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[title]As the capital of North Sumatra and an important trading hub, Medan is a cultural melting pot filled with plenty of things to see, do and eat. This lively diverse city lives up to its role as a regional economic hub and should definitely be on your next holiday list.
5 things to do in Medan
Royal history lesson
Visit the Maimoon Palace, whose exterior is a charming mix of Malay, Islamic and Moghul architectural styles, and was once the grand palace of the Sultanate of Deli. It’s now a museum and the only room open to the public houses beautiful antiques, gifts and the royal collection of jewels. Dress up in traditional royal Malay Deli clothes and take a picture on the Sultan’s and Queen’s throne.
Local delicacies
When in Medan, one dish not to be missed is the hearty lontong sayur. The dish is made up of a filling broth called sayur lodeh (vegetable soup cooked with coconut milk), and topped with tofu, tempeh, boiled egg, sambal, rendang, and lontong (compressed rice steamed in banana leaves). Optional side dishes (and you should always opt for them) include vegetable fritters and potato crisps. As one of the culinary characteristics of the city, the dish is served practically everywhere – from fine restaurants to street hawkers. Some places to check out are Lontong Kak Lin, Lontong Warintek and Lontong Bang Iwan.
Snow Beach
About two to three hours’ drive from the city is Pantai Salju, which translates to Snow Beach. There isn’t any real snow here, nor is it exactly a beach; but it’s a gorgeous natural destination worth visiting. This river has strong currents flowing through and over a collection of rocks, and as the rushing water breaks over them, the result is a perpetual fine mist that resembles snow. The river flows down from the mountain, so the water is always cool and very clean.
Hiking to volcanoes
Adventurers can head to and trek up Bukit Gundaling, located about two and a half hours from the city, near the picturesque town of Berastagi. It’s not a very strenuous journey, and hikers are rewarded at the peak with breathtaking panoramas of two of Sumatra’s volcanoes – Sibayak and Sinabung. Delight in the fresh mountain air, and if you’re hiking up in the afternoon, be sure to stay for the spectacular sunset.
Tjong A Fie Mansion
The Tjong A Fie Mansion is an impressive building in downtown Medan and was once the home of a wealthy Chinese merchant who lived here in the 1900s. He became a respected philanthropist, and the mansion – which has a mix of Chinese, Malay and Art Deco influences – has been restored to its original glory, complete with ornate decorations, beautiful carvings and antique furnishings. Guided tours are available, and don’t miss the quaint garden within the grounds.
Where to stay
Check in to Medan’s first 5-star hotel, the JW Marriott Hotel which provides luxurious contemporary accommodation, great views of the city, and is strategically located near the city’s main attractions.
How to get there
Flights from KL are about an hour, and AirAsia flies direct to Kualanamu International Airport, which is about two hours’ drive from the Medan.
For more information about Medan, check out the Indonesia Tourism Board’s website.