After last year’s success, the Geobike Caldera Toba, a special cycling competition, will again be staged byJendela Toba and Rumah Karya Indonesia (RKI) at the spectacular Lake Toba from 8th to 10th April 2016. This year, the event will cover 7 regencies surrounding Lake Toba , which are the regencies of Samosir, Toba Samosir (Tobasa), Humbang Hasundutan (Humbahas), North Tapanuli, Simalungun, Dairi, and Karo.
The Geobike Caldera Toba 2016 will take participating cyclists to the stunning beauty around the magnificent lake as well as introduce its geoareas and geosites with all their amazing geodiversity, biodiversity as well as cultural diversity that make up the Toba National Geopark.
The competition will be divided into two stages. The first stage covers the route: Tao Silalahi – Paropo (Dairi Regency) – Tongging (Karo Regency) – Rumah Bolon – Simanjarung – Parapat (Simalungun Regency ). While the second stage covers the route from Balige (Toba Samosir Regencies) to Silangit – Muara (North Tapanuli Regency) – Bakkara (Humbang Hasundutan Regency) – Nainggolan and ending at Pangururan (Samosir Regency).
Fully supported by the Office of Tourism of North Sumatra Province, the event aims to further promote the alluring beauty of Lake Toba with all its splendor as a top international destination. Judging from last year’s edition, the enthusiasm of participants to explore one of the earth’s most amazing wonders is high.
Covering over 1,145 square kilometers, and with a depth of 450 meters, Lake Toba is the largest lake in Southeast Asia and among the deepest in the world. Toba is a place to visit, sit back, relax and absorb the beautiful pristine scenery. As the lake sits 900 meters above sea level, the climate here is invigoratingly cool , making this a refreshing break from the noise, humdrum, and pollution of the city. Lake Toba is also the place to come and enjoy the legendary Batak hospitality with its well preserved unique living culture.
When on Samosir make it a point to buy the beautiful woven ‘ulos’ cloths, that are handmade here by the women of the island.
The Indonesian government is resolved to develop Lake Toba and its surroundings into one of Indonesia’s most outstanding destinations , not only for its unique beauty, cultural and geographic heritage but the lake will be cleaned from pollution to make this into a fun and memorable destination full of activities for swimming , sailing, trekking and ecotours.
Source: koran-sindo.com
Photo: travelling.bisnis.com
