Loved everything about it! Smiley and his wife are exceptional host. The food is amazing. They both are super helpful and knowledgeable when it comes to things to do in the area, where to visit next and how to actually make it there.

John United States of America

The wife & husband (Smiley) Ishmael were very helpful learning about travel options around Lake Toba & Berastagi.

Marton United States of America

Lovely family that organized everything for me from transport to tours and amazing food!

Rick Netherlands

Smiley is a great source of practical advice for the area and extensive lore from his world travels and trades (carpenter, electric bass and sitar playing, etc.). He took us on a nice sunset walk around the Gundaling hill above the town. Later, we hiked with him and the ever-faithful Dodo to the volcanic vents of Mount Simiyak, with Sinabung visible in the distance, collecting sulfur samples and encountering Thomas' Leaf Monkeys along the way. (Bring an egg--you can cook it in the boiling pools at the top!) Finished soaking in the hot springs ranging from warm to hot to scalding. Best of all is the fantastic cooking of his lovely wife Cecilia--from fresh-baked goods and local fruit for breakfast along with french-pressed Sumatran coffee, to a variety of sumptuous Indonesian dishes for supper, including the best Rendang I have had anywhere (including Padang). If you're lucky you may get to participate in one of her English lessons she gives local students.

Merrill Indonesia

Smiley and Cecilia are the nicest hosts we had in Indonesia. We felt really much at home and they cared a lot after our 2 girls for 3 days. He guided us to the volcano for the sunrise and he took us to very secret spots in the crater. She is an excellent cook so I really recommend to have dinner and breakfast there too. We could even cook dinner with her. They are both very happy to share about their culture and country, we learned a lot about Batak people with them.

Mathilde Switzerland

This was one of the best homestays we have encountered during our South-East Asia trip. Cecilia and Smiley are so welcoming and friendly. There are comfortable beds in the room, and a nice hot shower. But this is not why the accomodation is so great: Smiley is a great tour guide and will happily take you around Berastagi and the surrounding area, showing you off the beaten path-villages and sights. He is very knowledgable about local culture and nature. Besides this, the food cooked by Cecilia is absolutely phenomenal, she is a fantastic chef and uses many of the local ingredients that Berestagi has to offer, except from flour, which she buys from abroad and bakes the most delicious home made bread with. Can't recommend this place enough!!! If you stay here, stay at least a couple of nights.

Eddo Netherlands

By far the best Homestay I've used during a month travelling Indonesia. The owner Smiley is such a character, fantastic conversation and such an experiences, knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide for our trek up Gunung Sibayak and surrounding areas. And the food was quite simply the best I've had in Indinesi. Home-coojed, varied and eat as much as you like. Wonderful. Super thick comfy mattress, warm blanket (which you need in Berastagi). Hot shower. Friendly pet dogs. And chess set too. Buy a very long measure, the best and friendliest accommodation I've had in Indonesia. Thank you so much.

Gareth United Kingdom

Great care and very friendly people teaching me a lot about Berestagi and the surrounding area.

Ricardo Netherlands

Great location, very clean, motorbike rental, laundry service, breakfast. But most of all the kindness and devotion of the host. She help us organise our bus trip from Berastagi to Toba Lake, called the taxi for us, booked for us a very nice accommodation in Tuk Tuk. Perfect Host!

Lila France

Hosts are very lovely. Full of stories. They are also very musical. So do not hesitate to start making music together. They also know they way around Berastagi very well and can provide you with transportation if needed. Our girl turned 10 while we were there and due to the homemade birthday cake this day will never be forgotten :)

Arne Belgium