KNO Day 5 │ Kualanamu to KLIA • MH861 • Going Home!

Early Morning Ride to Kuala Namu

We left Empire Tower before sunrise, the city still quiet as Pak Faisal drove us toward the airport. The sky slowly shifted from deep dawn hues to bright morning blue.

Along the way, paddy fields, small villages and stretches of farmland rolled past our windows. By a quarter past six, the rural calm gave way to the modern lines of Kuala Namu International Airport, already buzzing with early travellers.

A Small Letdown, Then Farewell

We had hoped for a straightforward morning. On our first day, we’d agreed with Pak Faisal on a fixed airport fare of IDR250,000, tolls included. But today he switched on the meter the moment we got in, letting it climb past the agreed price. We quietly shrugged off the disappointment. At the terminal, we paid the final total — IDR281,000 — and he unloaded our yellow submarines before we bade him farewell.

Check In at Aisle B

Inside the terminal, we headed to Aisle B. Malaysia Airlines MH861 opened its counters shortly after, and we checked in our bags. Even with nine boxes of Yen Yen Bika Ambon cakes snugly packed inside, our combined weight sat comfortably under the 75 kilogram allowance.

Security, Immigration & Breakfast

At security, we placed our bags on the belt, removed electronics, walked through the scanner, and were cleared within minutes. Immigration manually stamped us out. After reaching Gate 4, a quick potty break later, off-camera we settled at Wie Tiam Kopi. Cat had an Iced Teh Tarik, I had a Hot Kopi Tarik — IDR86,100 in total. With time to spare, I worked on the laptop while Cat browsed souvenirs.

Souvenirs & Boarding

At 8am, again off-camera we visited Nusantara Gifts and picked up IDR225,000 worth of souvenirs. Gate 4 opened at 8:20am, and as Group 2 passengers, we boarded MH861 at 8:55am.

Pushback, Takeoff & Short Flight

MH861 pushed back at 9:20am and took off at 9:30am. The short morning hop to KLIA was smooth and quiet — the kind of regional flight where the seatbelt sign returns before you finish your drink.

Arrival at KLIA

We touched down at 11:10am MY time and disembarked ten minutes later. After the long corridor and escalator down, MyBorderPass let us breeze through the auto gates. At Carousel J, our yellow submarines were already waiting.

KLIA Express to KL Sentral

We exited the Arrival Hall, rode the elevator to the lowest floor, tapped into the KLIA Express station, and caught the 11:30am train to KL Sentral.

Final Ride Home

Half an hour later, we arrived, rode another elevator up, and with Brendan away in Singapore, booked a 6 seater Grab for MYR19 back home.

Closing the Sumatra Chapter

And just like that, our five day stint in Sumatra came to an end — already stirring plans for a return. Up next, a short visit to the Pearl of the Orient. Stay tuned for more from us!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Empire Tower Podomoro City - https://maps.app.goo.gl/omzprqbe9KXHHQuEA

Kualanamu International Airport - https://maps.app.goo.gl/KiBhHgvnD2oWHukS7

KLIA - https://maps.app.goo.gl/KpE3cv5veHT3TRDQ6

KL City Air Terminal - https://maps.app.goo.gl/LVzxRCdME4Zkeddu6

Havironia Music - https://maps.app.goo.gl/VaMbgpguY7mawN1p9

KNO Day 4 │ Tip Top Again • Medan Tattoo Studio • Restoran Onma Tabo!

Return to Tip Top Restaurant

Invigorated by a good night’s sleep, we woke at half past eight, showered, and got ready. Usually not one for repeat performances, I was surprised when Cat suggested breakfast again at Tip Top Restaurant. By a quarter past nine we were in a fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR29,000 (≈ MYR7/USD2/EUR1).

This time we switched things up with Omelette Ham & Cheese, Fried Ifu Mie, Iced Milk Coffee, and Apocat Avocado Mix Juice — a hearty IDR219,000 (≈ MYR50/USD12/EUR10) start to the day.

Back to Empire Tower

After breakfast we caught another fixed fare Bluebird for IDR29,000 back to Empire Tower. We rested for a bit, then I changed into a tank top and bade farewell to Cat, ready for my solo outing.

