As the capital of Central Java, Semarang is a historical tourist destination. Located on the northern coast of Java, Semarang was once a major trade hub during the Dutch colonial era. Its strategic position on the edge of the Java Sea, along with its Tanjung Mas Port, made it a key location for commerce. After the end of colonial rule and Indonesia’s independence, Semarang retained many historical buildings, which were once used as trading centers, business offices, and government buildings. Today, these buildings have been preserved as cultural heritage sites and tourist attractions in the Kota Lama (Old Town) area of Semarang.
Beyond its rich history, Semarang is also one of the largest and most modern cities on the island of Java. You’ll find skyscrapers, shopping malls, and five-star hotels here. The city has also become a popular destination for students pursuing education.
Semarang is known for its tolerance, where people of different religions live in harmony and peace. This spirit of unity has fostered a unique cultural blend of Javanese and Chinese influences, evident in the city’s language, architecture, arts, and cuisine, which carry strong oriental elements.
In this travel guide, I’ll take you through the capital of Central Java—a modern city deeply rooted in culture. You’ll learn everything you need to know when traveling to Semarang. From the best ways to get to Semarang, top tourist attractions, how to get around, ticket prices, local culinary delights, and recommended accommodations.
Where is Semarang ?
Semarang is located on the northern coast of Java Island, directly bordering the Java Sea. It lies about 440 kilometers east of Jakarta, and the journey by car takes around 8 hours.
As the capital of Central Java, Semarang is one of the busiest and most modern cities on the island. It also serves as a major transit hub for various transportation modes, including ships, trains, and planes. Public transport, such as buses, also passes through the city regularly.
How to Get to Semarang
By Train
Planning to go to Semarang by train? You can arrive at either Tawang Station or Poncol Station from Jakarta. The journey takes around 6 to 7 hours. If you plan to stay in the Kota Lama (Old Town) area, it’s best to take a train from Gambir Station in Jakarta and get off at Tawang Station in Semarang. This station serves both Economy and Executive class trains.
However, if you’d prefer to be closer to the city center, take a train from Pasar Senen Station (Jakarta) and arrive at Poncol Station, one of Semarang’s main stations.
Train journeys to Semarang are quite enjoyable, especially if you travel in the morning or during the day. As you approach the Pekalongan area, you’ll get a scenic view of the northern coastline, and you’ll even pass by a station located very close to the beach.
Find detailed information on using trains in Indonesia in our article How To Travel by Train in Indonesia and learn the differences between Jakarta's train stations in Gambir and Pasar Senen stations.
By Plane
If you’re looking for a faster travel option, you can fly to Semarang’s Ahmad Yani International Airport. This airport offers domestic flights from many parts of Indonesia. You can take a flight from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) or Halim Perdana Kusuma Airport (HLP) in Jakarta, with a flight time of about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Ahmad Yani Airport also operates direct flights to and from Bali, which take around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
However, the airport does not offer direct international flights. If you’re coming from Malaysia or Singapore, you’ll need to transit through Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) before continuing your journey to Ahmad Yani Airport (SRG) in Semarang.
By Bus
You can also travel to Semarang by bus, though the journey takes longer. Bus travel is more suitable for trips from nearby cities like Yogyakarta, Jepara, Pekalongan, and Banjarnegara. If you’re traveling from Jakarta, the bus journey can take 8 to 10 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
To get bus and van tickets, you can book them through 12Go without the need to visit the ticket counter at the Bus terminal.
Public Transportation in Semarang
As with most large cities, Semarang offers a variety of public transportation options. The most popular and convenient is the Trans Semarang Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), which has numerous stops, especially in the city center. Paying for a BRT ticket is easy—you can pay with cash or a cashless payment method, with fares costing IDR 4,000 (approximately USD 0.26) per ride.
One of the benefits of using the BRT is the extensive network of corridors that cover almost every part of Semarang, including routes to the neighboring city of Ungaran. The BRT also serves several key tourist attractions, such as the Kota Lama (Old Town), Simpang Lima, Lawang Sewu, and Sam Poo Kong Temple. Additionally, the BRT routes pass by stations and terminals, making it a convenient transportation option for tourists.
Besides the BRT, Semarang also has public minivans known as angkot that serve more localized areas. For even more convenience, you can use online ride-hailing services like Grab and Gojek to explore the city.
