Location: Medan
Top Things to do in Medan
What to do and see in Medan, Sumatra: The Best Tours
Medan (Jawi: ميدن, Batak: ᯔᯮᯑ᯲, Chinese: 棉蘭, Tamil: மேடான், Indonesian pronunciation: [meˈdan]); is the capital of North Sumatra province in Indonesia. Located along the northeastern coast of Sumatra island, Medan is the fourth biggest city by population in Indonesia, behind Jakarta, Surabaya and Bandung. With 2,097,610 inhabitants at the 2010 census, Medan remains the largest settlement outside Java island and enjoys a diversity of multicultural peoples. Bordered by the Strait of Malacca, Medan is a busy trading city around the island as located near the strait which is one of the most important shipping lanes in the world. Medan is the gateway to the western part of Indonesia, accessible via the Port of Belawan and Kuala Namu International Airport, stated the city as the third largest city in the country by economy after Jakarta and Surabaya, this city economy is linked well with Malaysian cities (especially Penang and Kuala Lumpur) and Singapore by trade, service and natural resource exchanges. Both the seaport and the airport are connected to the city center via toll road and railway. Medan also became the first city in Indonesia to have an airport supported with train service.
Restaurants in Medan
1. Half day Medan Heritage tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
The following trip will include : The Sultan's Palace, The Great Mosk, Tjong A Fie Mansion, Former offices of the Deli Company and the Amsterdam Trading Company and still existing Chinese, Malay and Dutch architecture.
Inclusions: Driver cum guide, private tour, Transport by private vehicle, Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Exclusions: meals, Gratuities
Reviewed By Sita S
This is a place to proof that wild elephants, birds, apes can live wild and freely in a palm oil plantation. Enough is biased and baseless judgement on how bad palm oil plantation impact on wild life! You should see how elephants enjoy consuming palm oil leaves! It is a hidden gem with beautiful water fall and stunning lake. If you are lucky you can spot native rare birds. Nature lovers and wild life promoters should come and see by her/his own eyes how beautiful and harmonious is the live of these elephants family in Barumun Nagari! The guide, the driver and even the owner are absolutely amazing! One more thing, advance reservations is a must because this place is a sanctuary so they must limit number of visitors! This place is NOT touristy and definitely NOT for for big group of tourist who only carE for selfies! Only those who love nature and wild life would be rewarded by the beauty of this place!
2. 3 days Medan Orangutan Bukit Lawang
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Day 01. The tours starts from Kuala Namu Medan airport included transfer service to Hotel Deli River in Medan for an overnight stay. Day 02. Medan – Bukit Lawang (3 hours drive) The route to the village is scenic. Once you arrive in Bukit Lawang our driver will introduce you to the experienced local guide and you will start for 3 hours jungle trekking. You will be guided by an experienced local guide that will help you marvel at the magic of the magnificent rainforest. Throughout the trek you will be able to see the Orangutans, Siamang (arboreal black-furred gibbon native to the forests of Sumatra), Thomas Leaf Monkeys, long tail Macaques, 1 overnight stay in an Eco lodge Bukit Lawang Day 03 Bukit Lawang depart to Kuala Namu Airport which is about 3 hours drive. or we can drop you at your address in Medan End of our services We can reverse the itinerary according to your flight schedule.
Inclusions: 2 nights accommodation + daily breakfast, transport in airconditioned car + fuel - driver, his meals and overnight accommodation costs, permit and local guide for 3 hours jungle trekking in Bohorok/Bukit Lawang
Exclusions: air tickets, personal expenses such as: drinks, souvenirs, lunch, dinner etc., donations and tips, Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Lunch, Gratuities
Reviewed By Sita S
This is a place to proof that wild elephants, birds, apes can live wild and freely in a palm oil plantation. Enough is biased and baseless judgement on how bad palm oil plantation impact on wild life! You should see how elephants enjoy consuming palm oil leaves! It is a hidden gem with beautiful water fall and stunning lake. If you are lucky you can spot native rare birds. Nature lovers and wild life promoters should come and see by her/his own eyes how beautiful and harmonious is the live of these elephants family in Barumun Nagari! The guide, the driver and even the owner are absolutely amazing! One more thing, advance reservations is a must because this place is a sanctuary so they must limit number of visitors! This place is NOT touristy and definitely NOT for for big group of tourist who only carE for selfies! Only those who love nature and wild life would be rewarded by the beauty of this place!
