Things to do in Medan and Surroundings – As the Capital of North Sumatra, Medan undoubtedly has many charming tourist spots you can enjoy. However, aside from Medan, other areas in North Sumatra offer scenic beauty, from mountains and lakes to waterfalls.
In addition, you can also find fascinating historical and cultural attractions different from anything you’ve ever seen in other parts of Indonesia! Curious enough? Let’s scroll down to learn more about fun things to do in Medan and its surrounding areas!
Read More:
- Explore Cultural Sites in Medan, Here are the Best Places to Visit!
- Get Your Fun On and Visit These Destinations for a Fun Family Trip in Medan
- Beautiful Landscapes in Indonesia to See during Holiday!
Explore 8 Charming Tourist Spots in North Sumatra
North Sumatra has incredible things to do spread in Medan, Berastagi, and more! It may take months or even years to visit all those places. Worry not, to help you make the most of your time, we’ve made a list of 8 spots you must go to!
1. Explore a Piece of Medan’s History in Tjong A Fie Mansion
Located in Jalan Ahmad Yani in Kesawan, Medan, this iconic museum is a two-storey house built by Tjong A Fie, a trader who owned many plantation lands in Medan. He was also appointed as Majoor der Chineezen in Medan back in 1911. A very well-known figure, isn’t it?
As one of the top historical attractions in Medan, you’ll encounter authentic architectural designs with a touch of diverse cultures, namely Chinese, European, and Malay.
Once you get into this place, we recommend taking a guided tour to learn the mind-blowing history of Tjong A Fie’s life through photos, paintings, and furniture. You can feel the vibe of how people would have lived in this city in the 1900s. It must be interesting!
While strolling around this place, check out all the genuine decorations and the stunning garden for which the mansion is famous. Capturing pictures for the ‘Gram is a must at this renowned spot!
Price: Starts from 27,500 IDR*
Package include: Admission ticket*
Operational hours and days: Every day, 9AM ā 5PM (local time)
Address: Jl. Jend. Ahmad Yani VII No.105, Kesawan, Kec. Medan Bar., Kota Medan, Sumatra Utara 20236 (Check on Google Maps)
buy tjong a fie mansion ticket here
2. Indulge in Natural Hot Spring Lake Linting, Deli Serdang
After you’ve been satisfied with exploring things to do in Medan, you can head to Lake Linting. This natural hot spring is about an hour and a half drive from the Tjong A Fie Museum. Lake Linting is also a popular destination in Deli Serdang Regency, especially if you want serenity and beauty within your itinerary.
At a glance, this natural attraction will get you in awe with its peaceful and secluded look. It has blazing turquoise color, surrounded by grassy and shady tree landscapes. Not to mention, the lake’s delicate nuance makes you relax from the hustle-bustle of the city.
Apart from its uniqueness as a volcanic lake, this place doesn’t exude the sharp smell of sulfur, making it perfect for a soak in warm water. So, you can dip on the edge of the lake and continue your North Sumatra journey with renewed energy.
If you’re interested in going to Lake Linting, we recommend you join a tour departing from Medan. This tour will take you not only to enjoy the charm of Lake Linting but also Tanjung waterfall, one of the hidden gems in Deli Serdang. Sounds fantastic, right?
Price: Starts from 1,006,208 IDR*
Package include: Transport from Kualanamu Airport or Hotel, Entrance Fee, Mineral Water, Parking 1x Lunch, Tour per Itinerary Program, Local Guide, Life Jacket*
Operational days: Available departures every day (Monday – Sunday) except on national holidays
Address: Danau Linting, Rumah Rih, Sinembah Tanjung Muda Hulu, Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra (Check on Google Maps)
buy lake linting tour ticket here
3. Discover All the Best Rides in Mikie Funland, Berastagi
If you’re looking for a place where you can breathe in the fresh air and have fun at once, Mikie Funland is your best choice! Situated in the Berastagi, 62 km away or around 2 hours from Medan, this theme park offers a splendid spot for playing in a chilly atmosphere.
