Not Alone
LAKE TOBA
***From the many lakes in Indonesia, Lake Toba in North Sumatra is the most famous. Crowned as the largest lake, the interesting of Lake Toba is not just about its natural beauty. There are a series of mystical stories and old myths that are fun to listen to.
The origin of the formation of Lake Toba can be seen from scientific research and mythological stories. When referring to the results of the researchers' research, the lake as deep as 505 meters was formed from a supermassive volcanic eruption that occurred about 70,000 years ago.
But according to the myth, Lake Toba was created because a man did not keep his promise to his wife. A long time ago a man named Toba fishing in the river while mumbling, wanted to have a wife and children so that his life is no longer alone.
Suddenly his fishing hook was struck by a big fat goldfish. Toba immediately stopped fishing and brought the fish home to cook. Arriving at home, the goldfish was turned into a beautiful woman. Apparently he was cursed by his father for refusing an arranged marriage.
They married and had a son named Samosir. One day Samosir devoured his father's lunch. Hungry Toba gets angry while saying it “Basan a fish boy!”
Knowing the words of her husband, the wife was furious and then brought lightning and rain storms. The whole village sank and became Lake Toba. The wife again transformed into a giant goldfish believed to exist until now.
Of the many lakes in Indonesia, Lake Toba in North Sumatra is the most famous. Crowned as the largest lake, the interesting of Lake Toba is not just about its natural beauty. There are a series of mystical stories and old myths that are fun to listen to.
Especially after the sinking of KM Sinar Bangun in mid-June, the myth about the giant goldfish waiting for Lake Toba returned to the surface.
The Origin of Samosir Island
The plateau where Samosir escaped was in the middle of Lake Toba, now known as Samosir Island. According to the elders around Lake Toba, the figure of Samosir also transformed into a lake guardian who occasionally appeared.
The winding climbing route must be taken by tourists who want to visit Lake Toba. Reportedly, this climb hides a cave under the surface of the land inhabited by magical masters waiting for the road.
Locals believe saying hello “Santabi oppung” is a form of respect for the waiters. This myth continues to be perpetuated by generations until now.
On the shores of Lake Toba stands a magnificent guesthouse that is functioned to stop by the guests of honor of the provincial government of North Sumatra. Not many know that a rickety hut once stood in the same place, as the forerunner of this magnificent guesthouse.
Gubug was used as a place to rest Bung Karno for 22 days of exile. It was then left abandoned for decades, and newly renovated by the government in the 2000s.
Because it is rarely inhabited, this guesthouse is guarded by a waiter who is trusted by residents residing in the meeting room. Sometimes there are footsteps and strange sounds. In this space is the location of the establishment of Bung Karno before the renovation.
There is a scary figure from the mythical Lake Toba, Begu Ganjang his name. This supernatural creature is still believed to exist by residents to this day. Begu Ganjang is known as a long-haired life-taking figure.
Not everyone can see Begu Ganjang. But if anyone manages to see a large tall figure with long hair on his head, be careful not to fall asleep. He could have been sick even to death***.