Timeline
10:00
Grab a quick coffee or snack at Sun Plaza to fuel up before the walk. It is one of the largest high-end shopping malls in Medan and located just at the border of Kampung Keling.
10:15
Walk to Sri Mariamman Temple. Arrive early to beat the heat and crowds. This Tamil Hindu temple on the corner features brightly colored statues of gods and naga stones, a testament to the ancient Tamil maritime empire. Note that this is the main one; the other is down a long alley and closed.
11:00
Head to Cahaya Baru Indian Restaurant for lunch. It is one of Medan's best-kept secrets and serves a wide range of authentic North-Indian cuisine. It is highly rated for its variety and authenticity.
11:45
Take a 13-minute walk SSW to Gunung Timur Temple. This Daoist temple is of significant scale and contains a large paved area with an impressively scaled incense burner. It offers a quiet contrast to the vibrant Hindu temple you just visited.
Local tip
Wear modest clothing when visiting the temples. The area can be busy, so keep an eye on your belongings.
Check before you go
- Sun Plaza is open Mo-Su 10:00-22:00.
- Cahaya Baru Indian Restaurant hours are not specified, so arrive during typical lunch hours.
- Gunung Timur Temple is a public space, but check if any specific areas have restricted access.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Medan (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).