Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia

About Medan

Medan is the fourth largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung. With a population of about 2 million people it is the largest city outside of Java. There is no single ethnic group forming a majority; the largest ethnic groups are the Chinese, Javanese, Toba-Batak, Minangkabau, Mandailing Batak, Karo Batak, Southern Indians, and Northern Indians, and there are many more ethnic minorities. Each ethnic group contributes to thousands of tasty, mouth-watering dishes found in every corner of Medan. They offer to locals and tourists alike dozens of food streets and hawker centres to suit their appetite at any time of the day. From the sweet Javanese cuisine, to delicious Batak grilled pork, to hot Padang dishes, from savoury Chinese noodles, to spicy Indian curry, this varied cuisine is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is obvious why the locals are so into food. The city itself is quite well known for "food-tourism", especially amongst other Indonesians. Overall, Medan isn't really a tourist destination, but it's a convenient stepping stone to other places like the 'weekend getaway' Berastagi, the island of Penang, Malaysia and, of course the ever popular, beautiful crater lake Lake Toba.

Cool Tourism Areas

Lake Toba

Lake Toba is an immense volcanic lake covering an area of 1,707 km² (1,000 km² bigger than Singapore) with an island in its centre. Actually, Lake Toba is located in Prapat area in North Sumatra. Formed by a gigantic volcanic eruption some 70,000 years ago, it is probably the largest resurgent caldera on Earth. Today Lake Toba is on the way to get a UNESCO Geopark Certification. This means, that the whole area has to be protected and a Ecotourism will be developed.

Sipiso-Piso Waterfall

Sipiso-piso waterfall, is one of the tallest waterfall in Indonesia. The name Sipiso-piso mean ‘like a knife'; it has 120m high and it located in Tonggiang village, 45 Kilometers from Berastagi at the northern end of Lake Toba. Sipiso-Piso Waterfall has beautiful scenery and fascinating sightseeing. Among the cliffs that look greenish, the fall water is looking majestic by its grace. As we stand or sit far from the location, we can enjoy the beauty Sipiso-piso and Lake Toba from a distance at the same time.

Maimoon Palace

Maimun Palace or Maimoon Palace (Indonesian: Istana Maimun) is an istana (royal palace) of the Sultanate of Deli and a well-known landmark in Medan, the capital city of North Sumatra, Indonesia. Today, it serves as a museum. Built by Sultan Ma'mun Al Rashid Perkasa Alamyah in years 1887–1891, the palace was designed by the Dutch architect Theodoor van Erp and covers 2,772 m² with a total of 30 rooms. The Palace has become a popular tourist destination in the city, not solely because of its historical heritage status, but also because of its unique interior design of the palace, combining elements of Malay cultural heritage, Islamic and Indian architecture, with Spanish and Italian furniture and fittings.

Taman Simalem Resort

Situated in the clouds on a sprawling 206-hectare estate, Taman Simalem is a retreat for the senses. At 1,200 metres above sea level, the cool, crisp air immediately sets you at ease and the stunning view of Lake Toba will take your breath away. This mountain resort was built to create a new and unique way to live holistically, with its organic farms and fruit orchards, tea and coffee plantations, and various accommodations that allow a commune with nature. Specially for families, school groups, friends and couples, the resort provides programmes and activities that allows you to get close to nature without feeling the pressures of everyday life. Feel recharged, revitalised and renewed.

Chicken Bakmi

Mie ayam, mi ayam or bakmi ayam (Indonesian for 'chicken bakmi') is a common Southeast Asian common dish of seasoned yellow wheat noodles topped with diced chicken meat (ayam). It especially common in Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia, and can trace its origin to Chinese cuisine. In Indonesia, the dish is recognized as a popular Chinese Indonesian dish, served from simple travelling vendor carts frequenting residential areas, humble street-side warung to restaurants.

Soto

Soto (also known as sroto, tauto, or coto) is a traditional Indonesian soup mainly composed of broth, meat, and vegetables. Many traditional soups are called soto, whereas foreign and Western influenced soups are called sop. Soto is sometimes considered Indonesia's national dish, as it is served from Sumatra to Papua, in a wide range of variations. Soto is omnipresent in Indonesia, available in many warungs and open-air eateries on many street corners, to fine dining restaurants and luxurious hotels. Soto, especially soto ayam (chicken soto), is an Indonesian equivalent of chicken soup. Because it is always served warm with a tender texture, it is considered an Indonesian comfort food.

Bolu Meranti

When landing at the Polonia airport in Medan or flying back to the city of origin from the airport, cardboard boxes under the Bolu Meranti brand will be scattered throughout Jakarta, carried by some passengers. It was Mrs. Ai Ling, as the founder of Bolu Meranti, who from a young age and at home had a hobby of making cakes sold to her neighbors and friends. In terms of taste quality, there is no doubt a hero. Soft and fresh cake texture. Even after being put in the refrigerator a few days it still feels moist. The aroma of the cake feels soft. After taste feels creamy, because the use of butter and margarine is dominant, but it is offset by high quality ingredients. Roll cake products can last three days outside the refrigerator, but it should be stored on the third day in the refrigerator, so the taste will still be delicious.

Name	Number
Indonesian National Police	110
Ambulance	118/119
Fire Fighter	113
Disaster Management Center	129
The National Search and Rescue Agency	115