Medan overview

Medan is the epitome of an Indonesian city, filled with chaotic streets, pedicabs, becaks, people, children and dogs all rushing around in smog-filled air. Located in North Sumatra, Medan has a rich history, and various ethnic groups, races and religions all melt into one city here. Dutch architecture can be seen throughout the city and many old buildings—some worth seeing, some truly worth avoiding—can be explored as part of a group tour or privately. Mosques and temples are everywhere and these sites can be seen via motorised becak, taxi or pedicab, while there is only a handful of good hotels in the city that match up to Western expectations.