Expedition Overview
Lake Toba is the largest volcanic lake in the world — 100km long and 505 metres deep — formed 74,000 years ago by a supervolcanic eruption so large that geologists believe it caused a global "volcanic winter". Within the lake sits Samosir Island, itself the size of Singapore, home to the Toba Batak people whose carved stone royal courts, elaborate traditional houses, and maintained musical and weaving traditions make it one of the richest cultural photography environments in Sumatra.
The photography here operates on two scales: the enormous scale of the caldera (the Tongging viewpoint above the northern shore gives a view of the entire lake length, 100km of blue water in a volcanic bowl), and the intimate scale of the Batak villages on Samosir — the sarcophagi of the former kings, the interlocking geometric carving on the traditional houses (rumah adat), and the community life of a people who have inhabited this island for centuries.
Expedition Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Medan & Drive to Tongging
Fly to Medan and drive to the northern shore. The Tongging viewpoint gives the first full view of the lake — 100km of deep blue in a volcanic caldera. Sipiso-piso waterfall, which drops 120m into the caldera from the northern rim, is 5km south.
The Goal of the Day: Supervolcano scale photography; the waterfalls from the caldera rim.
Day 2: Cross to Samosir & Siallagan Village
Ferry from Parapat to Tuktuk on Samosir Island. Siallagan village has the royal stone court of the Batak king (the sarcophagi are still in place) and some of the finest rumah adat architecture on the island.
The Goal of the Day: Batak architectural and historical documentation; the stone court photography.
Day 3: Samosir Circumnavigation
The motorcycle circuit of Samosir Island (110km) passes through a dozen Batak villages, coffee and clove plantations, small fishing ports, and several viewpoints over the lake. Morning light on the western shore across the full width of the caldera.
The Goal of the Day: Island circuit documentary photography; the many faces of Samosir.
Day 4: Karo Batak Village & Return to Medan
Karo Batak culture (the highland group distinct from the Toba Batak of the lake) is documented in Berastagi and the Lingga and Dokan traditional villages — extraordinary multi-family rumah adat with carved ridge poles. Return to Medan for flight out.
The Goal of the Day: Karo Batak vernacular architecture; the contrast with Toba Batak tradition.
Book Your Expedition
Note: Final price may vary based on specific expedition details and customizations.
Expedition Leaders
Professor Nasrul Eam is a seasoned explorer and visual storyteller who has spent over two decades traversing Asia’s diverse landscapes and cultures. As Dean of the Department of Art and Photography at Light & Composition University, he leads immersive photography expeditions to regions like the Himalayas, Sundarbans, and Bali. These journeys blend cultural exploration with hands-on learning, culminating in a complete photography diploma. With a portfolio of over 50 publications—including The Quintessence of Photography and Illuminating Nature—his work captures the profound beauty of everyday life. His background in advertising, linguistics, and visual arts enriches his mentorship, guiding participants to uncover compelling narratives through their lenses. Professor Eam’s expeditions are transformative experiences, inspiring photographers to engage deeply with the world around them.
Travel Information
Fly to Medan (Kualanamu International). Lake Toba is 4 hours by road from Medan. Best season: June–September (driest). The lake has good light year-round but fog is common November–February.
What to Bring
• Wide-angle for the caldera panorama (100km of lake in one frame requires as wide as you have)
• 50–85mm for village portraiture and architectural detail
• Telephoto for the Sipiso-piso waterfall from the rim viewpoint
• Motorcycle-compatible camera bag for the Samosir circuit