Medan
Medan was one the site of a battlefield between the Aceh people
and the neighbouring Deli Kingdom. Medan is the capital of North
Sumatra Province, a trading center and important harbour. Once Medan
was part of the Deli Sultanate. What is historically most interesting
is the Masjid Besar (Grand Mosque) and the Palace of the Sultan
of Deli which has been restored to revive its past grandeur.
Medan's harbour town is called Belawan, which is the sea link to
Penang Malaysia. Medan, Indonesia s western international gateway
maintains regular flight to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Amsterdam
and Vienna. Additionally, there are several air connections between
Medan and Jakarta, and other destinations in Sumatra.
Lake Toba - Parapat
The town of Pa apat is the main tourist resort and lies on the very
shore of
famous Lake Toba. This lake is about 50 miles long and 16 miles
across, with a depth about 1.400 feet. In Parapat live Batak Toba
and Batak Simalungun tribes, and are happy and easy going people.
They are known for their lively and sentimental love songs. Recreational
sports in Parapat are among others swimming, water skiing, motor
boating, canoeing, fishing, and golf at Sally golf course (19 holes)
about 5 km from Parapat. Parapat is 176 from Medan and can be reached
in 4 hours by bus. The climate in Parapat is cool, and dry, making
Parapat an ideal place to relax. Many hotels, bungalows, villas,
resthouses welcome visitors. Small shops selling souvenirs such
as "Ulos" (local woven cloths) and specific fruits locally
grown.
Samosir Island
The island of Samosir is right in the middle of Lake Toba, covering
area of 329 square miles. This island is the original home of the
fiercest but kind hearted Toba Bataks. It can be reached in half
an hour by boat from Parapat. Visiting the village of Tomok, Tuk-tuk,
Siallagan, Ambarita are recommended for traditional Batak Toba houses,
and local dances. This island has many hotels, bungalows, and rest
houses.
Nias Island
This island lies off West Sumatra in the Indian Ocean. The villages
of Bawomataluo and Hilisimae are curions places to visit, where
visitors can see performances of traditional war-dances and thrilling
high-jump sports, i.e. people making dangerous leaps over 2 meter-high
stones. Typical scenes are dancers clad in traditional costumes
with bird feathers on their heads, a hall for the Chief-of-Tribe
built on wooden logs with stone chairs weighing up to 18 tons. There
are daily flights serving Medan and Nias island.
Crocodile Farm
Medan has the largest crocodile farm in Indonesia. Here one can
see how the crocodile eggs are hatched, and then reared somewhere
else. This farm is located at Asam Kumbang, 5 km from the heart
of the city, and has nearly 2000 crocodiles of different kinds.
Berastagi
Berastagi, a tourist town is another lovely town located in the
Karo highlands. The town is known fomts plantations and various
kinds of flowers vegetables and fruit most famous of which is the
"Marquisa" passion frult.
Its 66 km southwest of Medan and is 4.594 feet above sea level.
There is a pleasant colonial-style hote with a golf course. Other
new hotels can also be found. From Gundaling Hill a clear view of
Mt. Sibayak and Mt. Sinabung volcanoes can be seen.
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