Empire Travels

 MEDAN

DAY 1

COSTS:$881.26/ $294 per pax

KEDCXP

Booking Ref: 1944179691

DSOEES

Booking Ref: 1944179693

AIHO HOTEL MEDAN  https://maps.app.goo.gl/P2sUbE3gBHA68vqx7

LABERSA https://maps.app.goo.gl/QgmyjAd8fX8ncH8bA

A run around the area of the Aiho Hotel (formerly the Radisson) in Medan is a great way to see a mix of the city's history, local life, and modern development.

The area is quite central, so you can craft a route that packs a lot in.

Here is a suggested running route, broken down by distance and points of interest.

The "Medan Heritage & River" Run

This route is approximately 4-5 km long, making it a perfect 30-45 minute run, depending on your pace and how long you stop to look at things.

Route Overview: Aiho Hotel → Titi Gantung → Sri Deli Bridge → Jalan Sisingamangaraja → Lapangan Merdeka (Merdeka Square) → Return to Aiho Hotel.

Step-by-Step Guide & Attractions

1. Start: Aiho Hotel

• Begin on the main road, Jalan Balaikota. The hotel is right next to the Mayor's office, so the area is well-maintained.

2. Head North to Titi Gantung (The Hanging Bridge) - ~0.7 km

• Run north along Jalan Balaikota until you hit the river (Sungai Babura). You'll see a unique, old pedestrian bridge.

• This is Titi Gantung, a historic steel truss bridge from the Dutch colonial era. It's a great photo spot and a tangible piece of Medan's history.

• Attraction: Titi Gantung. Cross the bridge and feel the history. You'll get a good view of the river and the city life on both banks.

3. East along the River to Sri Deli Bridge - ~0.5 km

• After crossing Titi Gantung, turn right (east) and run along the pedestrian path on the north side of the river.

• This path is part of a city revitalization project and is popular with walkers and runners in the early morning and late afternoon.

• You'll run underneath the modern flyover and continue until you reach the Sri Deli Bridge, a large, green painted bridge.

4. Cross the Sri Deli Bridge & Enter the Main Hub - ~0.5 km

• Cross the Sri Deli Bridge to the south side of the river. You are now on Jalan Diponegoro, a major commercial street.

5. Run West to Lapangan Merdeka (Merdeka Square) - ~1.0 km

• Turn left (west) onto Jalan Diponegoro. Continue straight, and you will soon see the vast, open space of Lapangan Merdeka (Merdeka Square) on your right.

• This is the city's central square.

• Attractions:

  • Lapangan Merdeka: A huge field where locals exercise, play sports, and relax.

  • Running on the perimeter path is a classic Medan experience.

  • Istana Maimun (Maimun Palace): Just a 2-minute detour south from the square!

  • This is the royal palace of the Deli Sultanate and one of Medan's most iconic landmarks.

  • Its stunning yellow color and unique Malay-Islamic-Mughal architecture are breathtaking.

  •  (You can decide to loop it into your run or visit after).

  • Great Mosque of Medan (Masjid Raya Al-Mashun): Also a short detour to the west of the square.

  • Another magnificent historical mosque from the Sultanate era.

6. Final Stretch Back to Aiho Hotel - ~1.0 km

• From the western side of Lapangan Merdeka, head north on Jalan Balai Kota or a parallel side street.

• You'll pass various government buildings and shops.

• This will lead you directly back to the Aiho Hotel, completing your loop.

Route Map & Customization

• View the Route: You can input these landmarks into Google Maps to visualize the loop: 

• Aiho Hotel -> Titi Gantung -> Sri Deli Bridge -> Lapangan Merdeka -> Aiho Hotel.

• Shorter Option (~3 km): Skip the Lapangan Merdeka loop.

•  After crossing the Sri Deli Bridge, simply turn right and run back towards the Aiho Hotel along Jalan Balaikota.

• Longer Option (~6-7 km): Do a full lap or two around the perimeter of Lapangan Merdeka.

• You can also add an out-and-back section further west past the Great Mosque.

• https://maps.app.goo.gl/Sf62eaDxpZo9xuEJ8

Important Running Tips for Medan

• Best Time to Run: Early morning (6:00 AM - 7:30 AM) is ideal.

• The weather is cooler, the air quality is better, and the city is not yet fully awake, meaning less traffic and pedestrians.

• Late afternoon (after 5:00 PM) is also popular, especially at Lapangan Merdeka.

• Be Mindful of Traffic: Sidewalks can be inconsistent, with sudden obstacles or being used for parking.

• Always be alert. When crossing streets, be assertive but cautious.

• Hydration: It will be hot and humid.

• Consider carrying a small water bottle or plan to buy a drink from a roadside stall (warung) along the way.

• What to Wear: Lightweight, breathable running gear is essential.

• Air Quality: Medan can have variable air quality. If you are sensitive, the early morning is your best bet.

This route gives you a fantastic sampler of Medan's character, from its colonial past to its vibrant present. Enjoy your run

The nearest and most significant park to the Aiho Hotel Medan

is Lapangan Merdeka (Merdeka Square).

It is a very short and direct run or walk from the hotel.

