Meet Damayanti Sinaga—Guiding You to the Soul of Sumatra

 

Damayanti’s Guests Explore Girsang Village

NINNA.ID-When you think of Sumatra, you may picture the vast volcanic Lake Toba, the lush jungles of Gunung Leuser, or the graceful Minangkabau houses of West Sumatra. But to truly experience this island, you need someone who can bring its stories to life. That is where Damayanti Sinaga — warmly known as Butet — steps in.

Who is Butet?

In Batak culture, Butet is a loving name for baby girls. For Damayanti, the name has become part of her identity and her guiding spirit. Born in Medan and raised in the Batak heartland, she now lives in Kampung Ulos Hutaraja, a traditional weaving village on Samosir Island, at the heart of Lake Toba.

Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and a community rich in tradition, Damayanti’s passion for guiding was born. She often says:

“Lake Toba is not just a place, it’s a story waiting to be told.”

For her, guiding is not only about showing destinations, but about connecting people, cultures, and stories.

A Journey Rooted in Passion & Experience

Damayanti brings together a unique combination of professional expertise, community dedication, and cultural storytelling:

• Experienced Tour Guide (2022–present)
  Specializing in Lake Toba, Samosir Island, Bukit Lawang, Berastagi, and West Sumatra. She curates journeys that mix adventure — like jungle treks and volcano hikes — with deep cultural immersion.
• Seasoned Journalist & Writer (2012–present)
  With a decade as a reporter and editor at Harian Analisa and later as a content writer at NINNA.ID, Damayanti has honed her storytelling skills. She writes extensively about Lake Toba, tourism, and culture — turning every tour into a living story.
• Community Educator & Leader
  Founder of Rumah Belajar Hutaraja, she teaches English and mentors local youth, ensuring that the next generation is ready to connect with the world through tourism.
• Award-Winning Communicator
  Recipient of multiple journalism and academic awards, from the Airport Journalism Award (2014) to the Best Paper Award from Bank Indonesia (2022). Her background ensures professionalism, clarity, and a global outlook.

🌿 Her Guiding Philosophy: Sustainable & Meaningful Travel

As a proud daughter of Lake Toba, Damayanti believes that tourism must sustain, not consume. That means:

• Encouraging eco-friendly travel behaviours.
• Supporting local artisans, farmers, and businesses.
• Promoting authentic cultural experiences over staged ones.

Every tour she leads is not just about visiting, but about contributing — ensuring that both visitors and local communities’ benefit.

[caption id="attachment_36257" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 

Damayanti’s Guests Visiting Rumah Belajar Hutaraja[/caption]

Exploring Sumatra with Damayanti

When you travel with Damayanti, expect more than just a guide. Expect a storyteller, interpreter, and bridge between you and the land.

[caption id="attachment_36260" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Damayanti’s Guests Visiting Pagaruyung West Sumatra[/caption]

Her 11-day signature journey across Sumatra showcases the island’s diversity:

• 🐘 Tangkahan – Bathing elephants and learning about conservation.
• 🌳 Bukit Lawang – Trekking in Gunung Leuser National Park to encounter orangutans.
• 🌋 Berastagi – Sunrise hike to Mount Sibayak and hot spring relaxation.
• 🛶 Lake Toba & Samosir Island – Immersing in Batak traditions and village life.
• 🍍 Padang Sidempuan – Plantation visits and scenic river walks.
• 🎭 Bukittinggi & Pagaruyung – Minangkabau culture, royal heritage, and songket weaving.
• 🌊 Padang – Waterfalls, seaside charm, and a farewell with lasting memories.

Throughout the journey, she weaves stories of history, culture, and everyday life — making the landscapes come alive.

[caption id="attachment_36258" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 

Damayanti’s Guests Visiting Bukit Lawang[/caption]

💬 Damayanti’s Promise

“I want travelers to see Sumatra not only with their eyes, but with their hearts. Every mountain, every village, every dance tells a story. As your guide, I am here to make sure you don’t just visit Sumatra — you connect with it.”

🌺 Travel with Damayanti

With Damayanti as your guide, you don’t just take a trip.
You discover, connect, and belong — even if only for a while — to the living story of Sumatra.

🌿 Travel with Damayanti Sinaga: Where every road tells a story, and every story brings you closer to Sumatra.

Where Storytelling Meets Guiding: The Journey of Damayanti Sinaga

 

Among the tour guides around Lake Toba, the name Damayanti Sinaga is often mentioned with genuine respect. Not because she has worked the longest, but because of the way she thinks, speaks, and acts. She guides not only with her voice, but with meaning.

From the beginning, Damayanti never saw guiding as just a job. For her, being a tour guide is a way to introduce her homeland with heart and knowledge. She wants the world to know that Lake Toba is not only a breathtaking landscape but also home to the rich history, language, and culture of the Batak people.

