Medan Travel Forum

Hi,

I'm going to Medan - Berastagi on 09 April. What is the cheapest way from Belawab Port to Medan? How to get from Medan to Berastagi and how much is the cost? Where to stay in Berastagi? How do I climb Mt Sinabung?

Thank you.

Zaidi - Malaysia

Hello Zaidi,

I see that no one has replied to your post. Wonder whether you actually made it through to Medan?

I'm going to Medan this Nov! Mind giving me some tips? ;)

Hi,

Sorry for not replying sooner. Since then I've been to Berastagi twice. First in April 2006 and the second one in July 2006. Berastagi is wonderful. From Medan I took a becak (motorcycle trishaw) to Padang Bulan . Just tell the becak guy that you want to take a bus to Berastagi. If I'm not mistaken there are three companies that cater for Medan-Berastagi route. It is a local bus so don't expect a tourist treatment. Your big bags will be placed on the roof. Tickets cost around Rp7,000 - Rp10,000. The Rp10,000 is by a BTN bus that goes to Sindikalang near Lake Toba via Berastagi.

In Berastagi, I stayed at Wisma Sebayak at the end of the main road. Wisma Sebayak has some very cheap and clean rooms. The service is remarkable and warm. They even provide breakfast, lunch and dinner if you want. Ask for Lamtiar or Anton. Anything you want to do in Berastagi you can ask them and they can make the arrangement for you.

I suggest you climb Mt Sibayak because it is quite accesible with beautiful view. Thae hike also was quite easy. After the climb, you can rest in the hot springs at the other side of the foothill. I spent 3 hours there soaking my body. It was truly wonderful.

Also, do not miss Gundaling Hill. Take the local bus or walk there (less than an hour). It has quite cool weather with a mjestic view of the Karo Highland, Mt Sinabung and Mt Sibayak.

I hope you have a wonderful time in berastagi!. Food is never a problem, the people are tourist friendly and the hospitality is simply amazing.

Zaidi

really? so, can you advice me then? am goin to medan tis 12 - 16 April, wut to do and wut dont... its great if you can give the itinerary and contact person that i can contact at medan and toba lake. And i wish if i cud reach the mountain.

Hi,

I have no contact person in Medan. I went Berastagi twice -solo!. Medan is just a transit point for me. If I reached Medan late evening, I will stay one night at Danau Toba International Hotel (Rp40,000 taxi from airport).

Just take any taxi, opelet or becak to Jalan Jamin Ginting in Padang Bulan for public bus to Berastagi. If you take the BTN bus (Rp10000), at least your bag will be inside the bus (rather than on the roof) and you will be given a ticket. But remember to confirm with the driver that you want to stop at Berastagi. At Berastagi, just ask around for Wisma Sibayak. There is another Losmen Sibayak (a sister guesthouse) but staying at Wisma is so much better than at the losmen. Get the Rp75000 room. It has a balcony facing Mt Sibayak.

Mt Sibayak is NOT difficult at all and does not require much hiking skill. however, do NOT attempt the climb without a guide regardless of what other travellers say. Even though the climb is easy, many tourist have gone missing on died on the climb because they THINK they can do it on their own without a local guide.

Zaidi

Hi..
sorry this question is for zaidi. Im planing to go to medan with my mom & ant. Is it okay for them to also climb the mopunt (they are 55-60 years of age) and how much does it cost for 1 guide to take us up on the mountain? thanx a lot!
Nes!