Medan Travel Packages
by switourlaketoba@ · 3 things on Twos
- Medan Train Station (MDN) is more than just a train stop. It is a silent witness to Medan's transformation from a tobacco plantation to a modern metropolis. Located right in the heart of the city, facing Merdeka Square, this station is the largest train station in Regional Division I of North Sumatra and Aceh.
In Medan, train services are enjoyed by everyone, from the wealthy to the common people. Each has their own reasons for using train services. Medan Tour Package also want to be included of the transport. For various reasons, many tourists use train services from Kualanamu Airport to Medan Train Station and vice versa.
Similarly, people with intercity needs, for example, residents of Binjai with business in Medan, prefer taking the train to other public transportation. Even compared to private vehicles like motorcycles, taking the train is still more advantageous. Besides being traffic-free and comfortable, the fare is very affordable.
Here is an in-depth review of its long history and unique architecture.
1. The Historical Traces of Medan Railway Station: The Economic Pulse of Tanah Deli
The history of Medan Station is inextricably linked to the glory of tobacco plantations in East Sumatra during the Dutch East Indies colonial era.
The Deli Spoorweg Maatschappij (DSM) Era: The station officially opened on July 25, 1886, by a private railway company called Deli Spoorweg Maatschappij (DSM). The first line opened connected Medan with Labuhan, a length of approximately 17 km.
Initial Purpose: Initially, the station and railway line were not primarily built for passengers, but rather to facilitate the transportation of agricultural products. These products, primarily tobacco and rubber, were transported from the interior to the port (Belawan) for export to Europe.
Transformation: Over time, the station expanded to serve general passengers and connect other important cities in North Sumatra, including Tebing Tinggi, Pematang Siantar, Tanjung Balai, and Rantau Prapat. Currently, tour operators in Medan Tour Packages use it for tourist transfers to Kualanamu Airport.
2. Architectural Uniqueness: Between Colonial and Modern
Architecturally, Medan Station has undergone several complete renovations, so its pure, classical appearance is somewhat obscured by modern buildings. However, remnants of past grandeur and the integration of new technology are a unique attraction.
- Classic European Style: The original station building features typical Dutch colonial architecture, with high ceilings and large ventilation to cope with the tropical climate. Although the front facade now looks very modern, the layout of the yard and several surrounding supporting buildings still convey a sense of the past.
The Iconic Hanging Bridge: One of the most iconic architectural elements associated with Medan Station is the ancient pedestrian bridge known as the Hanging Bridge. Built in 1885, this bridge has a strong Victorian style with intricate ironwork. The Hanging Bridge was once used by pedestrians to cross the railway tracks from the station road to the residential area; now it has become a cultural heritage site and a popular photo spot.
Elevated Track Integration: Medan Station now boasts unique architecture with an elevated railway line that cuts through the city. This magnificent concrete structure blends with the hustle and bustle of the station below, creating a striking urban visual.
3. Pioneering Facility: The First Airport Station
Medan Station's unique feature compared to other major stations in Indonesia (such as Gambir or Bandung) is its pioneering status in integrating airport trains. Tours to Medan are now incredibly varied. You can utilize the luxurious airport train for transportation during transfers.
Many tourists, with their own preferences, enjoy the executive train service from Medan Train Station to Kualanamu Airport. After a city tour, visiting several tourist attractions, including Maimun Palace, Al-Mashun Grand Mosque, Tjong A Fie Mansion, the London Sumatera Building, and others, they are then taken directly to the station. Tour operators don't need to take them to the airport because the trains in Medan are integrated with the airport.
City Check-In: Medan Station is the first station in Indonesia to implement a City Check-In system similar to airports. Airline passengers can check in and print their boarding passes at this station before boarding the train to Kualanamu Airport.
Railink Special Zone: This station features a separate (exclusive) waiting area for Airport Train (Railink) passengers, designed to be very modern, clean, and futuristic. Unlike other areas where the local/long-distance train area is located, it offers a "two-worlds" experience within one station complex.
- https://switourmedan.com/