Her background as a journalist for Harian Analisa and Editor at NINNA.ID has shaped her into a guide who is both factual and engaging. She’s used to researching, writing, and presenting stories with structure and depth. When she speaks to visitors, her storytelling flows like a feature article—rich in information, yet warm and personal.

Senior tour guides and travel agents respect Damayanti because she doesn’t just show places; she helps people understand them. She knows when to explain and when to stay quiet, when to lead and when to let travelers explore on their own. She is not the kind of guide who seeks the spotlight—she shines it on her land.

In many cases, Damayanti also supports travel agents by creating captivating promotional materials and digital content. She understands how authentic storytelling can move potential visitors to come. For tour operators, Damayanti is more than a field partner—she’s part of their creative force.

Beyond tourism, she dedicates her time to teaching children at the Rumah Belajar Hutaraja (Hutaraja Learning House). She believes the future of Lake Toba’s tourism depends on how well the next generation can speak English and appreciate their own heritage. This commitment to community is what makes senior guides and agents admire her even more—Damayanti works not for herself, but for the people around her.

“Being a guide isn’t about how many tourists you take, but how deeply they remember the place you showed them,” she once said.

With her perseverance, ethics, and wide vision, Damayanti stands out as more than a tour guide. She is a storyteller, a culture educator, and a bridge between Toba and the world.

Kampung Girsang Firdaus Tersembunyi Dekat Parapat Kawasan Danau Toba

 

Simalungun, NINNA.ID-Di Kawasan Danau Toba, tepatnya di Kampung Girsang yang dikenal orang dengan sebutan Girsang 1 dan Girsang 2, alam dan budaya saling berpelukan erat. Hijaunya sawah, aroma rempah dari hutan tropis, dan kokohnya Rumah Batak yang berumur ratusan tahun.

Semuanya menyatu membentuk simfoni kehidupan yang menenangkan hati dan menyejukkan mata. Inilah sekelumit dari keajaiban yang kami promosikan dalam upaya mendukung Danau Toba sebagai bagian dari jaringan Taman Bumi Dunia.

Bukit Simumbang: Menyapa Langit, Menyelami Hutan

Langkah kami terhenti sejenak di sebuah pondok sederhana di lereng Bukit Simumbang. Aplikasi My Elevation menunjukkan angka 1.196 meter di atas permukaan laut.

 

Anak-anak berfoto di jalan menuju Bukit Simumbang.(foto:damayanti)[/caption]

Dari titik ini, mata kami disuguhkan panorama menakjubkan: Danau Toba yang luas berkilau di kejauhan dan kota Parapat yang terhampar seperti miniatur.

Namun, keindahan itu bukan satu-satunya yang ditawarkan bukit ini. Perjalanan ke Simumbang adalah petualangan spiritual—melintasi ladang-ladang yang ditanami padi, kopi, coklat, dan berbagai tanaman obat yang telah diwariskan secara turun-temurun.

Di sini, hutan bukan hanya sumber oksigen, tapi juga apotek alami yang menyelamatkan warga selama pandemi. Jahe, kunyit, dan lengkuas menjadi andalan penguat daya tahan tubuh.

Menyusuri hutan ini, kami juga disambut suara alam: denting air sungai tadah hujan dan nyanyian burung Enggang dari kejauhan. Jika beruntung, kita bisa melihat Imbo (Siamang), beruang madu, atau binatang hutan lainnya yang masih setia menjaga rahasia Lembah dan Bukit.

Sitombom: Mosaik Hijau di Kaki Bukit

Di bawah Bukit Simumbang terbentang Sitombom, lembah kecil yang menjadi saksi gigihnya para petani Kampung Girsang . Nama "tombom" berarti jatuh, sesuai letaknya yang tersembunyi di kaki bukit.

 

Provinsi Sumatera Utara (Sumut) memiliki potensi alam berupa tanaman pangan, palawija, perkebunan, dan lainnya. (foto: Damayanti)[/caption]

Tapi justru dari lembah inilah, kita melihat keindahan yang tak bisa ditolak: teras-teras sawah yang mengalir mengikuti kontur tanah, membentuk lukisan hidup dalam gradasi warna hijau.

Para petani di sini adalah seniman alam. Mereka menciptakan sistem pengairan dari sungai pegunungan dan menyulap tebing menjadi ladang padi.

Ini bukan hanya soal bertani—ini soal mempertahankan warisan, budaya kerja keras, dan filosofi "marsiadapari", gotong royong yang masih hidup hingga kini.

Mak Ober, salah satu petani senior, tampak berdiri memandangi padinya. Ia sedang menimbang, apakah panen sudah waktunya atau harus menunggu sinar matahari beberapa hari lagi.

Ketika kami bertanya, ia hanya tersenyum dan menunjuk langit. “Tanda-tandanya ada di sana,” katanya bijak.

