Lake Toba (Indonesian: Danau Toba) is a lake, 100 km long and 30 km wide, and 505 m. (1,666 ft.) at its deepest point, in the middle of the northern part of the Indonesian island of Sumatra with a surface elevation of about 900 m (3,000 feet), stretching from [show location on an interactive map] 2.88° N 98.52° E to [show location on an interactive map] 2.35° N 99.1° E. It is the largest volcanic lake in the world.Though the year can never be precisely determined, the season can: only the summer monsoon could have deposited Toba ashfall in the South China Sea, implying that the eruption took place sometime during the northern summer. The eruption lasted perhaps two weeks, but the ensuing "volcanic winter" resulted in a decrease in average global temperatures by 3 to 3.5 degrees Celsius for several years. Greenland ice cores record a pulse of starkly reduced levels of organic carbon sequestration. Very few plants or animals in southeast Asia would have survived, and it is possible that the eruption caused a planet-wide die-off. There is some evidence, based on mitochondrial DNA, that the human race may have passed through a genetic bottleneck within this timeframe, reducing genetic diversity below what would be expected from the age of the species. According to the Toba catastrophe theory proposed by Stanley H. Ambrose of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1998, human populations may have been reduced to only a few tens of thousands of individuals by the Toba eruption.
More recent activity
Smaller eruptions have occurred at Toba since. The small cone of Pusukbukit has formed on the southwestern margin of the caldera and lava domes. The most recent eruption may have been at Tandukbenua on the northwestern caldera edge, since the present lack of vegetation could be due to an eruption within the last few hundred years.
Some parts of the caldera have experienced uplift due to partial refilling of the magma chamber, for example pushing Samosir Island and the Uluan Peninsula above the surface of the lake. The lake sediments on Samosir Island show that it has been uplifted by at least 450 metres since the cataclysmic eruption. Such uplifts are common in very large calderas, apparently due to the upward pressure of unerupted magma. Toba is probably the largest resurgent caldera on Earth. Large earthquakes have occurred in the vicinity of the volcano more recently, notably in 1987 along the southern shore of the lake at a depth of 11 km. Other earthquakes have occurred in the area in 1892, 1916, and 1920-1922.
Lake Toba lies near a fault line which runs along the centre of Sumatra called the Sumatra Fracture Zone. The volcanoes of Sumatra and Java are part of the Sunda Arc, a result of the northeasterly movement of the Indo-Australian Plate which is sliding under the eastward-moving Eurasian Plate. The subduction zone in this area is very active: the seabed near the west coast of Sumatra has had several major earthquakes since 1995, including the 9.3 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake and the 8.7 2005 Sumatra earthquake, the epicenters of which were around 300 km from Toba.
On September 12th, 2007, a magnitude 8.4 Earthquake shook the ground by Sumatra and was felt in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta. The epicenter for this earthquake was not as close as the previous two earthquakes, but it was in the same vicinity.
Lake Toba (Indonesian: Danau Toba) is a lake, 100 km long and 30 km wide, and 505 m. (1,666 ft.) at its deepest point, in the middle of the northern part of the Indonesian island of Sumatra with a surface elevation of about 900 m (3,000 feet), stretching from [show location on an interactive map] 2.88° N 98.52° E to [show location on an interactive map] 2.35° N 99.1° E. It is the largest volcanic lake in the world.
Geology
In 1949 the Dutch geologist Rein van Bemmelen reported that Lake Toba was surrounded by a layer of ignimbrite rocks, and that it was a large volcanic caldera. Later researchers found rhyolite ash similar to that in the ignimbrite around Toba (now called Young Toba Tuff to distinguish it from layers deposited in previous explosions) in Malaysia and India, 3,000 km away. Oceanographers discovered Toba ash, with its characteristic chemical "fingerprint", on the floor of the eastern Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal.
