Karo Highlands

The Karo Highlands is the second regency governed by Bupati (Mayor), with Kabanjahe as the capital city, 78 kilometers in south of Medan. Berastagi is the most popular tourist destination in Karo Highlands. It lay 4,594 feet above sea level and surounded by majestic mountains ranges with virgin jungles. Inhabited this town is cooled by mountain breeze and inhabited by friendly farming community. The journey to Berastagi is a fancinating trip in itself. The road wind through Sembahe river volley, past the Sibolangit Botanical Reserve and the Scouts Camping Grounds, before coming through Karo Highlands.

From the " Marquisa " town of Berastagi, visitors will have a clear view two well known volcanoes Mountain Sibayak (2,094 meters) and Mountain Sinabung (2,451 meters). A 3-hours hike up to Mt. Sibayak affords a magnificient view of lowlands. There is also 3-4 hours jungle trek to see the rich vegetation and wide variety of butterflies in the nearby jungle. Besides being well-known for the marquisa or possion fruit, Berastagi also famous as the area produce many types of vegetables, fruits and flowers. Two special events the " Pesta Buah " or Fruit Festival and the cultural festival " Pesta Mejuah-juah " are held annually, more recent celebration is " Kerja Tahun " or "End of the Work year" which is also held every year. Karonese who live in the cities come to visit relatives in rural areas to join them in completing certain kinds of chores.

Bukit Kubu is an old colonial style hotel with a delighful golf course, tennis courts and beautiful flower garden. In the colonial era European planters spend relaxing weekends here nowadays, this hotel is visited regularly by European tourist. The village of Lingga lay about 1,200 meters above sea level and is located 15 km from Berastagi. This is a unique Karo Batak traditional vilage where adat houses reputed to be 250 years old, are still well preserved and inhabited five to six families live in each house, unsparated by any partition, but each with their own family stoves.

A further 24 kilometers south of Kabanjahe towards lake Toba there is narrow waterfall called Sipiso-piso . Falling in to a gorge from a height 360 feet before in before flowing in to the lake, the area is famous for its beautiful scenery and a view of Tao Silalahi , the northern part of the great Lake Toba.

A national park at Tongkoh called Tahura Bukit Barisan on the Great Bukit Barisan Forest Park is located just 6 kilometers north of Berastagi on the way to Medan. The park has a Zoo, modern cabins for weekenders and elephant rides for children. There is a foot and explore the great variety of tropical vegetation, from wild orchids, giant ferns, moss covered hardwoods to the hundreds types of sponges and mush rooms. A diversity of butterflies, birds, monkeys, small mammals and cats can also be found here.