Medan, Indonesia
Medan is the capital of North Sumatra province and the fourth largest city in Indonesia. It offers a unique blend of cultures, cuisines, and colonial architecture, making it a popular destination for adventurous travelers.
Trip to Medan, Indonesia
Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation
Welcome to Medan! On your first day, you’ll be arriving at Kualanamu International Airport and checking into your hotel. After settling in, take some time to relax and acclimate to the city. If you’re up for it, you can explore the surrounding neighborhoods, where you can find a mix of shopping and dining options. For dinner, we recommend trying some of Medan’s famous delicacies such as Soto Medan or Mie Aceh.
Day 2: Medan City Tour
Start your day by discovering Medan’s cultural and historical heritage with a guided city tour. Visit the Maimun Palace, an iconic landmark that embodies the unique architecture of the region. Next, you’ll explore the Tjong A Fie Mansion, which was built in 1896 by a wealthy Chinese businessman. Take some time to walk around the beautiful garden and learn about the history of Chinese immigration to Indonesia. Afterward, head to the Museum of North Sumatra, which houses a collection of artifacts, traditional clothing and photographs that represent the diverse cultures of the region. Finish the day by exploring the bustling street food scene by trying various local snacks including Durian Pancake and Rujak Medan.
Day 3: Lake Toba
On day three, you’ll take a day trip to the beautiful Lake Toba. After enjoying a scenic drive through the countryside, you’ll arrive at Parapat, where you can take a ferry to the Samosir Island. Once you arrive at Samosir Island, explore the traditional Batak village of Tomok, where you can witness ancient customs and traditions. You can also shop for handcrafted souvenirs and enjoy a Batak dance performance. For lunch, you can enjoy the famous Ikan Arsik - a Batak cuisine specialty made with fish, spices and herbs. Don’t forget to enjoy the awe-inspiring view of Lake Toba, one of the largest volcanic crater lakes in the world before returning to your hotel in Medan.
Day 4: Medan Shopping Spree
For day four, get ready for a full day of shopping! Medan is a hub for various shopping malls, night markets, and street bazaars, and you’ll have plenty to choose from. We recommend exploring the modern Plaza Medan Fair, the newly opened Sun Plaza, the family-friendly Center Point Mall and T Centre. Besides malls, other notable shopping spots include Pajak Ikan Lama Market, Petisah Market, and Jalan Selat Panjang. For dinner, we suggest you visit the Merdeka Walk to enjoy street food and nightly performances.
Day 5: Sibolangit Nature Retreat
On day five, experience the natural beauty of Medan by visiting the picturesque Sibolangit area. Explore the beautiful scenery, highland tea plantations, and visit the unique Sipiso-piso waterfalls. After taking in the breathtaking views of Sibolangit, head to one of the local restaurants to enjoy the traditional Mandeep cuisine. You can also take an easy hike in the hills to embrace the lush surroundings and scenic views. Return to your hotel in Medan before sunset.
Day 6: Brastagi Highlands
On your penultimate day, you’ll visit Brastagi Highlands, known for its serene climate and exotic fruits. The highlands are situated around 65 kilometers from Medan, and the journey takes approximately 2 hours. While there, you can explore the documentation center of Mount Sinabung at Mount Sinabung Disaster Management Office. After that, you can visit the Peceren fruit market, where you can enjoy tropical fruits such as Marquisa, Salak, and Passionfruit. Enjoy the view of the two active volcanoes, Mount Sinabung and Mount Sibayak, before returning to Medan by late afternoon.
Day 7: Departure Day
On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before checking out. You will be transferred back to the Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, where you’ll say goodbye to Sumatra and begin your journey back home. We hope you enjoyed your stay in Medan and look forward to assisting you on your next adventure.
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