Holiday in Medan

About Medan

Medan is the capital of North Sumatra province and with around 2.5 million inhabitants, the largest city outside Java. The multicultural metropolis is a melting pot of Malay, Batak, Chinese, Indian, and European influences — visible in the architecture, temples, and especially in the cuisine. The Maimoon Palace (Istana Maimun), built in 1888 by the Sultan of Deli, combines Malay, Islamic, and European architectural styles in a magnificent yellow palace. The Great Mosque Al-Mashun (Masjid Raya) next door, completed in 1906, impresses with Moroccan-inspired domes and Italian marble. Medan is the gateway to Lake Toba (Danau Toba), the largest volcanic lake in the world (1,145 km²) and one of the deepest lakes overall (505 m). The lake was formed about 74,000 years ago by a supervolcanic eruption that changed the global climate. Samosir Island in the lake is larger than Singapore and the center of Batak culture with traditional houses and graves. The Bukit Lawang Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, about 90 km northwest of Medan in Gunung Leuser National Park (UNESCO World Heritage), offers the opportunity to observe semi-wild Sumatran orangutans in their natural habitat — one of the most moving nature experiences in Southeast Asia. Medan's cuisine is considered one of the best in Indonesia: the diversity of cultures is reflected in Nasi Padang, Indian Roti Canai, Batak grilled dishes, and Chinese noodle soups.