Climbing aboard one of the ubiquitous trishaws, or becak is a good way to see more of this cosmopolitan city, which retains some lovely monuments from its past.

• Sit in the becak’s carriage which is attached to a bicycle or motorbike, and feel the wind in your heart as you acquaint yourself with the city, juxtaposed with French-inspired heritage buildings along Jalan Ahmad Yani and traditional Batak houses.


• Relax at one of the highest, deepest and largest volcanic lakes in Southeast Asia, Lake Toba.


• Sample ayam goring kalasan (Javanese fried chicken), spicy nasi padang (steamed rice served with meat and vegetables), kueh lapis (layered cake) and bika ambon (honeycomb cake).