Merlyn Guest House

We had a great time here, and the couple who run the place were friendly and helpful. We also rented a brand new scooter from them at a very affordable price. After reading the bad reviews we were a bit unsure about staying, but I think those may be from people who booked the older, cheaper rooms at the back. The two front bungalows are newer, cleaner, and much more comfortable.

After our first impression that the rooms were plain and basic, with no towels or toilet paper, we were completely won over by the second day. The setting by the lake is superb, and the host tends a beautiful garden to enjoy it from. There are even hot showers. She was very helpful, and I’m not exaggerating when I say her banana pancakes might be the best I’ve ever had. The location is great too, a little north of the main part of tuk tuk, so it’s quieter and close to some fantastic restaurants. Special mention to Jenny’s restaurant, about a 15-minute walk away. Fiona, who runs the shop across the road from Merlyn, was also super helpful. For a budget price, this could easily be a five-star location. We stayed in April 2019.

The Lake view from Merlyn Guesthouse on Samosir Island is fabulous, especially in the evening. The front rooms are newly built and reasonably priced. Rooms at the back are a bit older, but still worth staying in for what they cost.

The owners and staff were friendly and helpful, and there’s a beautiful garden right beside the water. They served fresh coconut and mango from the garden, and can arrange a BBQ in the back with fresh fish from the local market. You get a lot for the price, including a couple of classic Batak rooms. The Batak houses are old, but I found that charming.