Embarking on a spontaneous adventure, I followed an Indonesian colleague to a destination that was completely off my radar. This four-day, three-night journey began in Singapore, with a flight to Medan, Indonesia, and continued by private car upon arrival.
The landscapes were breathtaking, and for someone who has spent years in Southeast Asia, it felt like stepping into a different world, reminiscent of Europe. However, the trip also highlighted some of Indonesia’s notable challenges: the underdeveloped infrastructure led to long, tedious hours on the road, and the local cuisine, which heavily features fried foods and chili, was a struggle for those with more delicate palates.
One of the unexpected joys was discovering the delightful avocado coffee, a unique and surprisingly delicious treat. Additionally, the durians were not only incredibly affordable but also of excellent quality, rivaling those found in Malaysia.
Despite these pleasant surprises, I would hesitate to recommend this location. On the final day of our trip, I fell ill with gastroenteritis, and my husband experienced the same after we returned home. If given the choice, a trip to Europe would likely offer a more enjoyable and hassle-free experience.
I’ve always wanted to visit Lake Toba! Your description of the European-like landscapes is spot-on, but it sounds like the infrastructure issues could be frustrating. Have you heard of any improvements planned for travelers?
Lake Toba sounds amazing but those travel challenges are tough—hopefully infrastructure improves soon. Your description of it feeling like Europe really stood out!
Lake Toba sounds amazing! I can imagine how striking those landscapes must be. It’s interesting to hear about both the beauty and the infrastructure challenges there. I’d love to visit someday despite the travel inconveniences mentioned.
Lake Toba sounds amazing! The mix of stunning landscapes and European vibes must be unique. It’s a shame about the infrastructure issues though—they can really impact the experience.