'''North Sumatra''' (''Sumatera Utara'') is the northern province of Indonesia's Sumatra Island. It lies in the below of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam province.

Regions

Cities

North Sumatera has more than 13 major towns, including:

  • Medan - the capital
  • Parapat - gateway to Lake Toba
  • Pematangsiantar - second largest city
  • Bukit Lawang - gateway to the orangutans, and the Gunung Leuser National Park
  • Other destinations

  • Berastagi - the fruits town
  • Lake Toba - the largest lake in South East Asia, placed within exception volcanic scenery and surrounded by inspiring mountains
  • Gunung Sinabung (Sinabung Volcano)
  • Gunung Sibayak (Sibayak Volcano)
  • Understand

    '''Tourist Information:''' In North Sumatra there is a lack of a '''reliable''' Tourist Information Center. The main reason is probably because North Sumatra is not a major tourist destination for foreigners. To fill this vacuum, - a very friendly mixed-couple of an American guy and a local Batak woman, are trying to supply free of charge reliable tourist information. Their names are '''Ronen''' and '''Mardia'''. They can be reached by SMS: '''081-397033540''' or by email: [mailto:crxsmh@yahoo.com '''crxsmh@yahoo.com''']

    Talk

    Get in

    By plane

    '''Medan Polonia International Airport''' (IATA: MES | ICAO: WIMM) 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.

    Most flights are with one of this following airlines:

    ''Firefly Airlines'' operate daily from/to Medan via Penang, every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from/to Banda Aceh via Penang, as well as from/to Pekanbaru via Subang airport ( Kuala Lumpur). For more info, call: 603-7845 4543 or visit http://www.fireflyz.com.my

    ''AirAsia'' operate 5 flights daily from/to Jakarta, 2 flight daily from/to Kuala Lumpur and Penang Excellent for both domestic and international flights. Flight delays are not uncommon. Be prepared for mind-numbing waiting games even during off peak season.

    ''Malaysia Airlines'' operate 1 daily fligt from/to Penang and Kuala Lumpur They are not the cheapest, but prices are still normally reasonable.

    ''Garuda Indonesia'' operate 5 flights daily from/to Jakarta and 1 flight daily to Banda Aceh

    ''Silk Air'' fly from/to Singapore twice daily. This is a short-haul, lower service version of Singapore Airlines. The prices are reasonable.

    ''Batavia Air'' operate 3 flights daily from/to Jakarta and a flight daily from/to Padang and Pekanbaru

    ''Adam Air'' operate 8 flights daily from/to Jakarta and daily flight to Penang

    ''Mandala Air'' operate 2 flights daily from/to Jakarta and Pekanbaru and a daily flight from/to Padang and Batam

    ''Sriwijaya Air'' operate 2 flights daily from/to Jakarta and a flight daily to Banda Aceh, Lhokseumawe and Pekanbaru and 3 times a week to Ipoh Malaysia

    ''Lion Air'' and ''Wings Air'' operate 5 flighst daily to Medan and a daily flight to Banda Aceh and Penang

    ''Kartika Airlines'' operate 5 times weekly from/to Medan Via Batam and 2 times a week to Ipoh 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
  • ''Fast ferries'' to Pulau Penang leave at 10 AM from Belawan and take anywhere between 5 and 7 hours, depending on the weather, ferry and mood of the driver. Ferries do not travel on Monday or Friday, and some public holidays. Ferries are often booked out, especially around Chinese New Year period, so it is wise to book in advance. Ferry prices are RM 150 each way, including departure tax.

    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

    See

    Danau Toba, or Lake Toba, is about 4 hours from Medan by car, and is home to world's largest crater lake and island-within-an-island. The town of Tuk-tuk on the island is popular with European tourists, and magic mushrooms are freely available (look for the magic mushroom and laundry service!).

    Itineraries

    Do

    Eat

  • wensen tahu. ahu lontong kacang/sayur. l.cokroaminoto no.34. est. 62226768. 0000 rupiah. wensen is a well known food spot in p.siantar.don't forget to test the "tahu lontong"if you pass by there.

    Drink

    Stay safe

    Get out

    There are few expats here, but the Hash House Harriers has a few local chapters in Medan and surrounding areas.