Things To Do
in Semarang
Semarang is the capital city of Central Java Province in Indonesia, renowned for its rich historical heritage and blend of cultures, reflected in its architecture, traditional foods, and landmarks. The city is home to the iconic Lawang Sewu building, famed for its thousand doors and Dutch colonial history, and the Sam Poo Kong Temple, showcasing the city's Chinese influences.
Semarang also offers stunning natural beauty, with its coastal areas, rolling hills, and the nearby Karimunjawa Islands, making it a distinctive destination for cultural and natural exploration.
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Apa kabar?" - How are you?
- "Sama-sama" - You're welcome
- "Selamat malam" - Good evening
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.30 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $15 - $40
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at Lawang Sewu, the iconic building known for its historical significance. Take pictures and learn about its haunting past as you wander through its halls.
Head to Sam Poo Kong Temple, a beautiful Chinese temple that showcases intricate architecture. Enjoy the serene ambiance and learn about its cultural importance.
Dine at an authentic local restaurant and try some Semarang specialties like Lumpia Semarang. Bask in the vibrant night market atmosphere that surrounds you.
Visit the Old Town (Kota Lama) and admire the Dutch colonial architecture. Take a leisurely stroll and explore the history of this well-preserved area.
Explore the Javanese cultural heritage at the Semarang Museum. Learn about the region's history and admire the various exhibits showcasing local art.
Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant with views of the city. End your day relaxing with a local dessert at a nearby café.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with a blend of Javanese, Chinese, and Dutch influences.
- Delicious local cuisine, including iconic dishes like Lumpia Semarang.
- Relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger Indonesian cities.
- Access to beautiful natural attractions, such as beaches and mountains nearby.
- Growing local economy with emerging business opportunities.
- Traffic congestion can be a significant issue in urban areas.
- Occasional flooding during the rainy season due to drainage challenges.
- Limited public transportation options compared to larger cities like Jakarta.
- Health care facilities may not be as advanced as in more developed regions.
- Air pollution in certain areas can be a concern, especially in industrial zones.
Best Activities in Semarang
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Relax on the sandy beach, go swimming, or enjoy water sports such as jet skiing and banana boating.
Explore this historical colonial building and its surroundings for a blend of cultural and outdoor experiences.
Visit this cultural park for outdoor events, performances, and beautiful gardens.
Take a leisurely stroll or have a picnic in this park known for its beautiful landscaping and serene atmosphere.
Tours
Uncover the best of Semarang with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Semarang
Visit one of these nice places.
Historical building with beautiful Dutch colonial architecture and well-maintained gardens
Scenic park along the river with great views of the city and iconic bridge
Hilltop park offering panoramic views of Semarang and the surrounding landscape
Ancient Chinese temple complex with picturesque traditional architecture and serene gardens
Museum located in a historic building, featuring exhibits on Semarang's cultural heritage and offering views of the city from its elevated position
Food in Semarang
Semarang Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant chicken soup with spices, turmeric, and rice noodles. Must-try at Soto Ayam Pak Kumis, Jl. Karanggetas
Must-Try!
Chinese-influenced spring rolls filled with seasoned bamboo shoots, chicken, and prawns. Best found at Lumpia Gang Lombok, Jl. Gang Lombok
Fried tofu, served with vegetables, lontong (rice cake), and sweet peanut sauce. Don't miss Tahu Gimbal Mbah Carik, Jl. Pemuda
Unique Experiences
Get to know Semarang better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling night market offering a wide array of street food such as grilled seafood, satay, and traditional snacks. Located in the Old Town area.
A popular spot for local street food, offering a variety of dishes from different vendors. Try the bakso (meatball soup) and es dawet (iced cendol dessert).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Semarang, it is customary to greet others with a slight bow, especially when meeting someone older or of higher status. This gesture shows respect and is considered polite.
When visiting someone's home in Semarang, it is respectful to remove your shoes before entering. This is a common cultural practice to keep the floors clean and is a sign of respect for the homeowner.
Using polite language and gestures, such as saying 'please' and 'thank you', is important in Semarang. Showing gratitude and being courteous in interactions with others is highly valued in Indonesian culture.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Semarang with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Semarang
Ensure a smooth experience
In Semarang, Indonesia, tipping is not a common practice. However, in some high-end restaurants or hotels, a 10% service charge may be automatically included in the bill. Additionally, leaving a small amount of change or rounding up the bill as a tip is appreciated, but not expected.
Cash is the most commonly used form of payment in Semarang, especially for small purchases and in local markets. However, credit and debit cards are also widely accepted in larger establishments and tourist areas. It's important to have some cash on hand, especially when visiting smaller local businesses.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Semarang.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Semarang is during the dry season when the weather is warm and sunny. Expect clear skies, minimal rainfall, and perfect conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
During the wet season, Semarang experiences heavy rainfall and high humidity. Travelers should expect occasional downpours and potential disruptions to outdoor plans. However, the lush greenery and fewer crowds can still make this a pleasant time to visit for some travelers.
Semarang at Night
Hiking in Semarang
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking spot that offers beautiful views of Semarang and the surrounding landscapes. The trek to the summit can take several hours and is suitable for those looking for a challenging climb.
Known for its stunning panoramic views, Gunung Merbabu is a favorite among hikers. The trails vary in difficulty, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced hikers.
This nature park features a variety of trails surrounded by lush greenery and diverse flora and fauna, ideal for a peaceful hiking experience close to Semarang.
Although primarily known for its historical sites, the parks and trails in Kota Lama provide a unique urban hiking experience, allowing hikers to explore the blend of nature and culture.
A beautiful hiking destination that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trails are well-marked and provide a rewarding experience for hikers.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Semarang through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Semarang by plane.
Located approximately 87 km from Semarang, this airport serves Yogyakarta and the surrounding regions, providing international and domestic flights.
The main airport serving Semarang, it handles various domestic flights and a limited number of international flights.
Situated about 120 km from Semarang in Surabaya, this is a major international airport serving East Java and beyond.
Located approximately 265 km from Semarang in Makassar, this is a significant hub for flights in Eastern Indonesia.
About 450 km from Semarang, this is the largest airport in Indonesia, located near Jakarta, offering a wide range of international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Semarang, comprising a significant majority of the population.
A prominent minority group in Semarang, known for their cultural influence and economic contribution.
Another ethnic group present in Semarang, though smaller compared to the Javanese and Chinese populations.
An ethnic group from North Sumatra, with a smaller presence within Semarang.
This ethnic group hails from West Sumatra and is represented in Semarang, though they are less numerous.
Includes smaller communities such as Balinese, Betawi, and others who contribute to the city's diversity.
The Soul of Semarang
Discover the essence of Semarang through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Semarang, with many local teams and a passionate fan base.
Badminton is widely played in Semarang, with numerous clubs and tournaments celebrated throughout the year.
Basketball has a growing following in Semarang, supported by schools and local leagues.
Volleyball is commonly played in schools and communities, often enjoyed as a recreational sport.
Sepak Takraw, a traditional sport similar to volleyball but using a rattan ball, is popular among locals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Semarang.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants in Semarang offer vegetarian dishes such as sayur lodeh (vegetables in coconut milk) and tempeh-based meals. Look for 'menu vegetarian' on the menu.
While dedicated vegan eateries are limited, many places can customize dishes to be vegan-friendly. Check with the staff regarding dairy and meat ingredients.
Celiac-friendly options may be limited, but some restaurants offer rice-based dishes and can accommodate gluten-free requests. Always communicate your dietary needs clearly.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Semarang with these cultural adventures.
