Discover various tourist destinations in Medan, from Maimun Palace to Lake Toba, which present the charm of culture, history, and stunning nature.
Medan, the capital of North Sumatra, is known as a multicultural city rich in history, culture, and nature.
The city offers a variety of interesting tourist destinations, ranging from iconic buildings, historical sites, to stunning natural beauty.
Here are the 10 best tourist destinations in Medan that you should visit for a memorable vacation.
1. Maimun Palace: Symbol of the Glory of the Deli Sultanate
Maimun Palace is an icon of Medan City and one of the most popular tourist destinations. Built in 1888 by the Sultan of Deli, the palace carries a magnificent architecture that combines Malay, Islamic, Spanish, Indian, Dutch, and Italian styles .
Today, Maimun Palace serves as a museum that houses various artifacts of the Deli Sultanate, including the famous golden throne.
Tourists can explore the palace’s interior, which is decorated with beautiful carvings and antique furniture, while taking photos in the spacious and beautiful courtyard.
2. Tjong A Fie Mansion: Inspiring Historical Tour
Tjong A Fie Mansion is a magnificent house that once belonged to Tjong A Fie, a successful Chinese businessman who was influential in Medan in the 19th century. This building carries an Art Deco architectural style with a blend of Chinese and European cultures.
Now a museum, the mansion offers a deep insight into Tjong A Fie’s life as well as the beauty of its interior design. This place is the perfect destination for those of you who want to get to know the history and multiculturalism of Medan.
3. Al-Mashun Grand Mosque: The Majesty of Islamic Architecture
Al-Mashun Grand Mosque, or Medan Grand Mosque, is a large mosque built during the Deli Sultanate in 1906. Its octagonal design combines Moroccan, Spanish, and Malay styles , making it one of the most beautiful mosques in Indonesia.
With a capacity of up to 2,000 worshippers, this mosque is also one of the popular religious and cultural destinations in Medan.
Visitors can admire the architectural details and the peaceful atmosphere that envelops this place.
4. Siombak Lake: A Hidden Paradise in Medan
Located in Medan Marelan District, Siombak Lake is a natural tourist destination that offers beautiful scenery and a peaceful atmosphere.
The lake was formed from a former land excavation in the 1980s and is now a favorite place for local tourists to relax.
Here, you can enjoy activities such as boating, fishing, or simply enjoy the beauty of the lake with a backdrop of green forest. Siombak Lake is also an ideal place for a family vacation.
5. Lake Toba: An Unrivaled Natural Wonder
Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in Southeast Asia, is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Medan. With a length of 100 km and a width of 30 km, Lake Toba offers extraordinary natural beauty.
Samosir Island in the middle of the lake is home to rich Batak culture, with attractions such as traditional dances, museums and traditional villages.
Lake Toba is a destination that offers the perfect combination of natural beauty and cultural experiences.
6. Cermin Beach: A Fun Holiday by the Sea
Cermin Beach, located in Serdang Bedagai Regency, is a popular beach destination that offers stunning ocean views. Apart from playing in the sand, visitors can also enjoy various facilities such as trampolines, bicycle rentals, and outbound areas.
This beach is about an hour’s drive from Medan, making it the perfect place for a short getaway with the family.
7. Medan Zoo: Animal Exploration and Conservation
Medan Zoo is a zoo that has been established since 1952 and is a place of education about biodiversity. Visitors can see various types of animals while learning about the conservation efforts carried out there .
Facilities such as children’s play areas and animal shows make Medan Zoo a favorite destination for families. Its easily accessible location adds to the attraction of this place.
8. Sipinsur: Beautiful Panoramic Spot Near Lake Toba
Located near Lake Toba, Sipinsur is a tourist spot with spectacular views from a height. From here, you can see Lake Toba and Samosir Island from a different perspective.
Besides being a favorite place for photography, Sipinsur also offers a cool atmosphere and very affordable entrance tickets, only IDR 5,000 per person.
9. Ucok Durian: Heaven for Durian Lovers in Medan
Ucok Durian is a legendary place for durian lovers. With durian that is always fresh and of good quality, this place is a must-visit culinary destination in Medan.
Apart from enjoying durian on site, visitors can also buy durian that has been neatly packaged to take home. Don’t be surprised if this place is always crowded, it was even visited by President Joko Widodo in 2017.
10. Sipiso Piso Waterfall: Breathtaking Height
Sipiso Piso Waterfall, with a height of about 120 meters, is one of the highest waterfalls in Indonesia. Located near Lake Toba, the waterfall offers stunning views with a backdrop of green mountains.
To reach the base of the waterfall, visitors must descend thousands of steps. However, the effort will be paid off with natural beauty and the soothing sound of trickling water.
Medan is a city with abundant cultural, historical, and natural riches. From the majestic Maimun Palace to the serene Lau Kawar Lake and the wonders of Lake Toba, every destination in Medan has a unique charm worth exploring.
Plan your trip now and discover unforgettable experiences in these 10 best tourist destinations in Medan.
With its charming atmosphere and diverse attractions, your vacation in Medan is guaranteed to be memorable!
