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Sumatra Utara
MEDAN
MEDAN Medan is the capital city of North Sumatra Province, Indonesia. It is the fourth-largest city in Indonesia and the largest city outside the island of Java. Medan serves as a gateway to the western region of Indonesia, as well as a starting point for travelers heading to tourist destinations such as Brastagi in the Karo Highlands, the orangutan sanctuary in Bukit Lawang, and Lake Toba.
About this destination
HOW TO GET THERE
By Air
Medan is served by Kualanamu International Airport, located in Deli Serdang, approximately 39 km from the city center. Kualanamu International Airport is considered one of the best airports in Indonesia in terms of architecture. It is also the only airport in Indonesia that offers direct access to a mass transit rail system.
Medanâs previous airport, Polonia Airport, has since been repurposed for military use. Kualanamu International Airport is divided into three terminals: one for domestic flights, one for international flights, and one dedicated to cargo. This modern facility offers a range of integrated amenities, including a hotel, well-known shops and restaurants, ATMs, currency exchange services, prayer rooms (musholla), and various souvenir shops. The airport frequently serves as a transit hub, particularly for travelers heading to Sabang and Banda Aceh.
A wide variety of airlines operate at Kualanamu International Airport, ranging from low-cost carriers (LCCs) to full-service airlines. Domestic routes are served by carriers such as Citilink, Batik Air, Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Indonesia AirAsia, Sriwijaya Air, NAM Air, Susi Air, and Wings Air. International routes are served by airlines including AirAsia, Firefly, Jetstar, Malaysia Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, and SilkAir.
By Bus
You can reach the city by bus not only from various locations across Sumatra but also from the Rawamangun Terminal in Jakarta. If you are traveling from Banda Aceh, there are non-stop bus services to Medanâsuch as PMTOH, Kurnia, and Pusakaâwith a travel time of 9 to 13 hours. These bus operators have offices located on Jalan Gajah Mada, Medan. The bus fare from Jakarta is approximately IDR 500,000.
Sea Travel
Traveling by sea from Jakarta to Medan is possible via ships departing from Tanjung Priok Port and arriving at Belawan Port, with fares starting from IDR 150,000.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
March
During this month, Medan hosts the North Sumatra Fair (*Pekan Raya Sumatra Utara*). Much like the Jakarta Fair (*Pekan Raya Jakarta*), this major annual event in Medan takes place at kilometer 6 of Jalan Medan-Binjai. The open exhibition grounds span approximately 6.5 hectares and include a multipurpose hall, as well as halls A, B, and C. The North Sumatra Fair is more than just an exhibition or a tourism promotion; it has evolved into a lively hub for entertainment, cultural celebrations, and recreationâmaking it an ideal destination for a family vacation. Many hotels in Medan often leverage the appeal of this event to attract guests, frequently offering special discounts while the fair is underway.
Ramadan
During this month, Medan becomes a particularly compelling travel destination. If you plan to visit the city during this holy month, you will encounter an event known as the "Ramadan Fair." Its location changes annually; for instance, in 2014, it was held at the Grand Mosque of Sibolga (*Masjid Agung Sibolga*). The main highlight is the local cuisine of North Sumatra, offered to all visitorsâranging from light snacks to traditional dishes synonymous with the month of Ramadan. Furthermore, culinary offerings from various regions across the Indonesian archipelago also feature at the Ramadan Fair in Medan. December
In Medan, this month is lively not only due to Christmas and the New Year celebrations; it also hosts a unique event: the Durian Festival. As the name suggests, this two-day festival features approximately 8,000 durians sourced from various parts of North Sumatra. In its inaugural edition alone, the event drew over 1,800 participants.
Local Languages
Almost all local residents in Medan are proficient in communicating using the Indonesian language. However, you may frequently hear members of the ethnic Chinese community speaking Hokkien. The Hokkien language is also widely spoken in cities surrounding the Strait of Malacca. As a major city, Medan is home to many educated individuals who are fluent in English. Generally, people from Medan tend to use a high-pitched, emphatic intonation when they speak. This does not mean they are angry; rather, it is simply a characteristic of the people of Medan, who speak with great passion and energy.
