Pondok Berata Dapdap

Note to all visitors of this establishment: point your map into "Mutiara Balige Hotel" instead of to this place, because you actually need to cross the lake on a boat from the pier behind Mutiara Balige Hotel to get here; the place is not accessible by land transport as it's situated right behind a hill. The boat cost is already included, no additional charge. I actually didn't do much research prior to visiting here, in my mind, I only intended to stay somewhere cheap in Balige for 2 nights. Fortunately, when browsing accross Balige accomodatiom with good reviews, I "found" this place. To my surprise, the place is a really nice lakeside vacation home. I ordered dorm room but got a free "upgrade" into a standard budget room, which is a small bedroom behind the other main room (not listed in the app). Though small, and without private bathroom, with the price I paid, it is really really worth the price. I was picked up from Mutiara hotel pier by their staff via a small fast boat, which only take around ±15 minutes into the place. But when I checked out, I was taken via a wooden boat which is larger but slower, which takes me around ± 30 mins to get to Mutiara Hotel pier. When I got here, I was welcomed with markisa (passion fruit) juice harvested right from the place. It was really fresh and nice. I really love that I can actually swim into a lake here, or just paddling around on a canoe. The establishment also have a tree house on its land, which takes around 5-10 minute hike from the accomodation. The owners and staff are all really nice and kind. They got many cute dogs there too. The food also is good & reasonably priced. The highlight was the freshwater little lobster obtained direcly from the lake. The pillows & blanket deserve a honorary mention. So fluffy & soft!

Not a major problem for me personally, but could be an issue to other people: They have like 5+ dogs here and unfortunately, all, while not agressive, are quite wary to strangers. The owners and staff do their best to contain them esp. The barkiest one but still. They don't attack or bite, but just really bark-y and yappy. In the public bathroom at least, they don't have warm water but only cold one. The water pressure is also not too strong. During my 2 night stay, I don't think the bathroom get cleaned since the trashcan are not emptied. It's not a problem since the bathroom is clean anyways but it would be nicer to have the bathroom & trashcans in it cleaned daily.

secluded, great view, toba lake

mosquitos

This place is a magnificent sanctuary, located in the midst of unbelievable beautiful scenery of the majestic lake Toba, if you wish to heal your weary soul, this is the place. The food is also deliciously and freshly made, I think you must try Lobster with padang sauce, it was great. The room was spotlessly clean and the staffs are so very helpful and friendly.

I did not stay here long enough. I shall come back here, and stay for at least two nights.