Source: https://www.indonesia.travel/
Medan city in North Sumatra attracts a large number of tourists for its famous destinations like Lake Toba and Bukit Lawang. But, as a melting pot of Batak, Chinese, and Tamil cultures, Medan has a lot of other places worth visiting. The following is the list of places that can go to your dream list when you’re visiting Medan.
1. The Museum of North Sumatra
The Museum of North Sumatra is the best museum in the city and a must-visit if you would like to find out more about the history and culture of Medan. At the museum, you will find galleries that tell the narrative of the various periods of North Sumatran history and carry you through both the Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim eras and the Dutch colonial period. Additionally, there are collections dedicated to historical weaponry, textiles, farming equipment and sculptures. You will also discover some remarkable wooden coffins carved into the shapes of paintings. Overall, this is a treasure trove of background and an excellent place to learn about Medan.
2. Tjong A Fie Mansion
Anyone who has been to Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion in Penang, Malaysia could find Tjong A Fie Mansion familiar. Tjong A Fie was a relative of Cheong Fatt Tze, hence the similarities between the two buildings. The mansion is just one of the greatest attractions in Medan and is a beautiful place to experience exactly how people would have lived in this city in the 1900s.
You can take a guided tour around the mansion which will take about an hour and hear all about the history of the site. As you walk around, be sure to check out all of the ornate decorations and the pretty garden for which the mansion is most famous.
3. Cafe Raya
Cafe Raya is an establishment in Medan and is known as the best spot to stop for beers. Not all cafes at Medan serve alcoholic beverages, which leaves Cafe Raya a favorite for the expatriate community and also anybody looking for a quiet corner away from the bustle of the city. Found in the center of town on Jalan SM Raja, Cafe Raya also serves a range of international dishes plus some simple unsalted noodles and fried rice. As a lot of the city’s hotels and guesthouses are found along the same road, this can be a convenient place to come in the evening and relax before you turn in the evening.
4. Vihara Maha Maitreya
Vihara Maha Maitreya is among the biggest Buddhist temples in Indonesia and a suitable spot to visit if you would like to tour all of Medan’s key religious attractions. There is a large Buddhist community in Medan, and this is an essential place of worship though visitors are also welcome to see the site. Make sure that you go to see the exquisite pools. There’s also a canteen which sells delicious vegetarian meals, so try to time your visit to match lunchtime.
5. Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni
Also called as Our Lady of Good Health Church, Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni was opened in 2005. Dedicated to Our Lady of Good Health, this is a Catholic church, but it’s modeled on an Indian temple. There, you will be able to marvel at the ornate furnishings and the elegant and colorful effigies on display. It’s also a powerful symbol of Medan’s diversity.
6. Kampung Keling
Kampung Keling is the Tamil part of Medan and you could be forgiven for believing that you were actually in India. The area is covered in shops selling brilliant saris and Indian jewelry. There are also a lot of Indian restaurants here that serve traditional Indian dishes. The Sri Mariamman Temple, built in 1884, can be found in this part of Medan. Make sure to look at the elaborate carvings that compose the temple roof, even as there is nothing similar to that in Medan.
7. Rahmat Gallery
Rahmat Gallery is just one of the most unique attractions in Medan and is a fantastic choice if you would like to do something a little extraordinary. The gallery is well-known for it is filled with preserved animals, so anyone interested in taxidermy certainly shouldn’t give it a miss. The gallery is also an excellent way to look at a variety of different species that are native to Indonesia.
Ready to start your getaway to Medan? Visit Wonderful Indonesia, and don’t miss out on the magic!
