNov25°15d rain
NOT BUSYDec24°18d rain

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Plan language: English

Most popular attractions in Parapat, Indonesia

Parapat Harbor

1. Parapat Harbor

4.2 (104)
MarinaTourist AttractionServicePoint of InterestEstablishment

Her er bådene tæt på hinanden for at imødekomme ture til søens øer. Oplev fiskernes morgenfangst og den fredelige solopgang på søens overflade.

Quick facts: Dette er en vigtig trafikknudepunkt ved Sugara-søen i Sumatra, med mere end 50 både der dagligt sejler mellem øerne på søen. Ved kajen kan man også se traditionelle fiskerbåde og markeder med frisk fisk.

Highlights: Morgenmorgendisen ved kajen er meget betagende, hvor fiskere kaster deres net ud på vandet, som reflekterer solens første skær. Besøgende kan opleve Sugara-søens dagligliv tæt på og lære om lokal fiskeri og handel.

Sipiso-piso Waterfall

2. Sipiso-piso Waterfall

4.5 (3,183)
Scenic SpotHiking AreaSports Activity LocationPoint of InterestEstablishment

Oplev et 120 meter langt fald ind i naturens skønhed. Hør brølet og se de farverige både på søen for fantastiske fotooplevelser.

Quick facts: The waterfall drops exactly 120 meters into a clear pool below, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Indonesia. It's part of the Gunung Sinabung volcanic area and offers a spectacular view over Lake Toba.

Highlights: The waterfall creates a thunderous roar that can be heard from the village where local Batak people live. Visitors can see colorful traditional boats on the lake far below, adding a vibrant contrast to the natural scene.

Tanjung Unta Hill

3. Tanjung Unta Hill

4.4 (54)
National ParkParkPoint of InterestEstablishment

Nyd det perfekte udsyn over Tobasøen og frisk luft. Vandrestierne fører dig gennem frodige grønne skove.

Quick facts: Fra bjergtoppen kan man få en udsigt over Tobasøen og byen Parapat, et betagende landskab. Bjerget har snoede stier og rig vegetation, og luften er frisk.

Highlights: Fra udsigtspunktet på bjergtoppen kan man tydeligt se fiskerbåde langsomt krydse søens overflade, hvilket danner et levende akvarelmaling. På bjergets skråning er der en gammel stensten, som fortæller lokale fiskerhistorier og øger eventyret ved at udforske området.

Batak Museum

4. Batak Museum

4.3 (457)
MuseumTourist AttractionPoint of InterestEstablishment

Oplev essensen af Sydøstasiens minoritetskulturer. Mærk charmen ved århundreder gamle træbygninger og værdifulde kunstsamlinger.

Quick facts: The museum houses over 1,200 traditional Batak art pieces and crafts, showcasing the rich and colorful tribal culture. Located near a lake, visitors can also enjoy unique views of the lake reflections and distant mountains.

Highlights: The wooden structure uses clever nail-free mortise and tenon joints, reflecting ancient construction wisdom. The museum exhibits rare traditional weapons and daily utensils, making visitors feel as if they have traveled back to the life scenes of the Indonesian Batak tribe.

Parapat Beach

5. Parapat Beach

4.5 (8,442)
Tourist AttractionSkateboard ParkSports ComplexSports Activity LocationEvent Venue

Søens vand er klart til bunds, ideelt til afslapning og fotografering. Du vil opleve den rolige søoverflade og den storslåede solnedgangsudsigt.

Quick facts: The lakeside beach is adjacent to Indonesia's largest freshwater lake, with a surface area of about 1,130 square kilometers. Every year, thousands of tourists come here to enjoy the lake water and natural scenery.

Highlights: The water here is crystal clear, and the lake surface often reflects the mountain scenery on the opposite shore, creating a mirror-like beauty. At dusk, the fiery red sunset intertwines with the shimmering lake surface, forming a unique romantic scene.

Where to Stay in Parapat, Indonesia

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Traditional Sweet Dishes

Pisang Goreng

Pisang Goreng

Pisang Goreng is a popular fried banana snack in Parapat, known for its crispy exterior and sweet, soft interior that locals often enjoy with palm sugar syrup and grated coconut.

Batak Cake (Lappet)

Batak Cake (Lappet)

Lappet is a traditional Batak layered cake made from rice flour, coconut milk, and palm sugar, often served during special occasions in Parapat with its rich and sweet flavor.

Sirsak Juice

Sirsak Juice

Although not a traditional dessert, Sirsak juice, made from soursop fruit, is commonly consumed as a sweet refreshment in Parapat and is treasured for its unique tangy and creamy taste.

Traditional Savory Dishes

Saksang

Saksang

Saksang is a famous Batak dish from Parapat made with minced pork or dog meat cooked in blood and spices, offering a rich and spicy flavor that reflects the region's culinary heritage.

