About me
MedanKota.com is written to record my life living in Medan (Indonesia), the culture, the people, the social living, places of interest, the adventures, the news etc……. and this is who I am….
I am a foreign and been living in Medan since the start of the new Millennium. For over a decade, living in Medan has been a real adventure.. the town has its very own unique culture, people of different races and life here has been so far so great.. (to an extend)..
Being in a small town, my daily life and routines equal to plenty of reading, sudoku for relaxing and plenty of sports. Loving my families, respecting individuals and helping the less fortunate have been my personal philosophy.
any concern, questions, drop me an email at contact@medankota.com
Popularity: 23% [?]
Sub Pages List
medankota on September 16th 2007
Mahadi Wheeler responded on 28 Sep 2007 at 1:33 pm #
so far so good what i have read.
norman responded on 13 Oct 2007 at 1:26 pm #
Hallo,Soewadi,
very happy to know some one from Thai in Medan.please write some thai menu as well.
Budi responded on 05 Nov 2007 at 12:09 pm #
It’s amazing that you were able to live in this city!!!
Kat responded on 18 Jan 2008 at 8:58 am #
Hope you could cope with the city when black out is a daily dosage (thank G they have reduce d it) and traffic jam is everywhere.
Nice blog anyway..
Rizal responded on 24 Jan 2008 at 9:41 am #
Hi, I am from medan and so surprise to know this Blog who made by expatriate. Actually the information is good rally help but could you write more about people in medan and the culture too and also more about education. Thanks.
gozzy responded on 20 Mar 2008 at 1:00 am #
hi Vic,
great to know, a thai-chinese born woman writes this blog. But your biography is not complete without your pictures. Please put some.
I like Thai food, the original one, where can i find it in medan? I love tom yum, prwawn/crab soup in coconut curry/milk. I used to had one in Shekou, China, and Jakarta. I didn’t find it in medan, can you?
I would like to visit phuket,pattaya, and some beaches islands in thai, could you refer me some?
khapunkat..!!
medankota responded on 20 Mar 2008 at 7:03 pm #
Hi Gozzy..
best Thai food in Medan has got to be at my house… hahhah..
Thai Restaurant ‘Sawadee’ @ komplex Multatuli has a Thai chef who served good reasonable Thai food.. try it..
as for posting my photos …er… I’m afraid that the local may throw eggs at me on the street since I am critisicing so much of this town …. just kidding.. I will do soon but at the moment I have to upgrade this blog first…^0^
Chanraud responded on 05 Jun 2008 at 1:28 pm #
Bonjour,
Félicitation pour ce blog. Je suis francais expatrié en Indonésie, à Medan et c’est assez agréable de voir un site rédigé dans ma langue maternelle.
Bon courage pour la suite,
Xavier.
anan responded on 07 Jun 2008 at 8:33 am #
a really good site, with a lot of original articles about medan.
alfie responded on 11 Jun 2008 at 7:42 am #
Very interesting feedbacks. Will be going down to Medan for the first time in late June. Your articles sure makes me a better-prepared tourist there.
medankota responded on 11 Jun 2008 at 11:18 am #
thank you all for the compliment… will do my best to keep this blog alive…
Yong responded on 16 Jun 2008 at 10:38 am #
Hi Vic,
Are you interested to become a4trip Medan pdf travel guide writer? Please send us a reply and we shall brief you more.
http://www.a4trip.com
http://www.a4friends.com
Balatif responded on 08 Nov 2008 at 12:45 pm #
Thanks Vic,
As a Medanes originally living abroad Im proud of you, may God bless you and your family.
If there is any possibility to open tourism link and business aswell, I am ready to promote it in Saudi Arabia as other province done here.
alfie responded on 10 Nov 2008 at 10:14 am #
Hai vic .. went to Medan and enjoyed myself there. And now a good opportunity for you to network and promote Medan .. all the best .. no, im not asking for commission .. hihihi
medankota responded on 11 Nov 2008 at 3:54 pm #
Actually, MedanKu.com is my on going project as well.. hence I am definitely open to any business suggestion, simply drop me an email at hotels@medanku.com
Yustin responded on 21 Jan 2009 at 2:57 pm #
Nice… I enjoy your writing style.
