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Before we talk about the attractions and places to visit in Medan, let's cover the basics and background about this city.
Medan is the capital city of Indonesia’s North Sumatra Province. It is Indonesia’s fourth biggest city, after Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung. In terms of population, it’s the largest city outside of Java Island with more than 2 million residents.
Geographically, Medan is one of Indonesia’s closest cities to both Malaysia and Singapore. Due to its proximity, the largest number of international visitors into North Sumatra, and Medan in particular, are from Malaysia and Singapore.
How to go to Medan
The two main entry points to Medan are Belawan harbour and Kuala Namu International Airport. Almost all international tourists arrive in Sumatra through Medan's Kuala Namu International Airport, which is the second largest airport in Indonesia.
What to see in Medan
Besides serving as the main gateway to the famed Lake Toba (Danau Toba), there are actually lots of attractions and places to visit in Medan. It has rich culinary traditions, diverse cultures, and of course distinct attractions. Here are some of them:
Image Credit: By I, Merbabu, CC BY-SA 3.0
Maimoon Palace
The Maimoon Palace is one of the top places to visit in Medan city. Completed in 1898, this 120-year old palace sits on more than 2,700 sqm piece of land. Referred to locally as Istana Maimun, today it’s run as a museum and only the main throne room is open for public.
It has a mix of Malay, Islamic, and Indian architectural style. It also has touches of Spanish and Italian style to its furniture and fittings.
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Information
Opening hours: 0800am – 0500pm
Phone Number: +62 61 4524244
Address: Jalan Sultan Ma'moen Al Rasyid No. 66, Medan, North Sumatra 20151, Indonesia
Image Credit: Being Ikhsan Jauhari
Great Mosque of Medan
Also known as Masjid Raya Al Mashun, this iconic mosque was built more than 100 years ago. Its uniqueness lies in its fusion of Middle Eastern, Indian, and Spanish architectural style. It has a capacity to house up to 2000 devotees.
Take note to wear appropriate & respectful attire to enter the compound. Outfits are not supposed to reveal the legs and hair needs to be covered. This Great Mosque is definitely one of the top places to visit in Medan city centre.
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Information
Opening hours: 0900am – 0600pm
Phone Number: +62 82312072150
Address: Jalan Sisingamangaraja, Medan Kota, Medan, Kota Medan, Sumatera Utara 20212, Indonesia
Image Credit: Wikipedia.org
Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni
Referred as Our Lady of Good Health Church or Our Lady of Velangkanni, this sacred building was opened in 2005. At first glance, many would mistake it for a Hindu temple. However, it’s actually a very unique Catholic church.
It consists of two main storeys and a smaller building of seven storeys. This unique architecture is one of the best places to visit in Medan, especially if you are after some wonderful Instagram pictures.
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Information
Opening hours: 0700am – 0800pm
Phone Number: +62 61 8201943
Address: Jalan Sakura III No. 7, Perumahan Taman Sakura Indah, Tanjung Selamat, Medan Tuntungan, Sumatera Utara 20135, Indonesia
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Shri Mariamman Temple
Built in 1884 by young Tamil Doctors, this special temple was built to worship the Goddess Mariamman. It is the oldest hindu temple in Medan and located in the Kampung Madras area, known as the Little India of Medan.
Visiting this iconic place is definitely one of the top things to do in Medan for tourists of all backgrounds and beliefs.
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Information
Opening hours: -
Phone Number: +62 816-0537-6195
Address: Jalam Teuku Umar No.18, Babura Sunggal, Medan, Kota Medan, Sumatera Utara 20151, Indonesia
Image Credit: ayogitabisa.com
Maha Vihara Maitreya
This majestic temple is the largest non-historical Buddhist temple in Indonesia. Situated within the housing estate of Cemara Asli, it’s fondly called Vihara Cemara Asli by the locals. The temple sits on a large 4.5 hectares piece of land.
Therefore, this place of worship is also one of the top places to visit in Medan.
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Information
Opening hours: 0800am – 0800pm
Phone Number: +62 61 6633300
Address: Jalan Cemara Boulevard Utara No. 8, Cemara Asri Housing Estate, Medan, Sumatera Utara 20371, Indonesia