For a more private travel experience, you can rent a motorcycle or car, with rental services available around the city and near tourist spots.
You can also try exploring Semarang on a becak (pedicab), especially in the Old Town area or around Johar Market. However, these traditional pedicabs are becoming less common, as many locals now prefer using online taxis in this bustling city.
What to Do & See in Semarang
Semarang offers a variety of tourist attractions rich in cultural and historical heritage. You’ll find old buildings with both Dutch and Chinese architectural influences, and the city’s wide canals even give it the nickname Venice of Java. You can start your exploration from areas near public transportation hubs, such as the Kota Lama (Old Town) of Semarang. From there, visit Lawang Sewu, the Sam Poo Kong Temple, and enjoy local cuisine at Simpang Lima or Semawis, a popular Chinatown food market.
Kota Lama Semarang
Located close to Tawang Station, Kota Lama is a district filled with Dutch colonial buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries. Similar to Jakarta’s Old Town, Kota Lama has preserved much of its authenticity, offering visitors a glimpse into Indonesia’s colonial history.
Among its iconic sites is Blenduk Church, constructed in 1753, making it the oldest Protestant church in Central Java. The name “Blenduk” refers to its large copper dome, which remains a defining feature of the church. Despite its age, the church continues to function as a place of worship for the Protestant community in Semarang.
The surrounding area also features several unique landmarks:
- Srigunting Park, located next to the church, offers a quiet place to relax.
- Marabunta Building, adorned with ant statues on the roof, now functions as a restaurant.
- Marba Building, a striking red-brick structure that once served as a Dutch-era general store, is now owned by a Yemeni merchant.
For art enthusiasts, the Semarang Contemporary Art Gallery showcases sculptures and paintings by Indonesian artists.
A stroll through Kota Lama is best enjoyed in the late afternoon or evening to take in the ambiance and architecture as the city lights come alive. The area also features many cafes, including a Starbucks, where visitors can relax. There are affordable accommodation options nearby, including capsule hotels and budget-friendly accommodations, making Kota Lama a great base if you plan to continue traveling by train from Tawang Station. From Tawang Station to Kota Lama, you can walk about 700 meters, or take a ride on an ojek (motorbike taxi) or becak (pedicab) if available.
Basic Information:
- Operating Hours: 08:00 AM until evening
- Ticket Price: Free entry to Kota Lama; admission fees apply for museums and Blenduk Church
Lawang Sewu
Lawang Sewu is a Dutch-era colonial building that once served as the headquarters of the railway company. It is known for its many doors and large windows, which earned it the name Lawang Sewu, meaning “a thousand doors” in Javanese.
This two-story building has a vast interior and carries a long, complex history. Its basement was initially used for storing goods and steam train machinery. However, during World War II, when the Japanese occupied Indonesia, the basement was repurposed as an interrogation chamber and a prison for Dutch prisoners. Additionally, there is a long tunnel connecting the main rooms of the building, adding to its intriguing and somewhat eerie ambiance.
When visiting Lawang Sewu, it’s recommended to hire a tour guide who can explain the building’s history in detail.
Important Note: Starting from November 1st 2024, only cashless payments will be accepted for on-site ticket purchases. Currently, there are no details on which providers will be accepted or whether international cards can be used.
To reach Lawang Sewu, you can take the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) Corridor 1 and get off at Tugu Muda Station, which is located near Lawang Sewu.
Basic Information:
- Operating Hours: 8 AM – 4 PM
- Ticket Price:
- Locals: IDR 10,000 (around USD 0.64)
- Foreign Tourists: IDR 40,000 (around USD 2.56)
- Disclaimer: Tickets can only be purchased cashless.
- Extra Charges: Additional fees apply if you bring a professional camera, drone, or plan to conduct a photoshoot.
Before traveling to Indonesia, make sure to know the 5 apps you need to install to make your trip easier.
Sam Poo Kong Temple
This historical building is not only a significant tourist attraction but also a powerful reminder of Indonesia’s colonial and wartime past. Its haunting history, coupled with its stunning architecture, makes Lawang Sewu a must-visit destination in Semarang.