Lapangan Merdeka (Merdeka Square)

• Distance from Aiho Hotel: Approximately 600 meters (about 0.4 miles).

• Walking/Running Time: A direct route takes 7-10 minutes on foot.

Aiho Hotel

How to Get There from Aiho Hotel:

1. Head west on Jalan Balai Kota, the main road the hotel is on.

2. Continue straight. You will pass the Mayor's Office on your left.

3. In just a few minutes, you will see the vast, open green field on your right. This is Lapangan Merdeka.

It's an unmissable landmark.

What to Expect at Lapangan Merdeka:

This is the central square and primary green lung of Medan.

It's not a park with playgrounds in the Western sense, but a massive public field surrounded by a track.

It's extremely popular for exercise and socializing.

• Running Track: The perimeter of the field has a dedicated, well-maintained running and walking track.

•  It's perfect for a proper run without worrying about traffic. One lap is approximately 1 km.

• Atmosphere: Especially in the early morning (5:30 AM - 8:00 AM) and 

  late afternoon (after 5:00 PM), the square is buzzing with activity.

  You'll find hundreds of people:

  • Jogging and running

  • Walking

  • Doing group calisthenics or aerobics

  • Playing casual soccer and other sports

  • Socializing and enjoying street food from vendors

• Landmarks: The square is surrounded by important historical and government buildings,

• making the scenery architecturally interesting.

Other Green Spaces Slightly Farther:

If you're looking for a more garden-like park, the next closest option is Taman Ahmad Yani.

• Taman Ahmad Yani

  • Distance: About 1.3 km from Aiho Hotel.

  • Description: This is a more traditional city park with landscaped areas, benches, and shade.

  • It's a pleasant place for a stroll or a short rest,

  • but it's much smaller and doesn't have a dedicated running track like Lapangan Merdeka.

Summary & Recommendation

For a runner staying at the Aiho Hotel, Lapangan Merdeka is unequivocally your best and nearest option.

• For a serious run: Go to Lapangan Merdeka and do laps on the track.

• For a more scenic, point-to-point run: Use the route I provided in the previous answer,

• which incorporates Lapangan Merdeka, the river path, and the historic bridges.

Tip: Always go early in the morning to enjoy the coolest temperatures and

 the most vibrant atmosphere with the local fitness community.

This is a fantastic topic for a presentation.

Medan offers a rich blend of urban culture and stunning natural escapes.

Here is a complete presentation structure with slide-by-slide content that you can adapt.

It's designed to be visual, informative, and engaging.

Medan - Where Urban Pulse Meets Natural Majesty

Presenter Notes: Speak clearly and with enthusiasm.

Use the notes below as a guide for what to say for each slide.

Encourage questions at the end.

Slide 1: Title Slide

(Background: A vibrant collage featuring the Maimun Palace,

a bowl of Soto Medan, and the lush greenery of Lake Toba)

• Title: Medan, Sumatra: A Tale of Two Worlds

• Subtitle: Discover the Royal City Walk & The Wild Outdoor Trek

• Your Name/Presenter

What to say: "Good morning/afternoon, everyone!

Today, we're journeying to the vibrant gateway of Sumatra: Medan.

We'll explore how this city masterfully blends a rich, historical urban center

with some of the most breathtaking outdoor adventures right on its doorstep."

Slide 2: Agenda

• Part 1: The Urban Heartbeat - Medan City Walk

  • Colonial History & Royal Legacy

  • Culinary Delights

  • Cultural & Religious Harmony

• Part 2: The Wild Escape - Outdoor Adventures

  • Jungle Trekking & Wildlife

  • The Majestic Lake Toba

  • Highland Retreats in Berastagi

• Practical Tips & Conclusion

What to say: "To guide our tour, we'll first immerse ourselves in the sights, sounds,

 and tastes of Medan City.

 Then, we'll venture out into the wild, exploring the jungles, volcanoes,

and serene highlands that make this region so unique."

PART 1: THE URBAN HEARTBEAT - MEDAN CITY WALK

Slide 3: A Walk Through History

(Images: Maimun Palace, Tjong A Fie Mansion, Medan Post Office)

• Maimun Palace: The iconic royal palace of the Deli Sultanate.

• A blend of Malay, Mughal, and Spanish architecture. A living piece of history.

• Tjong A Fie Mansion: A testament to Medan's Chinese heritage and its prosperous past.

• The mansion tells the story of a influential merchant and community leader.

• Medan Post Office & Merdeka Walk: Stroll past colonial-era buildings around Merdeka Field,

•  feeling the old-world charm transition into a modern culinary square at night.

What to say: "Our city walk begins with history.

The Maimun Palace, with its vibrant yellow color, is a must-see.

Just a short walk away, the Tjong A Fie Mansion offers a glimpse into the life of a key figure

in Medan's development. The architecture alone is a storybook."

Slide 4: A Feast for the Senses: Medan's Culinary Scene

(Images: A bustling sate stall, a bowl of Soto Medan, a glass of es teler)

• Soto Medan: A rich, aromatic chicken soup with a creamy, coconut milk-based broth. The ultimate comfort food.