The Toba eruption (the Toba event) occurred at what is now Lake Toba about 67,500 to 75,500 years ago. It had an estimated Volcanic Explosivity Index of 8 (described as "mega-colossal"), making it possibly the largest explosive volcanic eruption within the last twenty-five million years. Bill Rose and Craig Chesner of Michigan Technological University deduced that the total amount of erupted material was about 2800 cubic km (670 cubic miles) — around 2,000 km³ of ignimbrite that flowed over the ground and around 800 km³ that fell as ash, with the wind blowing most of it to the west. By contrast, the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens ejected around 1.2 cubic km of material, whilst the largest volcanic eruption in historic times, at Mount Tambora in 1815, emitted the equivalent of around 100 cubic kilometres of dense rock and created the "Year Without a Summer" as far away as North America.
The eruption
The Toba eruption was the latest of a series of at least three caldera-forming eruptions which have occurred at the volcano. Earlier calderas were formed around 700,000 and 840,000 years ago.
To give an idea of its magnitude, consider that although the eruption took place in Indonesia, it deposited an ash layer approximately 15 cm (6 in) thick over the entire Indian subcontinent; at one site in central India, the Toba ash layer today is up to 6 m (20 feet) thick and parts of Malaysia were covered with 9 m of ashfall. In addition it has been calculated that 1010 metric tons of sulphuric acid was ejected into the atmosphere by the event, causing acid rain fallout.
Geology
In 1949 the Dutch geologist Rein van Bemmelen reported that Lake Toba was surrounded by a layer of ignimbrite rocks, and that it was a large volcanic caldera. Later researchers found rhyolite ash similar to that in the ignimbrite around Toba (now called Young Toba Tuff to distinguish it from layers deposited in previous explosions) in Malaysia and India, 3,000 km away. Oceanographers discovered Toba ash, with its characteristic chemical "fingerprint", on the floor of the eastern Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal.
The Toba eruption (the Toba event) occurred at what is now Lake Toba about 67,500 to 75,500 years ago. It had an estimated Volcanic Explosivity Index of 8 (described as "mega-colossal"), making it possibly the largest explosive volcanic eruption within the last twenty-five million years. Bill Rose and Craig Chesner of Michigan Technological University deduced that the total amount of erupted material was about 2800 cubic km (670 cubic miles) — around 2,000 km³ of ignimbrite that flowed over the ground and around 800 km³ that fell as ash, with the wind blowing most of it to the west. By contrast, the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens ejected around 1.2 cubic km of material, whilst the largest volcanic eruption in historic times, at Mount Tambora in 1815, emitted the equivalent of around 100 cubic kilometres of dense rock and created the "Year Without a Summer" as far away as North America.
The eruption
The Toba eruption was the latest of a series of at least three caldera-forming eruptions which have occurred at the volcano. Earlier calderas were formed around 700,000 and 840,000 years ago.
To give an idea of its magnitude, consider that although the eruption took place in Indonesia, it deposited an ash layer approximately 15 cm (6 in) thick over the entire Indian subcontinent; at one site in central India, the Toba ash layer today is up to 6 m (20 feet) thick and parts of Malaysia were covered with 9 m of ashfall. In addition it has been calculated that 1010 metric tons of sulphuric acid was ejected into the atmosphere by the event, causing acid rain fallout.
North Sumatra (Indonesian: Sumatera Utara) is a province of Indonesia. Its capital is Medan.
Geography and population
The province of North Sumatra stretches across the island of Sumatra between the Indian Ocean and the Strait Malacca. It borders Aceh province on the northwest and Riau and West Sumatra provinces on the southeast. It has an area of 70787 km². The province contains a broad, low plain along the Strait of Malacca coast; the provincial capital, Medan, is located here. In the south and west, the land rises to the mountain range that runs the length of Sumatra; the mountains here are dominated by Lake Toba, formed from the caldera of an ancient volcano. Several large islands in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Sumatra are part of North Sumatra, most notably Nias, Tanah Bala, Tanah Masa, and Pini.
North Sumatra has a population of approximately 11.48 million (2000 census).
Administration
Grand Mosque of Medan, North Sumatra
Grand Mosque of Medan, North Sumatra
Below is a list of regencies (Indonesian: kabupaten) and cities in North Sumatra.
