Semarang Hotels

In Semarang, you’ll need to brush up on your Indonesian (language and customs), as the people, while very hospitable, are not used to a constant flow of western visitors. A couple of things to avoid include touching on the head and looking directly into a young man’s eyes more than a couple of times (which could lead to fisticuffs and general nastiness). Refrain from both and you’re in for a cultural treat, especially with the local cuisine, which is justifiably the pride of the city.

Semarang's Top 10

Semarang History

• Sam Po Kong Temple - This beautiful temple was built in honour of a Muslim Chinese commander who visited the area in the early 1400s.
• Kota Lama - The Old Town area of Semarang where you’ll find many of the Dutch colonial style buildings.
• Tanjung Mas - This international port was important during the days of the Dutch occupation from the 1600s until 1945.
• Gereja Blenduk - Or the “domed church”, this Protestant church was built in 1753 and is the oldest one in the city.
• Stasiun Tawang - This major railway station was completed in 1870 and is the oldest one on the island of Java.

Semarang Art & Culture

• Wayang Wong Ngesti Pandowo - Offers a weekly presentation with Javanese drama and folklore.
• Museum Rekor Indonesia - This Semarang museum is home to the country’s records.
• Nyonya Meneer - Established in honour of Mrs Nyonya Meneer, who used Javanese herbs to treat diseases.
• Mandala Bhakti - Home to a large assortment of military artefacts with photographs of some of the national heroes and weapons.
• Ronggowarsito - Home to antiques from the island of Java, including handicrafts and artwork, photos, paintings, fossils, heirlooms, statues and more.

Semarang Shopping

• Simpang Lima - A well-known shopping area surrounded by many stores and theatres.
• Pasar Johar - Get a feel of the local atmosphere at this traditional market with handicrafts, traditional artefacts, produce, Semarang delicacies and more.
• Sri Ratu Mall - The oldest shopping centre in the city.
• Java Mall - Filled with shops that offer clothing, jewellery, shoes and accessories with many eateries in the adjoining areas.
• Paragon - This is the biggest shopping centre in the Province.

Gay & Lesbian Semarang

• Jatidiri Pool - A local meeting place in Semarang on Saturday afternoon and Sunday mornings.
• Hotel Santika Premiere - An elegant, gay-friendly hotel.
• Fridae - Offers on-ine personals to help you meet new people.
• Hotel Ibis Semarang - A modern, welcoming hotel.
• Simpang Lima Field - A local spot to hang out and meet new friends.

Semarang Events

The Muslim New Year Festival takes place every April each year and is celebrated with gusto!

May’s Ruwatan is a traditional Javanese sacrificial ceremony staged at the Taman Budaya Raden Saleh to stave off disasters.

Go Skateboarding Day is a free event held at Salatiga in June.

For lovers of mythology, the Dun Ger Festival in December/January celebrates the Warak – which is part-lion, part-giraffe, part-horse, part-bird and part-Chinese dragon. Scary!

In November/December, large crowds head to the mosques for Eid al-Adha, the Muslim Festival of Sacrifice, for dancing, music and group praying.

When To Go

The dry season (May to September) is hot and humid, so beware a midday scorching.

Tropical monsoons can occur in October and November.

Generally, Semarang is hot year-round, with daytime temperatures above 30°C (86°F).

Getting Around

The city buses are air-conditioned, quick and cheap, and do longer trips between towns.

Taxis are also a good, inexpensive option, but only use the ones that have their meter on.

A great way to get to other parts of Indonesia is by ferry.

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