Heading to Medan Tattoo Studio

At a quarter to eleven I headed down again and grabbed a fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR30,000 (≈ MYR7/USD2/EUR2) to Medan Tattoo Studio for my 11:00am appointment with Dimas. Today’s piece was the Batak Gorga — black for the outline, red for the interior shading — a meaningful addition to my collection.

Understanding the Batak Gorga

Before starting, Dimas explained the Batak Gorga: flowing curves and geometric patterns carved or painted by the Batak Toba people, decorating Rumah Bolon and traditional instruments.

Gorga uses three cosmological colours — Red for the human realm, White for the sacred upper realm, and Black for the underworld, protector of life. Hearing this made the tattoo feel even more rooted in Sumatra’s heritage.

The Tattoo Session

Dimas began at half past eleven. The stencil placement was perfect, and inkwork started at a quarter to twelve. A little over an hour later we were done. After a quick photo session, I hailed a fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR37,000 (≈ MYR9/USD2/EUR2) back to Empire Tower, the fresh Gorga warm under its wrap.

Batak Lunch at Restoran Onma Tabo

At two we headed out again, catching the usual fixed fare Bluebird for IDR29,000 to Restoran Onma Tabo, famed for Batak cuisine. On the waitress’ recommendation we ordered Grilled Pork, Grilled Pork Ribs, Pork Satay, Mashed Cassava Leaves, Plain Soup, and Key Lime Juice — IDR305,000 (≈ MYR70/USD17/EUR15). 

The satay and grilled pork were delicious, but the ribs had a strange leafy aftertaste that wasn’t for us.

Batik Browsing at Danar Hadi and Dian Pelangi

After lunch we took a fixed fare Bluebird for IDR46,000 to Batik Danar Hadi. The shop looked lovely, but the vibe was off — sales personnel giggling behind our backs and exchanging knowing glances.

Unnerving. We slipped next door to Batik Dian Pelangi, only to find the batik expensive and dated. Nothing called out to us, so we moved on.

Sweet Endings at DeliPark Mall

We wrapped the afternoon with one final fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR29,000 back to DeliPark Mall, picking up five more packets of the miraculous lozenges for IDR87,500 (≈ MYR20/USD5/EUR4).

Off camera, our elation peaked at 5:00pm when Alven from Yen Yen Bika Ambon delivered eight boxes of sweet cakes. The fresh Bika Ambon and Kueh Lapis smelled divine — warm, buttery, fragrant. A perfect treat to close our penultimate day. With no plans to head out again, we’ll probably pick things up tomorrow morning.

Stay tuned!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Empire Tower Podomoro City - https://maps.app.goo.gl/omzprqbe9KXHHQuEA

Tip Top Restaurant - https://maps.app.goo.gl/tjNy4r42HAB741gH8

Medan Tattoo Studio - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Af5RiDD2FN5tH3dX8

Restoran Onma Tabo - https://maps.app.goo.gl/6g6rGwP221ovrGkP9

Batik Danar Hadi - https://maps.app.goo.gl/DdhKUCJdgW6YwsCdA

Deli Park Mall - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q2aWmgDtZYHR6RR89

KNO Day 3 │ Warkop Agem Senyum • Merdeka Walk • Seng Hap 1881!

Sleeping Off the Afternoon

We spent the entire afternoon indoors, knocked out by cough syrup and flu medication. Four hours slipped by in a blur, and by a quarter past seven we finally emerged from the apartment, still foggy enough that even the Pocket 3 was out of focus — perfectly mirroring our state of mind as we headed down to the lobby.

Chasing the Viral Indomie

Craving something simple and viral, we hailed a fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR29,000 (≈ MYR7/USD2/EUR1) to Warkop Agem Senyum Ketawa. The place was packed, but we managed to find a seat almost immediately. The energy was lively, and it felt like the right kind of spontaneous outing after such a sluggish day.

Indomie Bangladesh, the Proper Way

At the waiter’s recommendation, we each ordered the same trio: Indomie Bangladesh, half boiled eggs, and Teh Botol. We were told to pour the eggs straight into the noodles — a novel trick that softened the spiciness and made the dish richer. Our meal came to IDR74,000 (≈ MYR17/USD4/EUR4), a little pricey, but we knew we were paying for the experience as much as the food.