As a theme park located in a cool mountain area, you can indulge in more than 35 exciting rides without getting heat. At first, try Dolphin Bay and enjoy the sensation of spinning above a certain height. Need more adrenaline rush? Challenge yourself with a T-rex ride that will take you 360 degrees whirl above 8 meters height with fast speed!
The fun doesn’t have to end because there is Sea Monster, which will grant you an Atlantis adventure! Relish the sensation of the ship shaking at an unimaginable height.
Holiday with kids? Worry not,t-mates! There are kid-friendly rides too! This place is definitely a must-stop for a family holiday destination!
Price: Starts from 85,000 IDR*
Package include: Entry Tickets, Free Parking*
Operational hours and days: Friday – Sunday, 10AM – 5PM (local time)
Address: Jl. Jamin Ginting Desa paceran No.04, Sempajaya, Kec. Berastagi, Kabupaten Karo, Sumatra Utara 22152 (Check on Google Maps)
4. Jungle Trekking and Meet Orangutans in Bukit Lawang, Langkat
Bukit Lawang is a popular tourist spot in the Bahorok area in Langkat. This place is about 90 kilometers northwest of Medan and south of Mount Leuser National Park. It takes about 3 hours to drive from Medan to visit this pleasant hill.
Bukit Lawang means “Door to The Hills,” so it’s literally the gate to Gunung Leuser National Park. In this legendary Sumatran forest, you can see all kinds of animals, including orangutans, the main attraction!
To meet those endangered primates, you must venture deep into the jungle by trekking through the wild and muddy trails! Worry not, there are many good professional guides here to help you make the most of your time here.
Along the way, you will enjoy incredible views of the spectacular landscape and encounter the world’s most exotic animals: elephants, tigers, sun bears, gibbons, clouded leopards, and the famous orangutans. After an exhausting trek, you can soak in the creek to bathe, cool off, or even go camping!
Price: Starts from 704,000 IDR*
Package include: Round Trip AC Transportation (Medan-Bahorok), Driver, Lunch at Restaurant, Local Trekking Guide, Fruits, 3 Bottles of Mineral Water, Entrance Tickets, and Local Retribution River, Tubbing, Trekking, Insurance*
Address: Hutan Taman Gunung Lauser, Bohorok, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra 20852 (Check on Google Maps)
5. Join Elephant Bathing Moment in Tangkahan, Langkat
One of the exciting things you can do while in North Sumatra besides exploring Medan is going to Tangkahan, nestled near Bukit Lawang. Despite being a “little sister” of the more famous Bukit Lawang, Tangkahan will surely steal your heart in seconds, especially if you’re a true nature lover.
Once you’ve arrived, the stunning emerald blue river with the tropical greeny rainforest in its surroundings will definitely take your breath away. What an ideal spot to get off from the bustle of routines!
Here comes one of the hidden paradises in Indonesia, The Tangkagan Elephant Sanctuary, where you can wash and play with semi-wild Sumatra elephants in their natural habitat. Seeing the elephant up close and interacting directly with them is indeed a moment you won’t forget!
After an ultimate yet one-of-a-kind activity, you can discover other things to do here, such as jungle trekking, water tubing, visiting Tangkahan Waterfall, relaxing in the natural hot springs, and crossing wooden suspension bridges!
Price: Starts from 726,000 IDR*
Package include: AC transportation, driver, lunch, elephant bathing, tour guide, three bottles of mineral water, entrance ticket, retribution for tourist attractions, river tubing, insurance, transportation to and from the hotel*
Address: Tangkahan, Namu Sialang, Batang Serangan, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra 20852 (Check on Google Maps)
buy tangkahan tour ticket here
6. Enjoy the Charm of Sipiso Piso Waterfall, Karo
Sipiso Piso is one of the highest waterfalls in Indonesia that drops 120 meters to an impressive gorge below and flows into the famous Lake Toba. No wonder you can catch a panoramic view of the waterfall and Lake Toba in the distance once you’ve arrived!
