Medan - 1 night

Arriving at the airport, was the easiest thing to do. After I found my DAMRI bus, I was in the center of Medan within an hour. Perfect. I created myself an two hour walking tour through the center of Medan, passing “all” the highlights.

After dropping my things in my room, it was already 4 p.m., too late to do my tour, but still I wanted to see a bit of the city. I hopped on the back of a scooter and had myself dropped off at Mesjid Raya, the largest mosque in Sumatra. I quickly realized that, as a solo woman, I get approached much more often – thankfully in a friendly way. Lots of "hellos," giggling children, and a man who laughed really hard because he guessed I was Dutch due to my freckles.

From there, I walked to Istana Maimoon, a sultan’s palace, and Tjong A Fie, a Dutch mansion with architecture of Dutch origin. When I arrived at the next stop, the large freedom square, there was construction work going on, and I couldn’t see anything. I decided to go back to the hostel (thinking I’d avoid the rain, didn’t work out).

Soaking wet I arrived at the hostel. I went out to get some food and followed the owners recommendation to a small restaurant. After a nasi goreng with egg and a lime lemonade, I found out that the table next to me had paid for my meal! Super sweet! I LOVE Sumatra already. Quickly got some extra cash since apparently, you can’t withdraw money in the jungle, who would think otherwise right?

Tomorrow I’m going to Bukit Lawang. My hostel arranged my transport so happily I don’t have to worry about that.

All in all, from my opinion, Medan isn’t a huge recommendation, not much to see, but if you’re passing through, it’s doable to check out a few things!