Itinerary beyond ordinary - Medan

"You can fall in love at first sight with a place as with a person" Alec Waugh

Well said.. although this is subjective; but to fall in love with a place is possible. Once it happens, the potential to repeat is high. With a different touch of program, for sure. And believe me, there are so many things to explore at one single destination. 

Unusual itinerary to inspire next adventure..

Let's begin with MEDAN, Indonesia. In 2009, I arranged for a very common itinerary to Medan, covering the famous Lake Toba, Sipiso Piso Waterfall, Brastagi, etc. You may find my 'immature' entry about that trip here. 10 years later, here I go again~

Instead of a quick shopping stop at the Central Fruit Market in Brastagi, I took a chance to have a horse-cart ride to Gundaling Hill. With maximum 2 person per cart.

Local people called "sado"

And from the top of the Gundaling Hill, we can overview the still-active-volcano of Mount Sinabung. Latest eruption was 4 weeks ago; and August 2020.

Amazing lookout. Picture taken in 2019. #safe&sound

Not far from the Central Fruit Market, there's a Mikie Funland. The entrance fee is only 100,000 rupiah. And maybe you may get cheaper rate if you are staying at their Mikie Holiday Resort. But since we don't have ample time, cause we have another plan which is visiting Lumbini Park, perhaps some other time. They claimed that this temple is the replica of the famous Shwedagon Pagoda, the one in Yangon, Myanmar.

Taman Alam Lumbini.

I dying wish to stay at Taman Simalem Resort, a place where the great scenery of Lake Toba and plenty of outdoor (including agriculture) activities were combined. But unfortunately, that wonderful resort was under major renovation. So, we shifted to Kampung Ladang instead for venture. Guess what? We catches fish with bare hands. 

flying fox available crossing this man-made lake

More fun games available. 

Alhamdulillah, during this tour, I managed to get a chance to visit Istana Maimoon; one of the beautiful landmarks in Medan. Also known as Istana Melayu Deli or Sultan Palace. The curator explains well on the Royal descendants. However, I did not get an opportunities to wear the royal costume and taking picture on the throne, as the museum closed that afternoon during Friday Prayer. Same goes to Grand Mosque. 

Me in front of Maimoon Palace

And due to hot weather, I skip the tour to Tjong A Fie Mansion. Actually I planned to have a quick stop at the mansion later in the evening. But when I arrived, the building already closed for visitors. Hence, I just walk along Jalan Pasar Ikan to have a window shopping. I love with the latest fabric designs, but I still have plenty of materials at home. No shopping this time.

Last but not least, I took an alternative way to reach the Medan city. As you know, traffic jam in most cities in Indonesia are quite bad. I decided to experience the express train ride from their brand new Kuala Namu Airport. Although it takes one-hour journey (compare to the old airport which is in the city center) but it's a direct and only one-stop to the city (Stasiun Medan). The station is close to almost every landmark, and most important thing is the station is near to the hotel I stayed, JW Marriott.