Sigala-Gala: Di Antara Teras Sawah dan Semilir Angin

Nama Sigala-Gala diambil dari jenis tanaman yang mendominasi wilayah ini. Tempat ini adalah jalan penghubung antara Girsang 1 dan Girsang 2, serta pintu gerbang menuju air terjun yang tersembunyi.

Di sinilah pengunjung bisa berjalan di antara hamparan sawah, menghirup udara segar, dan menyaksikan petani bekerja dengan alat-alat tradisional: cangkul, parang, dan semangat tak tergoyahkan.

Perjalanan menuju Sigala-Gala mengajak kita menelusuri huta-huta yang masih mempertahankan Rumah Batak asli. Jalan bercabang ke kiri membawa kita ke Huta Simandalahi, sementara ke kanan menuju panorama sawah yang seolah tak berujung.

Terutama saat musim panen, warna-warna kuning keemasan dan hijau zamrud berpadu menciptakan keindahan yang nyaris tak tergambarkan.

Huta Simandalahi: Rumah-Rumah yang Bercerita

Di balik pepohonan dan ladang, berdirilah Huta Simandalahi. Kampung tua ini didirikan oleh keturunan Simandalahi bermarga Sinaga. Meski banyak keturunannya kini merantau, rumah-rumah Batak di sini tetap berdiri kokoh.

Dibangun tanpa paku, rumah-rumah ini menampung hingga 6 keluarga pada masa lampau, dan tetap jadi simbol keuletan dan arsitektur tradisional.

Di Kampung Girsang, bertani bukan sekadar profesi—ia adalah budaya dan filosofi hidup. Anak-anak sudah akrab dengan parang sejak kecil. Mereka diajarkan menanam, merawat, hingga memanen.

Proses panjang ini menjadi guru kehidupan, mengajarkan ketekunan dan keberanian. Bahkan ketika berhadapan dengan ular atau binatang berbisa, anak-anak desa ini tetap tenang dan terus melangkah. Mereka tidak hanya tumbuh bersama alam, mereka adalah bagian dari alam itu sendiri.

Girsang Kreatif

Potensi Kampung Girsang tak berhenti pada keindahan alam. Warganya aktif mengelola hasil pertanian menjadi komoditas unggulan.

Kopi, kakao, kemiri, jahe, hingga andaliman—semuanya dipasarkan secara langsung ke warung, pasar, bahkan wisatawan.

Beberapa warga sudah mulai mengolah hasil bumi menjadi produk siap saji seperti kue, kopi bubuk, dan masakan tradisional.

Kampung Girsang adalah napas segar di tengah geliat modernisasi. Ia tak hanya menampilkan lanskap memikat, tapi juga cerita-cerita kecil yang menggugah.

Dari Bukit Simumbang yang menyentuh awan, hingga senyuman hangat petani di tengah ladang, setiap sudut Kampung Girsang memanggil kita untuk datang, belajar, dan biarkan hatimu tinggal di Kampung Girsang.

Penulis/Editor: Damayanti Sinaga

Explore Lake Toba with Damayanti: Your Ultimate Tour Guide to an Unforgettable Journey

 Are you ready for an extraordinary adventure at Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world? Meet Damayanti, a seasoned and passionate tour guide who will take you on an immersive journey through the breathtaking landscapes, rich Batak culture, and hidden gems of Samosir Island.

Why Choose Damayanti as Your Guide?

With years of experience as a freelance tour guide, journalist, and community educator, Damayanti brings unparalleled expertise in storytelling, history, and local traditions. Her deep understanding of Batak heritage and eco-tourism makes her the perfect companion for those seeking an authentic and insightful exploration of Lake Toba.

A Tailored Experience Like No Other

Unlike generic tour packages, Damayanti curates personalized itineraries that cater to your interests and adventure level. Whether you're a culture enthusiast, a nature lover, or an adrenaline seeker, she ensures a well-rounded journey full of excitement and discovery.

Sample 4D3N Itinerary with Damayanti:

Lake Toba offers breathtaking scenery, the warmth of the local people, and the authentic richness of Batak culture. Lake Toba is more than just its vast and serene waters; it is a treasure trove of natural and cultural wonders. Among its many hidden riches is the diverse array of plant life that thrives around the lake.

Spanning across seven regencies—Simalungun, Samosir, Toba, Tapanuli Utara, Karo, Dairi, and Humbang Hasundutan—Lake Toba offers endless opportunities for exploration.

During your visit, you can focus on discovering the beauty of four regencies: Simalungun, Samosir, Dairi, and Toba, each offering unique experiences and landscapes.