A Warm Stroll Through Merdeka Walk

After dinner, we took another fixed fare Bluebird for IDR29,000 to Merdeka Walk. We spent ten minutes strolling around Lapangan Merdeka, working up a refreshing sweat. The square has long been Medan’s civic heart — once the Dutch era Esplanade, later renamed Lapangan Merdeka after independence. Today it blends history with modern street culture, especially with Merdeka Walk bringing food, lights, and evening crowds to its edge.

Evening Drinks at Seng Hap 1881

We doubled back and headed south along Jalan Jenderal Ahmad Yani until we reached the newly opened Seng Hap 1881. The café was filled to the rafters, but we found a seat at the back. A short description from its website added charm to the visit:

“Since 1881, Kesawan has been more than just a street. It is a place where traders, migrants, cultures, and stories shaped Medan. Senghap was born from the spirit of old world commerce—and is now revived as a space for flavors, culture, and signature gifts from Sumatra.”

Drizzle, Drinks, and a Bajaj Ride

Cat settled in while I queued at the cashier, but a sudden drizzle pushed her upstairs. Our drinks came to IDR52,000 (≈ MYR12/USD3/EUR3). We continued our stroll south until Tip Top Restaurant, where we hailed a bajaj for IDR10,000 (≈ MYR2/USD0.50/EUR0.50) back to DeliPark Mall.

Sadly, the Pocket 3 footage of that charming bajaj ride was lost — leaving us only with the memory of its buzzing engine and the warm Medan night rushing past.

Stay tuned for the next video as we return to Tip Top Restaurant for breakfast before I make my way to Medan Tattoo Studio for my appointment with Dimas!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Empire Tower Podomoro City - https://maps.app.goo.gl/omzprqbe9KXHHQuEA

Warkop Agem Senyum Ketawa - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Z7JGmFyGHz2Z2JRLA

Lapangan Merdeka - https://maps.app.goo.gl/ea4WRsNMJf7tZp4Y7

Senghap 1881 Kesawan - https://maps.app.goo.gl/FyYEpdjHd7MrJvYB9

KNO Day 3 │ Medan Fair • Garuda Restaurant • Yen-Yen Bika Ambon!

A Slow Start

We slept in today, still feeling the effects of last night’s medication. It wasn’t the most energetic morning, and we only emerged from the apartment at a quarter past ten. One thing we loved about Empire Tower was how low density it was — most times we had the elevators entirely to ourselves, giving the day a quiet, unhurried start.

Slow Steps to DeliPark

Using the shortcut through Haidilao Hot Pot, we walked over to DeliPark Mall with one thing in mind: nourishment. We had a fitful sleep, tossing and turning until dawn, and with barely three hours of rest we were naturally knackered.

Excelso for a Mid Morning Boost

We wandered around for a bit before settling on Excelso for drinks. An Iced Latte and Iced Lychee Tea came to IDR95,865 (≈ MYR22/USD5/EUR5) — a small boost to help us push through the morning fog residing in our minds.

A Quick Retreat and a New Errand

My nose started getting stuffy again, so we headed back up to the apartment. I took another round of flu medication, hoping it would help. Soon after, we went back down to the lobby and hailed a fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR29,000 (≈ MYR7/USD2/EUR1) to Medan Fair Plaza, hoping to find a portable hard drive.

Hard Drive Hunt at Medan Fair Plaza

We headed up to the fourth floor and enquired at a couple of stores, only to find the prices far too exorbitant. We gave up the hunt and hailed another fixed fare Bluebird for IDR36,000 (≈ MYR8/USD2/EUR2) to our lunch destination: Garuda Restaurant.

Padang Lunch, Driver Approved

We had originally planned to eat at Jasa Baru, but when we asked our driver Pak Rahmanda about Padang cuisine, he casually mentioned he preferred Garuda Restaurant. That settled it — lunch sorted.

A Feast at Garuda Restaurant

At Garuda, a bevy of dishes too plentiful to count appeared on the table. We selected seven of our favourites. Together with drinks, jelly custard dessert, and a plate of fruits, our meal came to IDR348,000 (≈ MYR81/USD20/EUR17).

The Bika Ambon Detour

With lunch done, we took a fixed fare Bluebird for IDR29,000 (≈ MYR7/USD2/EUR1) to Bika Ambon Zulaikha, only to find it closed for Friday prayers. We asked to return to DeliPark, but barely fifty meters into the ride we spotted another shop selling Bika Ambon. We asked the driver to drop us off, paid IDR10,000 (≈ MYR2/USD1/EUR1), and walked to Yen Yen Bika Ambon.

