Medan - Tjong A Fie mansion

 Medan - After a well-deserved rest, we checked out at 3 PM and began our journey to Medan, the capital of North Sumatra. The contrast between the cool, green landscapes of Berastagi and the bustling urban heat of Medan was striking. As soon as we arrived, we were met with the city’s scorching heat and infamous traffic jams.

We stopped at a durian store and had 3 durians - Rp 70,000 for the big size durian and 2 smaller durians at Rp 30,000 each.  

Exploring the Historic Tjong A Fie Mansion

After checking into our hotel and quickly unpacking, we set off to visit one of Medan’s most famous landmarks: the Tjong A Fie Mansion. This two-story grand mansion, once owned by Tjong A Fie, a wealthy Chinese businessman and former mayor of Medan, is a well-preserved symbol of Medan’s rich multicultural heritage.  Built in 1895, this mansion is now a museum and cultural heritage site.  Entrance fee: Rp 35000 (S$ 3)

Walking through the mansion felt like stepping back in time. The colonial and Chinese architectural fusion, intricate wooden carvings, and elegant furnishings reflected the wealth and influence of Tjong A Fie. The guided tour provided valuable insights into his contributions to Medan’s development, and the stories behind the artifacts made the experience all the more enriching.

When Tjong Nyie Mie was a little girl, she and her younger brother would play hide and seek in their palatial family mansion on the main drag in Medan – a cosmopolitan entrepot during Indonesia’s Dutch colonial era dubbed the “Paris of Sumatra”.

Nowadays, Tjong Nyie Mie (also known as Mimi Tjong) is the affable hostess of Tjong A Fie Mansion, which was opened to the public as a tourist attraction in 2009 and is named after her grandfather.

The original hand-painted ceilings, Tjong’s huge bedroom, imported dark-wood furniture inlaid with marble and mother-of-pearl, interesting art pieces, an upstairs ballroom and Taoist temples all help to make it one of the most impressive historic buildings in town.

The Mansion has Chinese, Malay and Art Deco influences in its architecture style. The structure was built observing feng-shui principles. The rooms are on four sides of the structures and surround a big open-air courtyard in the middle, signifying the "Well of Heaven".

Next, we took a grab to Delipark Mall to have some good deserts.

Es Campur 

Hiking up Gunung Sibayak and hot spring

 Berastagi - Our journey from Berastagi to Medan was an unforgettable adventure, filled with early morning hikes, relaxing hot springs, cultural exploration, and delectable cuisine. From the refreshing highlands of Berastagi to the bustling cityscape of Medan, this trip had everything – nature, history, and a touch of indulgence.

Early Morning Ascent to Gunung Sibayak

The adventure began at the crack of dawn – or rather, before dawn. Edmund and I woke up at 3:30 AM, preparing for a sunrise trek up Gunung Sibayak, an active volcano near Berastagi. Our driver and guide arrived promptly at 4:00 AM, and we set off into the darkness, armed with our torchlights and excitement.

The hike took about an hour, and it was an eerie yet thrilling experience walking in near-complete darkness with only our torchlights illuminating the rugged path ahead.  The trail was steep and rocky, but the cool morning air made the ascent manageable.

By 5:30 AM, we reached the summit and were greeted with a breathtaking, albeit partially clouded, sunrise. The golden hues peeked through the thick mist, casting a magical glow over the vast volcanic landscape. Though the view wasn't entirely clear, the experience of watching the world wake up from such a height was awe-inspiring.

As we waited at the summit, we encountered two Batak dogs, friendly yet protective, who roamed the area. These dogs belonged to the local ranger who watched over the summit. They seemed to be well-accustomed to trekkers, occasionally sniffing around for food or simply enjoying the crisp mountain air.

After soaking in the view, we began our descent, making our way towards the geyser. As we approached, the unmistakable smell of sulfur filled the air – a telltale sign of geothermal activity. The ground beneath us was warm, and the steam rising from the vents gave the area a mystical feel. Seeing the raw power of nature up close was both humbling and fascinating.

Relaxing in the Hot Springs

From the geyser, we headed to the hot springs, a much-needed reward after our intense morning hike. The natural pools, fed by geothermal heat, were warm and soothing, perfect for relaxing our tired muscles. We spent about an hour soaking in the mineral-rich waters, letting the warmth ease away any lingering fatigue from the climb.

Feeling completely refreshed, we made our way back to our hotel, arriving at 9:20 AM – just in time for breakfast before it closed at 10 AM. The meal was hearty and satisfying, a perfect end to our morning adventure.

Onward to Berastagi city

Berastagi - The next morning, we had breakfast in front of Lake Toba, enjoying the breathtaking morning view of the vast lake reflecting the golden hues of the rising sun. It was such a beautiful and peaceful moment before setting off for our next destination.

having my breakfast

Journey from Lake Toba to Berastagi City

At 9 AM, our driver picked us up and drove us to the Simanindo ferry terminal. The ferry ride took about 45 minutes as we crossed the lake to the town of Tiga Ras on the mainland.  The inside cabin with seats was comfortable until smokers started lighting up their cigarettes and we started to walk to the open air deck.

Exploring a Tea Plantation

Our first stop was a tea plantation, where acres and acres of neatly arranged tea plants spread across rolling hills. The air was fresh and we took a brief walk among the tea fields, appreciating the serene atmosphere and taking in the picturesque surroundings.

Sipiso-piso Waterfall Adventure

Next, we drove to Sipiso-piso Waterfall, one of North Sumatra’s most stunning natural wonders. The descent to the base of the waterfall required moderate effort, and I had to be careful because the ground was wet and slippery.

You have to be careful as many of the platform are in poorly maintained condition.

As we approached the base, the sheer power of the 120-meter-high waterfall became evident. We were completely drenched by the waterfall’s mist and splash, but it was a refreshing experience.  The climb back up took us an hour, and by the time we reached the top, we were exhausted but exhilarated.

At the car park, we found a small stall selling fresh avocados and passion fruits (Markisa). The fruits looked incredibly fresh, so we bought some to enjoy later.  We changed out of wet clothes and then drove to lunch.

Delicious Nasi Padang and Bakso Mee Lunch

Hungry after our morning adventures, we stopped for lunch at a local stall serving Nasi Padang and Bakso Mee. The fragrant rice dishes, served with a variety of meats, vegetables, and spicy sambals, were absolutely delicious. The Bak Mee, a noodle dish with savory broth, was equally satisfying.

Berastagi’s Famous Fruit Market

After lunch, we headed to a fruit market in Berastagi, where Edmund picked up fresh avocados, mangoes, and Berastagi oranges. The market was lively, with vendors calling out their best prices and colorful stacks of tropical fruits creating a feast for the eyes.

Huge avacado fruit

A Visit to a Beautiful Batak Karo Catholic Church

Our final stop for the day was a Batak Karo Catholic Church, an architectural masterpiece with intricate wooden carvings and a grand structure. The church's unique design reflected the rich cultural heritage of the Batak Karo people.

Our next stop is to our hotel, Mikie Holiday Resort and it was built by Singaporean family business.  It was a surprise that dinner was provided free of charge as part of the room package.

Wide choice for dinner