Taman Simalem Resort
A vast eco-resort overlooking Lake Toba, offering stunning views, organic farms, and numerous free activities for a complete getaway.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch the magical sunrise
Taman Simalem Resort
Best Time
Catch the magical sunrise
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast eco-resort overlooking Lake Toba, offering stunning views, organic farms, and numerous free activities for a complete getaway.
"The views are breathtaking, the staff is incredibly friendly, and the hotel grounds are beautiful."
🌅 Sunrise Spectacle
Don't miss the sunrise over Lake Toba; it's a highlight! Arrive early for the best views .
🚗 Buggy Service is Your Friend
The resort is huge! Use the buggy service to navigate easily, especially for uphill climbs .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Breathtaking Lake Toba Views
Balcony rooms, various viewpoints
Wake up to stunning panoramic vistas of Lake Toba, especially magical during sunrise.
Organic Farm & Nature Trails
Resort grounds
Explore lush greenery, learn about organic farming, and enjoy refreshing nature walks.
Adventure Park Fun
Adventure Park area
Engage in exciting activities like jungle tracking, labyrinth, and a dipping pool.
Tongging Point Rooms
Tongging Point area
These rooms offer exceptional value and comfort with unparalleled views of the lake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Stay in Advance
Embrace the Scale and Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Sunrise Spectacle
Don't miss the sunrise over Lake Toba; it's a highlight! Arrive early for the best views.
🚗 Buggy Service is Your Friend
The resort is huge! Use the buggy service to navigate easily, especially for uphill climbs.
💰 Book via Klook for Deals
Get discounts on rooms by booking through Klook and using promo codes.
🧥 Pack Layers
Temperatures can fluctuate; bring layers as it can get cool, especially with the wind.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunrise Spectacle
Don't miss the sunrise over Lake Toba; it's a highlight! Arrive early for the best views.
🚗 Buggy Service is Your Friend
The resort is huge! Use the buggy service to navigate easily, especially for uphill climbs.
💰 Book via Klook for Deals
Get discounts on rooms by booking through Klook and using promo codes.
🧥 Pack Layers
Temperatures can fluctuate; bring layers as it can get cool, especially with the wind.
☕ Taste Simalem Coffee
Try the resort's own coffee and tea; it's a delightful local experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Taman Simalem Resort is widely praised for its breathtaking Lake Toba views, extensive grounds, and a wide array of complimentary activities, making it a perfect getaway for families and couples seeking relaxation. While the food is sometimes noted as average, the serene atmosphere, friendly staff, and overall experience consistently earn high marks.
"I stayed at Taman Simalem Resort with my wife for a short vacation, and it turned out to be one of the most relaxing trips we’ve had. The room was comfortable with a stunning balcony view of Lake Toba — waking up to that every morning was unforgettable. We enjoyed the many free activities, from nature walks to visiting the organic farm, which made the stay feel more than just a hotel experience.
The resort is big, but we could easily move around either by walking through the beautiful grounds or using the buggy service when we didn’t feel like climbing uphill. Everything felt safe, peaceful, and never crowded, which gave us plenty of quiet moments together.
The food was average compared to everything else, but the fresh mountain air, friendly staff, and serene atmosphere more than made up for it. It was exactly the kind of place we needed to slow down, recharge, and enjoy time together."
Syazwan Zakaria
"Truly a resort. Once inside, you don't need to go out as there are so many activities. The room is big and clean. The resort is cooling and when the wind blows, it can get cold. The breakfast is good and has a wide spread of selection. Love the environment, peaceful and quiet. The view of lake Toba from the resort is stunning. Didnt manage to see sunrise as there were clouds. The staff was very friendly and all of them can speak good English. I have no complaints but only praises for the resort."
DD W
"Staying at Taman Simalem Resort was an amazing experience! The views are breathtaking, the staff is incredibly friendly, and the hotel grounds are beautiful. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, which makes it a perfect place to relax and explore. Highly recommended!"
Константин Марков
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Taman Simalem Resort is located in Merek, Karo Regency, North Sumatra. From Medan, you can hire a private car or take a bus towards Berastagi and then arrange for transport to the resort. Some travel agencies like @kualanamotravelling offer packages that include transportation. The journey typically takes around 3-4 hours.
While direct public buses to the resort are limited, you can take buses from Medan to Berastagi. From Berastagi, you would need to arrange local transportation, such as a taxi or rented car, to reach Taman Simalem Resort. It's often more convenient to book a package that includes transport or hire a car for the entire trip.
