IN THE CITY OF SEMARANG

The north coast of Central Java boasts the bustling commercial port city of Semarang. The past influences of external countries remains strong, a significant number of Dutch colonial buildings remain in this once important administrative centre, Chinese and Arab ethnic groups also continue to call Semarang home. The port of Tanjung Mas was a hive of activity during the Dutch occupation from the 17th Century through to 1945.

WELL STRUCTURED

The older part of the city, known as ‘Kota Lama’, and closest to the harbour, is home to a series of colonial buildings, churches and even a significant Chinese religious buildings. Remains exist of what was once a walled city. The streets and laneways are a maze of markets and sights, with many a Becak available should you become weary.

A Chinese Muslim commander visited Semarang in the early 15th century, and the Sam Po Kong temple was built in his honour. Recently renovated, this temple is an icon of Semarang. 

It has a pagoda style entrance, with impressive carved dragons, which lead you through to the main building with its tall red columns, and curved roof. A statue of Sam Po Kong in a cave like structure is regarded as sacred. Many visitors come here to discover their fortune through a process in which joss sticks are exchanged for a slip of paper which will determine your love and health.

Another Chinese icon is the Tay Kak Sie Temple which although Buddhist, is also used by local Taoists and Confucianists.

The colonial Dutch built a domed church known locally as Gereja Blenduk, which maintains weekly services, and its baroque organ is something of a rarity South East Asia. The railway station Stasiun Tawang was built in 1870 and in its fully restored state is described as magnificent, yet another place in Semarang where you can feel transported back in time. The Tugu Monument is a local landmark, and commemorates the five days of battle between the Japanese and Indonesian freedom fighters in 1945. Carvings in the base of the monument depict the battles, casualties and emotion, this monument is often referred to as the heart of Semarang.

ORIENTAL MAZE Chinatown continues the maze of streets and markets and gives the visitor a feast for all senses. Smaller temples combine with fresh produce and ‘warungs’ offering freshly cooked food.
TO YOUR HEALTH Natural medicine is a big part of Javanese culture, called Jamu it is a popular way to treat maladies.
There are two museums dedicated to Jamu in Semarang, the Nyonya Meneer museum which celebrates one of the icons of the industry and Jamu Jogo Museum which is used as a learning museum also. Both museums give an overview of traditional production.

MUSEUMS A general collection museum the Ronggowarsito Museum houses a Javanese art and culture collection alongside a collection including fossils and heirlooms. Military buffs may enjoy the Mandala Bhakti museum, which houses a collection of photographs and weapons from traditional to guns used against colonial rule. MUST TRY Lumpia is the local delicacy, similar to a spring roll, and wrapped in a crepe like wrapper, it can either be fried or left soft. Lumpia Semarang is filled with bamboo shoots, dried shrimp, and chicken or prawns. The accompanying sauce is made with coconut, sugar, chillies, and sometimes dried shrimp.

GETTING THERE

Achmad Yani International Airport, is close to the city centre.
Semarang is connected to Jakarta, Bandung and Surabaya by trains. There are many bus services around the area, connecting Semarang with the other Central Javan cities, or Jakarta. The port receives many cruise ships who stop here to give passengers a trip to Borobudur.