Things To Do
Lake Toba
Lake Toba, located in Northern Sumatra, is the largest lake created within a volcanic crater. Deemed to be one of the greatest natural wonders of the world, the vast area of the lake surpasses the size of Singapore. Its depth of 450 meters also makes Lake Toba one of the deepest lakes across the globe. The exotic greenery and pristine blue waters of the lake make a mesmerising picture that lures thousands of tourists to the site easily accessible from Medan. Best place to stay at : Marianna Resort
Bukit Lawang
Looking for a place where you can spot Sumatran orangutans in the wild, float down a jungle river, and completely unplug from the noise? Then Bukit Lawang in North Sumatra, Indonesia should be on your radar. It’s the perfect base for jungle trekking, and a real gem for nature lovers. This small riverside village sits right on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park, a vast stretch of rainforest that’s part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s one of the last places on Earth where orangutans still live in the wild. That alone makes it worth the trip. But Bukit Lawang has more to offer than just jungle treks and see orangutans. You can drift along the Bohorok River in a tube, learn about local culture or simply slow down and soak in the peaceful surroundings. It’s the kind of place that reminds you how good it feels to be in nature.
Historical Sites In Medan City
1. The Great Mosque of Medan (Masjid Raya Al-Mashun) : Masjid Raya Al-Mashun is one of Medan’s most iconic landmarks. Built between 1906 and 1909, it blends Middle Eastern, Indian, and Spanish-Moorish styles. Its unique octagonal shape, five domes, and beautiful stained-glass windows make it a must-see. 2. Istana Maimun (Maimun Palace) Maimun Palace, built in 1888 by the Sultan of Deli, is another must-see in Medan. The 30-room palace features a mix of Malay, Mughal, and Italian influences, making it a stunning sight. The main hall, where the ornate inauguration throne is located, is open to visitors for a small entrance fee of IDR 10k. However, access to the private residence of the sultan and his family is restricted. The current Sultan, Sultan Mahmud Arya Lamanjiji Perkasa Alam, became the youngest sultan in Deli’s history at just eight years old in 2005. He continues to preserve the cultural traditions of the Deli Sultanate.
More Historical Sites
3. Tjong A Fie Mansion Tjong A Fie Mansion, once home to Medan’s wealthiest merchant, is a stunning blend of Victorian and Chinese architecture. The mansion features hand-painted ceilings, grand bedrooms, beautiful wood furniture inlaid with marble and mother-of-pearl, an elegant ballroom, and Taoist temples to explore. 4. Pos Bloc Medan For a taste of modern Medan, visit POS Bloc Medan, a vibrant lifestyle and creative hub in a historic Dutch colonial building. Once a post office, it’s now a lively space filled with retail shops, cafes, and restaurants, and it’s still an operational post office too! POS Bloc is a fantastic spot to hang out, attend workshops, or even catch a live performance or exhibition. Also known as "coordinate zero" of Medan City to locals.