Semarang Tourist Attractions

Semarang Tourist Attractions and Tourist Destinations

Semarang (click names) lies in the northern part of Central Java. It is a bustling mid-sized city with a population of 1.5 million. More a business than tourism destination, it nevertheless has its own charm with contrasting modern mid-rises, Dutch colonial architecture, Chinatown, and small "kampong" jutting against each other.

The city's weather is hot and humid, so wear light-colored cotton clothes. You do not need a long-sleeved shirt, instead a T-shirt and knee-long trousers are comfortable. However, some places like mosques (masjid) and temples require polite dress such as long trousers/skirts. Hot pants/mini skirts will attract people's attention in ways you might not like and might be considered impolite.

Semarang is off the tourist trail and knowing even basic Javanese and Indonesian will be helpful (and courteous), although younger educated people can often speak some English.

These are some places as Tourist Attractions in Semarang :

Sam Po Kong Temple The beautiful Sam Po Kong temple (Gedung Batu) was built to honor the Muslim Chinese commander named Cheng Ho of the Ming Dinasty who visited Semarang in the early 15th century.Northern Semarang has a lot of old Dutch colonial buildings. This was where the old walled city was located. The wall is no longer there, but many of the old building remain, especially in the area called Kota Lama (The Old Town or Oudstadt). On certain months, this part of Semarang is flooded by the rising tide (called "rob" in Javanese).

Sam Po Kong Temple

Tanjung Mas. A busy, important port during Dutch occupation (from 17th century to 1945).

Gereja Blenduk, Jalan Letjen Suprapto 32. The name means "domed church". A beautiful Protestant church built in 1753, it is the oldest church in Semarang. It has a baroque organ, a rarity in Indonesia

Stasiun Tawang. The oldest major railway station in Java, completed in 1870.

Simpang Lima. a vast square at the heart of Semarang. At night, you can eat, drink, or just wander around Simpang Lima.

Taman Budaya Raden Saleh. at Jalan Sriwijaya No.29, is a beautiful garden located at the city centre. It has a total area of 89,926 square meters. Suitable for family recreation.

Wayang Wong Ngesti Pandowo. Inside Taman Budaya Raden Saleh, Jl. Sriwijaya No. 29 Ki Narto Sabdho building. A weekly show of Javanese drama, with stories from folklore, mahabarata, ramayana, etc

Semarang has a very good landscape, some say the best landscape thanks to its coastal area in the northern part of the city with Tanjung Mas as its international harbour and hilly area in the southern part streching from Candi area to Bukit Sari with picturesque Mount Ungaran at the background.

Before you get into the hilly area named Bukit Sari, you will see on your left Taman Tabanas Gombel where you can stop by, drink tea and see Semarang from the hill. It's a really beautiful view in the daytime and a very special romantic view during the nighttime.

Gunung Ungaran with its tea and jasmine plantation, Gua Kreo/Kreo Cave with its interesting stalactite and stalagmite formations and of course Marina at Tanjung Mas are the alternatives for those who have more than 2 free days in Semarang.

Tugu Muda is one of Semarang's landmarks. It is situated westward of Simpang Lima, on one of the 5 streets crossing Simpang Lima named Jalan Pandanaran. This monument commemorates the 5 days of fierce battle (October 14-19, 1945) between Indonesian freedom fighters and Japanese soldiers who refused to surrender.

There are some Dutch colonial buildings around Tugu Muda; the most famous one is Lawang Sewu which means A Thousand Doors. It was built as the headquarters of the local railway company. During World War II, it was used as the Japanese army's headquarters. Lawang Sewu's main attraction is its tall stained glass window. The building is now undergoing restoration although it is still open to the public. Tour guides are available at the building's entrance. Though reputed to be haunted due to the great number of executions there during WWII, Lawang Sewu remains one of Semarang's most prominent landmarks.

Water Blaster (Water Boom). Entry through Graha Candi Golf Real Estate, with its dazzling hills view and quite an exotic feels of high breeze.
Catfish Park Kecamatan Tugu. Open daily. Facilities: children playground, cultural and art shows, animal shows
Marina Beach. North Semarang. Facilities: swimming pool, children playground, beach volley ball, water sports.
Ngaliyan Tirta Indah, jalan Raya Ngaliyan Kecamatan Ngaliyan. Facilities: swimming pool, beautiful plantation, flower garden, sports centre.
Puri Maerokoco and Kampoeng Laut. Tawangmas PRPP, a clone of TMII (Jakarta). Facilities: cultural and art shows, boat, water bike, small train, fishing pond.
Sodong, 20 km from Semarang. Facilities: beautiful plantation, fishing pond, swimming pool.
Mangkang Zoo, located in the West Semarang. It's newly opened. There a lot of animals here but it lacks public attraction.
Karimunjawa - A marine national park in the small islands north of Semarang.
Kudus - the centre of Indonesia's cigarettes industry, where some prominent manufacturers are located, of which 'Djarum' is the most famous.