{"id":1745,"date":"2016-03-12T00:00:44","date_gmt":"2016-03-12T00:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.my\/stories\/?p=1745"},"modified":"2022-07-20T21:59:15","modified_gmt":"2022-07-20T21:59:15","slug":"medan-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.my\/stories\/world\/medan-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Work and play in\u00a0Medan"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of the largest cities in Indonesia \u2013 behind only Jakarta, Surabaya and\u00a0Bandung\u00a0as of 2010 \u2013\u00a0Medan\u00a0is the capital of North Sumatra<\/a> and the largest city outside of Java, with a bustling population of more than 2 million people.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a fun fact:\u00a0Medan\u00a0was once dubbed the \u2018Paris of Sumatra\u2019 by the Dutch during their occupation of Indonesia because of the city\u2019s apparent resemblance to Paris. These days, even though it no longer bears that moniker, there\u2019s still plenty to see in this city, not the least of which are its stunning buildings that would please any architecture buff.<\/p>\n

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Rich History and Cultural Heritage<\/strong><\/h2>\n

While it\u2019s true that many of the city\u2019s colonial structures have been demolished over the years, both in the name of development and for other reasons, there is still a substantial number left to be admired. Among the most famous are:<\/p>\n

Tjong A Fie Mansion<\/h4>\n

The Tjong\u00a0A Fie Mansion is a majestic abode named after a Chinese merchant turned statesman who built it in 1900.<\/p>\n

\"medan-mosque\"<\/p>\n

Al Mashun Grand Mosque<\/h4>\n

The Al\u00a0Mashun\u00a0Grand Mosque was designed in a Moroccan style by a Dutch architect in 1909.<\/p>\n

Istana Maimoon<\/h4>\n

The\u00a0Istana\u00a0Maimoon, the palace of the Sultan of Deli, was built in 1888 in a mixture of European and Arabian styles.<\/p>\n

Marian Shrine<\/h4>\n

The Marian Shrine of\u00a0Annai\u00a0Velangkanni is a magnificent Catholic temple that was built in the\u00a0Indo-Mogul style.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Eco-paradise For Nature Lovers<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"medan-gunung\"Gunung Leuser National Park \/ CC by 3.0 \/\u00a0Andrew H<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

If Mother Nature and orangutans\u00a0are your thing, be sure to visit Bukit Lawang, which is situated on the edge of the Gunung\u00a0Leuser\u00a0National Park<\/strong>. Home to an orangutan\u00a0rehabilitation programme, Bukit Lawang\u00a0offers visitors a golden opportunity to do some jungle trekking and see these incredible animals\u00a0in their natural, wild habitat.<\/p>\n

From quick and easy half-hour treks to five-day-long\u00a0orangutan\u00a0and elephant tours, Gunung Leuser National Park has something for everyone, whether you are a novice hiker or an experienced\u00a0outdoorsman.<\/p>\n

\"medan-park-elephants\"\u00a0Elephants at Medan’s national park \/ CC by 3.0 \/\u00a0Andrew H<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Elephant washing and riding experiences are available and, as an added bonus, you can even cap off your trek by tubing down the river back to your starting point. Now that\u2019s one way to make a splash!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Two Words: Lake<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>Toba<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Got a few extra days to spare? You should head over to Lake\u00a0Toba\u00a0for a weekend stay.<\/p>\n

\"lake-toba\"Lake Toba \/ CC by 3.0 \/\u00a0Ken Marshall<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

The largest volcanic lake in the world definitely lives up to its hype and\u00a0Pulau\u00a0Samosir, an island in the middle of the lake, is the perfect getaway.<\/p>\n

If you can, try to visit during the Lake\u00a0Toba\u00a0Festival, also known as Festival\u00a0Danau\u00a0Toba\u00a0(FDT), which took place from the 9-13 September last year. An annual festival that aims to showcase and preserve the traditions and cultural activities of the surrounding communities, the 2015 festival included music, arts and crafts, the Lake Toba World Drum Festival and the SoluBalon<\/em>\u00a0Dragon (Dragon Boat) competition.<\/p>\n

Read more on Lake Toba in one of our travel diaries here<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

\"berastagi\"Berastagi \/ CC by 3.0 \/\u00a0CK Wong \u738b<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

On your way to Lake\u00a0Toba, don\u2019t forget to stop by the mountain village of\u00a0Berastagi<\/strong>, located in the\u00a0Karo\u00a0Highlands. Live \u2013 or rather, ride \u2013 like a local in a\u00a0sado<\/em>\u00a0(a horse-drawn carriage), or step out of your comfort zone by climbing the\u00a0Sibayak\u00a0volcano, which is a half-day trek.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Great People, Even Better Food<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Anyone who\u2019s had a holiday ruined by unpleasant people knows the locals in any destination are a crucial element of the overall experience. Fortunately, the people in\u00a0Medan\u00a0are generally a warm and friendly, if curious, bunch, so don\u2019t be surprised to find the locals staring, waving, or even coming up to you to say hello or have their photo taken with you.<\/p>\n

Of course, no holiday is complete without good food and it so happens that\u00a0Medan\u00a0is famous for its culinary offerings.<\/p>\n

Medan Durians<\/h4>\n

\"choosing-medan-durian\"Choosing durian Medan \/ CC by 2.0 \/\u00a0Tonggo Simangunsong<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Locally grown\u00a0durian\u00a0is a must-try, while street food is aplenty \u2013 the hawker market opposite the Hospital Santa Elisabeth is especially popular.\u00a0Merdeka\u00a0Walk (Jl\u00a0Balai\u00a0Kota) is well known for its many food options; Tip Top Restaurant, established in 1934, serves a lovely afternoon tea on its front porch; and Restaurant\u00a0Omlandia, located in the\u00a0Hotel Deli River<\/a>, is popular for its delicious, home-cooked Indonesian fare.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Discover Medan<\/h2>\n

The advice, \u2018Don\u2019t be afraid to try something new\u2019, applies to holiday destinations as much as it does anything else, so if you\u2019re looking for a unique experience that won\u2019t cost you an arm and a leg,\u00a0Medan\u00a0is definitely worth considering.<\/p>\n

Even better, because it\u2019s not your regular touristy locale, there won\u2019t be crowds of people everywhere you go, a fact you will be especially glad about if you decide to visit\u00a0Hillpark\u00a0Sibolangit, a new theme park located one hour from\u00a0Medan\u00a0on the way to\u00a0Berastagi.<\/p>\n

\"medan-ria-food-court\"Medan Ria food court \/ CC by 3.0 \/\u00a0Iskandar Ismail<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

[tabs]<\/p>\n

[tab title=”When to go” icon=”entypo-light-up”]<\/p>\n

Best Time to Visit\u00a0<\/strong>Medan<\/strong><\/p>\n

The dry season, May to September, is the best time to visit\u00a0Medan. If you\u2019re planning to visit Lake\u00a0Toba, try to go during the Lake\u00a0Toba\u00a0Festival, which usually takes place in September.<\/p>\n

[\/tab]<\/span><\/p>\n

[tab title=”Where to Stay” icon=”entypo-suitcase”]<\/span><\/p>\n

Where to Stay in Medan<\/strong><\/p>\n

The\u00a0Hotel Deli River<\/a>\u00a0comes highly recommended, while city centre accommodation ranges from the luxurious\u00a0JW Marriott\u00a0Hotel\u00a0Medan<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Grand Swiss-Belhotel\u00a0Medan<\/a>,\u00a0to the mid-range\u00a0Hotel Grand\u00a0Antares<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Hotel\u00a0Danau\u00a0Toba\u00a0International<\/a>. For a budget option, try\u00a0Alpha Inn<\/a>.\u00a0[\/tab]<\/p>\n

[tab title=”Getting There” icon=”entypo-address”]<\/p>\n

How to Get There<\/strong><\/p>\n

Malaysia Airlines,\u00a0AirAsia, Jet Airways and\u00a0Garuda\u00a0Indonesia are just several of the many airlines that fly to\u00a0Medan\u2019s\u00a0Kuala\u00a0Namu\u00a0International Airport (KNO), so take your pick.<\/p>\n

[\/tab]<\/p>\n

[tab title=”Visa Requirements” icon=”entypo-book”]<\/span><\/p>\n

Visa Requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n

Malaysians do not need a visa to travel to\u00a0Medan\u00a0if your stay is 30 days or less.<\/p>\n

[\/tab]<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

[\/tabs]<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Think of Indonesia and the first holiday destinations that come to mind will probably be Jakarta, Bali and\u00a0Bandung. But for the adventurous at heart who dare to tread beyond the beaten path, why not consider\u00a0Medan?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":1746,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21,62,13],"tags":[452,357,453],"authors":[],"class_list":["post-1745","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-asia","category-indonesia","category-world","tag-city-guide","tag-medan","tag-sumatra","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nThings to do in Medan, the 'Paris of Sumatra' - Travel Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Medan, Indoneisa - With orangutans, jungle trekking, beautiful masjids and Lake Toba, there are plenty of things to do in Medan, Sumatra.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.my\/stories\/world\/medan-guide\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Things to do in Medan, the 'Paris of Sumatra' - 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