Medan
Medan is the western gateway into Indonesia and the ideal starting point for a birding trek across the archipelago. The first stop on a birding itinerary is Brastagi, 66 km southwest of Medan.
Getting there
By air there are regular international flights to medan’s Polonia airport from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Amsterdam, as wel as regular connections from Jakarta and other domestic airports. The airport is still in the middle of the city, and you can actually walk out of the airport entrance and get straight on local transport. Airport taxis cost about $6.50.
By sea Hydrofoil services from Penang, Malyasia, to the main harbor at Belawan are available through most travel agencies. Pelni’s Bukit Guntang operates on alternate weeks between Jakarta and Belawan.
By road ALS is the best bus service to and from Java or southerly points of Sumatra, however the Trans-Sumatran Highway still leaves much to be desired and delays due to repairs etc are common.