My name is Daniel. I'm from Pematangsiantar, North Sumatera, Indonesia. Since July 2016 I started my project named Jabu Sihol. The aim of Jabu Sihol is to let travelers experience local Batak culture and empower the Batak people. Recently I built a new place for visitors to come and stay at my homestay in combination with experiencing a few main aspects of Batak culture. I want to maintain the Batak cultural heritage, and offer participation in Batak dance, cooking, farming, fishing, weaving and language. The beauty and history of Batak culture should be preserved, I hope with my project I can teach travelers about our rich culture as well as find a way to preserve our traditions.

Since I was in Elementary School I have always been fond of exploring the nature. My most frequent and enjoyable activity was swimming in Lake Toba as I was born and grew up in Tomok, a small town by the side of Lake Toba on Samosir Island. I also enjoyed fishing in the great lake and seeing the magnificent blend of mountain, lake, cloudy blue sky and the cool breeze of Lake Toba. I enjoyed this beautiful combination for about 10 years. I guess that’s the main reason why I’m so eager to introduce the beauty of Lake Toba to the whole world.

As time goes by, the desire to introducing guests to North Sumatra, especially Lake Toba and Pematangsiantar. Pematangsiantar is quite near to Lake Toba (about 50 km) and can be traveled in about 1 hour. When visiting Lake Toba from Kuala Namu airport, you will have to pass through Pematangsiantar. However, Pematangsiantar itself is not that popular among tourists and travelers. This is why I am focusing on bringing more travelers to the town.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm on Couchsurfing to meet with more travelers and I have a dream to travel the world myself one day. I will make it happen. I love meeting new people, having interesting discussions, gaining new perspectives on my project and working together to keep improving every time.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I have one true hero: my Mom. She has always supported me in my decisions and my vision. When I started Jabu Sihol, my mother was my biggest supporter. I love my mom so much 😊

Teach, Learn, Share

When I welcome Couchsurfers at my homestay I am so happy to share stories and experiences, and I hope my guests will offer their help in contributing to and taking care of my project. For example, I invite my guests to help in the rice fields or on the farm, to help with the maintenance of my homestay, to decorate my homestay with a nice wall-painting, etc. All your initiative, creativity, input, contribution and enthusiasm is welcome here! :) I enjoy exploring the beautiful area around my town Pematansiantar with my guests, like visiting the natural springs, drinking delicious local coffee and sharing my culture. If we have enough time, sometimes I join with my guests to visit Lake Toba and Samosir Island.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I love to share experiences and also to share my story about Jabu Sihol. I believe in the power of collaboration, and the more we work together the more we can help each other and other people.

As a bonus: I can cook some great Indonesian food ;)

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Cambodia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand

Countries I’ve Lived In

Indonesia