Medan in Sumatra: what to see, where to stay and how to get there

Medan is the capital of North Sumatra Province and the fourth-largest city in Indonesia. Many travellers see it only as a transit point on the way to Lake Toba or Gunung Leuser National Park, but the city itself deserves separate attention. Colonial mansions, sultans' palaces, old mosques and lively markets have been preserved here, while the local cuisine is considered one of the most diverse in the country thanks to the mix of Indonesian, Chinese, Indian and Batak traditions.

Medan remains one of Indonesia's largest economic centres and at the same time serves as a convenient starting point for exploring the north of Sumatra. If you are planning a trip around the island, it is worth setting aside at least one or two days to see its main attractions.

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Where Medan is located and what makes the city interesting

Medan is located on the north-eastern coast of Sumatra and is the administrative centre of North Sumatra Province. Thanks to Kualanamu International Airport, the large Belawan seaport and developed transport infrastructure, the city is considered the main gateway to the region.

Medan at a glance:

• Location: north-east of Sumatra, Indonesia.
• Area: about 265 km².
• Population: about 2.5 million people.
• Main languages: Indonesian, Javanese, Batak, Tamil, English.
• Religion: about 65% of residents practise Islam, about 25% - Christianity.

Medan is known for its cultural diversity. Representatives of Batak, Javanese, Chinese, Minangkabau, Tamil and other communities have lived here for many years. This mix of cultures is visible literally everywhere - from architecture and religious buildings to traditional cuisine and local festivals.

Modern Medan began to develop rapidly at the end of the 19th century, when the residence of the Sultan of Deli was moved here. During Dutch colonial rule, the city became a major centre for trade in tobacco, coffee, tea, rubber and palm oil. Today it remains one of Indonesia's most important economic centres, where historic buildings stand next to modern business complexes and high-rise buildings.

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What to see in Medan

Despite its status as a major business city, Medan has preserved many historic attractions. Most of them are located in the central part of the city, so you can explore them independently in one day.

Maimun Palace (Istana Maimun)

Medan's main architectural symbol is Maimun Palace, which was built at the end of the 19th century as the residence of the Sultan of Deli. The building combines elements of Malay, Islamic, European and Italian architecture, making it one of the most unusual palaces in Indonesia.

Today the palace houses a museum where you can see historic interiors, furniture, household items of the sultan's family and learn about the history of the region.

The palace is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00. Entrance costs about 5,000 Indonesian rupiah.

Just a few minutes' walk away is another famous Medan attraction - the Great Mosque of Masjid Raya Al-Mashun, which was once part of the same palace complex of the Sultan of Deli.

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Tjong A Fie Mansion

Another place that should definitely be included in a Medan itinerary is the mansion of Chinese businessman and philanthropist Tjong A Fie. He played an important role in the city's development in the early 20th century, financing the construction of schools, temples, railways and other public facilities.

The mansion was built in 1895 according to feng shui principles and covers an area of about 8,000 square metres. Today it houses a museum where original furniture, interior items, family photographs and personal belongings of the owners have been preserved. A tour offers a better understanding of Medan's history and shows how the city's most influential families lived more than a hundred years ago.

The mansion can be visited daily. Entrance costs about 35,000 Indonesian rupiah. The ticket includes a tour in English or Indonesian.

Pratyeka, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

North Sumatra Museum

If you want to learn more about the culture of the island, it is worth visiting the North Sumatra Museum. It contains archaeological finds, traditional clothing, musical instruments, household items and collections dedicated to the peoples living in the northern part of the island. A visit to the museum is a good addition to a walk through Medan's historic centre.

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What to try in Medan

Medan has long been considered one of Indonesia's gastronomic capitals. Thanks to the mix of Batak, Chinese, Indian and Malay cultures, local cuisine is noticeably different from what is offered in Bali or Java. Many travellers stay here for several days specifically for the food.

During your trip, be sure to try:

• Bika Ambon - a famous Medan cake with an unusual porous texture;
• Soto Medan - an aromatic coconut milk soup with chicken or beef;
• Medan durian, which many consider one of the best in Indonesia;
• Marquisa syrup made from passion fruit - a popular local souvenir.

