Medan and North Sumatra have plenty of natural attractions, all of which can be reached just a couple of hours from the bustling capital city of Medan. It is incredible how varied the destinations North Sumatra are, and the panoramic beauty comes in many forms – mountains, volcanoes, lakes, forests, islands, waterfalls, and much more. If you’re interested in the opposite side of which the natives go – the areas in which the flocks of tourists are not familiar, join us as we highlight a number of these lesser-known, but very impressive landscapes of North Sumatra.
1. Step onto Sumatra’s Snow Beach: Pantai Salju
Do you expect you will find snow there? Though this impressive natural destination is called “Snow Beach”, there isn’t any snow, and it isn’t a shore! But this doesn’t make the place any less beautiful. Pantai Salju is a river that rushes over a collection of stones, swaying palm trees as the background. Since the water rests on the stone bed, it seems white, which also looks like snow. The water flows out of a hill, so it’s clean and cool.
2. Island Paradise: Pulau Pandang & Salah
Are you looking for pristine islands with lush greenery, white sand beaches and clear waters in Medan? Subtly located at the coast of North Sumatra, just a boat ride away from Tanjung Tiram port, are the legendary islands of Pandang and Salah Nama. When you arrive in Salah Nama, you will notice a footpath that runs along the waterfront using tall, artfully painted ceramic vases. After discovering Salah Nama, head on to Pulau Pandang, where you will discover white sand beaches along with a sizable castle-like lookout spot from which you can gaze upon the island into the sea. Unexpected artifacts might appear out of place. The view creates a fantastic photo opportunity with the sea in the background. The shore here is rocky with lovely, brick-red rocks and crystal clear seas swimming with diverse schools of fish.
3. Strange Sightings: Abandoned fish house near Bukit Sipolha
If you are at Lake Toba and on your way to Bukit Sipolha, you may want to make a detour to a big fish home. Commonly known as “Rumah Ikan”, the building is 20 meters long and 10 meters high! This place originally was a restaurant. But, the eatery fought to survive because of a lack of consumers, and it eventually closed. The fish house is no longer preserved, so it is currently dilapidated. The interior is vandalized with graffiti, and the encompassing character is beginning to swallow the outside of the fish. Isn’t it such a strange yet quirky place for some photo-taking?
4. The lesser-known white crater: Dolok Tinggi Raja
You’ve probably heard of Kawah Putih, the white crater lake, in West Java. But, did you know that there’s another hidden Kawah Putih located in a forest in North Sumatra? The 90°C water leaks down limestone steps causing the rocks to turn as white as snow. Nearby this hot snow scene is mixed with mossy carpets that lie on the imbued rock in addition to a large pond that bubbles from beneath the surface. You can bathe in a second access point in the reserve because of the cool river water and waterfall that rushes on the hilltop to a pool. Isn’t it a great spot to stop by and unwind after exploring the beauty of the hot springs?
5. It’s playtime with the elephants in a quiet village: Tangkahan
A small village tucked discreetly in the dense forests of Gunung Leuser National Park, Tangkahan is a fantastic, natural area where it is possible to trek through the jungle and possibly meet the elephants. Upon entering the village, the entire world appears to change before you journey out of the Medan metropolis to a calm, tranquil character. You will come across some magnificent waterfalls in the playground where you can swim (or simply laze about) from the clear, clean waters with one of the resident elephants. The elephants of Tangkahan have been trained. Now, the members of the patrol team for the National Park strive to identify illegal pursuits.
Planning to visit Medan soon? Find out more about Medan and Indonesia by visiting Wonderful Indonesia.
