North Sumatra, The Malayan Deli

Lake Toba At North Sumatra

Home to a diverse array of cultures and a fascinating kaleidescope of Indonesian life, the region of North Sumatra has many wonders to explore. North Sumatra’s specacular natural beauty spreads from the magnificent Lake Toba, the biggest lake in Southeast Asia, to the jungle of Bukit Lawang which organgutans make their home. The natural and cultural wonders here make this is a region to come and have a true adventure.

The landscape here has been shaped by thousands of years of volcanic activity. From the incredible Lake Toba which was formed around 75,000 years ago in one of the most fierce volcanic eruptions ever known to the still smouldering Mt Sibayak, volcanoes dominate the landscape everywhere. 

North Sumatra is home to rare and exotic wildlife. Discover exceptional and unique species like the orangutans, the white-handed gibbon, and 17 types of bird. For nature lovers, the extraordinary ecosystems which exist here are well worth a visit.

The largest city in this region, Medan, is a thriving metropolis, and one of the biggest cities in Indonesia. The population of the city is diverse, representing virtually every ethnicity in Indonesia.  As one of the most important economic hubs in the country, Medan is also a place to do business with a number of oil and plantation export companies operating here and in the surrounding region.

Whether you’re after a jungle adventure, a relaxing holiday in pristine natural surrounds or an authentic experience of native Batak culture, this is a region which has it all. 

CITIES

ATTRACTIONS

CULTURE AND PEOPLE

CUISINE

GET IN

By plane

The main airport in this region is Polonia Airport, Medan. There are daily flights between Medan and most major cities in Indonesia. Medan Polonia International Airport has direct connections to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Penang for its regional flight and Jakarta, Batam, Pekanbaru, Padang, Banda Aceh and Lhokseumawe for its Domestic flight. The terminal building provides basic facilities including ATMs, money exchange, and a range of transport services,

Airlines that fly to Medan are:

Garuda Indonesia

Lion Air

Air Asia

Batavia Air

Sriwijaya Air

Riau Airlines

Mandala Airlines

Merpati

Kartika Airlines 

International flights also go directly to Medan.

Air Asia has flights from Thailand and Malaysia to Medan.

Lion Air has flights from Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam to Medan.

Garuda has flights from Thailand to Medan.

Regular buses which run to destinations throughout North Sumatra are available via Trans Sumatra. Bus station Jl. Sisingamangaraja Medan.

Belawan seaport is the sea link to Penang, Malaysia.

By boat

Domestic cruise

PELNI the Local Passenger cruise company operate weekly voyages from the Port of Belawan in Medan to Batam and Jakarta.

From Malaysia

The ferry from Penang does not operate anymore.

By Bus

Medan can be reach by land and many buses serve Medan from Many cities in Sumatera and Java Island such as Pekanbaru, Padang, Banda Aceh, Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang and Surabaya.

GET AROUND

Local Transport

The usual Indonesian forms of transport – bemo or opelet (small minibus), becak (bicycle-rickshaw) and bendi (two-person horse-drawn cart) – are available in Sumatran towns and cities. Establish a price for a becak ride before climbing aboard. For anopelet, you pay after you disembark.

Minibus

For midrange and shorter journeys, many locals and travellers prefer to use minibus services, which can be more convenient than hustling out to the bus terminal. Some minibuses are in superb shape and provide door-to-door service, while others are a little rickety and shovel in more people than a clown car.

Tourism Office

Jl. Jend. A. Yani No.107, Medan. 20111
Phone. (061) 4538101, 4520559, 4524908 Fax. (061) 4528436 
www.northsumatratourism

Further information about Sumatra tourism is available from the Sumatra Tourism Board.