Day 1:

1. Pick up from Kualanamu Airport using Trans Highway Road
2. Sidamanik Tea Garden (Simalungun Regency)
• Explore the tea plantations
• Have lunch and enjoy tea and coffee at the café around
3. Bukit Simarjarunjung (Simarjarunjung Hill)
• Panoramic views of Lake Toba from 1,300 meters above sea level.
4. Tigaras Harbour
• Starting point for the ferry to Samosir Island.
5. Lake Toba Ferry Crossing
• From Tigaras Harbour to Simanindo Harbour on Samosir Island.
6. SiRulo Homestay
• A homestay in Lumban Suhi-Suhi Village, Samosir Regency, by the lakeside.

Day 2:

1. Tano Ponggol Bridge
• Historic bridge connecting Sumatra to Samosir Island.
2. Bukit Burung (Bird Hill)
• Scenic spot near plantations with fantastic views.
3. Avocado Plantation and Other Plantations
• Explore avocado and other crops grown in Samosir.
4. Bukit Holbung
• Rolling green hills with panoramic views of Lake Toba.
5. Aek Rangat Hot Springs
• A relaxing natural hot spring in Pangururan.

 

Relaxing natural hot spring in Pangururan.[/caption]

Day 3:

1. Nai Sogop Waterfall
• Multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by tropical rainforest.
2. Barbeque in SiRulo Homestay SiRulo 

3. Lunch in Batak House[/caption]

Day 4:

1. Tomok Market
2. Tomok Harbour back to Kualanamu Airport

 

Barbeque in SiRulo Homestay[/caption]

A Memorable Journey Group from Malaysia

This itinerary has previously been carried out by a group from Malaysia. It was an early Monday morning when a group of travelers from Selangor, Malaysia, arrived at Kualanamu Airport. Drivers warmly greeted them.

From Kualanamu, the group embarked on a scenic drive to the Sidamanik Tea Gardens in Simalungun Regency. The lush green tea plantations, rich with history dating back to the Dutch colonial era, provided a serene backdrop for their lunch at the Sidamanik Tea Garden. Sipping on the locally renowned Tobasari and Butong teas, they savored both the flavors and the views.

Their journey continued with a stop at the breathtaking Simarjarunjung Hill. At an elevation of 1,300 meters, the panoramic views of Lake Toba left everyone in awe. As the sun began to set, they visited the vibrant Saribudolok Orange Plantation, marveling at the endless rows of fruit-laden trees.

The day concluded with a ferry ride across the tranquil waters of Lake Toba, from Tigaras Harbour to Simanindo Harbour. Upon arrival, the group settled into SiRulo Homestay, a charming lakeside retreat in Samosir Regency.

A delicious dinner and a briefing for the next day's activities brought the day to a close, leaving the group free to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Exploring the Beauty of Samosir Island

Tuesday began with a delicious breakfast at SiRulo Homestay. The day’s itinerary was filled with exploration, starting with a visit to Tano Ponggol Bridge, the unique land link between Sumatra and Samosir Island.

They then ventured to Bukit Burung and other plantations, marveling at the natural beauty and agricultural abundance of the region.

Lunch was a special treat in traditional Batak house near Bukit Holbung in Jabu Siamun. The group spent the afternoon hiking the rolling green hills of Bukit Holbung, taking in breathtaking views of Lake Toba and its surroundings.

To cap off the day, the group relaxed at the Aek Rangat hot springs, soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters and reflecting on the beauty of Samosir.

Discovering Hidden Gems

Wednesday’s adventure took the group to the secluded Nai Sogop Waterfall. After a scenic trek through dense tropical forests, they were greeted by the cascading waters and tranquil pools of this hidden gem.

Take picture with view around hill to Nai Sogop Waterfall[/caption]

They enjoyed a picnic-style lunch amidst the natural beauty, followed by a visit to Simbolon Village. The evening ended with a delightful barbecue at SiRulo Homestay, where the group shared stories and laughter under the starry sky.

A Farewell to Remember

On their final day, Thursday, the travelers bid farewell to the cozy SiRulo Homestay. Before leaving Samosir, they stopped by the Tomok Market to shop for souvenirs, taking home mementos of their unforgettable journey.

A ferry ride brought them back to Parapat, and from there, they made their way to Kualanamu Airport via the Siantar Toll Road, cherishing the memories of their time in Lake Toba.

The journey to Lake Toba was more than just a trip—it was a celebration of nature, culture, and fellowship. Each destination left an indelible mark on their hearts, making this an adventure they would treasure forever.

Book Your Tour with Damayanti Today!

As an expert in Batak culture, digital tourism, and storytelling, Damayanti doesn’t just guide—she brings the history and soul of Lake Toba to life. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or in a group, she ensures a personalized and memorable experience.

📩 Contact Damayanti Now to start your Lake Toba adventure! 

📍 Location: Samosir Island, North Sumatra, Indonesia 📞 Phone: 0852-9773-2855 📧

Email: damayantisinaga0@gmail.com

Experience the magic of Lake Toba like never before—through the eyes of a true local expert!