Asahan River, North Sumatra : Testing World Class Rafting Scene

Asahan River is located in Sumatra, Indonesia, and is about 150 km long. It flows from Lake Toba, flowing in a north-eastern direction, in the upper course through the deep valley of the Barisan Mountains. The river empties into the Strait of Malacca.


The Asahan is a river with fast and wild rushing streams. For experienced rafters who are bold at heart, the Asahan offers wild and challenging gurgling rapids. the Asahan track is touted as the 3rd best whitewater rafting in the world, outranked only by the Zambesi in Africa and the Colorado River in the United States.

This rafting scene has rapids from Grade  1 to 6. The Grade 1 rapids are quite safe, while the Grade 6 commonly called Rabbit Hole, is touted to be the most extreme and dangerous one. Meanwhile, the Grade 4 rapids are suitable for commercial rafters.

The rafting route begins 3 km on a bridge called the Zero Point at Parhitean Village, Toba, Samosir. You can also start from Sampuran Harimau at Tangga Village, Asahan, then complete your journey to Bandar Pulo, Asahan, which is around 30 km to the downstream. Since 2000, the Asahan River has often become the arena for an international rafting championship.

Get There :

Although you can use bus or public transportation, the best way to reach the Asahan River is to use rented car. From Medan, capital of North Sumatra, there are two alternative routes to get to the site. The first is from the Polonia Airport in Medan to Kisaran and on to Bandar Pulau. From the town of Bandar Pulau, the trip continues to Tangga Village. The distance covered is approximately 90km and will take a little over 4 hours.

The second uses the Medan-Porsea route.  From  Polonia Airport in Medan head to the town of Porsea in the Toba Samosir Regency, by taking the main central Sumatra road which is approximately 200Km or about 5-6 hours’ drive. From Porsea, the trip to Tangga Village will take about 1.5 hours. Taking this route, you will be presented with magnificent views of Lake Toba.

Starting Point : Parhitean Village, the Toba Samosir Regency

Ending Point : Bandar Pulo Village, the Asahan Regency

River Class :  1- 6

Access : Asphalt Pavements

Closest Airport : Medan ( 6 hours )

Facilities : Guest house, restaurant, toilets, telephone network