Things To Do
in Tarutung
Tarutung is a highland town in North Sumatra, surrounded by green hills and coffee plantations. The town blends Batak culture with Indonesian influences, offering lively markets, welcoming locals, and a cool, refreshing climate. It serves as a gateway to the Batak highlands and other natural and cultural sites around Lake Toba.
Visitors come for easy hikes, traditional cuisine, and a relaxed pace away from bigger tourist hubs.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Silangit Airport and take a scenic drive to Tarutung, soaking in the lush landscapes of North Sumatra. After checking into your accommodation, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café. Take some time to unwind and adjust to the tranquil atmosphere of the town.
Venture out to the Tarutung Hot Springs, where you can bask in the therapeutic mineral waters surrounded by stunning greenery. Enjoy a picnic lunch among the picturesque surroundings and engage with locals for an authentic cultural experience. Explore nearby small shops and markets for unique handicrafts and souvenirs.
Dine at a charming restaurant serving traditional Batak cuisine, where you can savor dishes like soto and ikan bakar. Stroll through the town square and enjoy the evening ambiance, witnessing local performers share their music and dance. Conclude your day with a quiet walk along the riverbank, marveling at the sunset reflecting on the water.
Start your day with a visit to the local traditional market, where the vibrant colors and aromas offer a true taste of Batak culture. Interact with local vendors and sample fresh fruits and snacks, immersing yourself in daily life. Afterward, visit a Batak house museum to learn about the unique architectural styles and customs.
Take a guided tour of the historic Samosir Island, known for its cultural significance and breathtaking landscapes. Explore the ancient stone chairs and tombs of the Batak kings while enjoying a picnic lunch overlooking Lake Toba. Experience a traditional Batak dance performance conducted by local artists, adding to the cultural richness of your visit.
Relish a relaxing dinner at a lakeside restaurant with views of Lake Toba. Share stories with fellow travelers about your experiences and reflections on Batak culture. Finish the evening with a bonfire by the lake, listening to local tales about the legend of Toba.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
| 🚕Local transport (short taxi ride) | $1-3 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $12-35 |
| 🥟Street snack | $0.5-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Cool climate and scenic highland landscapes
- Rich Batak culture and welcoming locals
- Accessible day trips to nature and markets
- Relatively low crowds compared to Lake Toba towns
- Limited nightlife and slow-paced evenings
- Less developed tourist infrastructure in some areas
- Public transport options can be infrequent
- Roads can be challenging in heavy rain
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Tolong" - Please / Help me
- "Berapa harganya?" - How much is this?
- "Di mana …?" - Where is the …?
- "Apa kabar?" - How are you?
Places to Visit in Tarutung
Visit one of these nice places.
An elevated vantage over Tarutung and surrounding green hills, ideal for sunrise or sunset silhouettes.
Classic street scenes with Batak-influenced architecture and colonial-era buildings.
Terraced fields along country lanes, which provide lush greens and seasonal harvest colors.
Expansive green rows with morning mist and working farmers, great for landscape and detail shots.
Food in Tarutung
Tarutung Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Batak spiced fish dish (often carp) cooked with turmeric, galangal, and a fragrant spice paste.
Must-Try!
Batak-style roasted pork with a fragrant spice rub and charred edges.
Batak preparation of raw fish in a tangy lime-based sauce with chilies and shallots.
Coconut milk vegetable curry featuring seasonal greens and tofu or tempeh.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant morning market where you can sample fresh produce, snack on local fried foods, and observe everyday trading.
Casual stalls offering grilled corn, fried snacks, tempeh, and other simple Batak- and Indonesian-style bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a polite Selamat pagi (good morning) or Selamat malam and use courteous language. Address elders with appropriate titles.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and rural areas; shoulders and knees should be covered.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in homes or markets; avoid taking photos of sacred sites without consent.
Safety
Tipping in Tarutung
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service. In restaurants, small tips (around 5-10%) are common if no service charge is included; for street vendors, rounding up is fine. For taxi drivers, round up to a convenient amount.
Cash in Indonesian rupiah is widely used in Tarutung. Cards are accepted in some hotels and larger shops; digital wallets are increasingly common in towns but not universal.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry season with clearer skies and comfortable daytime temperatures; ideal for hiking and outdoor photography, though brief showers can occur.
Frequent rain and higher humidity; trails can be slippery; bring waterproof gear and plan flexible schedules.
Tarutung at Night
Hiking in Tarutung
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic route through forested slopes with viewpoints over Tarutung.
A short trek to a nearby waterfall with a cool swimming area.
Leisurely hikes through coffee plantations with insights into cultivation and processing.
Airports
How to reach Tarutung by plane.
Nearest airport to Tarutung (approx. 50–60 km). Domestic flights and limited international connections; arrange ground transfer to Tarutung.
Major international gateway in Medan; about 3–4 hours by road from Tarutung depending on traffic and weather.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The dominant ethnic group around Tarutung, with their own language and rich cultural traditions.
Smaller communities from nearby regions contribute to markets and local culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular in local teams and informal games across the town.
Common in schools and community centers; easy for visitors to try.
Played in parks and gym spaces; often a social activity.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tarutung.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many vegetarian options are available: vegetables, tofu, tempeh, and coconut-based curries. Ask to avoid fish sauce or shrimp paste and request oil from vegetable sources.