Bakkara Valley

Bakkara Valley (Surat Batak: ᯒᯮᯒ ᯅᯰᯂᯒ, Rura Bangkara), also known simply as Bakkara, is a historical place and valley located in the Lake Toba region, precisely in the Baktiraja, Humbang Hasundutan, North Sumatra, Indonesia.^[1][2]

Bakkara Valley

ᯒᯮᯒ ᯅᯰᯂᯒ, Rura Bangkara
View of Bakkara Valley from the hill in Dolok Sanggul.
Location in North Sumatra, Indonesia
Alternative name	Bakkara or Bangkara
Location	Baktiraja, Humbang Hasundutan, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Region	Toba Lake
Coordinates	2.313405°N 98.814200°E / 2.313405; 98.814200
History
Periods	Dynasty of Sisingamangaraja
Cultures	Toba Batak
Site notes
Ownership	Humbang Hasundutan Regency Government

History

Bakkara was the capital of government of the Toba Batak ethnic kingdom in 16th century. This kingdom was under the rule of the Dynasty of Sisingamangaraja, a priests-kings.^[3] The Bakkara Valley also has similarities with the Stryn Valley in Norway.^[4]

Facilities

Bakkara Valley has the potential for natural tourism and the Toba Batak culture is still pristine. This valley offers various amenities, including toilets, schools, places of worship, parking, hotels, and homestays. Accommodation, food and drink facilities are also available, such as restaurants, eateries, and snack stalls in decent condition.^[5]

Access and transit

To get to Bakkara, it takes about 50 minutes from Silangit International Airport, Siborongborong, North Tapanuli. For access routes there, can go via Dolok Sanggul, Paranginan, or Muara.^[6]

Geology

The Bakkara Valley is divided by two large, fast-flowing rivers. The largest dominant river is the Aek Silang which originates from a waterfall that flows from the expanse of hills. The second, smaller river is Aek Simangira. Both flow through several villages and flow into Lake Toba.^[7][8]

There are rocks resulting from the eruption of the Toba supervolcano about 74,000 years ago, such as rocks on some of the hillsides of the Bakkara Valley. There are also metasedimentary rocks which are basic rocks that occurred as a result of the eruption of the Toba supervolcano around 200,000 years ago in the surrounding hills of the Siunong-Unong Julu.^[9]

Climate

The Bakkara Valley has stable seasons and excellent weather. This has a positive impact on soil fertility. Various types of plants grow, such as shallot, garlic, rice, peanut, tomato, coconut, corn, and others.^[10]