Indonesia's Lake Toba among New York Times' 52 Places to Go List 2024

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The New York Times has listed Lake Toba in North Sumatra as one of the "52 Places To Go in 2024." Published on January 8, the annual comprehensive list contains tourist destinations across the globe compiled by experts in consideration of sustainable travel and cultural events.

Lake Toba is in 24th place. This lake, which is encircled by eight districts, is one of Indonesia’s super-priority destinations set by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy for its splendor and uniqueness.

“Unlike Indonesia’s more popular destination, Bali, Lake Toba is without the crowds. It’s also far from the din of the country’s audacious plans to move its sinking capital,” The New York Times wrote.

World Heritage Site

Lake Toba is the largest lake in Southeast Asia and among the deepest lakes in the world, with an area of approximately 1,145 square kilometers and a depth of 450 meters. Its immense width makes it seem like an ocean.

In July 2020, the Lake Toba Caldera was designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Studies revealed that the caldera was created by three phases of eruption that began between 800,000 and 900,000 years ago, with the most recent eruption taking place about 74,000 years ago.

Tourists can not only enjoy natural tourism but also cultural tourism. Lake Toba is surrounded by many traditional villages inhabited by people who continue to practice their customs.

Here’s the full list of The New York Times’ "52 Places To Go in 2024":