Parapat is 176
km from Medan and can be reached in under 6 hours by public bus. The bus has
two routes: Medan-Parapat or via Medan-Berastagi and costs approximately 30,000
rupiahs. You can buy a
spot in a private air conditioned taxi from Medan to Parapat for 65,000 rupiahs
one way. The trip takes around 4 hours. Travel agents in Medan can also
organize a rental car plus a chaffeur for you. Medan is an
international gateway. A number of airlines fly daily between Medan and all
major cities in Indonesia and international flights also go from Medan to
Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.
Once you arrive
in Parapat, you can catch the ferry to Samosir Island. The ferry goes every
hour and a half from 9 – 5pm. The two landing points on Samosir are the traditional
village of Tomok, or Tuk Tuk, where the islands hotels and restaurants are
concentrated. If you are coming overland from the south via Bukittinggi and Tarutung there is
a public bus available.
Tips
The weather here is cool but pleasant, but
if you’re used to hot temperatures remember to bring a jacket. Change all the money that you will need
before you leave Medan as the exchange rate can be poor in the Toba area. If you are taking the bus between Medan
and Parapat make sure you get on an express bus to avoid doubling your travel
time.