3. 4 Day Jungle Adventure including 2 day trek
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
4 Day Jungle Adventure including 2 day trek Bukit Lawang - Batu Kapal - Gunung Leuser National Park Highlights - overnight orangutan jungle trek - wildlife spotting
Inclusions: Accommodation included is Sumatran standard guest houses with western toilet and either shower or mandi (traditional wash with bucket and scoop, cold water only at all guest houses), National Park fees, Driver, Local guide, Tour escort/host, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, 3 nights accommodation twin share (including overnight jungle camp), Private transportation
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Reviewed By sharkiegirl
We have just come back from an amazing adventure. We booked in for the 8 day northern Sumatra adventure and we were not disappointed. It started off with them picking us up at our hotel in Medan, my friend who i was travelling with has an accident and injured her knee on the flight over, the guys went above and beyond to make her feel comfortable.. even stopping so she could buy some crutches before we headed to our first stop Bukit Lawang. Our drive was full of some informative information, good laughs and some terrible singing (on our behalf... Jaka was fantastic). Once we arrived at Bukit Lawang..our accomation for the next 3 days. We were made very welcome. The rooms are basic, but with a fan, beds are comfortable and mozzie nets. To be honest i did not expect anything else.. after all you are in the jungle. People are very friendly, the food is amazing, and the beers are chilled (they must of known a few aussies were coming as extra beer arrived just after us ????) our afternoon was free so we soaked up the atmosphere, had a swim in the river with the locals and had once again a fablous meal. The following day was a half day trek to look for the orangutans. With my friends knee still out of action it was just Jaka (our guide) and myself. Once again he was amazing.. pointing out and explain the rubber plants as we past by them.. we also saw quite a few monkeys on the trek up. Now i am not the fittest person, but Jaka was happy to go at my pace. Within about a hour we came across a family of orangutans ( a male, 2 females and a baby).. it is apparently unusal to see the male with the females. When we arrived there were about 40 other people there enjoying this breathtaking sight. After about 20 mins, Jaka asked if i wished to move on to look for others.. i told him i was happy to stay here and enjoy the moment.. once again Jaka was happy to go with the flow.. within half an hour everyone else had gone and we were rewarded with the orangutans coming down closer. I can not describe how i felt, having these amazing animals within meters of me.. (see photos). After this experience it was a short trek back to our hotel (they are not always in the same spot so you may need to trek a little further). I will admit the trek was a little breath taking at times,but the experience was rewarding. The following day we went out in a tut-tut. We were shown some rice patties, how they make palm sugar, tofu and on the way back i mentioned i wanted to taste some duran fruit.... it smells aweful, but tastes not as offesive.. i dont think i would have it again, but it is something to try. Our afternoon was free.. so we were back to the river.The following day we were heading to Tangkahn... ok the roads were a little "bumpy", but sit back and embrace the "sumatran massage", trust me once you are there it is worth it. This place is amazing.. we had a room with a view of the river, once again the food was amazing, you also get the chance to try the famous kopi lawak (poop coffee).. oh and we had live music(in the middle of the jungle) on the night. Our afternoon was spent washing the elephants or you could visit the hot springs.. we took the elephants.. after washing them, they repaid us with a shower. The following day was a long drive, but we were advised of that before we booked it..it was a day of sight seeing.. having lunch while admiring a volcano..,and bad karako again.the day was finished with a smooth cruise across to Lake Toba. Wow this accomadation is stunning... breaktaking veiws (omg the sunsets).. the bed is comfortable... and for the first time in a few days.. hot water. We were spoilt here.. our guide (eino) and driver (tair)... sorry if they are spelt wrong. Were such gentlemen and the best hosts... we even woke up to freshly picked mangos.nothing was to much trouble... (i left my phone where we had lunch, and the boys were happy to get it for me). Learning the history of the area was very intresting (and suprising) i wont ruin it for you. Over the 8 days, we learnt alot about the people and the enviroment that makes up Sumatra. i felt we became more friends than tour guide and client. Once again i can not recommend these guys enough. I will however advise you to make sure you pack some toilet paper... as not every where you go has some, also the bed only have a fitted sheet, if you like to sleep with a flat sheet take one.. remember you are visiting anither country so be ooen Nd embrace their way of life and i am sure you will also have a ball...
