At 1.5 hours from Singapore by flight, Medan and its surrounding areas make a perfect escape whether you’re looking to indulge in gastronomic adventures or magnificent sights. Keep reading to uncover inspiration for your next long weekend getaway.
In this following list, we’ll be covering sights within the town in addition to epic views only a few hours drive away.
- Enjoy the Sunrise at Lake Toba
This one’s a real hidden gem tucked within Taman Simalem resort itself. You can spot a distinct silhouette of this tree far from sticking out of the mountain border. But the tree isn’t the only main attraction; it’s the view.
I dare say it’s probably among the best places to catch the sun. Feast your eyes as the shadow recedes to reveal the gorgeous caldera. On brighter days, you could even spot the island Pulau Samosir, the world’s most significant island within an island.
- Stop by Pulau Samosir, an Island within Island
The main inhabitants residing on the island are of Batak descent and speak a dialect. The island also caters to vacationers looking to experience Lake Toba up close. Take your pick from one of the resorts lined on the border of this island offering panoramic, waterfront views.
- Visiting the Tallest Sipiso-piso Waterfall
This stunning 120-metre waterfall happens to be the one in Indonesia, and rainbows can be spotted by you easily. Located in Tongging, it’s only a 20-minute drive from Taman Simalem Resort to the lookout point at the top. Just take a dip down to the bottom; we can say that it is well worth it!
- Find The Giant Swing at Bukit Indah Simarjarunjung
A pitstop towards the ferry to Pulau Samosir from Medan or Berastagi is Simarjarunjung home. They serve quite strong ginger tea and goreng pisang (banana fritters), but maybe the major attraction is that the instalments are fantastic for photos. Our installation of all was the swing that hung between two tall trees.
- Relax Your Body at Semangat Gunung Hot Spring
The perfect treat after hiking Gunung Sibayak, you’ll find a handful of hot springs at the volcano’s bottom. With entrance fees ranging from Rp.5000-7000, treat yourself to a relaxing dip while being surrounded by mountain views all around. Its water is also filled with healthy minerals which are excellent for the skin.
- Climb Up the Gunung Sibayak
Found in the lovely city of Berastagi (or even Brastagi), Gunung Sibayak is a favourite volcano to scale in Sumatra since the paths are comparatively straightforward and you can get to the crater in no more than 1.5 hours depending on the terrain and route that you select. Down from the crater, you may dig up warm sand laced with loads of minerals for express & fresh.
- Spend Your Staycation at Taman Silangit Resort
As it offers a serene escape from the town that is hot for the neighbourhood Medan-ese, Taman Simalem Resort makes a getaway at 1200 m above sea level. That aside, it is also one of the best places to experience the beauty of Lake Toba, also referred to as the largest lake in the entire world.
The resort itself offers actions that will make leaving its compounds a mission; take a yoga class on Lake Toba, pamper yourself with a relaxing Indonesian massage or treatment and register for a jungle trek or settle back.
- Taste the Local Durian Medan at Si Bolang Durian
A quintessential activity in Medan is open 24 hours a day. Decide on a seat, snap a few for the gram and fulfil your cravings. Here it is the price rate of durian at Si Bolang Durian :
Off-Season : Rp.60,000 – 95,000/kg or S$6 – 9.50/kg
Peak Season : Rp.15,000 – 25,000/kg or S$1.50 –2.50
Address : Jalan Iskandar Muda No.75 C-D
Before you plan a trip to Medan, be sure to read more about Medan and Indonesia by visiting Wonderful Indonesia.
