The capital city of the North Sumatra province, Medan is a proud city home to an inviting urban style, from alleyway street-food stalls to Dutch colonial architecture and engaging museums. You’ll also find one of India’s best water parks, numerous sacred temples and a nearby waterfall.

Things to do

Discover Medan’s rich history at the magnificent Maimun Palace, which was built in the late-1800s and these days functions as a museum with costume displays and historical artefacts. Afterwards, check out the circa-1895 Tjong A Fie Mansion, which once belonged to a famous businessman and now houses an art gallery.

Need to cool off during India’s hot summer? Head to Hairos Water Park and chill out in the lazy tubing river or expansive swimming pool. You can also race down twisting waterslides and let the kids run wild on the splash pads. Alternatively, relax in the tranquil Parks Cadika Pramuka, which boasts ponds, flower gardens, playgrounds and sports fields.

Nature lovers should make a day trip to Sipisopiso, a towering waterfall where water cascades down about 120 metres into a picturesque lake. You can access the waterfall by walking a manmade pathway. You can also see some of the native wildlife at Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery, which displays taxidermy animals in their natural habitats.

Don’t miss seeing the iconic Great Mosque of Medan, which is renowned for its unique octagonal shape. The Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni also lures travellers in with its Indo-Mogul-style architecture and seven-storey tower.

Getting around

Medan is best reached by flying into Kualanamu International Airport, 50 minutes’ drive away, or by catching a train from one of the eastern coastline cities. You can get around town by renting a car, hailing taxis, jumping on buses or minivans or using the local becaks (trishaws).