Asahan (Kabupaten Asahan) is a regency in North Sumatra.
A regency in the eastern coast of North Sumatra, it is dominated mostly by flat lowlands, with the mountainous region to the west on the direction to Lake Toba. Palm plantations dominated the regency.
The regency was a center of ancient Asahan Sultanate, part of Sultanate of Aceh that existed from 16th century till 19th century. After Indonesia's independence war, the sultanate joined the Republic of Indonesia. The sultanate still exists, but as a title only. It doesn't have any governing power over Asahan regency.
The major towns in Asahan are Kisaran and Tanjungbalai, with Tanjungbalai famous for its fresh seafood and the only international port in North Sumatra connected by a ferry to Malaysia. The most famous attraction is the Asahan River, the largest and longest river in North Sumatra, that flows from Lake Toba to the Straits of Malacca through Tanjungbalai. It's also one of the best rivers for rafting in the world.
Asahan is connected by Trans-Sumatran Highway, with buses from Medan, Lake Toba and other major cities on the eastern coast.
There are train station at Kisaran and Tanjungbalai, both has regular schedules daily from Medan (as of Nov 2021).
Kisaran is served 3x daily by Putri Deli, fares are Rp 27.000 (economy class) and 4x daily by Sribilah Utama, fares are Rp 105,000 (business class) and Rp 130,000 (executive class). Trip durations are around 4 hours for Putri Deli and 3 hours and 30 minutes for Sribilah Utama.
Tanjungbalai is served 3x daily by Putri Deli, fares are Rp 27.000 (economy class). Trip durations are around 4 hours and 30 minutes.
The Teluk Nibung 📍 port at Tanjungbalai is the only major port that serves domestic voyages and international voyages from/to Port Klang and Hutan Melintang, Perak.
The nearest airport is Kualanamu International Airport (IATA: KNO) near the provincial capital Medan, about 140km to the north.
The easiest way to explore is either using a motorcycle or a car, but road condition mostly is bad, only the major roads are paved. Beware especially when riding a motorcycle on the highway due to high speed of other vehicles. Avoid riding or driving at night!
Small buses connects several villages along the highway. In the Kisaran town and Tanjungbalai city, betor (becak bermotor) are plenty. Be sure to haggle before hop in. Online transport like Grab or Gojek are available as well, but they may refuse to take you out of town.
Accommodations are mostly located at Kisaran and Tanjungbalai.
Primary administrative division