4. Best of Sumatra: 5D4N - Medan, Lake Toba & Brastagi
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Experience this guided multi-day tour and visit different attractions to complete your Trip in Indonesia. Lake Toba tour visit Batak highland, Sibayak and Sinabung volcanoes in Karo highland.
Inclusions: overnights accommodation in good medium class hotels in 2 pers. rooms, breakfast daily, transport in comfortable air-conditioned minibus or bus, fuel, the driver, his meals and overnight accommodation costs, cost of the ferry Parapat – Samosir and vice versa, Breakfast
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities
Reviewed By Sita S
This is a place to proof that wild elephants, birds, apes can live wild and freely in a palm oil plantation. Enough is biased and baseless judgement on how bad palm oil plantation impact on wild life! You should see how elephants enjoy consuming palm oil leaves! It is a hidden gem with beautiful water fall and stunning lake. If you are lucky you can spot native rare birds. Nature lovers and wild life promoters should come and see by her/his own eyes how beautiful and harmonious is the live of these elephants family in Barumun Nagari! The guide, the driver and even the owner are absolutely amazing! One more thing, advance reservations is a must because this place is a sanctuary so they must limit number of visitors! This place is NOT touristy and definitely NOT for for big group of tourist who only carE for selfies! Only those who love nature and wild life would be rewarded by the beauty of this place!
5. Paket Tour Danau Toba Dan Simalem Resort
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Karena kamu akan mendapatkan program tour yang terbaik,pemandu tour yang berpengalama, transportasi yang membuat perjalanan tour kami nyaman
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Lunch
Exclusions: TIPPING GUIDE, DRIVER & PERSONAL COST
Reviewed By AdiFarhann
It is a great place to escape and just enjoy the view of the lake. very windy and chill at night. All of the locals here are very friendly. No problems whatsoeveer
6. North Sumatra & Barumun Nagari Wildlife Sanctuary program
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
During the trip there is a jungle trekking activity in Bukit Lawang to see the Orangutan in their wildlife, visit Brastagi the Karo highland where we can see two active volcanoes Sibayak & Sinabung, Lake Toba the largest crater lake in Southeast Asia and visit safari Barumun Nagari Wildlife Sanctuary.
Inclusions: Private transportation
Exclusions: Meals such as lunch & dinner, laundry, souvenir, tips and donation
Reviewed By shardy68
This place is amazing. It was exactly what I was looking for when I decided to visit an elephant sanctuary. Every day I spent there was filled with quality elephant time; walking with them, feeding them treats, witnessing them in their daily routines... I even slept outdoors with them one night which was pretty magical. The people here are doing such great work, and will treat you like one of the family as soon as you arrive. I highly recommend a visit if you're interested in animal rescue and conservation ♥
7. 3 Days Bukit Lawang Tour (Happy Jungle)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Lost in the depths of Sumatra, Bukit Lawang is a small riverside town built beside the rainforest of the vast Gunung Leuser National Park. Orangutan is one of the most endangered species in the world, found only in Sumatra and Kalimantan, Bukit Lawang (‘gateway to the mountain’) is situated just 96kms northwest of Medan, making it one of the easiest, most accessible places to start your jungle adventure.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, 2 nights stay in a deluxe bungalow, Air-conditioned vehicle, Traditional tube rafting back during the trek.
