Danau Toba Kayak Expedition

Lake Toba was sort of ingrained in our collective DNA as the eruption that created it caused a mini ice age, which reduced human species to a few thousands beings. 75,000 years on, we were survivors of that apocalyptic era. The eruption created the biggest crater lake in the world, and one of the highest (900+meters) and deepest (500+meters). It is also the largest lake in SE Asia.

I remembered it as a premier tourist spot when I was still a child, in the same league at Genting Highlands and Cameron Highlands (both in Malaysia). Those were the days when family take cheap holidays to nearby destinations, and my parents were no different.

Lake Toba was always mentioned as a possible year-end holiday place. It was said the lake was like a sea, with the island inside bigger than Singapore itself! What we also heard was its unparalleled beauty, cool climate, and spectacular scenery. But we never got around to going there. No one could easily afford to take a plane then.

Next week, I am on an expedition to paddle Lake Toba. What started off was an attempt to circum-navigate the lake in 5 days. Soon word got out and a group of 4 turned into a group of 10, with new paddlers joining this exciting trip. So the plan was revised and we opted to paddle the western shores instead, averaging a manageable 30km a day.

Culturally, the lake offers an intriguing look from the soaring jabu to megalithic stone structures. Having paddled a few man-made lakes in Thailand, I am looking forward to see the life of people living on this natural lake. Are they brotherly like the fishermen of the seas?

What is it like to paddle with such a big group?
How will the new paddlers take to the distances?
What will be the Curse of the Pre-expedition?

I think this is going to be one interesting expedition.