Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Medan is a beautiful city and the capital of North Sumatra Province in western Indonesia. It is located in the northwestern part of the province, less than 10 miles from the Strait of Malacca coastline. Covering an area of more than 100 square miles, Medan and its metropolitan area are among the largest urban centers in Sumatra.

The city’s elevation does not exceed 40 feet above sea level, which means Medan lies on relatively low terrain. It enjoys a scenic setting, surrounded by green hills to the south and southwest. Medan is built along the banks of the Babura and Deli rivers, both of which flow into the Strait of Malacca. The distance from Medan to Kuala Lumpur is about 210 miles, while Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, is nearly 900 miles away. Singapore is located approximately 338 nautical miles east of Medan and can be reached by sea.

Medan is a large, modern city with advanced infrastructure and numerous attractions, including the Great Mosque of Medan, Tirtanadi Tower, and Maimun Palace. The wider metropolitan area includes important neighboring cities and towns such as Belawan, Binjai, Perbaungan, Lubuk Pakam, and Tanjung Morawa. Beautiful natural areas in the nearby mountains, including Gunung Mugajah and Mount Bandahara, are also popular tourist destinations.