Medan Part I

My hubby and I went to Medan, North Sumatra on 1 May to 4 May 2012.  This is my first ever trip to overseas.  This trip is also to celebrate our 12th years wedding anniversary which falls on 9 May. 

We left for Medan at 2.00pm and reached there at 2.00pm also as Malaysia's time is one hour ahead of Medan's time.  Once we reached Polonia Airport, we were greeted by Pak Saragi (the tour guide recommended by a friend who was satisfied with his service during his recent trip to Medan).  Pak Saragi then introduced our driver cum tour guide to us and he will be the person driving us around for the next 3 days.  He is a young and nice man.  Medan city is a very busy city and the traffic is terrible.  Without any further delay, we start our journey to Parapat.  The journey took us 5 hours with only one stop.  

Along the journey, we can see a lot of kampung houses along the road and when we reached Parapat, we were told that majority of the local are Batak Toba.  What surprise us was, their grave is built next to their house.

We had our dinner at Parapat in one of the local restaurant which serve Nasi Padang.  After dinner, we checked in at Danau Toba International Cottage and the hotel is facing Lake Toba.  As it is already dark at 7.30pm, we can't see the view of Lake Toba.  Our room is right in front of the lake with a nice scenery.

We were told to meet at the hotel lobby at 7.30am on the second day for our breakfast before going to Samosir Island.  We have to take a boat from Parapat to Samosir Island which is surrounded by the lake.  The journey by boat is 40 minutes.  After the visit to Samosir Island, we leave for Berastagi.  For Berastagi trip, I will continue in my next post with some photos.