The Moment of Truth

This was the reason we came to Medan. Bika Ambon, with its honeycomb like structure and springy texture, is a beloved Medan specialty despite its Ambon referencing name. We went a little nuts and bought:

• 5 large boxes of original Bika Ambon
• 1 large box of Pandan Bika Ambon
• 3 large boxes of Kue Lapis Legit

for IDR1,092,000 (≈ MYR254/USD61/EUR54).

Alven, the proprietor, exchanged WhatsApp numbers with us and offered to send a fresh batch to Empire Tower tomorrow afternoon so it would last until our return to Kuala Lumpur.

Errands Before Heading Home

We then took a final fixed fare Bluebird for IDR29,000 (≈ MYR7/USD2/EUR1) back to DeliPark. At Watson’s, we picked up cough syrup, flu medication, and lozenges for IDR143,280 (≈ MYR33/USD8/EUR7). A quick stop at Jawara added pastries for IDR96,000 (≈ MYR22/USD5/EUR5).

Calling It a Day

Finally, we headed back to Empire Tower to rest for the afternoon, ready to devour the medication and hope for a speedy recovery. With no dinner plans, we’ll probably wing it — so please stay tuned!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Empire Tower Podomoro City - https://maps.app.goo.gl/omzprqbe9KXHHQuEA

Excelso Deli Park - https://maps.app.goo.gl/cNMycfwizp18uK4E8

Plaza Medan Fair - https://maps.app.goo.gl/EEdHTWg1uy7oREHG8

Garuda Restaurant - https://maps.app.goo.gl/PJ5Q6n3pqJ2oMkjHA

Yen-Yen Bika Ambon - https://maps.app.goo.gl/CvYwMZ82EdUd21HQ6

KNO Day 2 │ Batik Hunt Pt 2 • Ta Wan DeliPark!

Picking Up After BT Batik Trusmi

We picked you up again just as we wrapped up our sizable haul from BT Batik Trusmi. With our bags heavier and spirits high, we stepped out onto Jl. Pangeran Diponegoro and hailed a fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR29,000 (≈ MYR7/USD2/EUR1) to Cambridge City Square.

Dead Ends at AGS and Markaj Pedjoeng

To our dismay, AGS Batik here had only operated as a temporary exhibition booth that had long ended. With nothing else online, we abandoned the search. We then took another fixed fare Bluebird for IDR33,000 (≈ MYR8/USD2/EUR2) to Markaj Pedjoeng Batik, only to find it closed down too. As a shot in the dark, we asked our driver, Pak Rahmad, to take us to the place where he usually buys his Batik.

Pasar Ikan Lama: A Hidden Textile Corridor

For IDR50,000 (≈ MYR12/USD3/EUR2), Pak Rahmad brought us to Pasar Ikan Lama, a well known textile market in the Kesawan area near Lapangan Merdeka, right in the heart of Medan. The market is filled with textile traders selling everything from raw fabrics to ready made clothing, drawing visitors not only from Medan but also from Aceh, Padang, and Riau.

Both sides of the street were lined with Batik shops. After browsing several, we settled on Toko Kain Madinah, where we bought a shirt and a dress for IDR375,000 (≈ MYR86/USD21/EUR18) — a satisfying find after two earlier disappointments.

Back to DeliPark Mall

All done with the sprawling Pasar Ikan Lama, we took one last fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR29,000 (≈ MYR7/USD2/EUR1) back to DeliPark Mall. We headed up to the fourth floor and strolled around the food court before settling on a Chinese halal restaurant.

Late Lunch at Ta Wan

We chose Ta Wan, Indonesia’s largest Chinese restaurant chain, famous for its congee and Chinese dishes adapted to local tastes. Its name comes from the Mandarin 大碗 (dàwǎn), meaning Big Bowl. The first outlet opened at Mega Mall Pluit in North Jakarta, now Pluit Village.

We ordered:

• Cumi Goreng Thailand
• Dori Saus XO
• Angsio Tahu
• Teh Madu Goji Berry & Lemon

for IDR297,088 (≈ MYR68/USD17/EUR15).

