MOONMAI PALACE (MOONMAI PALACE)

Istana Sultan Deli, on Jalan Katamso, was the palace of the rival sultan of Aceh, Sumatra's northernmost province. It's no Versailles, but it's still one of the most beautiful palaces in Insulindia, now a museum and Medan's most popular tourist destination. Its uniqueness lies in its successful combination of Islamic and European architecture.

The palace was built in 1888 by Sultan Ma'mun Al Rashid Perkasa and designed by a Dutch architect on an area of over 2,500 m². The architecture is highly colorful, combining Malay (notably the yellow colors), Arab and Indian (the arabesques and arches) influences, while the furnishings are inspired by the European style: Spanish (the doors), Italian, French (the crystal chandeliers) and Dutch (the very large windows, and also the tables and chairs).

The symmetrical two-storey building comprises a central body and two wings. A total of 40 rooms are distributed over the two floors. The central body, measuring over 400 m² and known as "the hall", was used as a reception and party room. This was also the location of the sultan's throne, which was used on holy days, Muslim worship days and coronations. The right wing was reserved for the sultan, while the left wing belonged to the rest of the family. You'll also find a collection of keris, the country's traditional ornamental dagger, antique clothes and other historical objects that once belonged to the Sultan. And speaking of antique clothing, for those who'd like to keep an unusual souvenir of their visit, it's possible to pay a small fee to don royal costumes and take photos in the throne room.

Only the central part is open to visitors, comprising an antechamber and throne room, weapons and old family photos. The palace as a whole is gradually deteriorating, and the Persian-style patios are showing signs of decay in their worm-eaten balustrades. Each room, which unfortunately cannot be visited, has been designed with singularity, but they are all in marble.

The palace gardens are a favorite spot for footballers, picnickers, children or even, if you're lucky, local music groups! The short grass sometimes hosts a vast tent under which you can see a few charlatans promising the moon..