Medan Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Medan

Medan itself rewards a day or two of exploring, and it is the natural base for some of Sumatra’s best-known landscapes.

• Maimun Palace — The yellow palace of the Sultanate of Deli, blending Malay, Islamic and European styles.
• Great Mosque of Medan — Masjid Raya Al-Mashun, an elegant early 20th-century mosque near the palace.
• Tjong A Fie Mansion — The restored home of a wealthy Chinese merchant, mixing Chinese, Malay and European design.
• Kesawan — The old commercial district, with colonial-era buildings and traditional eateries.
• Lake Toba — The world’s largest volcanic lake, with Samosir Island and Batak villages, a few hours’ drive away.
• Berastagi — A cool highland town surrounded by farms and volcanoes such as Mount Sibayak.
• Bukit Lawang — A village on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park, known for guided jungle treks to see orangutans.

Best time to visit Medan

Medan has a hot, humid tropical climate with rain possible throughout the year. The wettest period usually falls around September to December, when heavy downpours are frequent and trails in the national parks can be muddy. The earlier part of the year tends to be somewhat drier and is a good time for trips to Lake Toba and the highlands.

Temperatures stay warm year-round in the city, while Berastagi and the Lake Toba area are noticeably cooler, especially in the evenings. During Ramadan, the city’s evening food markets are lively, although some restaurants may adjust daytime service.

Getting from the airport

Kualanamu International Airport lies in Deli Serdang regency, roughly 35–40 km east of central Medan. It is one of the few Indonesian airports with a direct rail link.

The airport train runs to Medan’s main railway station in the city centre and is usually the quickest way to avoid road traffic. Airport buses, official taxis and app-based ride-hailing services such as Grab and Gojek also connect the airport with the city. Many hotels and tour operators can arrange transfers, including to Lake Toba and Bukit Lawang.

Where to stay

Base yourself in central Medan for city sights and onward connections, or stay out of town for nature.

• City centre and Kesawan — Close to the railway station, historic buildings and many hotels, suiting short stays.
• Around Maimun Palace — Convenient for the palace, the Great Mosque and local food streets.
• Berastagi — A cool highland base for volcano hikes and markets.
• Lake Toba (Parapat and Samosir) — Lakeside guesthouses and resorts for a relaxed few days.

Travel tips

• Money: Cards are accepted in larger hotels and malls; carry rupiah in cash for markets, small restaurants and rural areas.
• Getting around: Ride-hailing apps are the easiest way to travel in the city; arrange drivers or tours for Lake Toba and Bukit Lawang.
• Dress and etiquette: Dress modestly, especially at mosques, where women should cover their hair and everyone should remove shoes.
• Health: Drink bottled water, use insect repellent and follow your guide’s advice on jungle treks.
• Language: Learn a few words of Indonesian, such as ‘terima kasih’ (thank you); English is limited outside hotels.