Blog Seorang Anak Tapanuli

Hot springs are common and in abundance across different parts of Indonesia. Parbubu village in Tapanuli Utara, North Sumatra province, however, is home to a rarity: A soda spring. There are only two soda water springs in the world—the other is in Venezuela. 

The water at the spring is similar to soda in composition and attracts visitors who come here to bathe. When plunging into the pools of soda water, the water feels rather foamy. The water is not sticky to one's skin but is rather salty, leaving one's body feeling smooth and light. Visitors need to bear in mind however that splashing water can irritate the eyes. 

Aek Rara spring—as the locals refer to it—was discovered by O Tobing Sihite, a nurse who first noticed the water stream out while she was digging in the soil. She investigated further and found that the water had a different taste and aroma, similar to soda. In 2004 the Tapanuli Utara Regency Government officially inaugurated this soda water pool as a tourist attraction. Green rice fields surrounded by Rura Silindung (valley) border the water spring, further enhancing the pleasurable experience of those wishing to bathe in soda. 

The fee of Rp. 7,000 is levied for using the pool. The next time your travels take you to North Sumatra, make sure that this unusual natural spring is on your itinerary. The spring is best accessed by land transportation from Medan via Tarutung and takes about six hours.