Things To Do
in Tarutung
Tarutung is a town located in the North Sumatra province of Indonesia, known for its beautiful natural landscapes and cultural heritage. The town is surrounded by lush mountains and fertile valleys, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Tarutung is also recognized for its rich Batak culture, reflected in traditional music, dance, and architecture.
Visitors can explore historic sites such as stone graves, traditional villages, and local markets to experience the authentic charm of Tarutung.
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Apa kabar?" - How are you?
- "Sama-sama" - You're welcome
- "Selamat malam" - Good evening
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $30
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $2 - $10
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $15 - $40
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the local market, experiencing the hustle and bustle of Tarutung. Enjoy breakfast at a nearby café, sampling traditional Indonesian dishes.
Explore the beautiful Sipiso-piso Waterfall, taking in the stunning views and capturing memorable photos. Have lunch at a local restaurant, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Head to the city park for a relaxing stroll as the sun sets. Dine at a popular local eatery to savor more authentic flavors of Tarutung.
Visit the famous Taman Simalungun, enjoying the lush gardens and cultural exhibits. Grab a light breakfast from a nearby vendor, trying local snacks.
Tour the historic church of Tarutung, learning about local history and architecture. Enjoy lunch at a quaint diner, known for its homemade dishes.
Unwind at a scenic viewpoint as the day transitions to night. Try a signature dish at one of the town’s popular restaurants.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and unique local traditions.
- Stunning natural landscapes, including mountains and hot springs.
- Friendly and welcoming local community.
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger cities.
- Good opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring nature.
- Limited access to modern amenities and services.
- Public transportation options may be scarce.
- Infrastructure can be underdeveloped in some areas.
- Less exposure to international cuisine and cultural diversity.
- Possible language barrier for non-Indonesian speakers.
Best Activities in Tarutung
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
A scenic area near Lake Toba perfect for swimming, hiking, and enjoying the beautiful landscape.
A beautiful waterfall located a short hike from Tarutung, ideal for nature lovers and photography.
Relax in natural hot springs surrounded by lush greenery, offering a great way to unwind after outdoor activities.
A popular hiking destination providing stunning views of Lake Toba and surrounding mountains, suitable for adventurous hikers.
Experience the local culture and cuisine by visiting Tarutung's markets, where fresh produce and traditional foods are available.
Tours
Uncover the best of Tarutung with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Tarutung
Visit one of these nice places.
A serene lake offering stunning views, especially during sunset, perfect for capturing reflections and scenic landscapes.
One of the tallest waterfalls in Indonesia, providing dramatic photo opportunities with its cascading waters and lush surroundings.
A hill that offers panoramic views of the Tarutung area and is a popular spot for photographers at sunrise and sunset.
A viewpoint that overlooks Lake Toba, offering breathtaking vistas and a perfect backdrop for landscape photography.
A local park with well-maintained gardens and scenic walkways, ideal for family photos and casual photography.
Food in Tarutung
Tarutung Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A savory dish made with freshwater fish, cooked in a blend of spices, coconut milk, and torch ginger flower. Found in local eateries like Rumah Makan Surya.
Must-Try!
A spicy dish made with pork, cooked in blood and spices such as turmeric, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. Best enjoyed at Warung Saksang Pak Leman.
A traditional Batak salad made from slices of wild ginger, pork, and other spices. Sample this dish at Pasar Buah Tarutung.
A raw fish dish marinated in a mixture of lime juice, spices, and herbs, giving it a tangy flavor. Look for it in the local market stalls.
Roasted pork seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices, typically served with rice or cassava. Try it at Taman Simalem Resort.
A classic Batak soup made from young jackfruit, coconut milk, and spices. The best place to taste it is at Rumah Makan Ampana.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Tarutung better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore this vibrant market to find fresh produce, local snacks, and traditional dishes like Tuhau and Naniura.
This bustling night market offers a wide array of street food, from grilled skewers of meat and fish to various savory and sweet snacks.
A bustling market where you can savor a range of local street food delights, including stuffed tofu and fried banana fritters.
This market is an excellent spot to sample authentic Batak snacks and street food, such as roasted corn and fried cassava.