For street food, head to Jalan Selat Panjang, where dozens of small cafes and stalls open in the evening. If you want dinner in a more atmospheric place, visit the historic Tip Top restaurant, which has been operating since colonial times, or choose one of the many venues on Merdeka Street.

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Shopping in Medan

Medan is also suitable for those who like to combine sightseeing with shopping. For traditional souvenirs, fabrics and local sweets, it is best to go to Pasar Ikan Lama market, while international brands can be found in modern shopping centres such as Sun Plaza or Medan Mall.

If you want to bring home gastronomic souvenirs, look for Bika Ambon, Marquisa syrup, local coffee and spices grown in different parts of North Sumatra.

Sun Plaza Medan

What to see near Medan

Most travellers use Medan as a starting point for trips around North Sumatra. If time allows, it is worth setting aside a few more days to explore the surroundings.

Lake Toba

The largest volcanic lake in the world is about a four-to-five-hour drive from Medan. Here you can see picturesque mountain scenery, visit Samosir Island and discover the culture of the Batak people.

Berastagi

This small highland town is located about two hours from Medan. Thanks to its cool climate, it is known for fruit markets, flower plantations and views of the active Sibayak and Sinabung volcanoes. Popular hiking and climbing routes in the surrounding area also start here.

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Where to stay in Medan

In Medan, it is easy to find accommodation for almost any budget - from affordable guesthouses to international five-star hotels. Most travellers choose the central part of the city, where it is convenient to stay for sightseeing, shopping and trips around North Sumatra.

Karibia Boutique Hotel. A good option for those who plan to move around the city actively. The hotel is located near the railway station and Centre Point Mall, making it convenient to reach the airport and Medan's main attractions. Guests have access to modern rooms, a restaurant serving Indonesian, Asian and international cuisine, a spa and a fitness centre.

Four Points by Sheraton Medan. One of the city's most popular international hotels. It is located near Medan's business centre and is suitable both for tourists and business travellers. The property has a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, lounge and spa. The spacious rooms are designed in a modern style, and most city attractions can be reached in 10-15 minutes by car.

Hotel Deli River. Those who prefer a quieter setting should consider Hotel Deli River. This small boutique hotel is located about 12 kilometres from central Medan, among tropical gardens. Guests can stay in cosy cottages and use an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and relaxation area. Massage treatments and excursions around North Sumatra can also be arranged. Accommodation starts from 55 US dollars per night.

JW Marriott Hotel Medan. JW Marriott is considered one of Medan's most prestigious hotels. It is located in the city centre and offers a high level of service, spacious rooms with panoramic views, several restaurants, a swimming pool, modern fitness centre and large spa complex. This option is suitable for those who prefer maximum comfort while travelling.

Four Points by Sheraton Medan

How to get to Medan

The city's main air gateway is Kualanamu International Airport (KNO), located about 40 kilometres from central Medan. It is one of Indonesia's largest airports, handling both domestic and international flights.

There are several ways to get to the city:

• by Airport Railink express train, which connects the airport with Medan's central railway station;
• by regular buses;
• by taxi or through Grab and Gojek apps.

Direct flights operate from Medan to Jakarta, Denpasar (Bali), Surabaya, as well as Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, making the city convenient as a starting point for travel around Indonesia and Southeast Asia.

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How to get around Medan

Public transport in Medan is quite varied. In addition to regular taxis, Grab and Gojek services operate in the city and are considered by most tourists to be the most convenient way to get around.

For budget trips, you can use Sudako minibuses, as well as Trans Mebidang and Medan Electric Bus routes connecting the city centre with different districts. True adventurers should take at least one ride in a traditional becak - a local cycle or motor rickshaw that has long become one of Medan's symbols.

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Is Medan worth visiting

Although Medan rarely becomes the main goal of a trip to Indonesia, it can be a pleasant surprise. Here you can discover colonial architecture, try one of the country's most interesting cuisines, visit a sultan's palace and travel to the main natural attractions of North Sumatra - Lake Toba, the volcanoes near Berastagi and Gunung Leuser National Park. If you are planning a trip around Sumatra, it is worth giving Medan at least one or two days - enough time to feel the character of the city and see its most interesting places.

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