Sam Poo Kong Temple, also known as Gedung Batu, is a prominent cultural and historical site in Semarang, Central Java, with origins linked to Admiral Zheng He (Cheng Ho), a Chinese Muslim explorer from the 15th century. According to historical accounts, Zheng He and his fleet landed in the area, using a cave for meditation and prayer, which later evolved into a temple complex.
While the temple initially carried Islamic influences, over time it became a place of worship for the Chinese community, symbolizing religious and cultural harmony. Architecturally, the temple reflects a blend of Chinese and Javanese styles, with pagoda-like roofs and structures resembling traditional Javanese joglo houses.
Located on Jalan Simongan in Bongsari, Semarang, it is now home to several shrines dedicated to Zheng He and his crew, including Kyai Juru Mudi and Kyai Jangkar, honoring their maritime journey.
Visitors can access the temple using Trans Semarang buses, you can take Corridor 04 from Tawang Station to Cangkring, stop at Tugu Pemuda or Simpang Lima, and switch to Corridor 5 towards Sam Poo Kong.
Basic Informations:
- Operating Hours: Weekdays: 9 AM – 6 PM, Weekends: 9 AM – 8 PM.
- Ticket Prices: For foreign tourists, weekday tickets cost IDR 15,000–20,000 (around USD 0.96–1.28), and weekend tickets are IDR 40,000 (around USD 2.56)
Simpang Lima
Pancasila Square, better known as Simpang Lima, is a public square located in the heart of Semarang. Its strategic location near business centers, culinary spots, and office districts makes it a must-visit landmark for anyone exploring the city. Simpang Lima features a vast grassy field, or alun-alun, surrounded by trees, attracting both locals and tourists.
Visitors can relax on the lawn, enjoy pedal car rides (odong-odong) adorned with colorful lights, or explore the various food stalls in the culinary center. Simpang Lima comes alive in the late afternoon and evening, as the daytime heat tends to keep visitors away. For the best experience, it’s recommended to visit during the cooler evening hours when the square is most vibrant.
Not far from Simpang Lima, you’ll find souvenir shops selling popular Semarang specialties, such as lumpia (spring rolls filled with bamboo shoots), bandeng presto (steamed milkfish with soft bones), tahu bakso (tofu filled with ground meat), and wingko (a cake made from coconut and glutinous rice).
Basic Information:
To reach Simpang Lima, you can take the Trans Semarang Bus and get off at Simpang Lima Station, which serves as a junction for five main roads in the city. Staying in the Simpang Lima area is also convenient, with many upscale hotels located near shopping centers.
- Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Pasar Semawis (Chinatown Night Culinary Market)
Pasar Semawis, often referred to as Semarang’s Chinatown, is located near Kota Lama (the Old Town) and resembles Jakarta’s Glodok Chinatown. However, Pasar Semawis is only open in the evenings on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. On regular weekdays, the market remains closed. The streets are decorated with rows of lanterns, and visitors can explore numerous food stalls selling street food, along with vendors offering branded bags and other items.
If you’re looking for a lively dinner experience, this market offers a variety of oriental dishes, and you can enjoy your meal seated along the street. The atmosphere resembles a Chinese festival right in the heart of Java, with live entertainment such as DJ performances and opportunities to sing Mandarin songs with locals.
The market is located about 1.7 kilometers south of Kota Lama, which is approximately a 10-minute walk towards Gang Warung. Starting from Blenduk Church, walk straight along Jalan Pekojan until you reach a bridge over a river. Once you see the lanterns hanging along the street, you’ll know you’re on the right path.
Basic Information:
- Operating Hours: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 6 PM to 10 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Official Account: Check their social media account for event updates
Explore Semarang with Locals
Another option is to explore Semarang with locals to access to hidden gems often missed by tourists. This way, you get get a more authentic experience, giving you the chance to discover the city’s less-known spots and unique cultural treasures. While we usually recommend tours or guides through platforms like GetYourGuide or Klook for exploring Indonesia, these options for Semarang are quite limited.
Must try Food in Semarang
Semarang’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in its diverse and delicious cuisine. One must-try dish is Tahu Gimbal, a fried tofu dish topped with bean sprouts, cabbage, shrimp fritters, and lontong (compressed rice wrapped in leaves), all drenched in a savory peanut sauce. Vegetarians can request it without the shrimp fritters. To try this dish, visit Tahu Gimbal Pak Edy, located just 550 meters from Simpang Lima.
