The stone chairs located in the village of Ambarita about five kilometres from Tuk-Tuk are one of the island’s most famous attractions and as such receive a tremendous number of guests, particularly on weekends.
Constructed about 300 years ago, the chairs are said to have been used by a king’s council to determine the fate of captured enemies and criminals. If a person was sentenced to death, they would often be slaughtered on a nearby stone table and then cooked up to be eaten by said council. It’s all a bit dramatic and guides are happy to reenact the entire process, should you be able to find one hanging around the ticket booth.
After you pass the ticket booth and enter the compound you are greeted by a row of massive traditional houses, some of which you can enter and check out for yourself. From here, the stone chairs are visible and most people sit down on the chairs for an obligatory photo.
On a ledge perched across from the chairs is a performance area which on weekends turns into a stage for the flocks of tourists who wish to participate in a traditional dance. It’s all in good fun although it won’t be to everyone’s tastes.
You can get to the stone chairs by riding a motorbike 10 minutes’ north of Tuk-Tuk or walking the five or so kilometres (as no public transport is available within Tuk-Tuk, you can’t catch an opelet).
Location map for Stone Chairs of Ambarita
Start planning your holiday today
Sent every Monday, our newsletter is full of travel advice, news & special deals. Read past issues.
What next?
Browse our independent reviews of places to stay in and around Lake Toba.
Check prices, availability & reviews on Agoda or Booking
Read up on where to eat on Lake Toba.
Check out our listings of things to do in and around Lake Toba.
Read up on how to get to Lake Toba.
Do you have travel insurance yet? If not, find out why you need it.
Planning on riding a scooter in Lake Toba? Please read this.
Browse the web securely while travelling with TunnelBear. Try with a 7–day free trial.