Lake Toba & Samosir Island, North Sumatra

#tesaruonbudget Lake Toba is Southeast Asia’s largest volcanic lake, and it’s stunningly peaceful and budget-friendly. A short ferry ride gets you to Samosir Island, where you can rent a motorbike, explore Batak villages, swim, and relax on lakeside beaches — all without spending much. Guesthouses are as cheap as IDR100,000 (~$6) per night. Entry to most local spots is free or donation-based, and the lake views are consistently jaw-dropping. For a serene and cultural escape, it’s an iconic #tesaruonbudget favorite.