ABOUT

For over two decades, Carles has dedicated his life to the pursuit of adventure, exploration, and the thrill of the great outdoors. From towering rock faces to the depths of the ocean, from the heart-pounding rush of whitewater rapids to the serenity of open sea kayaking, Carles has immersed himself in the world’s most exhilarating experiences. Today, he is recognized as a leading figure in adventure tourism, with a passion for sharing the wonders of nature through sea kayaking expeditions. Carles has an impressive background in extreme sports. His achievements in climbing include conquering rock walls and even scaling the tallest rock cliffs in North Sumatra. He has explored horizontal and vertical caving across numerous caves in North Sumatra, delved into mountain biking and long-distance cycling, and enjoyed fishing in both lakes and the open sea. His love for diving has taken him across North Sumatra, Aceh, and Raja Ampat, where he has explored the rich underwater world of Indonesia.

Adventure Tourism Career and Leadership
In 2003, Carles embarked on his professional career in adventure tourism, starting from the ground up at Rapidplus Adventure and Expedition Specialist, a brand under PT Jeram Tirta Sumatera. He worked his way through various roles—from logistics assistant to campsite manager, from rafting guide to operational manager—gaining invaluable hands-on experience. By 2008, his expertise and leadership led him to become a shareholder in Bingai Rafting Adventure, a subsidiary of PT Lintas Jeram Sumatera, he took on the role of company commissioner. His contributions to the world of rafting were remarkable, as he led expeditions, pioneered new rafting routes, and mentored the next generation of rafting athletes. As a competitive athlete, he represented North Sumatra at regional, national, and international rafting competitions. Today, he continues to play a vital role as a certified rafting business auditor in Indonesia.

Search and Rescue (SAR) Contributions
Carles’ commitment to adventure extends beyond exploration—he is also a dedicated rescuer. He once served as the chairman of Rescue Muda Bersatu, a youth community under the Medan Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas). He has participated in high-risk operations, including mountain rescues, the Bahorok flash flood in North Sumatra, the Aceh tsunami, and the Nias and Padang earthquakes. Currently, he remains an active member of the North Sumatra Disaster Preparedness Community.

A Passion for Sea Kayaking
His journey into sea kayaking began in 2013 when he assisted a Czech expedition team in kayaking across Lake Toba and Pulau Banyak in Aceh. The success of this expedition led to another collaborative adventure the following year, involving a Czech-Austrian-Indonesian team. Since then, Carles has embarked on numerous sea kayaking expeditions both in Indonesia and internationally.
His sea kayaking adventures in Indonesia include expeditions across Lake Toba, Pulau Banyak, West Sumatra (Padang), Belitung, the Thousand Islands (Jakarta), Raja Ampat (Papua), Lombok, and Komodo (Nusa Tenggara). Beyond Indonesia, he has kayaked in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Norway, Sweden, the Czech Republic, and Germany, experiencing everything from tranquil waters to challenging winter kayaking conditions.

Pioneering Sea Kayaking Events in Indonesia
In 2017, Carles successfully organized Indonesia’s first-ever Sea Kayak Marathon—the International Toba Kayak Marathon at Lake Toba. In 2018, he initiated the Sea Kayak & Stand-Up Paddling Marathon in Belitung, followed by the 2019 Kayak Marathon. In 2024, he once again made history by organizing the International Sea Kayak Marathon in Lombok, Nusa Tenggara Barat.

A Driving Force in Indonesia’s Sea Kayaking Community
Having guided hundreds of travelers on sea kayaking adventures in Lake Toba and Pulau Banyak, Carles is more than just a tour leader—he is a storyteller, an explorer, and a mentor. His deep knowledge of the region and his commitment to safety and sustainability make every trip an extraordinary experience. He is widely known in these regions. His deep knowledge and understanding of these areas make him an invaluable resource for adventure seekers. He is a key figure in Indonesia’s sea kayaking community, having contributed to the development of Paddler Sumatra and co-founded the national association, Sea Kayak Indonesia, in Jakarta.

Your Trusted Adventure Planner
Carles Simson is a certified tour planner with more than 20 years of experience in adventure tourism. With his vast expertise, passion, and dedication, he ensures that every adventure he leads is not only successful but also an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a first-time adventurer, he will lead you on a journey that will leave you with stories to tell for a lifetime.

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable sea kayaking expedition? Join Toba Adventures Trip and experience the adventure of a lifetime!

A Journey into Adventure
Rahmad Ganda’s love for adventure began in 1996, marking the start of an exciting journey through some of Indonesia’s most challenging terrains. With years of experience as a skilled caver, he has explored numerous caves across the country, embracing both the beauty and the mystery of the underground world. His adventures also extend to rock climbing, where he has conquered various cliffs, pushing his limits with every ascent.

A Humble and Charismatic Guide
Known for his warm and friendly personality, Rahmad is more than just an adventure guide—he is a storyteller, a mentor, and a lifelong friend to many of his guests. His ability to create genuine connections has led to lasting friendships with adventurers from around the world. Many travelers who have embarked on a journey with him continue to stay in touch, cherishing the unforgettable experiences they shared.

Embracing the World of Sea Kayaking
In 2017, Rahmad discovered his passion for sea kayaking, a sport that would redefine his connection with nature. Since then, he has become an experienced sea kayaker, guiding expeditions in some of Indonesia’s most breathtaking destinations. As a dedicated sea kayak guide, he has led numerous expeditions across Lake Toba and Pulau Banyak, providing adventurers with immersive experiences in these stunning waters.