Sweet Treats and Coffee

Back on the lower ground floor, we searched for a supermarket but found Transmart closed down. Instead, we discovered Momoira, a quaint stall selling soft pillow cakes, and bought their best selling Chocolate Chip pillow cake for IDR68,000 (≈ MYR16/USD4/EUR3). Upstairs at Kenangan Coffee, we grabbed a Hot Latte and Iced Matcha for IDR74,000 (≈ MYR17/USD4/EUR4) before heading back to Empire Tower.

Calling It a Day

Truth be told, Cat and I were still feeling the after effects of the flu medication, so we decided to spend the rest of the day indoors to recover fully.

Hopefully we’ll pick you up again tomorrow morning, stay tuned!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

BT Batik Trusmi Medan - https://maps.app.goo.gl/1GXFCgSQzMKGfRSSA

AGS Batik Store - https://maps.app.goo.gl/9gCgT1XudSBCeyw38

Markaj Pedjoeang Batik - https://maps.app.goo.gl/bzkU2mBfzkFguUaA6

Pajak Ikan Lama Medan - https://maps.app.goo.gl/9CDPdak3PzceFmoS9

Ta Wan @ Deli Park Medan - https://maps.app.goo.gl/RqaYvEPHFqzZq4yd9

Empire Tower Podomoro City - https://maps.app.goo.gl/omzprqbe9KXHHQuEA

KNO Day 2 │ Tip Top Restaurant • Batik Hunt Pt 1!

A Slow Morning Start

After a good night’s sleep, we finally woke up at 8:00am, still recovering from a week of flu meds. We took our time getting ready and left Helen’s lovely apartment at a quarter to nine. Down at the lobby, we hailed a fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR29,000 (≈ MYR7/USD2/EUR1) to our breakfast spot: Tip Top Restaurant.

Breakfast at Tip Top

Although Tip Top was barely a kilometre away, the lack of sidewalks meant walking wasn’t an option. Tip Top—founded in 1929 as Jang Kie before moving to Kesawan in 1934—has long been one of Medan’s most enduring culinary icons, evolving from colonial era dishes to Indonesian and Chinese favourites. Its old world charm mesmerised us the moment we stepped in. We ordered Bread with Ham and Cheese, Omelette Ham and Cheese, Fried Vermicelli Noodle, Cold Tea with Milk, Hot Coffee with Milk, and a Ystaart ice cream cake for IDR204,000 (≈ MYR47/USD11/EUR10). My eyes were bigger than my perut, so the first item was packed away. With breakfast done, the Batik hunt officially began.

Sun Plaza: A Detour Before the Hunt

We took another fixed fare Bluebird for IDR29,000 to Sun Plaza, thinking it had Batik stores — it didn’t, but the detour was still worthwhile. We browsed Adidas and Skechers on the third floor, then picked up Watson’s essentials for IDR398,700 (≈ MYR92/USD22/EUR19) at the lower ground floor. Back upstairs, we bought an NMIXX album CD from the tiny Studio Et 45 stall for IDR275,000 (≈ MYR63/USD15/EUR13).

Batik Stalls at Sun Plaza

We returned to the lower ground floor where Cat checked out a few small Batik stalls. The patterns were fine, but nothing truly caught her eye. The real hunt would have to continue outside.

BT Batik Trusmi: The First Big Haul

Leaving Sun Plaza, we walked along Jl. Pangeran Diponegoro and soon slipped into BT Batik Trusmi, our first proper Batik store of the day. The colours and motifs pulled us in immediately. After browsing through racks of shirts, blouses, and traditional cloth, we settled on two shirts, two blouses, and two folds of Batak motif cloth for IDR1,692,000 (≈ MYR389/USD94/EUR82) — a handsome first haul.

AGS Batik at Cambridge City Square

Our second Batik stop was AGS Batik at Cambridge City Square. With one solid haul already in the bag, we were excited to see what awaited us next. Stay tuned to find out how we got on there — the Batik hunt is only just beginning!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Empire Tower Podomoro City - https://maps.app.goo.gl/omzprqbe9KXHHQuEA

Tip Top Restaurant - https://maps.app.goo.gl/KCNJq9ZY19Bh24LV9

Sun Plaza - https://maps.app.goo.gl/YsrBqETd7Si3WQzf6

BT Batik Trusmi Medan - https://maps.app.goo.gl/1GXFCgSQzMKGfRSSA

KNO Day 1 │ Medan Tattoo Studio • Warung Ijo!

