First Impressions of Sumatra and Medan

Flying into Medan with AirAsia was already an experience in itself. Even though I’ve flown with the same airline before, the routines now felt completely different. At the check-in counter, the scene was chaotic—people carrying more hand luggage than I thought possible, cramming bags and suitcases into the cabin while the plane was already full. Unlike most airlines today where you’re expected to pay with a credit card, on this particular route, onboard AirAsia only accepted cash—and only banknotes.

Medan

Arriving in Medan, the traffic was overwhelming. I’ve ridden in many Asian cities before, but this was on again different. Cars, trucks, and motorbikes flow together in every direction, seemingly without rules. Still, what stood out most wasn’t just the chaos, but the atmosphere.

To get to my hotel, I took a taxi from one of the many providers at the airport. Everything is negotiable and I got a good price from a young lady providing that I gave her a lift in the car, as her shift was just ending. Well, why not!

Indonesia is a Muslim-majority country, but the vibe is very different compared to Pakistan, for example. Here, women ride scooters confidently, wearing colorful headscarves, laughing, and chatting as they pass by. Families pile onto motorbikes—sometimes five people on a single scooter—while cars squeeze into parking lots with the help of whistle-blowing attendants guiding them to a free spot.

When I checked into my hotel, asked for a room with a window, and was warned about noise. I didn’t think much of it until the night came. Outside, whistles, horns, shouting, and engines blended into a constant roar. But instead of being annoying, it felt like part of the adventure—Medan’s soundtrack.

Getting on Two Wheels

The next morning, I picked up my ride—a brand-new Honda 160cc scooter, equipped with start-stop technology and ready for the road.

The guys at the rental shop were very friendly and curious about my trip. We chatted about Someday.bike, shared some stickers, and admired my Sumatra motorcycle shirt, one of which I left with them. Everything looked good for the journey ahead.

Leaving Medan, however, was brutal. It took nearly 90 minutes of battling through chaotic traffic before the city suddenly gave way to palm trees and jungle. The further I rode, the more the scenery shifted—lush greenery, village roads, and glimpses of rural Sumatra. Continue reading Riding Sumatra, Indonesia: Medan to Lake Toba →