Top Things to Do in the Medan | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

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Places To Visit In Medan

Bolon House

Rumah Bolon, also known as ‘Bolon House’ or ‘Batak House’ by locals, is a well-maintained complex of traditional houses of the indigenous Simalungan Batak Toba tribe of North Sumatra. Open to the public, it allows one to get a glimpse of traditional Indonesian life. The massive houses sit in a row against one another, made of wood with thatched roofs. It is a must-visit place for understanding of tribal philosophy. In ancient times, Bolon House was once the home of the Batak Toba tribe’s 13 kings and these houses have no rooms in keeping with the closeness of the tribe. The complex conducts traditional dance performances as well after the house tours. These dance shows are held regularly at 10:30 AM. If there are enough visitors, another show is usually held at around 11:45 AM. Most sub-groups of the Batak tribe have converted to Christianity now, but these dances show us their old animist traditions. Visiting Rumah Bolon is a truly unique, memorable experience for any visitors eager to explore the traditions of North Sumatra. Read More

The world’s largest island within an island, Samosir is a vast volcanic island, situated north of the Sumatra Island in Indonesia. Samosir lies in the very heart of Lake Toba, which occupies the volcanic crater of world’s largest super volcano. A perfect family vacation spot for a relaxed holiday, Samosir Island preserves its natural scenic highlands as well as the traditional rituals of the culturally rich Indonesia. Samosir Island beckons tourists with its spectacular, un-tethered countryside and pure pointed slopes that slant into the deep blue water surrounding it. Formed by the cooling of the crater created by a super volcano, Samosir Island rose up from the Lake Toba floor and nurtured into a beautiful elixir of lush green scenery, freshwater lake and friendly tribe of people, the Bataks. For the culture-vultures, the dotting clusters of Batak heritage houses with roofs that curve upwards like pine trees, the fascinating soft pedaled white churches that carve the stature of the prehistoric stone tombs and monuments are worth the sights to behold. Read More

Located at the centre of the hustle and bustle of Little India, this temple is a treat to behold. The Mariamman Temple is one of the more esoteric temples, as it is dedicated to the Tamil goddess Mariamman, and is a beautifully old piece of architecture. The temple was built in 1884. Tourists, after visiting the temple can check out the various Indian restaurants surrounding the area.

A picturesque mansion, this is one of the best vestiges of history Medan has to offer. Tjong A Fie was a Chinese businessman who built the mansion for his wife and was their residence until his death in 1921. Called "a historical jewel in Medan", the Tjong A Fie Mansion is registered historical landmark as well as a cultural heritage building and museum. The Mansion has Chinese, Malay and Victorian influences in its architecture style. The structure was built observing feng-shui principles. This remains, to this day, one of the best places for photography and culturally aware tourists. Read More