Pematangsiantar

Pematangsiantar, a small city in Sumatra, which I, mr.hotsia, must say has quite a charm.

Many people, when talking about Indonesia, often think of Bali or Jakarta first, but for me, mr.hotsia, who enjoys following the trail of small, truly charming towns, I recommend stopping byPematangsiantarin the northern part of Sumatra Island. Although it is not a famous tourist city like Lake Toba, which is nearby about 52 kilometers from Pematangsiantar, this city has a unique charm and is more captivating than many people think.

Pematangsiantar is located about 128 kilometers from Medan. If you travel to Bali and want to experience a small city atmosphere that is clean, safe, and still preserves traditional culture blended harmoniously with the Chinese community here, I recommend planning your trip from Bali.Traveling from Denpasar Airport Bali to the cityOr if you want to visit the famous Lake Toba, you can also stop at Pematangsiantar as a rest point.

City atmosphere and lifestyle

When I, mr.hotsia, arrived in Pematangsiantar on May 22-23, 2014, the first thing I noticed was that the city was not as busy as expected. The streets were clean and orderly. Most people here are Chinese-Indonesians and local natives, very friendly, especially shop owners who speak fluent Mandarin, making communication easy for tourists who speak some Chinese or English.

What impressed me wasthe well-preserved ancient houseswhich have a unique characteristic of using"Jua Khao Kwai"as a symbol in the architecture of these old houses. This differs from northern Thailand where we are familiar with "Kalae." I think this charm reflects the local culture and the close bond with nature of the people of Pematangsiantar in an interesting way.

Food and coffee – simple flavors that are extraordinary

Food is another highlight of this city that I, mr.hotsia, was very impressed with. Pematangsiantar is full of Chinese-Indonesian restaurants with bold flavors using fresh ingredients, and prices are not too expensive. I tried recommended signature dishes including the traditional coffee here, which is similar to our traditional coffee, with a fragrant aroma and just the right strong taste. I must say anyone who loves traditional coffee should not miss it.

As for accommodation in this city, I found prices to be somewhat higher than typical for a small city, around 800 baht per night. But if you prioritize cleanliness and safety, it is worth it because most accommodations are in good locations, convenient for travel, and offer good service.

Safety and precautions

Although Pematangsiantar looks peaceful and safe, I, mr.hotsia, must warn that you should be very careful with your belongings because there have been reports of pickpocketing in some crowded areas. This is common in many cities with a large poor population. I recommend keeping your wallet and valuables close to you at all times for peace of mind and a smooth trip.

Pematangsiantar, a small city worth visiting when coming to Sumatra Island

What impressed me, mr.hotsia, about this city is the harmonious blend of Chinese and Indonesian cultures in daily life, food, and the cleanliness of the city that makes you feel safe. It is suitable for travelers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities and experience the authentic lifestyle of the people of Sumatra.

If you have plans to visitLake Tobawhich is nearby, or want to try the experience of a small city not well known among Thai tourists, consider adding Pematangsiantar to your list. I, mr.hotsia, guarantee you will get peace, delicious food, and fascinating culture in return.

And if you enjoy stories about travel and Indonesian culture, don’t forget to check out my other articles such asTraveling Bali on Your OwnorMedan Cuisineto enhance your travel planning experience.