🇮🇩 Just returned from Medan – an ancient yet fragmented city

🚕 From Belawan Port to Medan city center: Grab taxi: 22km, ~50 RMB Public bus available but requires walking through crowded areas with no English/Chinese signage. Due to safety concerns and heavy traffic, taking a taxi is recommended. 🕌🏯🗿 First impressions of Medan: "Wow, this place looks rundown." Poor greenery, dusty roads – reminded me of my hometown's rural township. The stark contrast between old quarters and new apartment complexes/shopping malls creates a surreal fragmentation. Yet the longer you stay, the more intriguing it becomes. ⚠️ Note: Tourism infrastructure is underdeveloped here. Most locals don't speak English, and historical sites lack English explanations. ❎ Maimun Palace (Istana Maimun) Not recommended (20K IDR/~10 RMB entry). Poorly maintained with only one main hall open to visitors (shoes must be removed). The space has been converted into a souvenir shop with zero historical context. Just view the exterior. ✅ Must-visit spots: 1️⃣ Old Post Office (Pos Indonesia) Area The entire street is lined with heritage buildings including Tjong A Fie Mansion and the Plantation Museum, plus great cafes and shops. 2️⃣ Plantation Museum (Museum Perkebunan) Highly recommended (35K IDR). A beautifully preserved colonial-era building showcasing Indonesia's agricultural history through vintage farming tools and crop processing displays. Use translation apps for Indonesian descriptions. 3️⃣ Shopping Malls: SOGO: Near the old post office. Features a massive Miniso (Harry Potter collab items during my visit) and rooftop city views. Sun Plaza: Vibrant night market nearby. WARNING: Indian food stalls may serve unsolicited dishes (like clams skewers) that incur hidden charges. My "Indian salad" experience was... traumatic 🤢 4️⃣ Tjong A Fie Mansion (35K IDR) Exquisitely preserved Peranakan architecture telling powerful stories of Chinese diaspora struggles in Southeast Asia. 🥳 Having traveled through Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Phuket, I'm constantly amazed by the cultural legacy left by overseas Chinese communities. #Medan #Indonesia #TravelIndonesia #SoloTravel #OffTheBeatenPath #SoutheastAsia #HiddenGems