Settling In at Empire Tower

We picked you up again later in the evening after settling into Helen’s lovely apartment at Empire Tower. No video to show — the condo’s strict no vlogging rule made sure of that. Their loss, not ours. With the city humming outside, we took a moment to reset before heading out.

On the Hunt for a Memory Card Reader

At 5:30pm, we left Empire Tower and asked the lobby reception for directions to DeliPark Mall. I had forgotten my memory card reader back in Kuala Lumpur, so our first mission in Medan was a practical one. We walked over as the evening crowd began to thicken.

Paperclip Saves the Day

Inside DeliPark Mall, we checked every gadget shop we could find — nothing. Just as we were about to give up, we tried Paperclip, and voilà: a memory card reader for IDR75,000 (≈ MYR17/USD4/EUR4). Filming saved.

Gridlock to Medan Tattoo Studio

At 6:00pm, we hailed a fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR37,000 (≈ MYR9/USD2/EUR2). A student demonstration had gridlocked the roads, turning a ten minute ride into forty five minutes. We finally reached Medan Tattoo Studio at a quarter to seven, where Laura welcomed us. I’d been chatting with her online about getting a small memento of our trip, and she suggested a proper consultation to check placement and sizing.

Choosing the Batak Design

After discussing ideas with Dimas, we settled on a spiralling Batak inspired design for my left lower arm — black outline, red interior shading. We booked the tattoo session for 11:00am this Saturday, and I paid the deposit before heading out.

Dinner Plans Redirected

We walked along Jl. Abdullah Lubis toward Rumah Makan Nan Kanduang, recommended by Laura, hoping for our first taste of Padang cuisine. Unfortunately, it was closed, so we continued toward Jalan K.H. Wahid Hasyim in search of dinner.

Underwhelming Meal at Warung Ijo

After checking a few eateries, we settled on Warung Ijo, known for its friendly service and wide menu. We ordered Nasi Goreng Kampung, Mie Jadel, Tauhu Goreng Medan, and two Teh Tarik Dingin for IDR170,000 (≈ MYR39/USD10/EUR8). The food was honestly underwhelming, and a nearby group loudly bad mouthing Malaysia didn’t help the atmosphere.

Provisions and Calling It a Night

We stopped by a tiny convenience store called Indomarket — which we mistook for Indomaret — to grab provisions for IDR42,250 (≈ MYR10/USD2/EUR2). Then we took another fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR36,000 (≈ MYR8/USD2/EUR2) back to Empire Tower to retire for the night. A long first evening in Medan and tomorrow begins with our first breakfast in the city.

Stay tuned for our tip-top first meal of the day!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Empire Tower Podomoro City - https://maps.app.goo.gl/omzprqbe9KXHHQuEA

Medan Tattoo Studio - https://maps.app.goo.gl/euV8r8KVMGaKpcga6

Warung Ijo Excellence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/ArjyDwgYfzjGGxmW8

KNO Day 1 │ Kualanamu to DeliPark Mall • Airbnb!

Welcome to Medan

Welcome to Medan — we picked you up again the moment we stepped off MH860. Learning from past trips to Indonesia, we had everything prepared ahead of time, including the health and customs declarations via the official link. We filled everything in two days before departure, and Immigration and Customs were smooth sailing. We collected our yellow submarines at Carousel 01 and handed the officer our pre-printed QR code before exiting.

Old Fashioned Immigration

Our passports didn’t work at the auto gates, so we went through the manual counters instead. A short queue, a friendly officer, a quick stamp — and we were officially in North Sumatra.

Railink Plans

After a quick potty break, we followed online advice and chose the scenic route into the city: the Kualanamu Airport Railink to Medan Railway Station, then a short Grab ride to Empire Tower. Tickets cost IDR65,000 (≈ MYR15/USD4/EUR3) each, and with fifty minutes before the 9:45am train, we waited at the KAI Bandara station.

Into Medan City

The train arrived at 9:30am and departed on time. The forty minute ride passed palm plantations, quiet villages, and long stretches of open land before shifting into Medan’s dense neighbourhoods and busy streets. At the station, we disembarked, took an elevator down to the turnstiles, crossed a footbridge, then rode another elevator to street level. From there, a fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR29,000 (≈ MYR7/USD2/EUR1) took us to DeliPark Plaza.