By Air
Medan is served by Kualanamu International Airport, located in Deli Serdang, approximately 39 km from the city center. Kualanamu International Airport is considered one of the best airports in Indonesia in terms of architecture. It is also the only airport in Indonesia that offers direct access to a mass transit rail system.
Medanâs previous airport, Polonia Airport, has since been repurposed for military use. Kualanamu International Airport is divided into three terminals: one for domestic flights, one for international flights, and one dedicated to cargo. This modern facility offers a range of integrated amenities, including a hotel, well-known shops and restaurants, ATMs, currency exchange services, prayer rooms (musholla), and various souvenir shops. The airport frequently serves as a transit hub, particularly for travelers heading to Sabang and Banda Aceh.
A wide variety of airlines operate at Kualanamu International Airport, ranging from low-cost carriers (LCCs) to full-service airlines. Domestic routes are served by carriers such as Citilink, Batik Air, Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Indonesia AirAsia, Sriwijaya Air, NAM Air, Susi Air, and Wings Air. International routes are served by airlines including AirAsia, Firefly, Jetstar, Malaysia Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, and SilkAir.
By Bus
You can reach the city by bus not only from various locations across Sumatra but also from the Rawamangun Terminal in Jakarta. If you are traveling from Banda Aceh, there are non-stop bus services to Medanâsuch as PMTOH, Kurnia, and Pusakaâwith a travel time of 9 to 13 hours. These bus operators have offices located on Jalan Gajah Mada, Medan. The bus fare from Jakarta is approximately IDR 500,000.
Sea Travel
Traveling by sea from Jakarta to Medan is possible via ships departing from Tanjung Priok Port and arriving at Belawan Port, with fares starting from IDR 150,000.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
March
During this month, Medan hosts the North Sumatra Fair (*Pekan Raya Sumatra Utara*). Much like the Jakarta Fair (*Pekan Raya Jakarta*), this major annual event in Medan takes place at kilometer 6 of Jalan Medan-Binjai. The open exhibition grounds span approximately 6.5 hectares and include a multipurpose hall, as well as halls A, B, and C. The North Sumatra Fair is more than just an exhibition or a tourism promotion; it has evolved into a lively hub for entertainment, cultural celebrations, and recreationâmaking it an ideal destination for a family vacation. Many hotels in Medan often leverage the appeal of this event to attract guests, frequently offering special discounts while the fair is underway.
Ramadan
During this month, Medan becomes a particularly compelling travel destination. If you plan to visit the city during this holy month, you will encounter an event known as the "Ramadan Fair." Its location changes annually; for instance, in 2014, it was held at the Grand Mosque of Sibolga (*Masjid Agung Sibolga*). The main highlight is the local cuisine of North Sumatra, offered to all visitorsâranging from light snacks to traditional dishes synonymous with the month of Ramadan. Furthermore, culinary offerings from various regions across the Indonesian archipelago also feature at the Ramadan Fair in Medan. December
In Medan, this month is lively not only due to Christmas and the New Year celebrations; it also hosts a unique event: the Durian Festival. As the name suggests, this two-day festival features approximately 8,000 durians sourced from various parts of North Sumatra. In its inaugural edition alone, the event drew over 1,800 participants.
Local Languages
Almost all local residents in Medan are proficient in communicating using the Indonesian language. However, you may frequently hear members of the ethnic Chinese community speaking Hokkien. The Hokkien language is also widely spoken in cities surrounding the Strait of Malacca. As a major city, Medan is home to many educated individuals who are fluent in English. Generally, people from Medan tend to use a high-pitched, emphatic intonation when they speak. This does not mean they are angry; rather, it is simply a characteristic of the people of Medan, who speak with great passion and energy.