Travel
5 Reasons to Visit Medan, Indonesia
Medan, Indonesia’s third-biggest city, is not just a rich melting pot of civilizations but also an entry point to the rampant character of North Sumatra. This is five reasons why you should visit Medan:
- Lakeside Serenity
Using its glassy surface and enclosing mountains, it’s simple to see why Lake Toba was contained from the government’s ten priority tourism areas. The lake (four hours by automobile in Medan) will be the nation’s biggest to result in the crater. It is the most extraordinary freshwater reservoir, using a thickness reaching 505 yards. Tongging Village is located on Lake Toba’s periphery. It can be an available place to have a closer look at the lake. Roam through the streets to enjoy the quietness of the farming community.
Lake Toba also poses a cultural facet in Samosir Island, which sits at the lake’s center. It takes about half an hour to go to the island by ferry from the primary pier, at the town of Parapat. When on the island, people can have a look at the Tomb of King Sidabutar and observe a Sigale-gale funeral dancing, which requires a life-size wooden puppet among those figures. Inspired by the story of a warrior’s son who perished in the battle, the operation has been followed by traditional music from their Batak (a North Sumatra cultural group).
- Slice of India
Indians’ history dates back to the mid-19th century, when the Dutch colonists delivered Indian workers to the region, mainly as building workers. Are you craving a few roti canai flatbreads? The stalls within this area are sure bets to this and many other Indian-influenced dishes. If you are in town through a large Indian festival, you will find all of the vibrant parties.
- Some Like It Hot
In Berastagi, about two weeks in Medan, spa junkies can go for a hot spring dive at the foot of Mount Sibayak because of its crater full of sulfurous water. Many hikes to the crater about the volcano for steam-enveloped viewpoints, then visit the relaxing sulfur pools found at Semangat Gunung village. The minerals from the water are assumed to be good for the skin. Many people enjoy the springs late at night only because they think it is a more successful therapeutic encounter.
- Fascinating Chinese Heritage
Produced in China’s Guangdong province, Hakka Chinese Tjong A Fie established many businesses in Sumatra, generating sugar and palm oil. What gave him widespread respect was his financing of public centers in Medan, such as schools, bridges, and worship places. His residence, the two-story Tjong A Fie Mansion, is open to people. Built in 1900, the renovated house occupying one hectare shows off several living rooms, the master bedroom, plus a photo gallery and a ballroom with their original furnishings. Tjong’s older brother, Tjong Yong Hian, was also involved in the town’s development. His lifestyle is honored at Tjong Yong Hian Gallery, a museum that houses memorabilia like old photos, clothes, and musical instruments that belonged to him. The chemical’s backyard is the highlight, consisting of ponds and manicured hedges.
- Comfort Food
Medan has a rich culinary arena, with influences in Batak, Chinese, Indian, Malay, and Minang (an ethnic group from West Sumatra) cultures. Kedai Kopi Apek, around from Pasar Hindu (Hindu Market), is a shop offering coffee that uses Arabica beans sourced in the North Sumatran city of Sidikalang. If you would want something more filling, then try Soto Medan, a Medan-style soup made from almond milk. RM Sinar Pagi around Sei Deli Road has been selling the dish since 1962. It’s possible to select beef or chicken for your protein. It’s all served with perkedel kentang (potato patties), white rice, and sambal. Do not overlook Bihun Bebek Asie around Kumango Road. It functions Chinese-style duck vermicelli soup with a generous portion of shredded duck meat from duck broth and fried garlic and mustard greens.
Ready to start your getaway to Medan? Visit Wonderful Indonesia, and don’t miss out on the magic!
Hemant Kumar is a project manager at Tridindia with more than nine years of commendable experience in writing about LMS, translation, and IT. His unmatched talent and passion for digital marketing gave him the opportunity to work as a multi-tasking project manager at TridIndia’s sister company, Link Building Corp. Today, he contributes to the world by imparting knowledge on SEO, link building and internet marketing etc., that helps business owners grow their online business.