The resort is quite expansive. For convenience, especially for those with mobility concerns or families with young children, the resort offers a buggy service. Walking is also a pleasant option to explore the grounds and enjoy the scenery.
Yes, you can drive your own car to Taman Simalem Resort. There is ample parking available within the resort premises. The roads leading to the resort are generally well-maintained, offering a scenic drive through the Sumatran landscape.
Taman Simalem Resort is approximately a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from Berastagi, depending on traffic and road conditions. It's situated in the Merek area, offering a different, more serene perspective of Lake Toba compared to the bustling town of Berastagi.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Taman Simalem Resort is primarily a hotel and leisure destination. You do not need a separate entrance ticket if you are staying overnight. Your room booking grants you access to the resort's grounds and many of its facilities and activities.
Standard check-in time at Taman Simalem Resort is usually around 2:00 PM, and check-out time is around 12:00 PM. It's always best to confirm these times directly with the resort or your booking provider when making your reservation.
Yes, discounts are often available. Travelers have mentioned using platforms like Klook and applying promo codes for savings. It's also worth checking the resort's official website or contacting them directly for any ongoing promotions or package deals.
While the primary focus is on overnight stays, some day-use facilities or access might be available, though this is less common and usually requires prior arrangement or specific package bookings. For the full experience, an overnight stay is recommended.
Room rates typically include accommodation and complimentary breakfast. Many activities within the resort, such as visiting the organic farm and nature trails, are also often included. However, specific activities like the adventure park may incur additional charges.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Taman Simalem Resort offers a wide array of activities. You can enjoy nature walks, visit the organic farm, explore the adventure park with jungle tracking, enjoy the labyrinth, and relax by the dipping pool. Some rooms offer stunning views of Lake Toba, and the resort is known for its peaceful atmosphere.
Absolutely! Families with kids will find plenty to do. Activities like tree planting, the labyrinth, jungle tracking, and the dipping pool are great for children. The spacious grounds and fresh air make it an ideal family getaway.
The resort has multiple dining venues, including restaurants serving local and international cuisine. Guests have mentioned enjoying meals at the teahouse and appreciating the variety of menus. Breakfast is complimentary and often praised for its spread and views.
Yes, the resort offers spectacular sunrise views over Lake Toba from many vantage points, especially from rooms with balconies. However, weather conditions can sometimes obscure the view with clouds or fog.
Wi-Fi is generally available at Taman Simalem Resort, particularly in common areas and guest rooms. It's advisable to check with the reception upon arrival for the most up-to-date information on Wi-Fi availability and any potential charges.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo spots are the viewpoints overlooking Lake Toba, especially during sunrise. The lush organic farm, the adventure park's natural settings, and the resort's well-maintained grounds also offer beautiful backdrops for photography.
Early mornings for sunrise and the golden hour before sunset offer the best natural light for stunning landscape photography. Mid-day can be bright, but the lush greenery still provides excellent opportunities.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's recommended to check with the resort management directly before flying a drone to ensure compliance with any regulations or restrictions they may have in place to respect guest privacy and safety.
The panoramic views of Lake Toba are highly Instagrammable. Also, the unique architecture of the resort buildings, the vibrant colors of the organic farm, and any scenic trails provide great content for social media.
A wide-angle lens is excellent for capturing the expansive landscapes of Lake Toba. A standard zoom lens is versatile for general shots. If you plan on exploring the jungle trails, a durable camera or smartphone with good low-light capabilities would be beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💑 Couples Seeking Relaxation
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Embracing the Vastness: Navigating Taman Simalem Resort
To make exploring easier, the resort provides a convenient buggy service. This is particularly useful for reaching different sections of the resort, getting to your room if it's a bit of a trek, or simply when you want to conserve energy. Many visitors recommend utilizing this service to maximize their time and comfort during their stay. Planning your itinerary to group activities by location can also help in efficient navigation.
A Culinary Journey with a View
Beyond the main dining halls, the resort offers unique culinary experiences. The teahouse is a popular spot for enjoying a range of dishes, and visitors often rave about the resort's own Simalem coffee and tea, noting its pleasant taste and quality. While some reviews suggest the food is average compared to the overall experience, the combination of fresh ingredients, diverse menus, and the serene ambiance ensures a satisfying culinary journey.
Activities for Every Explorer
For the more adventurous, the adventure park provides an exhilarating experience. Activities like jungle tracking allow you to explore the natural jungle environment, often leading to scenic waterfalls or rivers. Other attractions include a labyrinth and a dipping pool, perfect for family fun. The resort also organizes resort activity tours, sometimes via truck, which can be a fun way to discover different parts of the property, including the waterfall area and greenhouses.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit