Travel Tips

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Sun, 04/09/2006 9:51 AM  |  Life

Getting there Medan is a major entry point into Sumatra and as such is well served by domestic flight. Garuda Indonesia, Merpati Nusantara, Sempati Air, Bouraq and Mandala fly daily from Jakarta. Polonia airport receives both domestic and international flights, and is situated conveniently close to the city center -- a mere 10- to 15-minute drive. The city's port, Belawan, is situated some 25 kilometers north of the city and is served by Pelni vessels, ferries and high-speed catamarans.

Getting around Perhaps the quickest way to get around the city is by using motorcycle becak -- but they are a dusty and dirty ride and not for the faint-hearted, as riders like to go at high speeds and make tight maneuvers. City taxis are variable in quality and will nearly always require the traveler to have good negotiation skills. It is easier to allow your hotel to arrange taxi services/rental cars. This can include excursions to the hillside resort of Brastagi and even on to Lake Toba -- but be warned; Toba is a 3- to 4-hour drive away.

Hotels Medan has a range of hotels but, being such a busy and dusty city, the traveler may prefer one of the better hotels in town to relax and refresh in.

These would include: Novotel Soechi Medan, Jl. Cirebon 76-A, Medan, Sumatra 20152 Inna Dharma Deli, Jl. Balai Kota No. 2, Medan, Sumatra 20111 Best Western Asean International Hotel, Jl. Adam Malik No. 5, Sumatra 20114 Grand Angkasa Hotel, Jl. Sutomo No.1, Medan, Sumatra 20235

-- Simon Marcus Gower

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