Another popular eatery is Kedai Pinara, which serves various Chinese dishes. The owner, Mentik Wangi, is known for her fun, interactive way of welcoming customers, making the restaurant a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
You should also try Soto Semarang, a clear-broth soup with vermicelli, shredded chicken, fried shallots, and rice. Soto Bangkong Semarang is a famous spot for this dish, located 1.4 kilometers east of Simpang Lima. You can reach it with a 20-minute walk or a quick BRT ride to the Bangkong area.
Beyond these specialties, Semarang offers many other local dishes like Bakmi Jawa, Bandeng Presto, Babat Gongso, and Tahu Petis, reflecting a blend of oriental and Javanese culinary traditions.
Accommodations in Semarang
As the capital of Central Java, Semarang attracts visitors for business, tourism, and study, offering various accommodation options such as hostels, homestays, boarding houses, and luxury hotels. So you won’t be confused wehre to stay while exploring the city.
Here are some recommended accommodations, particularly those near tourist spots and central areas for easy access.
Accommodations in Kota Lama (Old Town)
Staying in Kota Lama is an excellent choice since it’s close to the train station and major tourist attractions. Solo travelers can opt for Bobopod, a modern capsule hotel with affordable prices, clean rooms, and spacious shared lounges—perfect for a comfortable stay alone.
For a more authentic experience, The Raden Patah Heritage Hotel offers a classic design with lush gardens. This hotel is housed in a historical building, contributing to the cultural charm of Kota Lama.
If you’re traveling with family and prefer something more luxurious, Kotta Hotel Semarang is a great option. It offers a range of rooms with complete amenities, large windows, a colorful and spacious lounge, and an on-site café and restaurant. Guests can enjoy fancy breakfasts, and the staff are known for their friendly and excellent service. This hotel provides easy access to public transportation, especially trains.
Accommodations in Simpang Lima
Simpang Lima, situated in the city center, is easily accessible by various modes of transport. It is about a 20-minute drive from Ahmad Yani Airport and 2.7 kilometers from Tawang Station, with Trans Semarang buses passing through almost all routes here.
For a luxury experience, Artotel Gajahmada Semarang is a top recommendation, located just 700 meters from Simpang Lima. It features a garden rooftop and a bar with beautiful city views, along with a restaurant offering gourmet dining. The rooms follow a studio concept with artistic murals, and guests are welcomed with a delicious welcome drink. Despite the luxurious feel, the prices are quite reasonable, ranging between IDR 700,000 to IDR 2,000,000 (around USD 44, 6 – USD 127,43) per night.
If you prefer a more classic experience, Hotel Santika Premiere Semarang is an excellent choice. Established in 1990, it remains one of the most prestigious hotels in Semarang. It offers complete facilities, including a gym, swimming pool, restaurant, and sauna. The spacious rooms provide city views, and the hotel is located next to Gramedia, one of Indonesia’s largest bookstores, adding to its charm.
These accommodations provide convenient access to Simpang Lima’s attractions, making your stay both comfortable and enjoyable.
For tips on finding accommodation in Indonesia, check out our article Best Websites for Booking Accommodation in Indonesia or Sharia Accommodation in Indonesia: What Tourists Should Know.
Extending Your Visit in Semarang
Planning to stay longer in Semarang? You may want to explore the southern part of Semarang Regency, which offers cooler climates and scenic destinations. Below are some recommended places to visit around Ungaran and Ambarawa, perfect for extending your adventure.
Gedong Songo Temple and Attractions at Mount Ungaran
Gedong Songo Temple is located on the slopes of Mount Ungaran, in the Bandungan area. Since the temple is on higher ground, it offers breathtaking views of green mountains and the town of Ungaran below. The entrance fee is IDR 75,000 (around USD 4.50). Before you reach the temple complex, you’ll pass through Celosia Garden, a park filled with flowers and a playground that’s perfect for a relaxing stop.
Another popular destination nearby is Umbul Sidomukti, a hot spring pool located at 1,200 meters above sea level. You can soak in the warm waters while enjoying beautiful natural scenery. Other activities include horseback riding and taking photos at scenic viewpoints. There’s also a small cave and a café that serves delicious coffee. Traveling by car from Gedong Songo to Umbul Sidomukti takes about 30 minutes.
