Traveling to Great Mosque of Medan (Masjid Raya AlMashun)
The Great Mosque of Medan, also known as Masjid Raya AlMashun, is a prominent landmark in Medan, the capital city of North Sumatra, Indonesia. Here's a detailed guide on how to reach the mosque for visitors.
By Air
Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) is the main gateway for international and domestic flights into Medan. Upon arrival at the airport, you have a few options to reach the mosque:
- Airport Railink Services (ARS): Take the train from Kualanamu to Medan City, which takes about 30 to 45 minutes. From Medan Station, take a taxi or a motorized rickshaw known as "becak" to reach the mosque.
- Taxis: Airport taxis offer fixed-rate fares to destinations within Medan, which can be a convenient option directly to the mosque.
- Ride-hailing Apps: Apps like Grab or Gojek are widely used and offer both car and motorbike rides which can be cheaper alternatives to taxis.
By Road
If you're traveling from within Sumatra, you can reach Medan by long-distance bus or by driving. Buses from other cities would typically drop you off at the Amplas Bus Terminal (Terminal Terpadu Amplas), from which you can continue by local transport.
- Buses: Local buses run from Amplas Terminal to many parts of the city. Look for a bus that goes to the central area and then take a taxi or becak from there.
- Taxis or Ride-hailing: These services are also available from Amplas Terminal to take you directly to the mosque.
By Train
Medan also has a rail service connecting it with other cities in North Sumatra. If you arrive at Medan Railway Station (Stasiun Medan), it's only a short taxi ride or becak journey to Masjid Raya AlMashun.
Important Tips
- The mosque is located right in the town center, making it easily accessible.
- Medan's traffic can be quite congested, especially during rush hours. Allocate ample travel time to get to your destination.
- It's respectful to dress modestly when visiting religious sites like the Great Mosque of Medan.
- Keep cash in hand as some taxi drivers or becak might not accept card payments.
Remember that the access to the mosque may be limited during prayer times, especially on Fridays, so plan your visit accordingly.