Your gateway to adventure and natural splendour

Medan's location in Indonesia makes it a draw for travellers looking for wildlife encounters, delicious local fare and a chance to get off the beaten tourist trail. It’s the perfect jumping-off point to explore the jungles and volcanic highlands of north Sumatra, and to meet the island’s most famous inhabitants – orangutans.

Drive out of Medan and it won’t be long before you’ve reached something interesting. Relax on the shores of vast Lake Toba and enjoy the fruits of local fishermen’s labour, or go hunting for the 120-m tall Sipiso-piso waterfall. Trek up to Mount Sibayak’s summit for sunrise, or trek into the Gunung Leuser National Park to get up close with wildlife.

Don’t count the city out though, as there’s a lot of fascinating history and intriguing architecture in Medan itself. Enjoy the opulent palaces and beautiful mosques, and make sure you leave plenty of time for eating from one of Medan’s excellent street-food vendors.

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Cheap flights to Medan

Things to do: Medan

  • Go trekking in Gunung Leuser National Park

    Set aside a couple of days (at least) for Sumatra’s magnificent Gunung Leuser National Park, a few hours from Medan. With its dense tropical jungle, mountains, waterfalls, and huge range of resident wildlife, the park is a nature documentary come to life. Base yourself in laidback riverside village Bukit Lawang, and start your adventure! There are loads of guided treks available, giving you the chance to spot some of the park’s 700+ species of fauna, including macaques, gibbons and of course, orangutans. Post-trek, cool off with a dip in the Bohorok River.

  • See the city from the back of a becak

    Even if you’re just passing through en route to North Sumatra’s regional attractions, you’ll find plenty to do and see Medan city. Jump on one of the ubiquitous motorised becaks and take in some of the sights. Check out the eye-popping Maimun Palace, the royal seat of the Sultanate of Deli; admire the Medan Grand Mosque, and wander the beautiful Tjong a Fie mansion, once home to a super-rich Chinese businessman.

  • Chill out on Lake Toba

    Soak up the serenity at Lake Toba, a jaw-droppingly beautiful crater lake south of Medan. Kayak its cool, clear waters, visit charming villages dotted around the lake, and chase spectacular views from the surrounding peaks. The island in the middle of the lake is Samosir, epicentre of Indonesia’s indigenous Batak culture. Mix with the locals at the bustling Tomok Market, and hire a bike to explore Samosir’s scenic beauty.

  • Feast on local cuisine

    You’re in one of Indonesia’s gastronomic capitals: start eating! From cheap-and-cheerful street-food vendors to fabulous food courts and fine dining, Medan’s culinary options are legendary. Slurp on noodle dishes such as Bihun Bebek and Kwetiau Goreng Medan, enjoy a bowl of Soto Medan (a thick chicken and coconut soup), try durian pancakes if you dare, and don’t miss the sweet, moist Bika Ambon cake for dessert.

  • Get some geothermal action on Mount Sibayak

    Score some holiday bragging rights by climbing Mount Sibayak, a volcano two hours south of Medan. Sure, it’s technically dormant, but its sulphuric crater lake and clouds of dramatic steam – not to mention its spectacular views – are unforgettable. Choose one of the relatively easy trails (three hours to the top) or challenge yourself on a longer, more strenuous jungle trek, preferably with a guide. Either way, pack your bathers to enjoy the hot springs on the way down.

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Airport information

Kualanamu Airport (KNO)

Distance to city centre 29km

Taxi A taxi into the city will take an hour or so depending on traffic, and will cost between IDR Rp150,000-200,000. Stick with the reliable Blue Bird brand.

Train The Railink airport train is the fastest way into the city centre. It takes around 45 minutes and costs IDR Rp75,000-100,000.

Rideshare Grab and Gojek both service Kualanamu Airport.

Bus DAMRI buses go to Amplas bus terminal then to Medan Fair Shopping Centre for IDR Rp15,000-20,000.

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When to go

Like most Indonesian cities, Medan is hot and humid, with average maximums sitting around the 30°C-mark all year. Lake Toba and surrounding areas can be a bit cooler due to their elevation. Wet season runs from October to March, and brings heavy rains that sometimes cause flooding and mudslides, making it tricky to visit the national parks.

Medan is home to a few choice festivals, including an International Coffee Festival, Medan Film Festival, the North Sumatra Jazz Festival, and the vibrant Lake Toba Festival, celebrating the local Batak culture.

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Getting around

Metered taxis can be flagged down just about anywhere – stick with Blue Bird taxis, the most reliable. They can also be booked by phone. You can also take a motorised becak, but get ready for a noisy, bumpy ride! You’ll need to negotiate a price first, as fares can vary wildly. Rideshare services Grab and Gojek are a convenient option for getting around. If you can communicate in Indonesian, the local minibuses (known as sudako or angkot) are a great option, at around IDR Rp5,000 per trip.

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