9 Facts about Medan

1. Airport

~Medan airport provides Shuttle service (reminds me of Hang Zhou, China)
~Short conveyor belt caught my attention
~Trolleys are not available at the arrival hall. You can see locals in blue uniform, offering to
push the trolley & serve you by helping visitors to fetch their luggages and calling the taxi.
With this, they hope to earn an income (tips).

2. J.W. Marriott Hotel
~It has 2 security checkpoints : (1) entry to the car park [with 7 to 12 security guards checking the car bonnet, boots etc etc] (2) lobby entrance
~You've to scan your belongings upon EVERY entry to the hotel.
~Very tough security. Shocking but impressive.


3. Parking
~In Malaysia, parking coupon is being used.
~In Medan, you've to pay TIPS (amount of TIPS subject to requirement from the locals). The parking fee is price as low as 1000 rupiah to 5000 rupiah. I find this rather annoying. NO LAW woi!


4. Transport ~ In Cambodia, trishaw is called Tut-tut.
~ In Thailand, it's Toot-toot.
~ In Indonesia, it's called Becah.
~ Becah can hold up to a maximum of 3 person. ~ Price : 5000 rupiah (RM1.90) per ride. ~ Ohhhh by the way, the VIOS there is called LIMO (sound cool aye!)


5. Traffic
~ People claimed that Kuchingnites driving is crazy (also dangerous) compared to Australians (I agree).
~ Worst in Medan! People there drive like law doesnt exist (or it doesnt at all?) ~ They overtake without giving signals, follow the cars so closely that they might as well kiss the front car (approximately 10cam between two cars). Bloody crazee!
~HONKS (the horror) : Medan drivers HONK LIKE THERE IS NO TOMORROW. I'm serious. At peak hours, there isnt a single second you wont hear the honk. They surely utilize the car's horn *insert sarcasm*

6. Food
~Reasonably priced Asian food is served.
~Food served are usually TOO SALTY; Drink served are usually TOO SWEET.
~Look up for their local specialties - Teh Botol (taste alike our Teh C Peng)
~Cheapest food you can get there is the local Mie Sapi - 1000 rupiah (RM0.37/37 cents)


7. Fruits
~Had the cheapest durian ever in my life - 6000 rupiah (RM2.20 only ohmygoodness and it tastes good!)
~Markisa (orange) : belongs to Passion fruit family
~Pepino (purple) : known as Tree Melon, taste like Cucumber & has medical purposes.
~Terung Belanda : Dutch Eggplant/ Tree Tomato

8. School
~ Girls : Unlike in Malaysia, schoolgirls in Medan wear 2 two pieces (very Japan!)
~ Boys : Caps are compulsory.

9. Shopping
~ Unless you want to purchase fabrics and clothes, Medan is definitely not the place for you to shop. In fact there's nth in Medan, even souvenirs are barely in sight.
~ The only attractive place in Medan is its famous Lake Toba, which is a 5 hour drive from Medan. Too bad, one cannot fly in Lake Toba. (Stay tuned for Lake Toba's photos)


10. Poverty rate ~ People in Medan is generally richer than Cambodians.