Fodor's Expert Review Lake Toba

Though it's a four- to five-hour drive to reach Lake Toba from Medan, travelers say the journey is totally worth the hassle to experience its beauty—though it's advisable to stay overnight or longer if you can. It's the largest volcanic lake in the world, resulting from a volcano that exploded more than 75,000 years ago. To reach Lake Toba, hire a driver to take you to the charming town of Parapat, on the shores of the lake, then board a 40-minute ferry to volcanic Samosir Island, which sits in the middle of the lake. Once you're there, you can take a dip in a hot spring, hike or bike the island, or simply enjoy the mesmerizing views.