• Sate (Satay): Marinated meat skewers grilled over charcoal, served with a rich peanut sauce.

• Find it at Sate Rembulan or street stalls.

• Bihun Bebek (Duck Noodle Soup): A Medan specialty, featuring tender duck meat in a flavorful broth.

• Dessert: Cool down with Es Teler, a famous Indonesian mixed ice dessert with avocado, coconut, and jackfruit.

What to say: "You cannot talk about Medan without talking about food! The city is a culinary paradise. Be sure to try Soto Medan, which is distinct from other regional variants. For an authentic experience, just follow the locals to a busy street stall."

Slide 5: Cultural & Religious Harmony

(Images: Great Mosque of Medan, Sri Mariamman Temple, Vihara Gunung Timur)

• Great Mosque of Medan (Masjid Raya Al-Mashun): 

• A magnificent mosque with Middle Eastern and Mughal influences, located near the Palace.

• Sri Mariamman Temple: A colorful and active Hindu temple in the heart of the city's Little India district.

• Vihara Gunung Timur (Gang Scott): One of the largest and oldest Chinese temples in Medan.

What to say: "Within just a few kilometers, you can witness the beautiful cultural and

 religious tapestry of Medan. It's a city where the call to prayer, the scent of incense, and the

vibrant colors of temples coexist peacefully."

PART 2: THE WILD ESCAPE - OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Slide 6: Jungle Trekking & Wildlife

(Images: Orangutan in the wild, jungle waterfall, trekking path)

• Gunung Leuser National Park (Bukit Lawang):

  • Distance from Medan: ~3-4 hours drive.

  • The Main Attraction: Trekking to see semi-wild Orangutans! 

  • A truly unforgettable experience.

  • Other Wildlife: Thomas Leaf Monkeys, Gibbons, and rich birdlife.

  • Activity: Guided jungle treks (from half-day to multi-day), tubing down the river.

What to say: "Now, let's leave the city behind.

 Just a few hours north lies the Gunung Leuser National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This is one of the last places on Earth where you can see the

critically endangered Sumatran Orangutan in its natural habitat.

A trek here is a profound connection with nature."

Slide 7: The Majesty of Lake Toba

(Images: Panoramic view of Lake Toba, a traditional Batak house, Samosir Island)

• Lake Toba: The largest volcanic lake in the world!

  • Distance from Medan: ~4-5 hours drive.

  • What to do:

    • Samosir Island: Explore the cultural heart of the Batak people.

    • Visit Ambarita: See ancient stone chairs and tables of Batak kings.

    • Relax in Tuk Tuk: The main tourist village with hotels, cafes, and stunning views.

    • Swim in the lake and enjoy the cool, fresh air.

What to say: "A bit further but absolutely worth the journey is the majestic Lake Toba.

Its sheer size and beauty are awe-inspiring. It's not just a lake; it's a destination for culture, relaxation, and reflection."

Slide 8: Highland Retreats in Berastagi

(Images: Sinabung Volcano, Gundaling Hill, Marikan Fruit Market)

• Berastagi: A charming highland town.

  • Distance from Medan: ~2 hours drive.

  • The Attractions:

    • Active Volcanoes: Views of the dramatic Mt. Sinabung and Mt. Sibayak.

    • Trekking Mt. Sibayak: A popular day trek to a volcanic crater with

    • sulfuric fumes and hot springs at the bottom.

    • Gundaling Hill: Easy walk with panoramic views of the two volcanoes.

    • Fruit Market: Buy fresh passion fruit, mangosteens, and other tropical delights.

What to say: "For a quicker escape, head to the cool hills of Berastagi.

It's the perfect base for a challenging volcano trek or a more leisurely stroll

through fruit markets

while enjoying the crisp mountain air and stunning views."

Slide 9: Practical Travel Tips

• Getting There: Kuala Namu International Airport (KNO) is the main gateway.

• Getting Around: Use ride-hailing apps (Grab/Gojek) in the city.

• For longer trips, hire a private car or driver.

• Best Time to Visit: Dry Season (April to October) for trekking.

• Sample Itinerary:

  • Day 1: Medan City Walk (Palace, Mansion, Food).

  • Day 2-3: Choose your adventure: Bukit Lawang (Jungle) OR Berastagi (Volcanoes).

  • Day 4-6: Lake Toba & Samosir Island (for a longer, more relaxing trip).

What to say: "To plan your trip, I recommend using ride-hailing apps within the city and hiring a driver for your outdoor excursions. The dry season is ideal, but even the green season has its charm. You can easily combine a city stay with one or two outdoor destinations."

Slide 10: Conclusion & Thank You

(Background: A stunning sunset over Lake Toba)

• Medan offers the perfect blend:

  • City Energy + Wild Nature + Rich Culture

• It's more than a stopover; it's a destination that satisfies every type of traveler.

• Thank You! Questions?

What to say: "In conclusion, Medan is a destination of incredible contrasts.

It’s a city where you can walk through royal history and savor world-class street food,

 then within hours, find yourself trekking through a jungle to see orangutans or

gazing out over the world's largest volcanic lake. It's an unforgettable Indonesian experience.

 Thank you, and I'd be happy to answer any questions