Please feel free to visit my blog http://indonesiatraveller.blogspot.com
Viva Medan
Veronika responded on 21 Apr 2009 at 12:11 am #
Hey Vic, I totally love what you put on your blog and I can somewhat relate to what you’re experiencing. I am an indonesian, from Medan but I left for Singapore and UK before my teens. I am going back this summer tho, but it scares me to bits thinking how I’m gonna be able to fit into the life back home. Because all these while Medan is only a vacation home for me.
I’m very impress with how you’ve managed to fit into the life there so well. Honestly, I would have struggled.
I tried looking for the “contact me” section on this blog but can’t find it anywhere. Was considering emailing you to ask abt a couple of things. =)
Enjoy Medan, you did a great job promoting and rightfully criticising Medan. =)
Niki Damanik responded on 25 May 2009 at 3:04 pm #
allright, Vic
I enjoy your writing on this site and surprised with how you cope living in Medan. I just live here almost a year ago from Jakarta,and still can”t cope. What intriguing me is why did most of the Medan car/motor cycle driver, whether private or not stop at the green light and ignore the red light, and press their horn even they know that the red light gone off? Are they color blind?
Hahaha, anyway thanks again for this site, really informative and I’ll be waiting for more of you review.
Tess responded on 27 May 2009 at 10:23 am #
The honesty with which you write is what I find enjoyable. I can relate to almost ALL of your experiences as I feel I’ve been through the same things. I can now laugh at most of them … but it wasn’t so funny before. There is much to love about living in medan , but understanding and tolerance is key.
We hope of good memories for our children for the life we’ve created for them here.
EXPAT responded on 28 May 2009 at 4:49 pm #
Hi
Like reading your blog and web site. A good insight for Medan
Medan Lang responded on 28 May 2009 at 8:01 pm #
Hi,
Tried to send some comment earlier but didn’t get through.
Is this column only limited to certain length of sentences??
Nio responded on 30 May 2009 at 5:06 pm #
hi…
this site give me a lot of information about medan that i didn’t really know before.
it’s good for Medanese like me.
medankota responded on 01 Jun 2009 at 11:33 am #
Hi Medan Lang
you can leave your comments as long as you want to write, but try not to spam me… heheh..
medankota responded on 01 Jun 2009 at 11:37 am #
Hi Niki,
I can relate to what you mean… I was like you… Its funny to think how each front car.. the first one on the front line is expected to speed off the moment the traffic light turn green.. the driver is expected to more or less time and put the gear in place and on ready stand by… hahahah
medankota responded on 01 Jun 2009 at 11:41 am #
Tess,
I have since look on the brighter side while I am in this town… else, it just drives you nuts… and definitely bad for us mentally, physically and on our dear soul…
go with the flow and enjoy whats on offer in this town… my biggest joy is having a PERSONAL DRIVER !!!!!…
Medan Lang responded on 01 Jun 2009 at 2:58 pm #
I did send some long comments before but it didn’t get through, strange enough it seems like you have some kind of filter for this
Anyhow, don’t you think when you make a blog you should be open either to positive or negative input?? Personally I think one should stand for what they create.
medankota responded on 02 Jun 2009 at 12:07 pm #
Medan Lang,
I have checked, and there isn’t any in my comment box from you.. I do not do filtration, I am open to any comments, but there are times, when people try to spam me for link exchange reasons and I have to filter that out though..
and there are times, people leave very rude comments and using foul language and I don’t believe in that as well…
Medan Lang responded on 02 Jun 2009 at 6:45 pm #
Hi, I never intend to send anything like you mentioned above. I am not that kind of person anyway I have tried again but to no avail. It was my personal opinions about Thailand and Medan both in positive and negative points.