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Kate L
WOW! We had such an incredible experience on the orangutan trek with Heri and Jojo as our guides. I never expected to see so much wildlife over the course of two days. From orangutans (babies too!), to Thomas monkeys, praying mantis, turtles, centipedes, many birds, and more- it was truly amazing! We were so lucky to have Heri and Jojo as our guides because they were so knowledgeable about the rain forest, and always made us feel safe and happy to be there. They even prepared us delicious meals everyday with fresh local fruits and veggies to meet our needs as vegans. I cannot recommend Orangutan Treks enough, and if I have the chance I will come back every year! Thanks again Heri and Jojo. Terima Kasih ????
8. TOUR PACKAGE (jungle trekking, taxi, Room) 4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS in BUKIT LAWANG
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
We are local people doing fantastic jungle trekking in bukit lawang national park, and we are born and growing up side of the jungle. So we know how about the jungle. If you like to see the nature, jungle, and animals in wild life just coming here. Especially orang utan
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Pick up from Medan airport, Lunch, Breakfast, Private car, Rooms for 2 nights, Jungle trekking for 2 days 1 night, camp, food, water, tiket, Traditional Rafting
Exclusions: Gratuities, Use of bicycle
Reviewed By Loraine S
While traveling through Indonesia by myself and mainly visiting temples and shops in Java and Bali, I felt I needed a bit more adventure. And where better to find adventure than in the jungle of Sumatra! I stayed at the Bukit Eco lodge which was really nice and pretty luxurious, and after walking around for a bit I stumbled upon See Bukit Lawang’s office. Izoen (I called him Jun) was really welcoming and knew a lot about the area so I decided to do a trekking tour of a few hours with him and Hendrik. The tour started in the early morning and we hiked around and all the while hiking, Jun and Hendrik made me feel really safe. Being Indonesian myself, I felt more like I was hiking around with my cousins! We saw a lot of orangutangs, had a really nice lunch provided by the both of them and we didn’t go rafting but we crossed the wild river by foot! If this tour isn’t an adventure then I don’t know what is. I decided to do another tour to Tangkahan but with another agency but I really regret this, as I felt super unsafe with this tourguide. I wish I went to Tangkahan with See Bukit Lawang. Makasih Jun & See Bukit Lawang team, for making my stay in Bukit Lawang so memorable!
9. Private Tour: Karo Highlands and Lake Toba from Medan
Overall Ratings
4.4 based on 25 reviews
Experience a full-day sightseeing on this private tour from Medan. You will visit Brastagi in the Karo Highlands which has two active volcanoes being Sinabung and Sibayak. Visit the fruit market and traditional Karo Batak Village with authentic houses which are still occupied by 8 families before continuing onto Sipisopiso waterfall where you can enjoy the beautiful view of Lake Toba.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Reviewed By Sita S
This is a place to proof that wild elephants, birds, apes can live wild and freely in a palm oil plantation. Enough is biased and baseless judgement on how bad palm oil plantation impact on wild life! You should see how elephants enjoy consuming palm oil leaves! It is a hidden gem with beautiful water fall and stunning lake. If you are lucky you can spot native rare birds. Nature lovers and wild life promoters should come and see by her/his own eyes how beautiful and harmonious is the live of these elephants family in Barumun Nagari! The guide, the driver and even the owner are absolutely amazing! One more thing, advance reservations is a must because this place is a sanctuary so they must limit number of visitors! This place is NOT touristy and definitely NOT for for big group of tourist who only carE for selfies! Only those who love nature and wild life would be rewarded by the beauty of this place!