Nestled in Tonggiang village, 45 Kilometers from Berastagi or 3 hours from Medan, this magnificent natural wonder is surrounded by a lush green mountainscape. If you’re lucky, you may also catch a rainbow forming at the waterfall’s base, t-mates!
After being hypnotized by the majestic waterfall, you can descend to the bottom, where the view is no less remarkable! It takes around one hour of trekking along the steep and winding trail. Once you’ve reached the bottom, you’ll be rewarded with great splendors and a refreshing natural water spray!
Apart from the waterfalls, you can discover another incredible spot nearby. You can find Lumbini Natural Park, Flower Garden Sapo Juma, and buy fresh fruits in Karo Highland. Try to join on tour to make your journey more convenient!
Price: Starts from 903,168 IDR*
Package include: Transport from Kualanamu Airport or Hotel, Entrance Fee, Mineral Water, Parking 1x Lunch, Tour per Itinerary Program, Local Guide*
Operational days: Available departures every day (Monday – Sunday) except on national holidays
Address: Pengambaten, Merek, Karo Regency, North Sumatra 22173 (Check on Google Maps)
buy sipiso piso waterfall tour ticket here
7. Go on a Fun Tour to Taman Simalem Resort, Karo
Besides Medan, embarking on a journey to Karo Regency, which is 3 hours and a half from Medan, is one of the fun things to do while traveling to North Sumatra. Therefore, Taman Simalem Resort would be perfect for your next destination.
Situated 1,200 meters above sea level, this mountain resort offers a chilly climate, sprawling 206-hectare plantations and a breathtaking view of Lake Toba. Be prepared to get amazed!
Despite being a resort, Taman Simalem has many nature-based attractions you can explore with friends or family, such as One Tree Hills, Amphitheater, Labyrinth Garden, and a Pearl of Lake Toba. Spend the rest of your day here will definitely be a great retreat for your senses!
T-mates, have you’ve thrilled enough to pack your bags and visit this place? Awesome! You can begin your journey by joining an open trip. It will make your vacation effortless!
Price: Starts from 903,168 IDR*
Package include: Transport from Kualanamu Airport or Hotel, Entrance Fee, Mineral Water, Parking 1x Lunch, Tour per Itinerary Program, Local Guide*
Operational days: Available departures every day (Monday – Sunday) except on national holidays
Address: Jl. Raya Merek, Kodon-Kodon, Karo Regency, North Sumatra (Check on Google Maps)
buy taman simalem tour ticket here
8. Encounter with Tribal Cultures in Huta Siallagan, Samosir
Huta Siallagan, or Village of the Siallagan Tribe, is an ancient village on Samosir Island that strongly exudes the Batak ethnic culture. Although it’s 4 hours drive from Medan, a visit to this place will truly give you an unforgettable moment while traveling in North Sumatra.
Once you’ve stepped foot here, you’ll witness that this place is set amidst the beauty of exquisite Lake Toba. Not only that but it’s also surrounded by huge rocks that once served as a fortress and are filled with plenty of traditional Batak Toba houses.
What makes Huta Siallagan special is the existence of a set of stone tables and chairs called Batu Parsidangan. These furniture artifacts were once used as a trial area where the king and his advisor discussed the execution a criminal should receive.
Let’s take a trip to this historical place while exploring nearby tourist spots, such as Sigarantung Waterfall, Parhalo Hill, and Tomok Samosir Market. Don’t forget to say Horas (hello in the local language) to the villagers passing by, t-mates! š
Price: Starts from 537,600 IDR*
Package include: Transportation, mineral water, tourist attraction tickets, guide, lunch, driver*
Operational hours and days: Every day, 8AM – 5PM (local time)
Address: Jl. Lkr. Tuktuk, Desa Siallagan, Pindaraya, Samosir, North Sumatra 22395 (Check on Google Maps)
buy huta siallagan tour ticket here
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*The information is valid at the time of writing. Price and other policies are subject to change at any time without prior notice.