A Costly Mistake

At DeliPark Mall, we arranged with a driver, Pak Faisal, for a Sunday airport pickup. It felt convenient, but in hindsight it turned into a costly mistake when he refused to honour the agreed fare and overcharged us. A small scam, and a lesson learned.

Early Lunch at Fountain

With hours to spare before check in, we had lunch at Fountain on the fourth floor. My favourite Oxtail Soup wasn’t available, so we settled for Nasi Sop Iga Sapi, Nasi Soto Medan Sapi, and Iced Lemongrass Tea, later adding a Banana Split and Fountain Coffee King. Total damage: IDR297,400 (≈ MYR68/USD17/EUR15).

A Strenuous Walk to Empire Tower

At 1:30pm, Helen messaged that the Airbnb was ready. What should have been a simple walk next door became a sweaty workout: dragging our yellow submarines down a long ramp to Jalan Guru Patimpus, continuing along Jalan Laboratorium III, then hauling everything up another steep ramp before finally reaching the lobby. A memorable arrival, to say the least.

Empire Tower’s Little Secret

The condo had a strict no vlogging rule, which meant we couldn’t feature Helen’s lovely apartment on our channel. You win some, you lose some — and the unusually tight privacy made us wonder what kind of stories this building preferred to keep behind closed doors.

Anyway, stay tuned for the next video as we begin exploring Medan!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Stasiun Bandara Kualanamu - https://maps.app.goo.gl/yU6nwJYHxDhatDF1A

Stasiun Medan - https://maps.app.goo.gl/xTL14hT4DeMYcGWz7

DeliPark Mall Medan - https://maps.app.goo.gl/TJNpJLAkWKVKBspL6

Fountain Deli Park - https://maps.app.goo.gl/MyCwsa6g7xx6j46Q9

Empire Tower - Podomoro City - https://maps.app.goo.gl/omzprqbe9KXHHQuEA

KNO Day 1 │ KLIA to Kualanamu • MH860!

Journey to Medan: Departure Before Dawn

A brand new adventure awaited us in Medan, Sumatra, and our day began long before sunrise. MH860 was scheduled for 8:30am, and as always, we kept to our trusted four hour buffer between home and the airport. Brendan was able to drive us to KL Sentral, so we were out the door at 4:30am. The city was still fast asleep, the air cool, and twenty minutes later he dropped us off. We unloaded our bags, shared our fond farewells, and watched him disappear into the early morning light.

The Early Ride to KLIA

Since KL CAT only opened at six — leaving us with too little time — we decided not to check in there. Even so, we still wanted to ride the KLIA Express, and the first train left at 5:00am. As always, we bought our tickets online to enjoy RM15 off each return fare, paying RM35 each. We headed down to the platform and boarded the first train out at precisely five.

Check In Before Sunrise

We arrived at KLIA at 5:27am and made a beeline for the international check in counters upstairs. Fifteen minutes later we were checked in and our yellow submarines were safely deposited. With MH860 boarding at 7:30am from Gate H2, we made our way toward the Departure Hall.

Through Immigration in Minutes

Immigration was a breeze thanks to the MyBorderPass app, and by the time we emerged it was ten to six. The airport was only just beginning to wake.

Starbucks Before Boarding

With more than an hour to burn, we stopped at Starbucks. I had a Caramel Macchiato, Cat tried the Protein Matcha, and with a shared chicken sandwich the total came to RM72.35. A quiet, familiar pause before the morning rush.

Waiting at Gate H2

At seven, we checked the FIDS and headed to Gate H2, only to find it still closed. It finally opened half an hour later, and passengers were allowed in.

Boarding MH860

We cleared the final security checkpoint at 7:45am, though not before an overzealous security lady insisted I was flying to Phnom Penh. Once past that, we took our seats. Being in Group 2, we boarded at 7:56am. The flight was full, and after everyone settled in, the aircraft pushed back at 8:24am. Ten minutes later, in rainy conditions, MH860 lifted off toward Sumatra.

Why Medan?

