Saturday, December 22, 2012

Medan [04/12 - 05/12]

We arrived at the city of Medan after a 5 hours journey from Parapat. The first majestic sight that greeted us is the Great Mosque.

Photobucket

We proceeded for dinner, where we have a choice of steamboat.

Photobucket

Thereafter, we checked in to our hotel - Swiss Bel Inn. This is a very new hotel which was completed in 2009.

Photobucket

Here is how the rooms look like.

Photobucket

Just next to the hotel is the popular food street of Medan.

Photobucket

We tried out the fried mee and also the pancake durian (only costing 20k rupiah)

Photobucket

The next morning was free and easy for us. So we decide to take a local ride from the hotel to the Tjong A Fie mansion which is 10mins away. The 1-hour car rental (with driver) cost us 60k rupiah. Entrance to the mansion is 30k per person. 

Photobucket

The mansion is rich in Peranakan culture and Tjong A Fie is said to be the wealthiest businessman in Medan. He has very close ties to the Dutch authorities.

Photobucket

There is a courtyard.

Photobucket

The dining area is located at the back of the house.

Photobucket

Here is the master bedroom. It is very large.

Photobucket

And some memories of the past with the Straits Times.

Photobucket

Visitors are lead to this room (called the Muslim Room).

Photobucket

At the second floor is the ballroom.

Photobucket

The house is still partially occupied, which is directly opposite as seen in the photo below.

Photobucket

The Tip Top Restaurant below has quite a history. So we also decided to check it out.

Photobucket

Here is how the interiors look like.

Photobucket

The tea were so-so. I guess people come here for the ambiance.

Photobucket

We met our tour guide, Hendric at 12pm and went to the Maimoon Palace.

Photobucket

Here is the palace grounds.

Photobucket

And the majestic throne where the royalty sit. The palace is partially open to visitors as the remaining compounds are still occupied.

Photobucket

We requested Hendric to send us to the Zen Garden Spa instead of Sun Plaza. We read that the Zen Garden Spa is the best Spa in Medan. He was initially reluctant due to strikes and demonstration going on. But we persisted.

Photobucket

It definitely live up to the name of being the best spa. All charges can be found on the internet. This is one of the best I have been to.

Photobucket

Here is how a typical room looks like.

Photobucket

Next, we took a cab to the Sun Plaza where we have around 2 hours for lunch and shopping.

Photobucket

We ordered the durian cake again. It is yummy.

Photobucket

This is a large shopping mall. We were not able to cover everything in 1-hour. (Notice there is a train for kids to sit on below).

Photobucket

On the last day - 5th December, the workers in Medan went on strike and block off several of the roads. Luckily, we were able to reach the airport safely.

Photobucket

I also noticed that the favorite snacks is the Sweet and Sour Lays Potato Chips and BBQ Flavored local brand.

Photobucket

Many of the locals also thought that LG is a Japanese brand as seen below.

Photobucket

Lake Toba [03/12 - 04/12]

The hotel we will be staying in Parapat is Niagara Hotel and Resort. Hendric told us the President of Indonesia stayed here before. Below is the sight that greeted us as we went into the hotel.

Photobucket

This is the main hotel resort. Our rooms are facing towards lake toba and away from the carpark.


Photobucket

Here is how our rooms look like.

Photobucket

It has splendid views of Lake Toba.

Photobucket

On a fine clear sunny day, we can see the moon in the sky.

Photobucket

There are also many gardens and parks around the hotel where guests can walk around.

Photobucket

From our room, we can see the sunset.

Photobucket

It is dinner time, and meal will be served next to the pool.

Photobucket

The environment is cooling and comfortable.

Photobucket

Dinner is served!!

Photobucket

The next day, we saw banners beautifully decorated with flowers. We heard these banners are used only for one day.

Photobucket

We met Hendric at 8.30am and we were to catch the 8.55am ferry. From our hotel, it is a 5mins car ride to the ferry terminal. Next to the ferry terminal, there is a market.

Photobucket

Live chicken is being sold.

Photobucket

There are also many freshwater products such as fishes, prawns, etc.

Photobucket

And here we hop on the ferry. It departs hourly to Lake Toba.

Photobucket

The lake is tranquil and beautiful.

Photobucket

There are nice local huts next to the lake.

Photobucket

A single canoe slowly make its way through.

Photobucket

This place reminds me of Lake Como as the Dutch architecture is quite well-preserved.

Photobucket

There are mountains surrounding the lake.

Photobucket

Here is our ferry, with Batik music playing in the background. It travels slowly.

Photobucket

The ferry takes 40mins and we are back on land.

Photobucket

A 5-min walk from the ferry, and we arrived at the Kings Tomb. Rows after rows of shops line the walkway. Remember to negotiate with the store keepers.

Photobucket

Here is the entrance to the Kings Tomb.

Photobucket

Our photo is below.

Photobucket

After shopping, we hop on the 11am ferry back to Parapat for lunch. And we have Indonesian Nasi Padang.

Photobucket