Travel Information Medan Sumatra Indonesia

Travel information for Medan, Sumatra, Indonesia by mr.hotsia

Medan is the largest city on the northern part of Sumatra Island in Indonesia. It is a city I, mr.hotsia, have personally experienced, filled with diverse cultures and interesting lifestyles. Medan is located at the mouths of the Deli and Babura rivers, a strategic point connecting railways and roads to many important tourist destinations, especially Lake Toba, which is a symbol of this region.

Getting to Medan

For visiting Medan, I recommend flying from Penang with AirAsia, which is convenient and affordable. Upon arriving at Medan airport, you can easily take the train from the airport to the city center. Medan's central train station is a key connection point. If you want to travel further to Siantar city or Lake Toba, there are trains and buses available. I personally took the train to stay two nights in Siantar before hiring a taxi to visit Lake Barin later.

Additionally, Medan has several low-cost airlines, such as Locos Airlines, offering direct flights from major cities in Indonesia, making travel here convenient and inexpensive.

Accommodation in Medan: Choose your favorite near the Grand Mosque area

I, mr.hotsia, have stayed near the Grand Mosque in central Medan, a zone popular with backpackers. Accommodations here are affordable and conveniently located, but be cautious about cleanliness and some facilities that may not meet familiar standards, such as the absence of showers where water must be scooped from a bucket, which is still common in many places in Indonesia.

If you want accommodation that combines comfort and a good atmosphere, I recommendZaza Zizi MedanA lodging with an in-house restaurant located in the Indian community area. It is one of the top backpacker accommodations I truly recommend because it is not only clean but also offers an authentic local atmosphere.See more details about accommodations in Medan

Local Food of Medan: Unique but Delightful Flavors

Medan has very interesting local food, such as the famous satay shop “Sate Padang,” which differs from the black satay sauce I tried in Bali. The dipping sauce is thick yellow, as if made with flour and spicy seasonings. The spicy-hot taste makes you sweat and cools you down very well. I tried it and loved it. There is also a fried chicken shop near my accommodation that stir-fries morning glory deliciously. It was one of my main meals every time I stayed in Medan.Read more about Medan's local cuisine

Lake Toba: A Must-Visit Destination

The most popular tourist spot from Medan is undoubtedly Lake Toba, a lake formed from an ancient volcanic crater, large and very beautiful. Especially Samosir Island in the middle of the lake, home to Tuk Tuk Village, a Batak village with uniquely pointed and beautiful roofs. I, mr.hotsia, stayed here for two nights. The time spent there allowed me to absorb the relaxed atmosphere, cool weather, and the breathtaking views of steep cliffs around the volcanic crater that left a lasting impression.Read the full Lake Toba review

Experience at Tuk Tuk Village and Orangutans at Bukit Lawang

I planned to see orangutans at Bukit Lawang, but due to cost and time constraints, I chose to stay at Tuk Tuk Village on Samosir Island instead. At this village, I experienced the Batak lifestyle up close, saw local ways of life, livelihoods, and beautiful houses that are distinctly different from elsewhere. Traveling from Medan to Tuk Tuk Village is very convenient with good bus and taxi services, allowing me to relax and fully enjoy the surrounding nature.In-depth look at Tuk Tuk Village at Lake Toba

Lifestyle and Attractions in Medan City

Besides the main tourist spots, Medan city also charms with its urban lifestyle blending diverse ethnic cultures. I, mr.hotsia, spent two days strolling around the city, finding delicious food in markets and street restaurants, sitting to sip coffee in local cafes, and exploring medium-sized shopping malls that reflect city life well.

What impressed me was an Indian-style massage shop near my accommodation, very different from Thai or Balinese massages. The massage here focused on deep tissue and challenging stretching techniques I had never experienced before. It was a new experience that made my body relax and feel refreshed.

Summary of my travel experience in Medan with mr.hotsia

For me, Medan is not just a gateway city to Lake Toba but also a city full of colorful cultures and interesting lifestyles. The food here has unique flavors that suit Thai tastes like mine. Travel is convenient by both train and low-cost airlines, making this trip one I highly recommend everyone try at least once. If you are interested in traveling to Bali on your own, you can find more information atTravel to BaliAnd if you want to know about traveling from Denpasar Airport to Bali city, click hereTravel from Denpasar Bali Airport to the city