This trip was long in the making. We first planned it for February last year, but ended up choosing Jakarta and Bandung for Chinese New Year. Medan was pushed to June this year. Our main reason was simple: Cat’s love for Bika Ambon, the famous honeycomb textured cake that actually originated in Medan. We were also excited to finally hear a Batak church choir, and with any luck, I hoped to add another travel tattoo.

Touchdown in North Sumatra

The one hour flight was choppy throughout, with the aircraft only reaching 22,000 feet. Turbulence forced the crew to cancel inflight service, and at 8:54am the plane began its descent. MH860 touched down at 8:20am local time. Kudos to Captain Imanul Kamil and Chief Steward Zazali Ahmad for an excellent flight. We disembarked ten minutes later and headed to Carousel 01.

Welcome to Medan!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Havironia Music - https://maps.app.goo.gl/VaMbgpguY7mawN1p9

KL City Air Terminal - https://maps.app.goo.gl/LVzxRCdME4Zkeddu6

KLIA - https://maps.app.goo.gl/KpE3cv5veHT3TRDQ6

Kualanamu International Airport - https://maps.app.goo.gl/KiBhHgvnD2oWHukS7

TUESDAY Traipse │ Aeroline • 3-Mall Hop!

Sorting Out Aeroline

We began our late morning with news that had been worrying us. Aeroline, the premium coach operator, announced it would stop serving Kuala Lumpur after more than 20 years due to rising costs and new rules requiring operations only from licensed terminals. Their move to TRX Mall wasn’t approved, and instead of raising fares or lowering quality, they chose to exit KL entirely.

With that in mind, we went to the Aeroline counter to check on our early July Penang tickets. Thankfully, they were still valid. Aeroline would only stop KL service from 26 July, after which they would relocate to IOI Putrajaya, no longer convenient for us.

Crossing the Klang Valley

From there, we walked to the MRT and caught a train toward Kwasa Sentral at 11:20am. At Pasar Seni, we switched to the LRT and boarded a Putra Heights train at 11:38am. Fifteen stops later, we reached USJ 7 at 12:23pm, crossed the interchange bridge, and hopped onto the BRT Sunway Line toward Sunway–Setia Jaya.

Four stops later, we got off at Sunway Lagoon. The whole MRT–LRT–BRT journey cost only RM7.00 (≈ USD/EUR2). From the station, we walked the covered walkway straight into Sunway Pyramid Mall.
Lunch Before the Hunt

Before anything else, we crossed the street to ABC One Cafeteria for lunch at ten to one. Both of us had Nasi Kandar with Onion Fried Chicken, Diced Mutton Curry, and drinks. The total was RM34.25 (≈ USD9/EUR7).

Adidas, Round One

Back inside Sunway Pyramid, we found the huge Adidas store. No luck on the dark blue shorts, but I picked up the 2026/2027 Manchester United Home kit shorts for RM209.00 (≈ USD54/EUR45). The cashier kindly pointed us to the bus stop outside.

The Bus That Never Came

We crossed the footbridge to wait for the RapidKL #770 bus to Pasar Seni. After half an hour and three wrong buses, we gave up and booked a Grab at 2:30pm. The ride to Pavilion KL cost RM20.00 (≈ USD5/EUR4).

Adidas, Round Two

At Pavilion, we rode up to the 5th floor and entered our favourite Adidas outlet. Still no dark blue shorts. My wardrobe overhaul would have to wait for another spree.

A Sweet Break

We went down one floor to Snowflake. Cat had the Bestseller Cold, and I tried the Mango Deluxe. The bill came to RM45.20 (≈ USD5/EUR4).

Heading Home

After our treat, we crossed the footbridge to the Wisma Cosway bus stop and caught a free GOKL Blue Line bus back to Munshi Abdullah. From there, we walked home, ending a long but satisfying KL walkabout.

What’s Next

With this day wrapped up neatly, our compass is already turning westward. The largest city in Sumatra is calling, and a new story is waiting for us across the Strait of Malacca!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:
Havironia Music - https://maps.app.goo.gl/VaMbgpguY7mawN1p9
The Exchange TRX - https://maps.app.goo.gl/uoxSACRiiJHZ38to8
Aeroline (TRX) - https://maps.app.goo.gl/oe8XMLVJsnpm8bEe8
Sunway Pyramid - https://maps.app.goo.gl/h2mRu1K5YjpWw5j19
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur - https://maps.app.goo.gl/CZjvBTMMcAbQTCug9