Medan: The Melting Pot of Indonesia

• HelloHalo
  [ha-lo]
• GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [se-la-mat ting-gal]
• YesYa
  [ya]
• NoTidak
  [ti-dak]
• Please/You're welcomeSilakan
  [si-la-kan]
• Thank youTerima kasih
  [te-ri-ma ka-sih]
• Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [ma-af]
• How are you?Apa kabar?
  [a-pa ka-bar]
• Fine. And you?Baik. Bagaimana dengan Anda?
  [ba-ik. ba-gai-ma-na den-gan an-da]
• Do you speak English?Apakah Anda bisa berbicara bahasa Inggris?
  [a-pa-kah an-da bi-sa ber-bi-ca-ra ba-ha-sa ing-gris]
• I don't understandSaya tidak mengerti
  [sa-ya ti-dak men-ger-ti]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya ingin melihat menu, silakan
  [sa-ya in-gin me-li-hat me-nu, si-la-kan]
• I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sa-ya ti-dak ma-kan dai-ning]
• Cheers!Selamat minum!
  [se-la-mat mi-num]
• I would like to pay, pleaseSaya ingin membayar, silakan
  [sa-ya in-gin mem-ba-yar, si-la-kan]

• Help!Tolong!
  [to-long]
• Go away!Pergi!
  [per-gi]
• Call the Police!Panggil polisi!
  [pang-gil po-li-si]
• Call a doctor!Panggil dokter!
  [pang-gil dok-ter]
• I'm lostSaya tersesat
  [sa-ya ter-se-sat]
• I'm illSaya sakit
  [sa-ya sa-kit]

• I'd like to buy...Saya ingin membeli...
  [sa-ya in-gin mem-be-li]
• I'm just lookingSaya hanya melihat-lihat
  [sa-ya han-ya me-li-hat-li-hat]
• How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [be-ra-pa har-gan-ya]
• That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [i-tu ter-la-lu ma-hal]
• Can you lower the price?Bisa kurangi harganya?
  [bi-sa ku-ran-gi har-gan-ya]

• What time is it?Sekarang jam berapa?
  [se-ka-rang jam be-ra-pa]
• It's one o'clockSekarang pukul satu
  [se-ka-rang pu-kul sa-tu]
• Half past (10)Setengah (sepuluh)
  [se-ten-gah (se-pu-luh)]
• MorningPagi
  [pa-gi]
• AfternoonSiang
  [si-ang]
• EveningMalam
  [ma-lam]
• YesterdayKemarin
  [ke-ma-rin]
• TodayHari ini
  [ha-ri i-ni]
• TomorrowBesok
  [be-sok]
• 1Satu
  [sa-tu]
• 2Dua
  [du-a]
• 3Tiga
  [ti-ga]
• 4Empat
  [em-pat]
• 5Lima
  [li-ma]
• 6Enam
  [e-nam]
• 7Tujuh
  [tu-juh]
• 8Delapan
  [de-la-pan]
• 9Sembilan
  [sem-bi-lan]
• 10Sepuluh
  [se-pu-luh]

• Where's a/the...?Di mana ...?
  [di ma-na]
• What's the address?Apa alamatnya?
  [a-pa a-lam-at-nya]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bisa tunjukkan ke saya (di peta)?
  [bi-sa tun-juk-kan ke sa-ya (di pe-ta)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kapan yang berikutnya (bus)?
  [ka-pan yang be-ru-tu-nya (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiket (ke ....)
  [ti-ket (ke)]

Medan traces its roots back to the early 16th century when it was a part of the Kingdom of Aru. The area was initially a small village known for its strategic location along the Deli River, which facilitated trade and transportation. The indigenous Karo people were among the earliest inhabitants, and their influence is still evident in the region's culture and traditions.

In 1632, the Deli Sultanate was established by Tuanku Panglima Gocah Pahlawan, a military leader of Acehnese descent. The Sultanate thrived on the fertile lands around Medan, cultivating rice and other crops. The Sultanate's rule marked the beginning of Medan's transformation into a significant political and economic center in North Sumatra.

The Dutch East India Company began to exert influence over Medan in the late 19th century. By the 1860s, the Dutch had established control over the region, leading to the rapid development of tobacco and rubber plantations. This period saw an influx of Chinese and Indian laborers, contributing to Medan's diverse cultural tapestry. The wealth generated from these plantations transformed Medan into a bustling colonial city.

During World War II, Medan fell under Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945. The Japanese regime implemented harsh policies, leading to significant hardship for the local population. However, this period also sparked a rise in nationalist sentiments, as Indonesians began to seek independence from colonial rule.

Following Indonesian independence in 1945, Medan emerged as a vital urban center in the new nation. The city experienced rapid urbanization and modernization, becoming a hub for trade, commerce, and industry. Today, Medan is the fourth largest city in Indonesia and serves as a gateway to the rich cultural and natural attractions of North Sumatra.

Medan's cultural landscape is a mosaic of influences from its historical inhabitants, including the Batak, Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Acehnese communities. This diversity is reflected in the city's architecture, cuisine, and festivals. Notable cultural landmarks include the Maimun Palace, the Great Mosque of Medan, and the vibrant traditional markets that offer a glimpse into the city's rich heritage.

Medan is accessible via Kualanamu International Airport (KNO), located about 39 kilometers from the city center. Direct flights to Medan are available from major cities in Southeast Asia, such as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Bangkok. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi, airport shuttle, or the Airport Rail Link to reach the city center. The train journey takes approximately 30 minutes.

Getting around Medan is convenient with various transportation options. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab are widely available and reasonably priced. For a more adventurous mode of transport, consider taking a becak, a traditional three-wheeled pedicab. Public buses and minivans (angkot) also operate throughout the city, but they can be crowded and less comfortable. Renting a car or motorbike is another option if you prefer to explore at your own pace.

The official currency in Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are widely available in Medan, and major international cards are usually accepted. Currency exchange services are also available at the airport and in the city center.

Medan is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas like markets and public transportation hubs. Avoid displaying valuables and be cautious of your surroundings. Some areas, such as the Medan Petisah and Medan Maimun districts, have higher crime rates targeting tourists, so exercise extra vigilance when visiting these neighborhoods.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Medan has several hospitals and clinics, such as the Adam Malik Hospital and Columbia Asia Hospital, providing medical care. Pharmacies are also readily available for minor health issues. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For police assistance, you can visit the nearest police station or contact the tourist police.

Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting religious sites and cultural landmarks. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting mosques, dress conservatively and remove your shoes before entering. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight bow. A handshake is also common, but always use your right hand. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't use your left hand for eating, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Medan like a local, visit the bustling traditional markets such as Pasar Petisah and Pasar Beruang. Try the local street food, including dishes like nasi goreng, sate padang, and durian. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and history. Don't miss visiting the historic Maimun Palace and the Great Mosque of Medan. For a unique experience, take a day trip to Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world, located a few hours' drive from Medan.