Day 1 in Medan

Welcome to Medan! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in, and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

We recommend you get acquainted with the city, take a stroll around the popular and beautiful Merdeka Square, which is located in the heart of the city. This is a bustling gathering place in the city where many sporting activities take place on the weekends and during the week, people walk and jog around Merdeka Park and the square. The strip of Merdeka Walk is where many people go to eat, filled with food stalls and more, a paradise for foodies. Visit one of the many quaint coffee shops and cafes in the city offering great strong coffee, fruit smoothies, and delicious pastries like the Durian fruit cake or Markisa.

The city has a rich heritage and is home to some fascinating buildings including heritage buildings and modern soaring skyscrapers. Check out the Medan Post office, in the heart of the city inside Merdeka Park, a historic building built in 1911 an icon in the city featuring Dutch colonial architecture with a large dome on top and circular windows. The octagonal Great Mosque of Medan also located downtown has been referred to as `Masjid Raya Al Mashun` built in the 20th century with Spanish, middle east, and Dutch architecture.

Visit Maimun Palace (Istana Maimun), the royal palace one of the most visited landmarks in the city, an Istana of the Sultanate of Deli. The palace now features a museum and is open for the public to tour. The fabulous royal estate dates back to 1887 with significant heritage and intricate design with a total of 30 rooms including a throne room and a prison in the basement. The building incorporates Malay, Indian, Spanish, and Italian architectural influences. Visitors can dress up in traditional Malay clothing and take some unique pictures in the throne room, take a relaxing walk around the pristine grounds

Tjong A Fie Mansion is another iconic landmark in the city a Hakka merchants house, a spectacular and stunning two-story mansion that was home to Mr. Tjona A fie, a rich merchant who owned plantations and lots of land in the city. There are 35 rooms housed in the mansion along with function halls, visitors can explore the 18th century home and take pictures.

Make your way to one of the most famous restaurants in the city, Soto Kesawan features a small restaurant type shop with a few tables and chairs, they serve up some of the most delicious dishes called Soto Medan, a soothing bowl of soup.

Take a trip to the Museum of North Sumatra to explore the culture and heritage of the city, a charming museum boasting different exhibits, galleries, and ancient artifacts. The museum boasts some fascinating collections from North Sumatran ethnic tribes such as arts and crafts, with photographs and other items on display.

Head off for a massage, which plays a significant role in the local culture of Indonesia, there are masseuses all over the city and nice spas to visit for a relaxing and rejuvenation massage or spa treatment. Visit the Centre Point Mall for a wonderful spa or salon experience. Do some shopping, Medan is a shoppers paradise with dozens of modern malls selling international name brands and vibrant bustling markets with unique authentic items for sale.

Medan`s version of Chinatown is Kampung Madras, Kampung Keling, a bustling quaint area featuring lots of shops and Indian restaurants. See some of the fascinating temples and other striking structures with great Indian significance found in this area.

For dinner head to Merdeka Walk, the street is brimming with local restaurants and food stalls, immerse yourself in the delicious smells and tastes of the city. Merdeka Walk is a type of promenade lined with various restaurants and stalls selling local dishes including Satay, Rendang, Rawon, Siomay, Nasi, and Uduk. This place gives you a great snapshot of the famous food in Medan, with the opportunity to try so many things.

Day 2 in Medan

Spend today exploring some of the attractions in Medan including Taman Buaya `Crocodile Park` just a few miles from the city center. The largest reptile park in the country home to over 2,000 crocodiles of all sizes.

Visit the largest temple in Southeast Asia, Vihara Maha Maitreya found in the Cemara Asri complex featuring a beautiful natural pool where various birds live, several stunning temples, a mosque, and a restaurant. The temple is an important place of worship and opens for visitors to take tours, it is one of Medan`s key religious attractions.

Explore the North Sumatra Museum established in 1982 displaying information about the culture, history, and ethnicity of North Sumatra. There are photographs on display and other exhibits featuring weaponry, textiles, and sculptures, and activities.

Enjoy some lunch in the city before making your way out of town to Berastagi to relax and rejuvenate your soul in hot springs nestled at the food of Mount Sibayak. Hiking to the crater is a great outdoor activity to enjoy here and then relaxing in steamy sulfur springs in Semangat Gunung village.

There are many different attractions to seek out in the surrounding area of Medan including the Sipiso-Piso waterfall, the highest waterfall in the country. Toba Lake is close by, one of the largest lakes in Southeast Asia and one of the deepest lakes in the world, an extraordinary natural wonder of the world boasting spectacular views with an island the size of Singapore in the center. Here at the lake visitors can sit back, relax, and soak up the stunning scenery with the surrounding mountains in the distance with many activities to try camping, hiking, boating, swimming, and fishing.

Spend the night at Toba Lake in authentic accommodations and enjoy dinner by the lake. Alternatively, return to Medan and head to Tip Top Restaurant across from Tjong A Fie Mansion, established in 1934 the authentic restaurant features a charming period setting with colonial-style architecture. Enjoy some delicious Indonesian cuisine or International food for dinner and visit the onsite bakery and ice cream shop for dessert.

Additional Days in Medan]

If you are able to spend additional days in Medan, visit Mesjid Raya Mosque, the main mosque in the city, and one of the prettiest sites standing. The mosque was built using imported Italian marble with vibrant stained glass windows and emerald green tiles topped by elegant domes. Tours of the mosque are available where visitors can check out the exquisite details.

Your Last Day in Medan

Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.