POLONIA DISTRICT

Polonia is Medan's old quarter with a few Dutch buildings. For lovers of architecture, the stroll will allow you to admire some Art Deco specimens of Dutch inspiration. To discover Polonia, head for the central post office on Jl Balai Kota, at the corner of the park where huge trees spread their green umbrellas over 20 meters above the ground. Some forty buildings in this area have been declared to be of significant historical value.

The post office , like the rest, dates from the beginning of the last century. Its circular, domed central hall is of Art Deco architecture.

Opposite this building, the "Le Corbusier" fountain commemorates Nienhuys, who pioneered tobacco in Sumatra and founded Medan.

On theother side of the street, three white buildings stand out: from right to left, the Hotel Darma Deli, formerly the Hotel De Boer (built in 1887 by the Dutch East India Company, it was the main competitor to Singapore's Raffles), the Bank Indonesia, housed in the former Grand Hotel Medan, and finally the Balai Kota, or Town Hall, which has held this function since 1907.

After the park, Jl Balai Kota changed its name to Jl A. Yani. In this street, which is unfortunately a little narrow, you can admire other buildings, including the famous Tip-Top Restaurant, which has always been the city's European address (continental dishes, pastries and ice creams). The place evokes a very club-like atmosphere with its rattan armchairs, large fans and liveried staff. At the crossroads, your eye is drawn to the Art Deco buildings with their stained glass windows. The famous London Sumatra Indonesia building on the corner is a reminder of its illustrious history as a plantation company established in 1906, specializing in the cultivation of oil palm, rubber, tea and cocoa. If you continue on your way, the street changes name again to Jl Pemuda. On the left, you'll see a Catholic church frequented by Bataks, and, on the right, the beautiful Bank Negara Indonesia, formerly the White Society Club, once reserved, as you might guess, for white men. The club opened in 1879, making it one of the city's oldest buildings. Right next door, on Jl Sugiono, Pelni has a branch.

Beyond, walk less than a kilometer to find, on the right, the May Moon Palace, residence of the famous Sultan of Deli, which has now been converted into an exhibition space and museum.