Guide to Medan, Indonesia

Being the fourth largest city in Indonesia, Medan has a population size of 2 million people, the largest city outside of Java. There are several ethnic groups in this city, namely the Chinese, Javanese, Toba-Batak, Southern Indians, Northern Indians and so on. What is more to this piece of information is that, each of these ethnic groups contributes to mouth-watering dishes that can be found all over the city. This is a place where Batak and Chinese culture blend seamlessly in the architecture and the city’s soul.

=How to Get There=

You can get to Medan by plane to Kuala Namu International Airport. From the airport, the easiest and fastest way to the city center is via the train, which will take about 45 minutes and cost Rp 100 000. Alternatively you can also hire a taxi at around Rp 180 000 to 200 000. There are also buses that bring you to the city center, Airport-Medan Fair at Rp 20 000 and Airport-Amplas at Rp 15 000.

=Getting Around=

BETOR

The most convenient way to get around Medan is via a taxi from renowned companies Blue Bird Taxi and Express Taxi. Be aware of those drivers that ask for a fixed price, as it is not a common practice in Medan. It is also courteous to round up your fare to the nearest thousand.

Alternatively, you can also get around by motorised becak or toyoko, both are different types of rickshaws. It costs between Rp 5 000 to 8 000 depending on the distance travelled.

=What to See=

  • Maimoon Palace

Address: Jl. Brigjend. Katamso, Medan Maimun, Medan, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia

Maimoon Palace

Maimoon Palace 1

The palace is an istana of the Sultanate of Deli and a well known landmark in Medan. Its architecture blends different cultures from India, Spain, Italy and Middle East. From Rp 5 000, you can enter the palace and at Rp 10 000 you can dress up as an Indonesian royal.

  • Masjid Raya Mosque

Address: Jalan Sisingamangaraja, Medan Kota, Medan, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia

Masjid Raya Mosque

Also know as the Octagonal Mosque or the Great Mosque of Medan, it is located in downtown and the architectural style mixes Middle East, India and Spain.

  • Merdeka Square Medan

Address: Merdeka, Medan Denai, Kota Medan, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia

Merdeka Square Medan copy

To taste Medan’s Culinary, you have to head to Merdeka Square. The place is filled with hawker fares and you will be able to experience Medan with your taste buds. The square is also place where people gather for sports activities. The Square is a good location for families to gather and also a place for tourists to immerse in the Medan culture.

  • Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni

Address: Jl. Sakura III No. 7-10, Perumahan Taman Sukura Indah, Tanjung Selamat, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia

Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni

Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni (Our Lady of Good Health) is a Catholic church that looks like a Hindu Temple. The structure is an imposing building of two storeys and a small tower of seven storeys in Indonesian style.

  • Vihara Maha Maitreya

Address: Jalan Gandhi No. 224, Sei Rengas II, Medan

Vihara Maha Maitreya

The first and largest temple in Medan City which welcomes anyone of any race or religious views. There is a buffet style vegetarian restaurant for you to feast on if you are hungry. The temple also has many huge Buddha statues but only some you can take photos with.

=What to Do=

  • Pantai Cermin Themepark

Address: Dusun 1 Desa Pantai Cermin Kanam, Pantai Cermin, Kabupaten Serdang Bedagai, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia

Pantai Cermin Theme Park

It is a world of fun and adventure when you visit Pantai Cermin Theme Park & Resort – the more exotic place for fun & thrills at Serdang Bedagai, North Sumatera. Make it a wet trip in the water theme park, or if you prefer to stay on terra firma, visit the mini-zoo or relax at their coffee house. There is something for everyone at the Pantai Cermin Water Theme Park. Ticket prices are Rp 60 000 for adults and Rp 40 000 for a child.

  • Spa
    • Zengarden

Address: Jalan S Parman No. 22/272

Zengarden

zengarden1

Prices: Rp 130 000 to 150 000 for 90/120 minutes treatments

    • Eucalypt’s Spa

Address: Travellers Suite Hotel

Prices: Rp 120 000 for 1 hour of massage

    • ESCAPE Spa

Address: Jl. Kapten Muslim Kompleks Megacom D7-11

Prices: Rp 100 000 to 200 000, depending on the kind of treatment you choose

=What to Buy=

  • Sun Plaza

Address: Jl. Kh. Zainul Arifin No. 7, Kota Medan, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia

Sun Plaza - Indonesia 2002_1

It is the largest high-end shopping mall in Medan but be warned that many of the products are knock-off imitation goods. It is advisable and also common to bargain even though it is in a shopping complex.

  • Central Market

Address: Sutomo street near Centrep Point Mall and Hotel Karibia

Biggest wet market in Medan and the best thing to buy here is the fresh spices from Brastagi highland plantation.

  • Pasar Rame

Address: Beside Thamrin Plaza

Wholesale market that is opened daily from 9am to 5pm.

=What to Eat=

One of the most popular dishes of Indonesia is undoubtedly the nasi campur or mixed rice. It consists of rice and a variety of accompanying dishes such as tofu, tempeh, chicken, beef, and fish depending on what you want in your plate. One of the most popular condiments to be served alongside every meal in Indonesia is sambal. Below are some Indonesian restaurants where you will be treated with the local flavours at very affordable prices.

  • Nelayan Restaurant

Address: Jl. K. H. Zainul Arifin No 7

Nelayan Restaurant

  • Mie Tiong Sim Selat Panjang

Address: Jl. Selat Panjang. No 7, Medan 20212, Indonesia

mie-tiong-sim-selat-panjang

  • Mi Aceh Titi Bobork

Address: Jl. Setia Budi No. 17C, Medan, Indonesia

Mi Aceh Titi Bobork

  • Restaurant Garuda

Address: Jl. Gajah Mada No. 8, Medan, Indonesia

restaurant-garuda

=Where to Stay=

  • JW Marriott Hotel Medan

$$

Address: Jalan Putri Hijau No. 10, 20111 Medan, Indonesia

JW Marriott Hotel Medan

  • Hotel Aryaduta Medan

$$

Address: Jl. Kapten Maulana Lubis no.8, 20112 Medan, Indonesia

Hotel Aryaduta Medan

  • Grand Swiss-Belhotel Medan

$$

Address: Jl. S. Parman No. 217, 20152 Medan, Indonesia

Grand Swiss-Belhotel Medan

  • Hotel Deli River and Restaurant Omlandia

$$$

Address: Jalan Raya Namorambe 129, 20356 Medan, Indonesia

Hotel Deli River and Restaurant Omlandia

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