Sumatra, Indonesia
General: Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking synthetics prove ideal due to persistent high humidity. These materials dry quickly, which helps during the wet season or after a swim.
Indonesia is predominantly Muslim, but the Batak region around Lake Toba is mainly Christian. Modest dress is still appreciated and shows respect, specifically when visiting religious sites (churches, ancestral shrines, or traditional Batak houses that often hold spiritual significance) or local villages.
Comfortable sandals or flip-flops work for walking around guesthouses, short distances in Tuk Tuk, and relaxing.
Closed-toe shoes, like Sneakers or Comfortable walking shoes, serve well for exploring towns, markets, and riding a scooter. These offer more protection and comfort.
Sturdy, comfortable shoes with good grip prove useful for uneven terrain, potentially muddy paths, and trekking. If you plan to hike Mount Pusuk Buhit, proper Hiking shoes are beneficial. Consider Water shoes for lake swimming with rocky entry points.
Carry your original passport. If you obtained an e-Visa, print a copy of your e-Visa confirmation. If you plan to apply for a Visa-on-Arrival, your passport needs sufficient blank pages. These documents serve as your gateway.
A Universal travel adapter is useful if your devices use different plug types. Most modern electronics are dual voltage.
Portable chargers and power banks prove useful, especially during long travel days or in areas with unreliable power. A High-capacity power bank keeps your devices charged.
Consider a VPN for secure internet access, especially on public Wi-Fi. (NordVPN, ExpressVPN)
Gojek and Grab dominate ride-sharing in Indonesia. Useful for transport and food delivery in Medan, but less so on Samosir Island.
WhatsApp stands as the main messaging app. Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) or an External hard drive for photo and document backups.
Prepare a small First aid kit with antiseptic wipes or Hand sanitizer, bandaids, sterile gauze, and medical tape. Pain relievers (paracetamol/Ibuprofen) for headaches or minor aches.
Altitude of Lake Toba (approx. 900 meters) is generally not high enough for altitude sickness. Winding roads and boat trips can induce motion sickness for some, so bring remedies if you are susceptible.
A Small daypack for water, snacks, and a light jacket. Bring a reusable water bottle. Comfortable, sturdy footwear as mentioned previously. Moisture-wicking socks prevent blisters. Long pants or leggings protect against insect bites and vegetation. A hat and Sunglasses offer sun protection.
Pack your Swimsuit and a Quick-dry towel. A Dry bag protects electronics and valuables on boat trips or near water. Snorkeling gear is generally available for rent if you plan to snorkel (though visibility varies).
If renting a scooter, wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and a light jacket for sun protection and minor scrapes. Gloves offer grip and sun protection. Helmets are usually provided with rental, but ensure it fits properly.
Long bus or car journeys to and from Lake Toba benefit from a Neck pillow and an Eye mask, helping you rest during transit. Earplugs block road noise.
A Reusable water bottle helps Reduce plastic waste. Many hotels and guesthouses offer water refills. A Reusable shopping bag is useful for market purchases.
Roll your clothes instead of folding them. This saves space and diminishes wrinkles, allowing more to fit into your luggage.