West coast region:
Regencies — capital (seat)
* Nias Regency — Gunungsitoli
* South Nias Regency — Teluk Dalam
* Mandailing Natal Regency — Panyabungan
* South Tapanuli Regency — Padang Sidempuan
* Central Tapanuli Regency — Sibolga
Cities
* Padang Sidempuan
* Sibolga
Mountain region:
Regencies — capital (seat)
* Karo Regency — Kabanjahe
* Dairi Regency — Sidikalang
* Pakpak Bharat Regency — Salak
* North Tapanuli Regency — Tarutung
* Humbang Hasundutan Regency — Dolok Sanggul
* Samosir Regency — Pangururan
* Toba Samosir Regency — Balige
* Simalungun Regency — Pematang Siantar
Cities
* Pematang Siantar
East coast region:
Regencies — capital (seat)
* Asahan Regency — Kisaran
* Labuhan Batu Regency — Rantauprapat
* Langkat Regency — Stabat
* Deli Serdang Regency — Lubukpakam
* Serdang Bedagai Regency — Sei Rampah
Cities
* Tebing Tinggi
* Tanjung Balai
* Medan
* Binjai
Lake Toba - North Sumatra Travel Guides
The subsequent collapse formed a caldera that, after filling with water, created Lake Toba. The island in the center of the lake is formed by a resurgent dome.
Bukit Lawang Orangutan Rehabitation Center Information
The Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii) is the rarer of the two species of orangutans. Living and endemic to Sumatra island of Indonesia, they are smaller than the Bornean Orangutan. The Sumatran Orangutan grows to about 4.6 feet tall and 200 pounds in males. Females are smaller, averaging 3ft and 100 pounds.
Compared to the Bornean Orangutan, the Sumatran Orangutans possess a lighter and longer pelage, a longer face, a smaller stature, and flanges that are covered in small white hairs
Compared to the Bornean Orangutan, the Sumatran Orangutans possess a lighter and longer pelage, a longer face, a smaller stature, and flanges that are covered in small white hairs
Gunung Leuser National Park is a national park covering 7,927 km² in northern Sumatra, Indonesia, straddling the border of North Sumatra and Aceh provinces.[1] The national park, named after 3,381 m height of Mount Leuser, protects a wide range of ecosystems. An orangutan sanctuary of Bukit Lawang is located inside the park. Together with Bukit Barisan Selatan and Kerinci Seblat national parks it forms a World Heritage Site, Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra
The tourist village of Bukit Lawang, in North Sumatra, Indonesia, is the main access point for the rainforests of the Gunung Leuser National Park. Visitors can see Sumatran Orangutans at the nearby rehabilitation centre and for jungle treks. Bukit Lawang is situated 86 km by road north-west of Medan, passing through Tanjung Langkat, Binjai, Bohorok nestling on the banks of the Bohorok river.
A flash flood hit Bukit Lawang during November 2003, killing a substantial proportion of the village and destroying nearly all the buildings including tourist hotels.[1] Ironically , construction was already underway to move the village away from the river's edge, where it had been constructed without government permission.
Tourism has significantly declined as a result of the flood and tourist fears of terrorism in Indonesia. As at April, 2006, however, the orangutan rehabilitation centre along with many hotels remain open for business.
A flash flood hit Bukit Lawang during November 2003, killing a substantial proportion of the village and destroying nearly all the buildings including tourist hotels.[1] Ironically , construction was already underway to move the village away from the river's edge, where it had been constructed without government permission.
Tourism has significantly declined as a result of the flood and tourist fears of terrorism in Indonesia. As at April, 2006, however, the orangutan rehabilitation centre along with many hotels remain open for business.
PLACE TO STAY IN BUKIT LAWANG
01. Jungle Inn has 9 rooms all with different jungle designs ranging from 100,000Rp - 400,000Rp per night.
02. Eco-Lodge has 34 rooms with 4 different styles. From 100,000Rp - 355,000Rp per night.
03. Garden Inn and Restaurant has 7 rooms and one house with rooms between 100,000Rp - 250,000Rp and the house for 300,000Rp per night.
04. Indra Valley Inn and Restaurant has 2 bungalows and 2 standard rooms. Located at the top end of Bukit Lawang. Prices from 150,000Rp till 250.000Rp
Wisma Leuser Sibayak prices starting from 75,000Rp till 150.000Rp
02. Eco-Lodge has 34 rooms with 4 different styles. From 100,000Rp - 355,000Rp per night.
03. Garden Inn and Restaurant has 7 rooms and one house with rooms between 100,000Rp - 250,000Rp and the house for 300,000Rp per night.
