Discover the best tourist destinations in Karo, from volcanoes to beautiful lakes, offering stunning natural views and unforgettable experiences.
Karo, a district in North Sumatra Province, Indonesia, is a tourist destination that offers enchanting natural beauty.
Situated in the highlands, the area is known for its stunning volcanic landscapes, beautiful lakes, and refreshing cool air.
Karo Regency is also rich in culture and tradition that is reflected in the lives of its people. From natural tourism to cultural tourism, Karo offers a variety of destinations that can satisfy various tourist tastes. Here are the 10 best tourist attractions in Karo that you must visit.
1. Berastagi Tourist City
Berastagi is a small town located in the highlands of Karo Regency, famous for its cool climate and beautiful natural scenery.
As the main tourist city in Karo, Berastagi is known for its integrated agriculture and tourism. The city has various facilities for tourists, ranging from comfortable accommodation such as villas, homestays, to star hotels.
fresh fruits typical of the area, and many eateries serving typical Karo cuisine. In Berastagi, you can also visit various interesting places such as waterfalls, vegetable plantations, and other natural attractions that are perfect for families or couples.
2. King Berneh Hot Springs
Raja Berneh Hot Springs is one of the popular tourist destinations in Karo, especially for tourists who want to unwind after a busy day.
Located in the Pronojiwo area, this place offers natural hot springs containing sulfur, which is believed to have benefits for skin and body health.
The baths are surrounded by stunning natural scenery, including mountains, hills and lush agricultural crops.
With more than 30 hot spring locations managed by local residents, you can choose to soak in a calm pool while enjoying the cool air and soothing natural scenery.
Raja Berneh Baths is an ideal place to relax, get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and enjoy the peace of Karo nature.
3. Tongging
Tongging is a small village located at the northern tip of Lake Toba, one of the largest volcanic lakes in the world.
This village offers spectacular natural views, with a backdrop of high mountains and the vast expanse of Lake Toba.
Tongging is surrounded by three Batak tribes, namely the Toba Batak, Pakpak, and Karo, which provide a rich cultural nuance.
In Tongging, you can enjoy various nature activities such as touring the village, witnessing the stunning lake view, or enjoying Batak cuisine.
This place is also ideal for camping or simply enjoying the tranquility and beauty of nature. Tongging is the right choice for tourists who want to enjoy the charm of Lake Toba from a quieter angle and away from the crowds.
4. Lau Kawar Lake
Lake Lau Kawar is located about 27 km from Berastagi City, at the foot of Mount Sinabung. This lake has an area of about 200 hectares and is surrounded by dense tropical forest. The natural beauty offered by this lake is amazing, with views of mountains and pristine forests.
Lau Kawar Lake is also an ideal place for adventurers. Here, tourists can do various activities such as climbing Mount Sinabung, rock climbing, or camping around the lake.
If you are a nature and adventure lover, Lau Kawar Lake is the right place to experience the beauty of nature as well as the impressive challenge of climbing.
5. Sikulikap Waterfall
Sikulikap Waterfall is located in Merek District, Karo Regency, and is one of the refreshing natural destinations in Karo.
Surrounded by lush tropical forest, this waterfall offers a calm and refreshing atmosphere, perfect for those of you who want to enjoy the beauty of nature while relieving fatigue.
Access to Sikulikap Waterfall is quite easy, only requiring a little trekking from the main road. Around the waterfall, you will be greeted by the sound of clear flowing water and fresh mountain air.
This waterfall is also a popular place for photographers and nature enthusiasts to enjoy the beauty of nature that is still pristine.
6. Sipiso-piso Waterfall
Sipiso-piso Waterfall is one of the most famous waterfalls in Karo and a must-visit for tourists. Located on the edge of the giant caldera of Lake Toba, this waterfall has a height of around 120 meters, making it one of the highest waterfalls in Indonesia.
Sipiso-piso Waterfall has a very stunning view, with the flow of water falling from the cliff and forming a spectacular view.
Apart from the beauty of the waterfall itself, visitors can also enjoy the stunning view of Lake Toba from the top of the cliff.
The surroundings of the waterfall are also surrounded by stretches of rice fields, green valleys, and enchanting hills. With all its natural beauty, Sipiso-piso Waterfall is a tourist destination that you should not miss when visiting Karo.
7. Mount Sinabung
Mount Sinabung is an active volcano located in Karo Regency and has a height of 2,460 meters above sea level (masl).
Even though it erupted in 2010 and became a red zone for tourists, Mount Sinabung remains an important icon in Karo.
This mountain offers truly stunning views, with an active crater and incredible natural scenery around it.
Although it is not yet safe for climbing, tourists can still enjoy the view of Mount Sinabung from designated safe places.
Mount Sinabung also has many interesting photo spots, providing an unforgettable natural experience for visitors who want to enjoy the splendor of nature.
8. Mount Sibayak
Mount Sibayak is another active volcano located in Karo Regency, with a height reaching 2,172 meters above sea level.
Mount Sibayak offers a challenging yet very satisfying climbing experience. Its open summit provides a magnificent view of the summit of Mount Sibayak, as well as a clear view of Mount Sinabung in the distance.
The climb to Mount Sibayak is not too difficult, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers.
At the peak, visitors will be greeted with a view of the still active crater and cool, fresh air. Some tourists also choose to camp around the peak area, enjoying the serene natural beauty while waiting for the sunrise.
9. Gundaling Hill
Gundaling Hill is located in the highlands of Karo Regency and offers stunning views, with an altitude of 1,575 meters above sea level.
From here, visitors can enjoy the vast panoramic views of Karo nature, including the stunning views of Mount Sinabung and Mount Sibayak.
Gundaling Hill is one of the favorite destinations for tourists who want to enjoy the sunset in Karo.
This place has been known since the Dutch era, and until now it is still the main choice for those looking for a place to relax while enjoying the extraordinary natural scenery.
Gundaling Hill also offers refreshing fresh air, making it the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of nature.
10. Kubu Hill
Kubu Hill is a tourist spot in Karo that is suitable for recreation with family. This hill is located in the area of an old hotel that has become a family recreation area.
With its vast expanse of grassland, Kubu Hill is an ideal place for various outdoor activities, such as kite flying, picnicking, or horse riding.
Apart from that, Kubu Hill offers very beautiful natural views and cool air. Even though it is located near an old hotel, you don’t need to stay at the hotel to enjoy the beauty of this hill.
Just by paying the entrance ticket, you can enjoy all the beauty and excitement offered by Bukit Kubu.
Karo is a tourist destination that offers a variety of extraordinary natural beauty. From challenging volcanoes such as Mount Sinabung and Mount Sibayak, to calming natural beauty such as Lake Siombak and Sipiso-piso Waterfall, Karo has many tourist attractions that will amaze you.
In addition to natural attractions, Karo also offers a rich cultural experience, which you can enjoy in every corner of this area.
If you are looking for adventure or just want to relax and enjoy nature, Karo is the perfect place to explore.
