Sipiso-piso bursts out of the caldera wall at the far northern end of Lake Toba and falls about 120 metres in a single narrow jet, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Indonesia. The name is usually explained as “like a knife”, after the blade-thin shape of the water. It is fed by an underground river from the Karo plateau, so it flows all year.
The falls are in Tongging, in Karo Regency, roughly an hour from Berastagi. The viewpoint at the top is the reason most people stop: on one side the waterfall drops into its gorge; on the other, the whole northern arm of Lake Toba stretches south between steep green walls.
Top things to do at Sipiso-piso Waterfall
Enjoy the double view from the top
From the car park a short walk leads to terraces looking across the gorge to the falls and down the length of the lake. Stalls sell roasted corn, coffee and souvenirs. If time is short, this alone justifies the stop.
Walk down to the foot of the falls
A concrete stairway of several hundred steps zigzags down the gorge. Allow about half an hour down and up to an hour back up; the spray at the bottom will soak you. It is hard work in the midday heat — go early and carry water.
Drop down to Tongging
A winding road descends to the lakeshore village of Tongging, where a few simple restaurants serve grilled fish by the water. From here the lake looks quite different: narrow, fjord-like and very quiet.
Add a Karo highlands stop
Most itineraries pair the falls with Berastagi and its volcano, or with a traditional Karo village such as Dokan on the way.
How to get to Sipiso-piso Waterfall
- From Berastagi: about an hour south via Kabanjahe and Merek by car or scooter.
- From Medan: around three to three and a half hours by road, which is why it features on the day trips from Medan.
- From Parapat: two and a half to three hours along the scenic rim road via Simarjarunjung.
- From Samosir: take the small ferry from Simanindo to Tigaras, then drive north along the rim; or go round by Pangururan and Tele.
Insider tips
- A modest entrance fee is charged per person, plus parking.
- Cloud tends to build from late morning. For a clear lake view, arrive before ten.
- The steps are uneven and slippery after rain; proper shoes, not flip-flops.
- There is no public transport to the car park itself — buses stop at Merek, where you would need an ojek for the last few kilometres.
Best tours & tickets for Sipiso-piso Waterfall
These experiences are the easiest way to see Sipiso-piso Waterfall:
Day trip from €57 From Medan: Day Trip to Lake Toba & Sipiso-Piso Waterfall
The lowest-priced Lake Toba day out from Medan that we list. It heads for the northern rim of the caldera rather than Samosir: Lumbini Nature Park near Berastagi, Sipiso-piso waterfall, a lake viewpoint and a coffee break before the drive back.
- Sipiso-piso waterfall at the northern end of the lake
- Lake views from a caldera-rim viewpoint
- Lumbini Nature Park and a coffee stop on the way
Day trip from €104 From Medan: Lake Toba 3 Waterfalls and Boat Ride Day Trip
A waterfall-themed day from Medan: the well-known Sipiso-piso, Sikulikap in the Karo highlands and the lesser-known Sitiris Tiris, with a boat ride on Lake Toba. New on GetYourGuide and not yet reviewed.
- Sipiso-piso, Sikulikap and Sitiris Tiris waterfalls
- A boat ride on the lake
- A new listing with no reviews yet
Multi-day tour from €449 Medan: 4-Day Lake Toba, Samosir Island and Berastagi Tour
Four days through Medan, Lake Toba, Samosir Island and Berastagi, with the ancient tomb of King Sidabutar, Sipiso-piso waterfall and the fruit market in Berastagi among the stops. One review so far.
- The tomb of King Sidabutar in Tomok
- Sipiso-piso waterfall
- Berastagi’s fruit market
