With the stay in Medan, I now come to the end of my Indonesia trip. Before we arrived in Medan, we have not researched what to do in the city. It was rather a logical (and logistical 😊) decision to spend the last two nights before the return flight there to have no long journey to the airport.
Our guide Lely from jungle trekking asked us why we plan 2 nights in Medan, because there is nothing you could do there. We thought at that moment he exaggerates or he wants to make advertising for his place of residence, so that we stay longer there and book another tour.
Once we arrived in Medan, we did some online research and found out that there are actually comparatively few recommendations for sightseeing and activities in Medan. I would like to summarize for you what we experienced in Medan.
A visit to the great mosque
The first recommendation we came across during our online research was a visit to the large mosque. There was no fixed entrance fee, we were asked to give a voluntary donation. At the entrance, we were then asked if it was okay for us to enter the mosque dressed appropriately. We agreed and both got sarongs, which covered our legs up to above the knees and I had to cover my hair in addition.
There was no more information at the entrance - when we were fully dressed, we were allowed into the mosque. There we walked around and explored everything. I think we were the only tourists there. Since we didn't get any more info at the entrance and there were no English language signs or other information, we explored the mosque on our own. Only when I entered the mosque, saw a room divider and the men there stared at me in irritation, I realized that I was in the men's prayer area and the women's area was on the opposite side.
The visit to the mosque was nice, but it would have been better to go with a guide. Firstly, then you know how to behave respectfully there and moreover, you learn more about the culture and religion.
Maimun Sultan's Palace
After a short walk through a beautifully landscaped garden, you arrive at the Sultan's Palace of North Sumatra Province. The palace is characterised by a mixture of different architectural styles such as Italian and Spanish elements. Inside you will find some information on the history of the sultans on panels as well as many small shops selling souvenirs and traditional clothing.
We read all the information that was available there in English. After the history of the sultans had ended about 100 years ago, we asked the staff there what the situation was like today. A member of staff, who could speak very good English, took time for us and explained a few things.
The current Sultan was appointed to this office at the age of 7 because his father died unexpectedly. He is currently abroad to study. The Sultan has no powers, it is more a symbolic office as a symbol of the city's history.
Vihara Gunung Timur
This Chinese temple was built in 1962. It was a beautiful temple.
We were the only tourists here (or the only visitors in general) and since there were no information signs, I can't really tell you much about it. We walked through one round and left again.
Restaurant recommendations
This restaurant is one of the oldest in Indonesia. It originally opened as a bakery in 1929.
There is even the "Wiener Café" on the menu. I can also highly recommend the ice cream here.
I can recommend this place for both the good café and the great desserts. Looking through the dessert menu, I couldn't decide what to order - I would have liked to order 5 different dishes.
With this experience, I would recommend other travellers to spend only one night in Medan. It is practical to be close to the airport before you fly on, as the typical tourist places such as Bukit Lawang are a few hours away from the airport.
There is not that much to see from my point of view. Furthermore, the city is so big that you don't have a nice main street with eateries to stroll along. It's all very spread out and you always have to rely on transport to get from one place to the next.
If I were to plan my stay again knowing this, I would take a guide for a half day and visit the sights with that person. Everything is more interesting with background information and generally a person to ask questions to. 😊
Which city have you visited before where, in retrospect, you think a shorter stay would have sufficed?
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