Public transport to Lake Toba is possible but tricky involving 3 minivan changes. Better to charter a taxi/minivan from the guesthouse and get there in 4 hours than whole day or Taxi Trans for 500,000 IDR Private Van; like TOBATRANSPORTER, â +6285261492668 [email protected], . edit . You could also stop at the waterfall on the way ; Bukit Lawang seems to be best reached via Medan.
Minibuses to Kutacane for Ketambe come through from Medan; wait up by the tourist office rather than near the market as the latter charges 10,000rp extra presumably some kind of commission. 40,000rp Oct 2008, 5 hours through very nice scenery.
July 2012:For transport to Lake Toba 100.000 rps/person; leaves at 13:30 or 14:00 and arrives in time for last ferry to TukTuk, Medan and Bukit Lawang, seats in one of the tourist busses minivan 5-7 persons; PT Bagus Holiday's Taxi can be arranged through the local tourist agencies. This is much quicker and easier than public transport and just a little bit more expensive.
