Semarang

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Indonesia

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Semarang

As the capital of Central Java, Semarang boasts a remarkable multicultural harmony that permeates every corner of the city. Famous for its business district, it is indeed the perfect melting pot for Chinese, Indian, Arab, and European cultures. This can be seen in old buildings that are well-preserved in some areas, like Lawang Sewu, Blenduk Church, and Gedung Batu. When in Semarang, make a stop at Chinatown to taste its delicious Lumpia. For a more complete culinary experience, visit Pasar Semawis in Gang Warung. The lined-up food stalls here serve various kinds of local dishes with a signature taste that can’t be found in any other place.

Get to Know Semarang

Take a tour of this destination's highlights

Travel Tips for Semarang

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Semarang

A guide to Semarang's local transportation

Bus Rapid Transit

City Bus

Angkot

Car Rental

BRT or Bus Rapid Transit is public transportation that operates daily from 5.30 AM to 5.30 PM. The fare for riding BRT is very affordable, only IDR 4,000 in cash and IDR 3,500 in e-money payment. This transportation is very suitable for traveling around Semarang in a budget-friendly way.

Practical Tips for Semarang

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What are the popular tourist attractions in Semarang?

The first iconic place that you must visit in Semarang is Lawang Sewu. This tourist spot is also known as the home to "" The Thousand Doors."" The entrance ticket price to Lawang Sewu is relatively cheap, only around IDR10,000-IDR30,000. Next is Sam Poo Kong Temple, the oldest temple in Semarang, known as a legendary stopover for Lasmana Cheng Ho from China back in the 1400s. Another popular tourist spot in Semarang is Jodipan Rainbow Village. Just like its name, this village is filled with hundreds of colorful houses, resembling a rainbow!

What is the best time of the year to visit Semarang?

Visiting Semarang during the summer is recommended when the weather is perfect for indoor and outdoor activities. Usually, the best months to visit Semarang are from May to October. Avoid coming in December, January, and February, as the rain intensity is usually high. When in July, accommodation rates are cheaper than in other months. Tourist destinations are also experiencing a low season during this time.

How to get around Semarang?

There are several options for getting around Semarang. For a cheap way to get around the city, you can take the DAMRI bus. The DAMRI bus fare itself is pretty cheap, starting from Rp3,000 only. Next, there is angkot or angkutan kota that you can rely on, even until midnight. Some angkot provides routes to some famous tourist attractions such as Lawang Sewu, Old Town, and several other favorite tourist spots. However, if you want to be comfortable, rent a car to get around the city. You can go anywhere more flexibly and comfortably.

What are some local food to try in Semarang?

Tahu Gimbal is a typical Semarang food that you must try upon your visit. Made from fried tofu, vegetables, and shrimp onions, tahu gimbal is served with traditional rice cake (lontong) and mouthwatering peanut sauce. Next is Soto Semarang, a bowl of clear broth soto made from country chicken broth. On your culinary journey, it is also a must to try tahu petis, a tofu snack filled with thick and dark petis sauce.

What are some nearby cities or attractions that I can visit while in Semarang?

You can visit several cities near Semarang, such as Kendal, Ungaran, Demak, Salatiga, and Purwodadi. Depending on where you will go next, if you plan to visit Kendal, you can visit popular tourist spots such as Indah Kemangi Beach, Sewu Waterfall, or Bladon River. If you visit Purwodadi, you can visit popular tourist spots such as Widuri Waterfall, Gulingan Jungle Park, Urang Cave, and many more!