Lake Toba is once again hosting an international sports tourism event. Previously, it had hosted the Lake Toba 2024 F1 Powerboat event. This time, Lake Toba, specifically Samosir Island, has been chosen to host the international event Trail of the Kings (TOTK) Zero Edition, which will take place May 2-3, 2024.

The decision to select Samosir Island as the venue for this international cross-country running competition is closely tied to its exceptional natural landscapes and breathtaking views, which are unparalleled elsewhere. This serves as a draw for visitors and can contribute to the development of the tourism sector and creative economy in the Lake Toba area.

The middle of Lake Toba, North Sumatra, hosts Samosir Island, which was formed tens of thousands of years ago due to the eruption of Mount Toba. The island did not emerge all at once but gradually took shape over thousands of years due to volcanic activities.

The attraction of Samosir is not only in the background of its formation. Many interesting facts about the island are rarely known to tourists, such as its natural beauty, culture, beliefs, and rituals, passed down from generation to generation and preserved today.

Here are interesting facts about Samosir Island that Sobat Parekraf should know:

Fifth Largest Island

The area of Samosir Island reaches 63,000 hectares or approximately 640 square km. Thanks to its location, which is almost equivalent to the area of Singapore, it is not surprising that Samosir Island is included as the fifth largest island in the world, in the category of island in the middle of a lake.

Rich in Natural Tourism

Not only does it have a unique origin for the island's formation, but it is also rich in natural tourism. One of the most popular tourist destinations on Samosir Island is Holbung Hill or Teletubbies Hill. This vast expanse of green grass is perfect for enjoying the beauty of Lake Toba from above.

You can also stop by the Lumban Suhi-Suhi Tourism Village, about 48 minutes from Holbung Hill. In this village, there are many "ulos" cloth craftsmen, so you can see the process of making ulos cloth by local people.

Photo: Traditional Batak house on Samosir Island (Shutterstock/akedesign)

Historical Tourism

Many historical tours are available on Samosir Island. One location that can be visited to learn about the history, culture, and traditions of Samosir Island is the Huta Bolon Museum. In this museum, you can find many relics from the Toba Batak tribe, ranging from weapons of war from the past to traditional toys and ulos cloth with various motifs. Interestingly, the museum building still stands strong despite being hundreds of years old!

Steep with Culture

Samosir Island is known for its natural beauty, history, and rich culture. One of the preserved performing arts on the island is the Sigale-gale performance. This performance is traditionally held during death ceremonies and is believed to represent the spirits of the deceased.

Hereditary Rituals and Beliefs

Fascinating facts about Samosir Island include the enduring rituals and beliefs passed down through generations, still preserved today. The ritual is called Mangokal Holi, or the tradition of moving the skulls of ancestors as a form of respect.

The Mangokal Holi tradition involves opening the graves of the long-dead and placing the bones in a monument. The people of Samosir Island believe this brings ancestral spirits closer to the Creator.

The Mangokal Holi tradition aims to bring together all family members. This tradition symbolizes the high status of the family (marga) in Batak culture, with the beauty and cost of the tomb (monument) reflecting the elevated status of the owning clan.

Cover: The beauty of Samosir Island from above (Shutterstock/Fabio Lamanna)