Understand

Welcome to Pematangsiantar, the second largest city in North Sumatra! With a population of 280,000 inhabitants, this bustling town offers everything you need. The center of the town is vibrant with two main roads lined with shops, where you can find anything your heart desires. Don't miss the food market, conveniently located between these bustling streets. And if you're in the mood for some shopping, we have a small but charming mall with a cinema. Pematangsiantar is a melting pot of cultures. The majority of the inhabitants are Bataks, but you'll also find a significant Chinese and Javanese community here. What sets Pematangsiantar apart from the rest of Indonesia is its predominantly Christian population. So don't worry about enjoying a refreshing beer on the street or sampling some delicious pork at the meat market. There's a whole world of flavors waiting to be discovered in this multicultural city. Come and explore!

Get in

Dreaming of visiting Pematangsiantar? The best way to get there is through Medan, where you can fly into Kuala Namu International Airport. Luckily, there are daily flights from neighboring countries such as Malaysia (Penang, Kuala Lumpur) and Singapore. If you're coming from Jakarta or other major cities in Indonesia, there are also numerous flights to Medan. From Medan, you have a couple of options to reach Pematangsiantar. Take a shared taxi that costs around 40,000 - 50,000 IDR per person for a roughly 3-hour journey. If you're up for a different experience, hop on a train for 24,000 IDR. It may take a bit longer, but the train ride is definitely worth it. Another option is to take a large bus from Medan (Amplas bus station) for about 18,000 - 22,000 IDR. Choose your preferred mode of transportation and get ready to explore the beauty of Pematangsiantar!

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Nasi Goreng is a popular Indonesian dish, which literally translates to 'fried rice'. It is typically made with a blend of white and fried rice, accompanied by a variety of ingredients including eggs, chicken, shrimp, or beef, along with vegetables such as carrots, peas, and green onions. Seasoned with soy sauce, salt, and sometimes chili, Nasi Goreng offers a savory taste and can be found throughout Indonesia as a staple meal.

Sate is a diverse category of dishes found across Southeast Asia, but it holds a special place in Indonesian cuisine. Made of seasoned, skewered, and grilled meats, Sate can feature various types of protein, including chicken, beef, goat, or even offal. These skewers are traditionally served with a spicy peanut sauce and often accompanied by rice or other side dishes. Sate is a favorite street food in Indonesia and caters to both those who prefer meat or vegetarian options.

Rendang is a traditional Indonesian beef curry that is slow-cooked to achieve a tender and succulent texture. The meat is cooked in coconut milk, causing it to absorb the spices and become infused with their flavors. Rendang typically features a combination of spices like lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, and chilies, alongside other regional variations. This hearty, flavorful dish is often served over rice and enjoyed during festive occasions or as a comforting meal.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing