Our Go-to Guide for a Weekend in Medan
Once known as the “Paris of Sumatra”, Medan, located in Northern Sumatra, is Indonesia’s fifth largest city. While it no longer bears much resemblance to Paris, Medan is fast becoming a hotbed for adventurous travelers – us included! Here’s our go-to guide for things to do in Medan.
Stay
The standout accommodation in Medan is Hotel Deli River. Located between the airport and the city centre, it is run by Dutch expat Dirk Buiskool and his Medanese wife Diana Pardamean, who are welcoming and knowledgeable hosts. The hotel is built in the local Medanese style with a colonial touch, situated in lush grounds overlooking the Deli River. While the rooms are simple, they are charming and clean. The hotel offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of Medanese traffic beyond the front gate.
For those wanting to stay in the city centre, there are many choices, from the luxury five star international JW Marriott Medan, to the Grand Aston City Hall Hotel & Serviced Residences, which incorporates the old City Hall built by the Dutch in 1906. Both of these hotels are a short distance from the newly built express train line to the new airport.
Do
Medan is not a typical touristy destination, and if you don’t look Indonesian you may find yourself the object of the attentions of the locals wanting their photo taken with you, or to practice their English. It’s a rare chance to feel like a celebrity, but be prepared for sore cheeks from all that smiling.
Hotel Deli River
In Medan
Architecture/history buffs, Medan is for you. While slowly being demolished, Medan still has a very substantial collection of historic architecture that is worth seeing. Dirk Buiskool, of Hotel Deli River, has documented these sites in a short book which doubles as a driving tour guide (a half day affair, with one of his trained local drivers and vehicles). Many of the sites cannot be accessed internally, but a few can:
The Tjong A Fie Mansion is a Chinese mansion built by the Chinese merchant, turned statesman, Tjong A Fie in 1900. Tours of the mansion are worthwhile.
Al Mashun Grand Mosque
The beautiful Al Mashun Grand Mosque was designed by a Dutch architect in a Moroccan style in 1909 and built with beautiful materials imported from around the world.
Istana Maimoon, the palace of the Sultan of Deli, was built in 1888 in a mixture of European and Arabian styles. Part of the palace is open to the public and worth a visit, but many of the extended family of the Sultan still live in the bulk of palace (you can even see their washing!). Anyone hoping to catch a glimpse of the Sultan himself will be disappointed; the current Sultan, who is still a child, lives with his mother in another province.
Around Medan
If you have a soft spot for orang utans, head to Bukit Lawang, the site of an orang utan rehabilitation programme, for some jungle trekking and the chance to see them in the wild. It is possible to arrange treks ranging from half an hour long, to one week (a day trip from Medan is possible). At the end of your trek, it is well worth getting back to your starting point by tubing down the river, an exhilarating and refreshing (read: wet!) experience.
Tubing down the river at Bukit Lawang
If you have longer than a weekend, head to Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world for some rest and relaxation or exploration. Pulau Samosir, an island in the middle of the lake, is worth visiting and staying on. Each year, the Festival Denau Toba (Lake Toba Festival) is held (in 2013 it was in September), to showcase and preserve many special traditions and cultural activities of the communities surrounding Lake Toba. The festival includes traditional sporting competitions, concerts, exhibitions, and local food.
On your way to Lake Toba, stop off at the mountain village of Brastagi, in the Karo Highlands. Here you can ride in a sado (a horse drawn carriage), or if you are feeling more adventurous, climb the Sibayak volcano (a half day trek).
Eat
Medan is famous for its food, and many people go there for just that. Locally grown durian is a must try even if you are still coming to terms with its flavour. For some colonial nostalgia, head to Tip Top Restaurant, established in 1934, for afternoon tea on the front proch, and watch the city in action.
Merdeka Walk (Jl Balai Kota) is worth going to for a bunch of eating options in the evening with some atmosphere. There are plenty of hawker markets, such as the one opposite the unique Dutch built Hospital Santa Elisabeth, which is open in the evenings.
Even if you aren’t staying at the Hotel Deli River, you can sample the food at their on-site Restaurant Omlandia, which has delicious Indonesian home cooked dishes in a relaxed and atmospheric environment.
Thanks to our friends at AirAsia, Taryn took the 12.15pm flight to Medan. Why limit yourself to just Medan? Explore more destinations with AirAsia’s handy downloadable guide to Indonesia. It’s free!
This travel guide was brought to you by AirAsia.
