Medan, the capital city of North Sumatra is more than just an economic hub and commercial centre within its region. Culturally diverse and historically rich, the city offers its visitors a unique experience that is unparalleled anywhere else in Indonesia. Plus, it hasn’t become mainstream yet so now’s the best time to experience it!
Join us as we explore fascinating legacies in architecture and a delectable selection of culinary heritage throughout the city below that will surely whet your appetite for a trip to Medan in no time!
1. Get dressed in traditional royal outfits @ Maimoon Palace
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Built by Sultan Ma’mun Al Rashid Perkasa Alamsyah in 1887, this Deli Sultanate palace has a total of 30 rooms on its 2,772 sqm land.
What to expect:
- An awe-inspiring architectural style that is a cultural-mix of Malay, Islamic and Mughal heritage.
- Once inside, you’ll be awed by its interior that boasts a Spanish-Italian influence.
- Take pictures of yourself wearing traditional royal Malay Deli costumes or even sit on the throne of the Sultan and his queen.
- The royal collection of jewellery, antiques and gifts presented by other countries’ royals are also on display here.
Address: Jl. Brigjen Katamso, Medan
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2. Visit a Hakka Chinese businessman’s beautiful Tjong A Fie Mansion
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Located in downtown Medan, this Chinese-European-Art-Deco style mansion was the home of Tjong A Fie, a Chinese merchant who migrated to Medan in 1875 to find better fortune.
What to expect:
- Be transported back in time to 19th century Medan as you enter the mansion, as all the interior are well preserved since the late 1800s.
- Tjong A Fie was a migrant who rose to become a wealthy entrepreneur, a respected leader and philanthropist.
- Marvel at the beautiful carvings, ornaments, antiques and artworks on display which were made in dedication to Tjong A Fie’s beloved wife.
Address: Jalan. A. Yani 105, Medan 20111
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3. Taste their amazing bihun bebek that is like no other
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Bihun bebek or duck bee hoon is rice vermicelli topped with chunks of tender duck meat. This traditional dish is usually served with a bowl of broth on the side. Trust us when we say you’re gonna regret not trying it! There are two famous bihun bebek restaurants in Medan that you need to try out, which are:
A) Bihun Bebek Kumango
- Address: Jalan Kumango No. 15
Opening hours: 6.30am – 11am daily
Price: RM18 per serving
B) Bihun Bebek Akien
- Address: Komplek Sekip Indah, Jalan Sekip (it’s the furthest unit from the street)
Opening hours: 7am – 2pm daily
Price: RM9 per serving
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4. Visit one of the most unique churches @ Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni
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This one-of-a-kind temple is a representation of the Medanese cultural assimilation, which was made a sanctuary for people who seek peace, solace, healing and divinity.
What to expect:
- Be amazed by this magnificent structure that has an intricate facade with majestic ornaments and domes.
- At first glance, you may mistake it for a Hindu temple or even a mosque due to its architecture.
- However, this is actually a Christian shrine dedicated to the Blessed Mother Mary.
Address: Jl. Sakura III no. 10 Tanjung Selamat, Medan, Indonesia
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5. Entice your taste buds with delicious local kueh
Sounds familiar? Well, we are neighbours after all! Medan’s versions of kueh (spelt ‘kuih’ in Malaysia) are slightly different than what we have in our country. Here are a few picks of the bite-sized snacks in the city that will surely make you salivate:
-Bolu meranti
- A must-buy when you’re in Medan! This one is very similar to a Swiss roll but with a choice of special fillings such as cheese, pandan, chocolate and even chicken!
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-Martabak piring
- This sweet pancake is basically the same as our very own apam balik, with the main difference being the unique ingredients mixed inside such as cheese, Nutella, grounded peanuts and more!
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-Lemper ayam
- An Indonesian savoury snack that is made of glutinous rice filled with seasoned shredded chicken. Yum!
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-Bika ambon
- A famous dessert in Indonesia, bika ambon is generally sold in pandan flavour, but it is also available in other flavours like banana, durian, cheese and chocolate.
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5. Enjoy a heavenly selection of broths at Misop Pak Haji Siran
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Another culinary dish that’s famous in Medan is Misop, which is made out of meatballs, chicken shreds, flavourful soup and dollops of chilli sauce. Misop Pak Haji Siran is probably the best Misop stall in town!
What to expect:
- A bowl filled to the brim with chunks of beef, intestines and bean sprouts.
- Thick soup with beef broth that’s been simmered for hours, and is guaranteed to offer you that heavenly taste!
Price: RM9 per serving
Address: Jl. Hang Tuah No. 17, Medan
Opening hours: 11am – 3pm (Monday – Saturday)
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Looks like there are a ton of things to see (and more importantly, eat) in Medan! If you’re keen on visiting this city, here’s a speedy way to get there:
Getting to Medan from Malaysia
Travelling to Medan from Malaysia is quite straightforward by air. Here’s how:
- Take a flight from KLIA to Kualanamu International Airport (KNO). You can book via AirAsia for as low as RM140!
- Flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes.
Alternatively, you can also take a ferry to Medan from Penang with fares starting from RM180.
Getting around in Medan
There are various modes of transportation within Medan to choose from. Here are some useful tips you could use to get around the city:
- In Medan, you can choose between the public bus, taxi or becak to get around.
- The local minibuses or Sudako are pretty basic and cheap. However, do pick up on some Bahasa Indonesia so that you won’t miss a stop!
- Becak is a tiny two-stroke engine vehicle which is a cheap but often nerve-wracking way to get around the city.
Okay, seeing all these amazing places and scrumptious delicacies has definitely given me a case of wanderlust! Anyone up for a food trip to Medan? I sure know that I am!
For further info about the city of Medan and other amazing places that you can visit in Indonesia, click here.