04. Indra Valley Inn and Restaurant has 2 bungalows and 2 standard rooms. Located at the top end of Bukit Lawang. Prices from 150,000Rp till 250.000Rp
Wisma Leuser Sibayak prices starting from 75,000Rp till 150.000Rp
Tangkahan Nature Reserve - North Sumatra Travel Guides
Lying between the Malacca Strait to the east and the deep blue waves of the Indian Ocean to the west, North Sumatra is close to mainland Asia, just an hour flight away from Singapore. A gateway to the second largest island of Indonesia, this province features pristine tropical rainforest, the spectacular Bukit Barisan mountain range, lush paddy fields and plantations, colourful coral reefs, and world class rafting and paragliding sites. North Sumatra is also the home of the Batak people and their ancient culture, shaped by megalithic, Hindu, Christian and Islamic influences. Batak clans are proud of their elaborate wedding ceremonies, their beautiful weaving and the stunning prow-shaped roofs of their traditional houses on stilts.
The natural highlight of North Sumatra is the 8600 sq.km Gunung Leuser National Park, home to Sumatran tigers, elephants, rhinoceros, and the largest flower in the world, the 1-m wide Rafflesia arnoldii. Located near the border of the Park, Tangkahan Village is becoming an exemplary site of community-based ecotourism. Within this pilot project, former illegal loggers have learned to become trekking guides. Gaining their livelihood from the beauty of the forest, they are now the best guardians of its natural wonders. Along the Bohorok River, the WWF established the Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center in 1973 in Bukit Lawang, where travellers can admire the endangered primates, especially during their feeding time in the morning.
Another unique, spectacular natural phenomena of North Sumatra is Lake Toba - the biggest lake in Southeast Asia (1,265 sq.km), formed by the gigantic explosion of a volcano during prehistoric times. In the middle of the lake, travellers enjoy the cool, breezy climate of Samosir island, surrounded by blue green waters, and magnificent panoramas of the surrounding mountains.
The natural highlight of North Sumatra is the 8600 sq.km Gunung Leuser National Park, home to Sumatran tigers, elephants, rhinoceros, and the largest flower in the world, the 1-m wide Rafflesia arnoldii. Located near the border of the Park, Tangkahan Village is becoming an exemplary site of community-based ecotourism. Within this pilot project, former illegal loggers have learned to become trekking guides. Gaining their livelihood from the beauty of the forest, they are now the best guardians of its natural wonders. Along the Bohorok River, the WWF established the Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center in 1973 in Bukit Lawang, where travellers can admire the endangered primates, especially during their feeding time in the morning.
Another unique, spectacular natural phenomena of North Sumatra is Lake Toba - the biggest lake in Southeast Asia (1,265 sq.km), formed by the gigantic explosion of a volcano during prehistoric times. In the middle of the lake, travellers enjoy the cool, breezy climate of Samosir island, surrounded by blue green waters, and magnificent panoramas of the surrounding mountains.
Tangkahan is a peaceful jungle retreat, situated alongside the Kualsa Buluh river. Tangkahan was established as an ecotourist location in 2001. Previously the area was logged and poachers hunted the animals. The local people have transformed the region, stopping the logging and forming forest ranger groups to patrol for illegal activities. With the help of FFI (Flora and Fauna International) they have developed a functional, self-sustained ecotourism destination.
There are 7 elephants based at Tangkahan, who work together with the rangers to patrol the forest and keep illegal loggers and poachers out. Joining the elephants for their afternoon bathing or taking a trek on elephant back will help to support this local initiative.
There are 7 elephants based at Tangkahan, who work together with the rangers to patrol the forest and keep illegal loggers and poachers out. Joining the elephants for their afternoon bathing or taking a trek on elephant back will help to support this local initiative.
This is a fascinating road where we drive straight through jungle covered mountains, deep valleys with rice fields and beautiful rivers.
TANGKAHAN PLACE TO STAY!
TANGKAHAN BEACH JUNGLE LODGE
The true Asia. Be sure to bring a magical place.
