Travelogue around Asia Pacific Part II

 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. Walking through the mansion felt like stepping back in time. The colonial and Ch...

 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 greet...

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 S...