Among neighbouring countries often chosen by Malaysians for holidays, Indonesia is certainly a favourite. One city that deserves more attention is Medan in North Sumatra.
Previously, Medan was mostly known as a transit city for travellers heading to Lake Toba, located a few hours away. However, Medan has its own unique appeal. Apart from being geographically close to Peninsular Malaysia, it is also a more affordable holiday option compared to other major Indonesian destinations such as Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Bali, or Bandung. In fact, a flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Medan takes less than an hour.
Travellers flying to Medan will arrive at Kualanamu International Airport, located about 25 km from the city centre. To reach the heart of Medan, visitors can take the dedicated Airport Rail Link, which connects the airport directly to the main station downtown. The journey takes only 40 minutes and costs around 50,000 Indonesian Rupiah (about RM20). I found the train service to be punctual and of a quality on par with that of developed countries.
Once in Medan, there are many attractions to explore. One must-visit is the Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery. Owned by renowned Indonesian entrepreneur Dr. Rahmat Shah — father of well-known actress Raline Shah — the museum houses thousands of preserved animal specimens, most of them taxidermy displays created for educational purposes. Some hunting trophies are also exhibited as decorative pieces. From African desert animals to Asian wildlife, the collection spans across continents and also includes insects and other small creatures.
As the museum is personally owned by Dr. Rahmat Shah, it also showcases some of his special collections, such as autographs of famous Hollywood stars and other memorabilia.
From the museum, I continued my journey to one of Medan’s iconic landmarks, the Maimun Palace. This royal palace of the Deli Sultanate stands out with its majestic yellow exterior — the traditional colour of Malay royalty. According to Wikipedia, the palace was designed by an Italian architect and completed in 1888 during the reign of Sultan Makmun Al Rasyid Perkasa Alamsyah. Covering an area of 2,772 square metres, it has 30 rooms.
To this day, descendants of the Sultan still reside in the palace. Visitors can view various royal artefacts, meeting halls, family portraits of the Deli royal family, antique Dutch household furniture, and an assortment of weaponry. Outside the palace stands the legendary Puntung Cannon, tied to local folklore about a prince who transformed into a cannon to defend his kingdom in ancient times.
Medan is indeed rich in history, further exemplified by a visit to the Tjong A Fie Mansion. This grand house once belonged to Tjong A Fie, a Chinese immigrant who arrived in Sumatra in 1877. He later built his business empire in Medan and became one of its wealthiest residents. Known for his generosity, he contributed significantly to the city’s infrastructure, funding the construction of mosques, temples, churches, and more, regardless of race or religion. Today, his mansion stands as a heritage symbol of his legacy and contributions to Medan.
Another fascinating and colourful landmark is the Graha Bunda Maria Annai Velangkanni, a unique church combining Indian and Indonesian architectural elements. Opened in 2005, the vibrant building has become a popular attraction for both worshippers and tourists.
In addition to these cultural and historical sites, I also visited Medan Zoo, home to a variety of wildlife. Before heading home, I made sure to buy Medan’s signature treat — Bolu Meranti, a soft, rolled cake with various flavours that has become a beloved souvenir for many visitors.
Truly, there is so much more to this fascinating city than just a transit point to the famous Lake Toba. Hence trust us when we say, you’re never done with Medan!