Experience inspiration and meditation, adventure and Relaxing. Get on a journey into the nature and himself in a fantastic location on the outskirts of the Gunung Leuser National Park, nestled between the natural course of a river and unspoiled nature, is the Jungle Lodge. For your own personal right to silence or adventure. The lush vegetation inebriated grandeur of the senses and leaves us with the wonders of the natural feel very close. If the twilight of the giants of the jungle sets and jungle-night anbricht effect the sounds of the jungle, such as wellness for your body and your soul.
They come as a guest and leave as a friend
Comfortable rooms with atmosphere
Sleeping, eating. Recreation and enjoyment included.
The lodge offers two singles and two double bungalows. It was only natural materials are used, with typical style and comfort. The rooms are equipped with a shower and toilet (tiles equipment). Each cottage has a large patio and a balcony with a view jungle.
Sleeping, eating. Recreation and enjoyment included.
The lodge offers two singles and two double bungalows. It was only natural materials are used, with typical style and comfort. The rooms are equipped with a shower and toilet (tiles equipment). Each cottage has a large patio and a balcony with a view jungle.
The night in a bungalow costs per night, depending on the equipment 05 - 10 €.
The restaurant right on the river offers a la carte Family Food. Upon request, we also offer half and full board.
Enjoy your time where you are
Wellness. Treat your body and senses.
In addition to traditional massages, we offer interested individual applications for yoga and Qui Gong.
Wellness. Treat your body and senses.
In addition to traditional massages, we offer interested individual applications for yoga and Qui Gong.
Tangkahan is located about 100 km northwest of Medan in northern Sumatra. You can reach us through road links from Medan in about 3.5 hours.
One example can be conveniently with Malaysia Airlines via Kuala Lumpur to Medan fly. Next comes with a rental car ( "taxi with a driver" for about 50 €) or by bus (about € 2).
The bus runs until 14 pm at 2-hour intervals. Starting point is the bus Pinang Baris. The route leads through Stabat and-Batang Serangan. Terminus is Tanghkahan.
The ride is about 2 hours on a main road, and then about 1.5 hours on unpaved roads with palm oil plantations
One example can be conveniently with Malaysia Airlines via Kuala Lumpur to Medan fly. Next comes with a rental car ( "taxi with a driver" for about 50 €) or by bus (about € 2).
The bus runs until 14 pm at 2-hour intervals. Starting point is the bus Pinang Baris. The route leads through Stabat and-Batang Serangan. Terminus is Tanghkahan.
The ride is about 2 hours on a main road, and then about 1.5 hours on unpaved roads with palm oil plantations
TANGKAHAN ELEPHANTS SAFARI AND JUNGLE TREKKING
04 Days 03 Nights Adventure Trip
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Medan
You will be fetched from the airport. Overnight stay in Hotel Deli River situated just outside Medan in the middle of a tropical garden. Here you can rest after the long journey or make a walk in the neighborhood. ( L.D )
Day 2: Medan/Tangkahan
Early departure for Tangkahan elephant lodge. This is around 5 hours driving. If you arrive in due time you can visit the elephant camp. Overnight stay in Tangkahan Beach Jungle Lodge. Includes with breathtaking views over the jungle. Includes: (B.L.D).
Day 3: Tangkahan
Free at your own program in this fascinating jungle area. You can have a very nice swim in the unspoiled jungle river, sit on a small beach full off butterflies and take a shower under a jungle waterfall. You can make an appointment with the elephant trainer to see the elephants bathing in the river and ride an elephant. Jungle trekking for a few hours is also possible. Overnight stay in the Tangkahan Beach Jungle Lodge. Includes: (B.L.D).
Day 4: Tangkahan/Medan.
After breakfast, Leave Tangkahan and drive back to Medan and proceed to Polania Airport. (B)
End of Service
Notes:
Airfare and taxes, Additional Tips, Laundry and any personal expenses is not included in the tour price.
INCLUDED:
- Overnight accommodation based on twin share of rooms
- English speaking guide
- Transport in comfortable air conditioned car includes fuel
- Entrance and parking fees
- Overnight accommodation based on twin share of rooms
- English speaking guide
- Transport in comfortable air conditioned car includes fuel
- Entrance and parking fees