Medan Dazhong Backpackers Hostel

I went here as a first stop to do a jungle tracking in sumatra. The guy that runs the hostel is quite nice but he was really eager to sell me his tour. I really wanted to do a 4 dag jungle track. The evening that I arrived (11pm) he started selling me his tour in bukit lawang. I asked him specifically id there would be other people joining since I am a solo traveler and didnt want to do it alone. He called this guys that did the jungle track and he said that 2 canadian guys would also start the 4 day tour.
I found out during the tour that this was not the case. All the other people would only do the 2 days or the 3 days track and that I was supposed to do the last day alone with one guide. I asked specifically to the hostel owner if this would not be the case and it was. Maybe the canadian guys cancelled, idk, but they didnt tell me! I found out during the track!
So I decided to skip the last day, that I did pay for.
Also the hostel owner tried to push me to do it a day earlier so that I would leave at 5 pm. I said that I still needed to buy hiking socks and such. He said that I could buy supplies at bukit lawan. I am happy I didnt because this is not the case at all.
I would not advise to book a jungle tour through this hostel, its way to expensive and its better to book a hotel/hostel in bukit lawang yourself and book it there.
But the jungle tour itself was really nice since it was done by freelancers.

The host is incredibly nice and welcoming!
Both times I stayed there, I had to leave in the middle of the night and it was no problem at all for him although he had to get up to open the gate.
Highly recommend it!

An amazing hostel!
If you want to go trekking or just have somewhere to stay in Medan this is perfect!
The owner organised an amazing jungle trip for us perfectly for our itinerary and schedule! All for a fair price.
The rooms are nice and clean and in a good central location!
Couldn’t reccomend more.

Note: I stayed here a second time 4 weeks after the review I posted the first time (see below). He has moved to a new location and is totally renovating the place. It is beautiful and will be exceptional when it’s finished, which may already have happened by the time you read this. Plus the owner is still the same passionate wonderful host who is totally committed to giving his guests the best experience possible. Highly recommended!
ORIGINAL REVIEW FROM 4 WEEKS AGO: I found this place accidentally after no one was there at the place I’d booked and I couldn’t contact them. A neighbor directed me to Dazhong and luckily they had a bed. The facilities are basic but adequate for budget travel, and the proprietor is extremely helpful. The ac is very good so you can sleep comfortably, and with the door closed there are no mosquitoes in the room. The location seems fine with many restaurants and even a shopping mall nearby. The price is not low end for Indonesia but all the low end places seem to get terrible reviews. Unless you are totally broke I recommend spending a little more for a more serviceable option. See updated review above that describes the new location.

The overall experience was good. The Dazhong host was super friendly and helpful. He sold us a 1D1N tour to Bukit Lawang including Transport, 2 nights at a hostel there before and after the trip.
That place was terrible! The matresses were really old, the sheets did not seem to be fresh. My friend got bitten by bed bugs.

Dont go here. Owner not friendly. The place not safe main door open 24hours. Got a lot of mosquitos. Aircond open at 10pm owner dont allow to open early coz too hot inside room. Other room upstair owner rent for long term monthly basis. I move to other hotel and get money redund.

Excellent hostel, Mr Yao was very accommodating and arranged an amazing 3 day jungle trek for us. The hostel is homely, in a great location, and sociable too. Would definitely come back if I were to re-visit Medan.

I booked my Bukit Lawang Jungle trek with this hostel and we had such an amazing experience! As soon as we arrived in Bukit Lawang the locals welcomed us and were so friendly. We did the 3D2N tour with Arip and Putra and we had the most fun with them. We saw many orangutang and other monkeys too. We spent our evenings/ nights relaxing playing card games and eating delicious home cooked food. I highly recommend this tour and I hope you’re lucky enough to do it with Arip and Putra because they are two people we will never forget.

The owner of this hostel Mister Yao is an amazing guy. He can help you with everything you need, whenever you need it. The place itself is basic but Mr Yao makes sure you see everything in north Sumatra!

I had a great experience at this hostel! Mr. Yow definitely makes the hostel — he was so friendly and helpful from the moment I arrived. I went through his tour company to do the orangutan trekking in Bukit Lawang, and it was amazing! The guides were great and we saw many orangutans. Mr. Yow also kindly walked me to the ATM and to get dinner, safely stored my big backpack while I went to Bukit Lawang, and was also willing to help with directions in Medan. Highly recommend this hostel, especially if you're going to Bukit Lawang or Lake Toba or anywhere around, as he'll swiftly help organise everything.

The hostel in Medan is okay for a few nights. The tour organised to Bukit Lawang was very good and all of the staff involved were great. Would recommend.

Mr. Yao is very friendly and speaks good english. He has a lot of info about Medan and the whole island and will help you with anything, so it's the perfect adress for when you have just arrived in Sumatra.
The place itself is decent, but since it's a hostel, don't expect luxury.

Dazhong is one of the most helpful people we met while traveling! He goes above and beyond to make sure you’ll have a good time! The rooms are pretty basic but have the usual amenities :)
The location is great, just next to little india and lots of food options close by.

The owner is fantastic. Super helpful guy who can help get you to where you need to go, and is always willing to help with questions you may have when you’re around Sumatra.
Rooms are pretty simple. Lots of fans to help with the heat, and recently added hot shower water. Free water refills was also a huge plus.

The owner is so kind and helpful! He helped me with recieving a package in Indonesia what was so important for me. He gives some good tips for the city and for first steps in Indonesia. The place has nice common space so it's easy to socialise with other travellers and go out with them for food, sightseeing etc.

Dazhong is the most helpful person ever! He will assist with anything you need and will sort out transport anywhere! Had breakfast together, talked about local food and showed me around the neighbourhood. I will definitely come back if I need accommodation in Medan! AC and water provided.

Mr. Yao was amazing! Very kind man and was very accommodating. We booked the orangutang experience through him (2 days one night) and it was a blast! Shout out to Diddy (not P) and Mama~ they were such amazing guides and we saw 8 orangutang. Phenomenal!