Simalungun

	Pematang Siantar Pematang Siantar is situated 128 km southeast of Medan. lt is the second largest city in North Sumatra. Along the road which passes through the Pematang Siantar area are the big plantations that have made this region rich. There are kilometres of well lined - up rubber and cacao trees. Oil palms are grown also, on either side of the road. The potentials of this region have been well developed. Parapat - Lake Toba The town of Parapat is situated in a large bay of the Lake Toba.
Parapat is the main tourist town of the province - one of Nort Sumatra's greatest attractions. Located 176 km from Medan on the northern shore of the Lake, it can be reached after a 3 to 4 hour trip from Medan by taxi or bus. There is a constant flow of buses and boats to and from Parapat because of its position as the main centre of the area. From here, a postcard shot of the Lake can be taken, especially in the evening.
		Lake Toba is one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in the world, originating from an early volcanic eruption. The area of the lake covers approximately 1707 square kilometres, at an altitude of 906 rnetres above sea level. In the middle of the Lake is the famous island, Samosir measuring 627 square kilometres, which is home to the fierce but warm-hearted Toba Batak people.

Pematang Purba Located about 140 kilometres from Medan, this village of the Simalungun Batak tribe is almost 200 years old. It is rather different from Lingga village, another ancient Batak village located in the Karo highlands.
		Pematang Purba has been restored as an open museum, as the traditional village of the Simalungun tribal chiefs. The 'long house' was the dwelling place of the chief and his wives centuries ago. Made of teak boards and standing on poles, the main building is decorated with carved ornaments, painted in the traditional Batak colours of red, black and white. On the wall that once protected the compound, unfortunately nothing is left.

Haranggaol Haranggaol is located on the western side of Lake Toba. It lies between lush, green hills and you can enjoy a fantastic view of the lake. From Haranggaol, you can cross the lake to Parapat or Samosir Island by boat. There is a traditional boat that goes around the island, stopping every few hundred feet to take in more passengers. Most of the local inhabitants are Bataks of the Simalungun tribe. They live from the agriculture of shallots and garlic. Some recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, canoeing, and motor boats are offered here.

Tigaras Tigaras is a tourist object situated on the shore of the east side of Lake Toba. The air here is pleasantly cool and refreshing. Tigaras is 48 km away from Pematang Siantar. The pier of Tigaras serves as a gateway from Samosir Island to East Sumatra. Recreational sports such as swimming, canoeing and fishing are offered.

Simarjarunjung Lying high up on the hillside, Simarjarunjung has a cool and refreshing climate. From here you can enjoy panoramic views up and beyond Lake Toba and watch the beautiful colours of a sunset. You can see the microwave station, Tao Isle, Samosir Island, the village of Tigaras and even Parapat, far in the distance. Simarjarunjung is located 40 km from Pematang Siantar.

Tanjung Unta Tanjung Unta is situated on the shore of Lake Toba and is another one of the tourist objects in the Simalungun regency. It offers a fantastic view of the Lake Toba. Tanjung Unta lies about 25 km from the Toba Kohang Road.

Liang Atas Cave This cave is also located on the shore of Lake Toba, about 2 km away from Tigaras village. Inside the cave you can see many stalactites and stalagmites.

Toba Kohang Tourist Road This is a passway from Tigarunggu - Simarjarunjung - Tanjung Dolok - Parapat. It is, in fact, a short cut from Medan - Berastagi to Parapat without stopping over in Pematang Siantar. The distance is only 45 km. This constitutes the ring road of Lake Toba and on this trip you can enjoy the beautiful blue green hillside scenery.

Karang Sari Karang Sari lies about 17 km from Pematang Siantar. It is a pleasant place for recreation. Many local tourists from Pematang Siantar come to visit the area. There is a river here where water sports such as swimming, waterbiking, and fishing are offered You can buy fruits such as durian, rambutan, mangoes and salak, which are sold in abundance here during the fruit season.

Keramat Qubah This is a object which is visited by many visitors, especially Chinese. One of the interesting things here are the wild monkeys which roam freely about the place. It is, located in the town of Perdagangan, 40 km from Pematang Siantar.

Simalungun Museum Located in the Simalungun region, it is visited by many domestic and foreign tourists. The museum houses an extensive and interesting collection of objects dating from the times of the ancient Simalungun kingdom.