Visit this market to experience a myriad of street food options, including grilled meat skewers, traditional desserts, and refreshing beverages.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Tarutung, as in much of Indonesia, showing respect to elders is a fundamental cultural norm. Always greet elders first and use polite language when addressing them. It’s also common to bow slightly as a sign of respect.
When meeting someone, incorporate traditional greetings such as 'Sian Tolu', which means 'how are you?' in Batak language. A handshake is typically accompanied by a smile and a nod, demonstrating friendliness and respect.
It is important to dress modestly in Tarutung, especially when visiting religious sites or local homes. Both men and women should wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees to show respect for local customs and beliefs.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Tarutung with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Tarutung
Ensure a smooth experience
In Tarutung, tipping is not a widespread practice. Service charges are typically included in bills at many establishments, especially in restaurants and hotels. However, small tips may be given for exceptional service or for personal services like taxi drivers or guides, but it's not a common expectation.
Payments in Tarutung can be made using cash, which is still the preferred method in many local businesses. Some establishments may accept credit or debit cards, particularly in urban areas, but availability can vary. Mobile payment options are emerging, but cash remains dominant for everyday transactions.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Tarutung.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is considered the best time to visit Tarutung, Indonesia, as the weather is generally dry and sunny. Visitors can expect clear skies, ideal temperatures for outdoor activities, and reduced humidity. This period is perfect for exploring the natural beauty and local culture.
During this season, Tarutung experiences frequent rainfall and higher humidity levels. While the landscape becomes lush and vibrant, outdoor activities may be hindered by wet conditions. Travelers should be prepared for rain and plan their activities accordingly.
Tarutung at Night
Hiking in Tarutung
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hike with stunning views of Lake Toba and the surrounding mountains. The trail leads to a beautiful waterfall and offers various spots for photography.
A national park that features a variety of hiking trails through lush rainforests, picturesque rivers, and diverse wildlife. Ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
A trek around Lau Kawar Lake, which includes beautiful views of the surrounding volcanic landscape. The area is known for its serenity and tranquility.
An active volcano that provides a thrilling hiking experience. The trail offers panoramic views at the summit, and hikers can witness hot springs along the way.
A hike leading to the Sipiso Piso waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls in Indonesia. The trail is relatively easy and the waterfall is a breathtaking sight.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Tarutung through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Tarutung by plane.
Located in Pekanbaru, approximately 165 km from Tarutung, this airport serves both domestic and international flights.
Situated in Medan, about 200 km from Tarutung, Kualanamu is one of the largest airports in North Sumatra, serving numerous international routes.
Approximately 60 km from Tarutung, Silangit Airport primarily serves domestic flights but has seen an increase in international traffic.
Located in Medan, this military airbase also handles civilian flights and is approximately 200 km from Tarutung.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Tarutung, known for their rich cultural heritage and traditions.
A significant demographic group in Tarutung, often involved in various occupations and cultural exchanges.
A smaller but influential community in Tarutung, contributing to the local economy and culture.
An ethnic group from West Sumatra, present in Tarutung and known for their matrilineal society.
An ethnic group from West Java that has a presence in Tarutung, often engaging in trade and agriculture.
The Soul of Tarutung
Discover the essence of Tarutung through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A traditional sport similar to volleyball, played with a rattan ball and involves hitting the ball over a net using feet, head, knees, and chest.
A widely popular racket sport played either in singles or doubles, where players hit a shuttlecock back and forth over a high net.
A fast-paced team sport where two teams try to score points by shooting a ball through the opposing team’s hoop.
A popular team sport played with a spherical ball between two teams of eleven players, aimed at scoring goals.
A team sport where two teams are separated by a net and score points by hitting a ball over the net to the opposing team's court.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tarutung.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While meat-based dishes are prevalent, many local eateries and restaurants offer vegetable-based specialties such as Sayur Ubi Tumbuk (mashed sweet potato in coconut milk) and stir-fried water spinach.
Visitors with gluten restrictions can enjoy dishes like Urap-Urap (steamed vegetables with spiced grated coconut) and grilled fish or chicken served with fresh salads.
Visitors with specific dietary needs are encouraged to communicate with restaurant staff, as many establishments are willing to modify dishes to accommodate preferences and restrictions.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Tarutung with these cultural adventures.