Nic responded on 20 Aug 2009 at 10:49 pm #
Hi,
I’m going to Medan and then to a charter boat not far from Medan in October. While being in Medan I plan to buy a bicycle, the prices seem to be really low compared to Europe. Have you got any idea about the business Medan Sports are running? http://www.medansport.com
Medan Store
Jl. M.h. Thamrin 175
Medan – 20222
North Sumatera, Indonesia
Phone : +62 812 6537 4502
Or maybe some other dealer that sell luxury bicycles?
Best regards
Niclas Sjogren
Sweden (Europe)
Medan Lang responded on 21 Aug 2009 at 2:24 pm #
Hej Nic!
Jag kommer från Medan och bor nuvarande i Sverige. Jag skulle kunna föreslå att du kollar på cyckle affärer som ligger på Jalan Pandu. Bättre att du åka dit från hotellet med becak mesin (machine tricycle) billigare än taxi. Du får nog gå en bit hela denna Pandu gatan för att hitta cycle affärer för att hela detta område är verksamhet gatan, kan man säga. Glöm inte att pruta!!
Lycka till!!
Nic responded on 21 Aug 2009 at 2:32 pm #
Jaha,
tusen tack för tipset. It’s a small world, eller hur.
Jag ska kolla Jalan Pandu.
Ha det
/Niclas
Medan Lang responded on 21 Aug 2009 at 3:02 pm #
Hej igen!
Om du planerar stanna mer än en vecka så är det bättre du åker till Bukit Lawang hälsar på orang utanger. Det tar circa 4 timmar från Medan med buss och vägen ditt är inte så smidigt (dålig infrastruktur med gatan) men det är värd när man är framme. Det är inte mycket att titta på i Medan, mycket traffik osv. Det är inte direkt turist ställe som på Bali. Kolla på goggle om Bukit Lawang, finns massor information.
Hejdå och trevlig semester.
Rika
p.s :Missa inte Avocado glass på Fountain Cafe som finns på Sun Plaza, Medan!!Det är ett måste (vad jag saknar åka hem….)
Nic responded on 21 Aug 2009 at 4:22 pm #
Hej Rika,
tack för informationen
men vi ska bara vara nån dag i Medan, vi har hyrt en båt som ska köra runt oss till olika surfställen (vågsurfing). Vi utgår från Sibolga men landar först i Medan.
Jag ska definitivt äta avocadoglassen.
Tack, tack.
mvh
Niclas
Chintya responded on 02 Sep 2009 at 10:07 pm #
love ur blog. Keep writing =)
Veronika responded on 06 Sep 2009 at 11:01 pm #
Hey Vic, were you eating at sushi tei @ sun plaza today? I think i might have seen you. I didnt recognise you nor your husband but i think i saw your youngest son. He’s got a very distinct smile. I was about to walk over and talk to you but I cannot be 100% sure that it’s you. =)
Medankota responded on 10 Sep 2009 at 9:29 am #
yess…!! … that’s me … including the other 3 characters of this blog… hubby and my 2 boys… ^0^
Leena responded on 09 Oct 2009 at 11:24 am #
Hi Vic, I must say it’s been a bliss that I’ve stumbled upon this blog of yours in countdown days to my relocation to Medan to join my husband, a local Medan-lang. We got married Feb this year and I’ve visited Medan 8-9 times so far, but has never get used to the city. In a way I’m a foreign wife too, and I guess that’s why many of your thoughts grow in me like wildfire.
What shud I say, Medan is way too loud, too hectic, and too pompous to be fit into my modest perspective. Afterall, I am nothing more than a simple country girl from a quiet town in Java – Semarang.
Yet, it’s quite relieving to read your blog and see how life works for you and your family in Medan. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that one day I’ll find comfort not only in my husband’s warm affection, but to finally be able to refer to Medan as a real home
Medankota responded on 09 Oct 2009 at 12:23 pm #
Hi Leena..
you will be fine, no doubt… at least I’m still alive and kicking… well.. it’s a love hate situation in this town… ahhaha… at least you are speaking the local language… come rain or shine… just say to yourself ‘ini Medan bung’… ^0^.. and all will be well…
Annabel responded on 14 Jan 2010 at 7:02 am #
hi Vic,
I had been reading your blog at times and I really enjoy it. My name is Annabel and I am from Singapore. I recently married to a guy in Medan so that’s the reason I went to your blog to read more about Medan.