Itak Gurgur

Itak Gurgur

Itak Gurgur consists of steamed rice flour mixed with grated coconut and typically served with spicy fish or meat dishes, symbolizing respect and remembrance in Batak culture.

Naniura

Naniura

Naniura is a local Batak dish in Parapat made from raw fish marinated in lime juice and spices, similar to ceviche, prized for its fresh and zesty taste.

Traditional Beverages

Tuak

Tuak

Tuak is a traditional Batak alcoholic beverage made from fermented palm sap, often enjoyed during communal gatherings and cultural ceremonies in Parapat.

Bandrek

Bandrek

Bandrek is a warm, spicy ginger drink popular in Parapat, known for its soothing properties and often consumed to ward off the cold weather near Lake Toba.

Bajigur

Bajigur

Bajigur is a sweet, warm coconut milk beverage infused with palm sugar and spices, favored in Parapat as a comforting drink during cooler evenings by the lake.

Frequently Asked Questions about Parapat, Indonesia

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Most popular day trips

Lake Toba

10 km 30m by car

Indonesia's largest volcanic lake with scenic views and Samosir Island.

Samosir Island

15 km 45m by ferry

Cultural heart of the Batak people with traditional villages and baths.

Tomok Village

18 km 45m by ferry and car

Batak heritage site with ancient tombs and traditional houses.

Rent a car in Parapat, Indonesia

Comments (8)

W
Will G.

Bus tickets from Medan to Parapat can be booked last minute at the station, no need to pre-book online, often cheaper and more flexible.

10
E
Emma J.

Chilly mornings but beautiful views around Parapat make it worth packing a warm jacket. Great spot if you want a peaceful retreat for a few days.

10
T
Tatiana H.

Surprisingly quiet town, perfect if you want to escape the usual tourist buzz. Just be prepared for basic amenities, some places close early.

10
K
Kayla M.

Really enjoyed the local fish dishes here, fresh and flavorful. The vendors around the market are friendly and prices reasonable compared to the tourist traps nearby.

10
A
Astrid R.

Stayed 3 days which felt just right. Long enough to explore and chill by the lake, but not too long since there aren't tons of nightlife options.

10

Getting there

From Sisingamangaraja XII Airport, take a taxi or local shuttle to Parapat town center, about 1.5 hours by road.

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Useful information for Parapat, Indonesia

Shopping locationsParapat Market, Siborongborong Market
Nightlife locationsParapat Night Market, Local Bars
Popular casual restaurantsNdok Sangkuto, RM Borneo
Popular fancy restaurantsTuk Tuk Indonesian Bistro, Lake Toba Resort Restaurant
Popular coffee shopsCafe Sipinsur, Bukit Indah Cafe
Tap water safe to drinkNo
Digital nomad visaNo
Best taxi appGrab, Gojek
Taxi price / km$0.3
Tourists / year2000000
Mobile internet speed15 Mbps
Unemployment percentage5.7 %
Poverty percentage9.8 %
Average income / month$250
Average cost of living / month$400
Hotel price / night from$20
Beer price from$1.5
Coffee price from$1
Street food price from$0.5
Restaurant meal price from$2
Local currencyIDR
Power plug typesC, F
ReligionsIslam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism
Spoken languagesIndonesian, Batak, English
EthnicitiesBatak, Javanese, Chinese
Political orientationcenter
Population density120 /km²
Geographical area15 km²
Possible natural disastersEarthquake, Flood, Volcanic eruption, Tsunami
Dangerous animalsSnake, Scorpion, Wild boar
Locations for a nice walkLake Toba Waterfront, Sipinsur Hills, Parapat Harbor
Public transportationsMinibus, Ojek, Taxi
AirlinesGaruda Indonesia, Lion Air, AirAsia
Suggested vaccinationsHepatitis A, Typhoid, Dengue, Tetanus
Architecture typeBatak traditional, Colonial, Modern
Average beer consumption per person / year0.4 l
Average wine consumption per person / year0.1 l
Tipping cultureNot mandatory but appreciated
Coworking / day$10
Airbnb / month$300
1BR rent / month$150
Gym / month$20
Daily budget (backpacker)$25
Daily budget (mid-range)$50

Overview for Parapat, Indonesia

English proficiencyBad
Traffic safetyBad
Friendly to foreignersAverage
Freedom of speechGood
Public transportationBad
HealthcareBad
EducationBad
Power grid reliabilityAverage
Crime safetyBad
WalkabilityAverage
NightlifeBad
Food sceneAverage
LGBTQ+ friendlyBad
Startup sceneVery bad
Noise levelAverage
CleanlinessAverage
Nature accessGood
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