"It is not like what I hope for but as I expected" if I had to described my trip to Medan. Medan can offer fairly good foods, accommondation and shopping places. If you want more.. don't spend much time in Medan. Go out to Beras Tagi (Highland) or Danau Toba (Lake). It was rewarding.

If you go to Pinang bus station, which is about 10kms west of Medan city you can take buses to Banda Aceh in the west, which is the Islamic stronghold of Indonesia. It is a 9 " 10 hour bus ride but worth it to be amongst a very different type of local peoples. This province is recognised as a special religious zone by the Indonesian Government " much like Yogyakarta. The Acehenese have an amazing history and it is worth reading up on this before you go and while you are there. It is very relaxed part of Indo and I stayed at a decent place called Losmen Palembang on Jalan Khairil Anwar in Banda Aceh city for next to nothing.

There are some great places to visit near Medan and I would encourage you to see anything rather than stay in Medan. If you head to the Amplas bus station to the south of Medan city you can get on one of the regularly departing buses that head to Parapat on Lake Toba. Lake Toba is the worlds largest volcanic lake and is quite amazing. Pulau Samsoir is the touristy island in the lakes centre. Try to get away from the main hordes of people " there are plenty of losmens (cheap accommodations) away from the main area - where you can relax and still enjoy yourself by hiring a bike and taking a huge ride around the island.

Without being disrespectful to a city, Medan is by far the worst Indonesia city I have ever been to. It lacks charisma, charm, style and even the locals seem to the being there. With this in mind I will tell you the best thing to do " get out of town, quicker the better. Here is how if you are heading to Malaysia: take the high speed ferries that reach Penang in about 4 hours (they even provide a couple of modern bootlegged films to pass the time " but no sound). There is an office in the city centre on Jalan Pemuda where you will have to meet in the morning to get the free bus to the ferry terminal to clear immigration and catch the ferry. Be sure to ask for your free cupcake and glass of water " it is included in the price of the ticket.