Medan (Sumatra)

Advantages: Convenient.
Disadvantages: Horrible

...the only good thing about Medan is that it has a decent airport (which I believe takes international flights) and it's the Indonesian end of the main ferry service between Indonesia and Malaysia. Oh, and it's near a really cool orang utan sanctuary in a place called Bukit Lawang - one of only two in the world and a truly unforgettable experience. But that's another review altogether... ... Read review

Advantages:
Disadvantages:

We arrived in Medan by fast boat, (6 hours), from the Island of Penang, Malaysia. Our plan was to get out of the town as soon as possible and make our way to the Orang-utan sanctuary in Bukit Lawang. However as soon as the coach from the port dropped us at the bus station we were accosted by locals trying to get us to stay. When we pointed out that we needed transport, we were quoted 75,000 rupiah. Not bad for seven people you might say, but this ... Read review

Advantages: The situation is peace, and you can enjoy nice sightseeing
Disadvantages: None

...Welcome to Sumatra Sumatra, one of Republic Indonesia's big island, is a nice island to make jurney. The journey should be started from Medan (North Sumatra), Bukit Tinggi (West Sumatra), Jambi, Palembang and then Java, Bali, etc. I encourage you to start from Medan, the province capital city, because there are a lot of tourism spots in North Sumatra. Another most important reason is the only one international flight port in Sumatra is found in Medan. It is called Polonia. In Medan you can visit national museums. For night entertainment, you can visit pubs or discotheque. What are other tourism spots to visit then ? You can visit Bukit Lawang, about 4 hours drive by bus or car (I have writen a short information about Bukit Lawang in CIAO, too). You must spend a day for the trip. Or you have the choice to visit Berastagi... Read review

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Advantages: Beautiful paradise & relaxation - recommended
Disadvantages: Lack of tourism

...in it (Samosir Island) over 5km long. The lake itself is around 35km long if I remember correctly, pretty amazing, and quite deep (half a kilometre, you wonder what lurks under there at that depth!). So based on the size of the lake (20 miles?), take a moment to imagine the size of the original volcano... pretty impressive. Toba was populated originally by the Batak from Bali, and still has many of the old settlements you can visit as well as tombs and relics. MEDAN - SMOG PORT OF ENTRY Our first place of entry to Sumatra was Medan, the main port in the north of Sumatra and WELL worth avoiding if you possibly can. Unfortunately, it is the quickest way to get to Toba whether flying or coming over by boat, so you really can't get around going through Medan unfortunately. My recommendation would be to catch the first bus out of there and head... Read review

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Advantages: Unique Tourism Spot
Disadvantages: None

...and international visitors. They can be good guides and produce some traditional stuffs to be sold. Supported with government's promotion, good coorporation from local people and the others, finally Bukit Lawang can be one of the outstanding tourism spots in Sumatra. How to reach there? The only international airport in Indonesia is located in North Sumatra - Medan. Medan is the capital city of North Sumatra Province. The only public transportation available to reach Bukit Lawang is using cars or buses. It takes about 4 hours to reach Bukit Lawang from Medan by bus. Hence you must arrange your time well. What is Bukit Lawang? Lexically Bukit means mount and Lawang means cave. I think this name is a suitable one for this tourism spot. Geologically Bukit Lawang is a surburb and peaceful place. The green scenery might be a good... Read review

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