I met amazing friends through Nomax while exploring the lively streets of Medan. The food tour was a highlight!
Embark on Unforgettable Adventures with Fellow Explorers in Medan!
Medan, the bustling capital of North Sumatra, offers a vibrant mix of cultures and experiences that are perfect for solo travelers. From the stunning Maimun Palace to the lively streets of Kampung Madras, there's always something to explore. With Nomax, you can connect with like-minded adventurers and make the most of your journey.
Nomax is available in Medan, Indonesia with 21 venues including coworking spaces, hostels, cafes, and bars. Solo travelers can find companions, join activities like food tours, hiking, nightlife, and sightseeing, and chat with other travelers in Medan in real time. The app is free with verified profiles.
Explore Medan venues Curated for travelers
Explore Medan
Handpicked spots for digital nomads and solo travelers
Know before you go
City at a Glance
Population 2435000
Languages Indonesian
Daily Budget IDR 400000 - IDR 800000
Best For Travelers Kesawan, Polonia, Tembung, Kampung Madras
Best Seasons May to September
Vibe Cultural & vibrant
Public Transport Decent public transport with minibuses and ridesharing options
Safety Rating 7/10
Popular Meeting Spots in Medan
Top-rated places to explore and meet fellow travelers
Attraction
Maimoon Palace
A royal palace of Sultanate of Deli, built by Sultan Makmun Al Rasyid Perkasa Alamsyah in years 1887–1891, the palace covers 2,772 m² and has 30 rooms. It has unique interior design, mixing elements of Malay cultural heritage, Islam, Spanish, Indian and Italian style. Only a small number of rooms can be visited, with a history of the sultan family and a few artefacts, portraits and photographs. Quite busy and popular place with locals and tourists.
Attraction
Vihara Borobudur (Buddhist Temple)
Features some Chinese-style Mahayana statues of Guanyin (the Goddess of Mercy) as well as regular Theravada Buddhist paraphernalia. The conservative opening hours may have something to do with a rumour heard on the grapevine that apparently one of the major figures behind the temple has become a devotee of ''Sai Baba'' (the late controversial Indian Guru), who in his passing apparently still maintains a small community of supporters in Medan.
Attraction
Gunung Timur Temple
A Daoist temple of significant scale located about 500m from Sri Mariamman Temple. It contains a large paved area with an impressively scaled incense burner, two covered badminton courts, a very large main hall and is partly surrounded by a moat and walls. It is particularly crowded with worshippers on Chinese New Year and Cap Go Meh.
Attraction
Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery
Opened in 1999 and is chiefly the most incredible global taxidermy collection you could imagine. This place has to be seen to be believed - it's the sort of thing that could only happen in Asia! A veritable treasure-chest, it features numerous critters of sea, land and sky as well as the collected flotsam of the eccentric founding Afghan's life hunting big game, fishing, hob-nobbing and generally getting around the world. An obvious labour of love by Doctor Rahmat himself, who has since been successfully installed as the chairman of the Indonesian Museum Association, this place is a small stay against the sea of Sumatran rainforests being destroyed and poached every year. Worth supporting against ill-contrived zoos otherwise found throughout the region.
Attraction
Great Mosque of Medan
Built on 1906 and completed on 1909, the mosque was designed by a Dutch architect mixing Morrocan, European, Middle Eastern and Malay styles. One week prior to ''Idul Fitri'', the whole Jalan Masjid Raya is closed to hold a night market where food and merchandise are sold. Women can visit, too, but they have to enter the central hall through a separate door and stay behind a provisory wall that separates the hall in two. Around the mosque is a graveyard for the broad sultan's family.
Attraction
Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni
Catholic Shrine with Tamil Hindu-style architecture, devoted to Our Lady of Good Health.
Attraction
Sri Mariamman Temple
A Tamil Hindu temple. Beware: there are two of these! This one's the one on the corner not so far from town. The other one is down a long alley and is closed up. Featuring many brighty coloured statues of all the major gods from the Tamil Hindu pantheon and a few ''naga stones'', this temple is testament to the reach of the ancient Tamil maritime empire and the age of the Tamil community in Sumatra. Events regularly take place at this temple.
Attraction
Tjong A Fie Mansion
The former mansion of the leader of the local Chinese community of Medan (then ''Deli'') who succeeded in ingratiating himself with both the Indonesian Muslims and the Dutch colonial authorities. No mention is made of his relations with the local Indian community. He became very rich on the profits of his hard-working countrymen, importing them as labour for Dutch plantations and shipping them off when they became destitute or impoverished through overwork, old age or opium. This colourful and ornately decorated building tells his story and that of his descendants, as well as filling in some details about the city's past.
Attraction
Tirtanadi Water Tower
One of Medan's icon, the water tower was built by Dutch government on 1908 with height of 42 m. Currently it's state owned by PDAM Tirtanadi.
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Find Travel Buddies — FreeWhat Travelers Say
Joining a group hike to Bukit Lawang led to unforgettable memories and a deeper bond with fellow travelers. Nomax made it all possible!
Thanks to Nomax, I discovered hidden gems in Medan and made lasting friendships during our culinary adventures!
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View all citiesFrequently Asked Questions
Where can I meet other solo travelers in Medan?
You can meet fellow solo travelers at popular cafes like Taman Sari or at group activities organized through Nomax. The bustling Medan Merdeka Square is also a great place to connect with others.
Is Medan safe for solo travelers?
Medan is generally safe for solo travelers, especially in tourist areas like Kesawan and around the Maimun Palace. However, it's wise to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid poorly lit areas at night.
How can Nomax help me find travel companions in Medan?
Nomax allows you to connect with other travelers through verified profiles and activity groups. You can find companions for specific tours, dining experiences, or to explore local attractions.
What day trips can I take from Medan?
Popular day trips from Medan include visiting Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world, or exploring the Orangutan rehabilitation center in Bukit Lawang. Both offer unique experiences just a few hours away.
How much does it cost to travel in Medan per day?
A realistic daily budget for a mid-range traveler in Medan is around IDR 400,000 to IDR 800,000, which covers accommodation, meals, and transportation.
What cultural experiences should I not miss in Medan?
Don't miss visiting the Grand Mosque of Medan and exploring the vibrant Kampung Madras, known for its rich cultural heritage and Indian cuisine. The traditional markets are also a treat for the senses.
How do I get around Medan using public transport?
Medan has a decent public transport system, including minibuses and becaks (pedicabs), which are great for short distances. Ridesharing apps are also popular for convenience.
Do I need to speak the local language to get around Medan?
While Indonesian is the official language, many locals in tourist areas understand basic English. Learning a few phrases in Indonesian can enhance your experience.
What local food should I try in Medan?
You must try Soto Medan, a rich soup with beef, and Bika Ambon, a sweet cake with a unique texture. The street food scene is also vibrant, offering various skewers and snacks.
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