Beyond his guiding expertise, Rahmad has embarked on several personal kayaking expeditions, exploring the pristine coastlines of Belitung and Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara. For him, kayaking is not just an adventure—it is a form of therapy, a way to embrace the serenity of nature while finding joy in the rhythm of the waves.

Creating Lasting Memories
For those who choose to embark on a sea kayak adventure with Rahmad, the experience goes beyond paddling across scenic waters. He ensures that every trip is filled with discovery, cultural immersion, and moments of pure exhilaration. His deep knowledge of local landscapes, combined with his passion for adventure, guarantees a journey that is both safe and extraordinary.
If you are seeking an adventure that combines exploration, nature, and genuine human connection, let Rahmad Ganda be your guide. With him, your kayaking journey will not just be a trip—it will be an experience to remember for a lifetime.

Zdenek Herzan first arrived in Indonesia in 2007 to compete in the International Rafting Championship – Asahan White Water Festival (AWWF) organized by the Indonesian Rafting Federation on the Asahan River, North Sumatra. Accompanied by Jacksin Limbeng (late), who served as his liaison officer from Rapidplus Adventure and Expedition Specialist, Zdenek and his team emerged victorious. To celebrate their victory, they traveled to Lake Toba, an experience that left Zdenek deeply captivated by its beauty. From that moment on, he dreamed of exploring the lake further.

A few years later, Zdenek returned with his friend, Jiri Choros to paddle across Lake Toba. This journey introduced him to the wonders of Pulau Banyak and Ketambe. According to Zdenek, the combination of adventure tourism in these three destinations—Lake Toba, Pulau Banyak, and Ketambe—is simply extraordinary. Over the following years, he continued to embark on adventures in these breathtaking locations, further deepening his connection to them.
Zdenek has also kayaked in Raja Ampat, Papua, and while he acknowledges its beauty, he firmly believes that Lake Toba, Pulau Banyak, and Ketambe hold an unmatched charm. Not only are they stunning, but they are also significantly more affordable for travelers from Europe.
In 2013, Zdenek, with the support of Carles, successfully conducted a kayaking expedition in Lake Toba and Pulau Banyak. More than just an adventurer, Zdenek has been a powerful motivator and an instrumental force behind Carles’ efforts to develop sea kayaking tourism in Sumatra. His encouragement, recommendations, and unwavering support played a key role in shaping Toba Adventures into a well-known adventure tourism operator in Europe.
His dedication and vision have had a lasting impact on Toba Adventures, helping it reach new heights. His influence continues to be invaluable, and his passion for adventure serves as a source of inspiration for many.

Thank you, Zdenek Herzan, for your guidance, support, and the incredible adventures you have shared with us.

Jiri Choros, affectionately known as “Opung Choros,” is a senior adventurer from the Czech Republic. Beyond his love for expeditions, he is also an esteemed photojournalist and travel writer, publishing numerous articles on sea kayaking adventures in global adventure sports magazines and online platforms.

His adventures in Lake Toba, Pulau Banyak, Ketambe, Mount Sibayak, and Medan have captured the imagination of sea kayaking enthusiasts worldwide through his writings in The Paddler Magazine. Choros has played a vital role in introducing Lake Toba to the world, particularly in Europe. Many travelers have been inspired to explore Lake Toba because of his compelling stories and insightful recommendations.

They say real men don’t just tell stories—they write them. And that is exactly who Choros is.

Thank you, Opung Choros, for sharing the beauty of our adventures with the world.

Vendula Herzanova, known affectionately as “Vendy,” is an accomplished paddler from the Czech Republic. A former member of the Czech national rafting team, she has achieved significant success in the sport. Fluent in English, she has lived and adventured in Australia and New Zealand, gaining extensive international experience.

Vendy first heard stories about Lake Toba, Pulau Banyak, the orangutans of Ketambe, and Mount Sibayak, and these tales left a lasting impression on her. In 2019, together with her boyfriend and friends, she embarked on an unforgettable adventure to these breathtaking destinations. She described the journey as a perfect blend of adventure and nature, filled with unforgettable moments.

For young adventurers like her, this travel route is thrilling, immersive, and deeply memorable. The experience left such an impact on her that she constantly dreams of returning to relive the magic.

Vendy is now an ambassador for Toba Adventures in the Czech Republic. Friendly and adaptable, she connects effortlessly with people and takes the time to listen to their adventure aspirations. Whether you are an experienced explorer or a first-time traveler, she will patiently discuss and craft an exciting journey tailored just for you.

If you are dreaming of an extraordinary adventure, don’t hesitate to contact Vendy. She will bring your dream trip to life, ensuring an adventure filled with excitement, beauty, and unforgettable experiences.

Michael Kaplan is a highly respected figure in the world of sea kayaking and the founder of the prestigious Mur-Challenge Kayak Marathon in Austria. Since 2018, he has consistently organized this annual event, growing it into one of the most prominent and esteemed kayak marathons in Europe.

In 2020, together with Zdenek Herzan and Carles Simson, he embarked on the International Seakayak Expedition, a journey that deepened his love for Sumatra’s breathtaking natural landscapes. The beauty of Lake Toba, Pulau Banyak, and the surrounding regions left an indelible mark on him, compelling him to return for more adventures in the years that followed.

As a forester, wildbiologist and nature protector, Michael firmly believes that an adventure trip to Toba and Leuser National Parks brings happiness and longevity. The unforgettable experiences and connections he has made in Sumatra have made him eager to relive these journeys repeatedly.

For Austrian and German travelers interested in experiencing a Toba adventure firsthand, Michael Kaplan is your go-to source. He is always happy to share his insights, offer valuable recommendations, and guide you in crafting the adventure of your dreams.