Not far from these spots, you’ll also find Lawe Waterfall (Curug Lawe), known for its refreshing, cool water—a great place to unwind.
If you plan to explore Bandungan, it’s best to rent a car with a driver familiar with the mountain roads. Don’t miss a visit to Bandungan Market, where you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables. A local specialty worth trying is Tahu Bandungan Oom Shin or Tahu Serasi—tofu with a unique, delicious flavor that is popular in the area.
Cimory on The Valley
Cimory on The Valley in Ungaran offers a fun educational experience and is easy to reach by public transport. Located along the Semarang-Bawen route, this destination features a restaurant that specializes in dairy-based dishes and beef meals. Visitors can watch the yogurt-making process at the Cimory factory and explore Cimory Dairyland, a mini zoo where you can interact with animals.
The attraction also offers other activities like horseback riding and hands-on sessions where visitors can try milking cows. With its family-friendly environment, Cimory is a great place to spend the day. To get there, you can take a bus from Semarang heading toward Bawen or Solo, and ask the driver to drop you off at Cimory.
While visiting, I also recommend trying Zuppa Soup—a creamy soup topped with a flaky pastry, perfect for warming you up and completing your experience at Cimory.
Ambarawa
Ambarawa, a subdistrict in Semarang Regency, holds an important place in Indonesian history from the Dutch colonial era. One of its most popular attractions is the Ambarawa Railway Museum, which houses old steam trains and features Indonesia’s only cog railway track, designed for steep routes.
Other must-visit spots include Rawa Pening Lake, known for its beautiful scenery, Fort Willem I (Benteng Pendem), Palagan Ambarawa Monument, which commemorates the battle between Indonesian fighters and Dutch forces, and Gua Maria, a pilgrimage site for Christian worshippers.
Since these attractions are spread out, it’s a good idea to rent a car with a driver to make traveling between them more convenient and enjoyable. Ambarawa offers cooler weather and scenic views, making it a great escape from the city and a memorable addition to your stay in Central Java.
Safety in Semarang
I think Semarang, and even the whole of Indonesia, is quite safe for tourists. However, there are a few things you need to pay attention to when visiting Semarang. Its location near the coast makes the city quite hot. I’d recommend wearing sunscreen and drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially when traveling during the day.
Since Semarang has many canals, mosquitoes tend to appear in the evening, so always use mosquito repellent. Also, be careful if you visit during the rainy season, as some areas in the northern part of Semarang are often affected by tidal flooding. It’s best to avoid visiting the northern areas, especially those close to the beach, during this time.
Lastly, wear comfortable and modest clothing to show respect to the local people.
For more information on how to dress in Indonesia, check out our guide Know the Manners in Indonesia: Do’s and Don’ts Guide for Travelers.
How Long to Stay in Semarang
Exploring the city of Semarang can be done in just one night, giving you enough time to see major attractions like Kota Lama, Lawang Sewu, and Simpang Lima. Afterward, you can continue your journey to other destinations like Yogyakarta or Karimunjawa Islands in Jepara Regency.
However, if you plan to visit places outside the city, such as Ungaran and Ambarawa, it’s better to stay for two days. One day will be enough to explore Semarang itself, and the other day can be dedicated to visiting the scenic areas outside the city.
If you’re driving to Yogyakarta, you can also make stops in Ungaran and Ambarawa along the way, adding more variety to your trip.
Where to Go After Semarang
From Semarang, you can head to Karimunjawa on the northern coast of Java or travel to Yogyakarta and Surakarta (Solo). If your next adventure includes Bromo Mountain or Ijen Crater, you can fly to Juanda Airport in Surabaya or take a train to Surabaya and continue your journey from there.
As a major city, Semarang offers many transportation options, including buses, trains, and flights, making it easy to explore Central Java and beyond. Finding public transportation for your next destination is convenient, whether you’re continuing to other parts of Java or exploring further afield.
We also cover several other destinations on the island of Java, including guides to Karimunjawa, exploring Yogyakarta, and tips how to get to Bromo and Kawah Ijen.
Summary
Semarang is a great starting point for exploring Java, offering easy access to transportation and nearby attractions. Whether you stay for one night or extend your visit to explore Ungaran and Ambarawa, the city provides plenty of ways to enhance your journey and smoothly continue your adventure across Central Java.