10. 6 Day North Sumatra Highlights - Jungles Orangutans Lakes and Volcanoes
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 2 reviews
6 Day North Sumatra Highlights - Jungles, Orangutans, Lakes and Volcanoes Bukit Lawang - Lake Toba - Berestagi Highlights - 3 hour orangutan jungle trek - wildlife spotting - Sipiso Sipiso waterfall - Lake Toba Samosir Island - Batak king's residence - stone chairs - Berestagi volcanoes - Fruit and Flower markets - Buddhist Temple - Gundaling lookout - hot spring baths
Inclusions: Accommodation included is Sumatran standard guest houses twin share, with western toilet and either shower or mandi (traditional wash with bucket and scoop, cold water only at all guest houses), National Park fees, Driver, Local guide, Tour escort/host, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, 5 nights accommodation twin share
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities
Reviewed By sharkiegirl
We have just come back from an amazing adventure. We booked in for the 8 day northern Sumatra adventure and we were not disappointed. It started off with them picking us up at our hotel in Medan, my friend who i was travelling with has an accident and injured her knee on the flight over, the guys went above and beyond to make her feel comfortable.. even stopping so she could buy some crutches before we headed to our first stop Bukit Lawang. Our drive was full of some informative information, good laughs and some terrible singing (on our behalf... Jaka was fantastic). Once we arrived at Bukit Lawang..our accomation for the next 3 days. We were made very welcome. The rooms are basic, but with a fan, beds are comfortable and mozzie nets. To be honest i did not expect anything else.. after all you are in the jungle. People are very friendly, the food is amazing, and the beers are chilled (they must of known a few aussies were coming as extra beer arrived just after us ????) our afternoon was free so we soaked up the atmosphere, had a swim in the river with the locals and had once again a fablous meal. The following day was a half day trek to look for the orangutans. With my friends knee still out of action it was just Jaka (our guide) and myself. Once again he was amazing.. pointing out and explain the rubber plants as we past by them.. we also saw quite a few monkeys on the trek up. Now i am not the fittest person, but Jaka was happy to go at my pace. Within about a hour we came across a family of orangutans ( a male, 2 females and a baby).. it is apparently unusal to see the male with the females. When we arrived there were about 40 other people there enjoying this breathtaking sight. After about 20 mins, Jaka asked if i wished to move on to look for others.. i told him i was happy to stay here and enjoy the moment.. once again Jaka was happy to go with the flow.. within half an hour everyone else had gone and we were rewarded with the orangutans coming down closer. I can not describe how i felt, having these amazing animals within meters of me.. (see photos). After this experience it was a short trek back to our hotel (they are not always in the same spot so you may need to trek a little further). I will admit the trek was a little breath taking at times,but the experience was rewarding. The following day we went out in a tut-tut. We were shown some rice patties, how they make palm sugar, tofu and on the way back i mentioned i wanted to taste some duran fruit.... it smells aweful, but tastes not as offesive.. i dont think i would have it again, but it is something to try. Our afternoon was free.. so we were back to the river.The following day we were heading to Tangkahn... ok the roads were a little "bumpy", but sit back and embrace the "sumatran massage", trust me once you are there it is worth it. This place is amazing.. we had a room with a view of the river, once again the food was amazing, you also get the chance to try the famous kopi lawak (poop coffee).. oh and we had live music(in the middle of the jungle) on the night. Our afternoon was spent washing the elephants or you could visit the hot springs.. we took the elephants.. after washing them, they repaid us with a shower. The following day was a long drive, but we were advised of that before we booked it..it was a day of sight seeing.. having lunch while admiring a volcano..,and bad karako again.the day was finished with a smooth cruise across to Lake Toba. Wow this accomadation is stunning... breaktaking veiws (omg the sunsets).. the bed is comfortable... and for the first time in a few days.. hot water. We were spoilt here.. our guide (eino) and driver (tair)... sorry if they are spelt wrong. Were such gentlemen and the best hosts... we even woke up to freshly picked mangos.nothing was to much trouble... (i left my phone where we had lunch, and the boys were happy to get it for me). Learning the history of the area was very intresting (and suprising) i wont ruin it for you. Over the 8 days, we learnt alot about the people and the enviroment that makes up Sumatra. i felt we became more friends than tour guide and client. Once again i can not recommend these guys enough. I will however advise you to make sure you pack some toilet paper... as not every where you go has some, also the bed only have a fitted sheet, if you like to sleep with a flat sheet take one.. remember you are visiting anither country so be ooen Nd embrace their way of life and i am sure you will also have a ball...
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