This is a place where time stands still.

You’re taken back to a place where serenity, peace, and quiet come together.

Looking out over the lake, you hear the occasional sound of a boat passing or catch a glimpse of a ferry on the distant horizon. Even though it’s just a lake, it’s massive. In front of you are layers of islands and hills that give it a three-dimensional depth, like a living wallpaper on your computer.

At an elevation of about 1,500 meters, the clouds roll in and out. It rains randomly for short periods, and the view changes constantly. As I sit here, a puff of cloud drifts slowly past one of the islands. Everything seems to slow down. The view, the surroundings, the birds chirping, the occasional dog barking, it all quiets life.

You can only get here by boat. There’s no road access, no cars, and you’re cut off from civilization. If there were an apocalypse right now, I’d be stranded here. My only concern would be food, which I could probably get by fishing. That thought just crossed my mind.

It’s About The People.

The people here are quiet and helpful. They’re shy in a way, just being themselves, but I sometimes feel like I’m intruding on their peace. If you need a ride, you just talk to someone, pay them, and they’ll take you where you need to go. There are no taxis or ride services, just people willing to help.

It’s my first time in this part of Indonesia, Danau Toba, Samosir, but it won’t be the last. Being from Canada, this place reminds me of home, but without the constant noise of news and online chatter. There’s phone signal and internet here, so if you can work remotely, try spending a month here. Disconnect from the sounds of the city, settle in, and recharge.