MedanOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Village to Colonial Hub

Medan's story begins on July 1, 1590, when it was founded as Kampung Medan (or Medan Putri) by Guru Patimpus Sembiring Pelawi, a Karo man. Its location at the confluence of the Deli and Babura rivers provided access to the Strait of Malacca, making it an early trading post.

The settlement became part of the Sultanate of Deli in 1632. The transformation began in the 1860s when Dutch colonists identified the land's potential for tobacco cultivation. This led to an economic expansion, attracting foreign investment and an influx of Chinese merchants and workers from China, India, and Java. By 1869, the Deli Maatschappij, a Dutch tobacco company, had moved its headquarters to Medan, establishing its role as an economic center.

The "Paris of Sumatra"

Medan developed into a colonial city. The Sultan of Deli, Ma'mun Al Rashid Perkasa Alamyah, moved the kingdom's capital to Medan in 1873. The Dutch colonial government declared Medan a city in 1886. This period saw the construction of buildings, blending European architectural trends like Art Deco and Beaux-Arts with tropical elements. Structures like the Maimun Palace (completed 1888) and the Great Mosque (erected 1906-1909) show this fusion of Malay, Mughal, Islamic, and European styles. After the Japanese occupation during World War II (1942–45), Medan became the capital of North Sumatra province.

• —Old City Hall of Medan (Gedung Balai Kota Lama) — This Dutch colonial building, completed in 1909, shows Beaux-Arts architecture. It stands as an example of Medan's past as an administrative center during the Dutch East Indies era.
• —Medan Post Office (Kantor Pos Medan) — Designed by Dutch architect S. Snuyf and completed in 1909, this building is an example of colonial architecture from the early 20th century. Its facade indicates the city's importance as a communication hub.
• —Bank Indonesia Building (former Javasche Bank) — Built between 1908-1909, this building by the Bureau of Architects Ed. Cuypers & Hulswit, originally housed the Javasche Bank. Its symmetrical form and eclectic influence reflect architectural trends of modernization in Europe brought to Indonesia.
• —Tjong A Fie Mansion — This preserved mansion, built around 1900, was the residence of a Chinese merchant. It features a blend of Chinese architecture and European aesthetics, with Art Nouveau details, gilded timber doors, and original hand-painted Italian tiles.
• —Grand Mosque Al-Mashun (Masjid Raya Al-Mashun) — Erected between 1906 and 1909, this mosque is a symbol of the Sultan's wealth, designed by a Dutch architect. Its octagonal shape and Art Nouveau stained glass combine Moroccan, Middle Eastern, and Malay styles.
• —Maimun Palace (Istana Maimun) — Completed in 1888, this palace was the residence of the Sultans of Deli. Its design blends Malay, Mughal (Indian), Islamic, and European (Italian) architectural elements, reflecting the multicultural connections and wealth of the Sultanate.
• —Kesawan Street (Jalan Kesawan) — This historic street shows tropical British architecture, similar to what is found in the Straits Settlements like Penang. It is an area for exploring Medan's colonial heritage and shophouse architecture.

Medan has a hot, humid, and rainy equatorial climate year-round, with temperatures between 22°C and 32°C (72°F and 90°F). The driest period, suitable for outdoor activities and sightseeing, is from late December to early March, peaking in January and February. During these months, there is less rainfall and clearer skies, making it more comfortable for exploring.

Avoid visiting from September to December, as this is the wettest season. October is particularly rainy, with heavy afternoon and evening downpours that can lead to flooding and traffic congestion.

Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) serves Medan. From there, the most efficient way to reach the city center is by the Railink airport train, which takes about 30 minutes and costs around Rp100,000. DAMRI buses offer a budget option, with fares from Rp10,000 to Rp50,000, depending on the route.

Within Medan, ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Grab are practical for point-to-point travel, offering both car and motorcycle taxi services. Traditional taxis are available, but agree on the fare or ensure the meter is used. For shorter distances, try a becak (cycle rickshaw) or bentor (motorized rickshaw), but negotiate the fare beforehand. Angkots (small minivans) are a cheap public transport option, costing around Rp5,000 per trip, but routes can be confusing. Traffic in Medan is congested, so factor this into travel times.

For shopping, traditional markets like Pasar Petisah and Pasar Rame offer goods from fresh produce to textiles and handicrafts; bargaining is expected. These markets typically open early, with some closing around midday.