Parapat is a small town and port in North Sumatra province on the edge of Lake Toba, on the Uluan Peninsula where it forms the closest point to Samosir Island. It is the primary transit point by ferry for visitors going across the lake to Samosir Island. Administratively it is part of Simalungun Regency.

Parapat
Village
View of Parapat from Lake Toba
View of Parapat from Lake Toba
Map
CountryIndonesia
ProvinceNorth Sumatra
RegencySimalungun Regency
DistrictGirsang Sipangan Bolon
Elevation
900 m (2,960 ft)
Population
 (2000 Census)
 • Total
5,524
Time zoneUTC+7 (WIB)

Administrative Districts

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Parapat consists of the following villages:

  • Bangun Dolok
  • Buntu Pasir
  • Parapat

Port

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The birdeye view of Parapat

In Parapat, Ajibata ferry port provides transportation to Samosir Island; it is the most direct route from Medan and the east.

Parapat is very famous for the beauty of Lake Toba. This city is a famous tourist attraction in North Sumatra. In fact, in the 1990s this city became a favorite destination for foreign tourists. However, in 1997, there was a financial crisis that made some tourists reluctant to travel to this place. However, the Parapat community and the government are striving to advance Parapat's tourism industry.

Transportation

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Sisingamangaraja XII International Airport is located about 47 mi (76 km) distance from Parapat town. It is also connected via Trans-Sumatran Highway to Pematang Siantar by a 48 km road.

Places of interest

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  • Batu Gantung (Hanging Stone)
  • Sukarno's house when in exile
  • Parapat Ferry Harbour
Panoramic view of Parapat from Lake Toba

2°039′028″N 98°056′021″E / 2.65778°N 98.93917°E / 2.65778; 98.93917