I was wondering if you know of any online flower place that we can order and send flowers? In Singapore, I used to http://www.noel.com.sg to send to my parents and I wonder if Medan has the same so that I can send to my mom-in-law.
Medankota responded on 14 Jan 2010 at 11:57 pm #
Hi Annabel
Medan is kind of slow in terms of online businesses.. so I guess there’s none that I know of.. sorry
cath responded on 07 Feb 2010 at 5:31 pm #
Hi Vic..
I would say your blog is awesome, your writing style is really easy to read. I only love medanese food other than that, there is really nothing much i can say tho.
However it came to surprise that you are able to adapt urself to the life of medan, it’s really complicated living in here especially with the people.
This is just my personal opinion, why dont you run a business here? such as a thai restaurant perhaps. ^^ it’s really hard to find an exquisite thai restaurant with the original taste and maybe a small bar. hahaha..
…love ur blog!! keep writing ^^
Vic responded on 08 Feb 2010 at 7:56 am #
Hi Cath..
another Thai Restaurant in Medan?.. I think 21/2 (Sawasdee, Jittlada and Grand Canyon cafe) are more than enough to satisfy the local tastebud..
from the day 1 that I moved here.. I wanted to open one.. as I gained more understanding about the local culture.. (expecting lots and lots of discount
) and the local labour law.. I think I shall just stay and be happy with my current arrangement… hehheeee
Imelda responded on 01 Mar 2010 at 5:53 am #
Hei Vic,
I am medanese, live in Norway for about 7 years and most of the part hating this town where I live now. I can fully understand how you feel as a foreigner (plus city girl) being in small town like Medan as for me I have sooo long list of what I hate about this town! And the worse thing of all that here is no cheap spa, good foods, sundays store’s opening hour, driver who can carrying your stuff, maid and so much more one can get in Asia.
Well, another thing is, after being abroad for some time, I have started to develope a habit to critizise Medan too. Especially the rubbish and the smell from sewage! I hate them. I have been thinking for a while which country and town would be ideal place for me. So far my first choice is Singapore. But perhaps if I would have been in Singapore by now, it would be long list to hate as well??
cheers,
Imelda
cok responded on 01 Mar 2010 at 9:29 am #
hello..
i read your blog and it is very interesting and it helps a lot of people with new informations.
actually i need your help..
i am about to buy a toy from a company named matahari putra prima tbk PT. the company is exist (as i read from web) but i dont know whether the guy is a scammer or not OR he is using the company name to get my money!!
and he wanted me to transfer the money right into his account and not using pal pal or other methods..
what should i do and how proof that the guy is really the seller of that toy
plz reply
medankota responded on 03 Mar 2010 at 3:28 pm #
Hi Cok
Can u email me to contact@medankota.com
Wilson responded on 22 Mar 2010 at 4:43 pm #
hi, there medankota..
great jobs on how you record your life here in Medan.
im just passerby who happened to browsed your page accidentally and i found it very interesting.
keep updating, i’d love to see more of your updates.
cheerio
Wil
medankota responded on 24 Mar 2010 at 10:39 am #
Hi Wil..
Thanks…
omnisystem responded on 10 Jul 2010 at 6:05 pm #
Hi.
Pozycjonowannie stron is the best type of advertisement in Google search engine. Tanie pozycjonowanie stron which is done by omni-system can be used for any web site.
[url="http://www.omni-system.pl"]Tanie pozycjonowanie[/url] stron from as little as 50 USD per month can be yours now. If you have any questions contact us and we will answer all your questions.
comparelcdtv responded on 11 Jul 2010 at 12:49 pm #
I find this forum just now.Just say hello to everyone.:D