- About Semarang:
The city’s name derives from the Javanese words “asem” and “arang” which literally translate to “scarce tamarind.”
Semarang lies in the northern part of Central Java. It is a bustling mid-sized city with a population of 1.5 million. More a business than tourism destination, it nevertheless has its own charm with contrasting modern mid-rises, Dutch colonial architecture, Chinatown, and small “kampong” jutting against each other.
The city’s weather is hot and humid, so wear light-colored cotton clothes. You do not need a long-sleeved shirt, instead a T-shirt and knee-long trousers are comfortable. However, some places like mosques (masjid) and temples require polite dress such as long trousers/skirts. Hot pants/mini skirts will attract people’s attention in ways you might not like and might be considered impolite.
Semarang is off the tourist trail and knowing even basic Javanese or Indonesian will be helpful (and courteous), although younger educated people can often speak some English.
- What to see:
Sam Po Kong Temple: The beautiful Sam Po Kong temple (Gedung Batu) was built to honor the Muslim Chinese commander named Cheng Ho of the Ming Dinasty who visited Semarang in the early 15th century. It was extensively renovated in 2006 to celebrate the 600th anniversary of Cheng Ho’s voyage to Semarang..
Northern Semarang has a lot of old Dutch colonial buildings. This was where the old walled city was located. The wall is no longer there, but many of the old building remain, especially in the area called Kota Lama (The Old Town or Oudstadt). On certain months, this part of Semarang is flooded by the rising tide (called “rob” in Javanese).
Gereja Blenduk,
Jalan Letjen Suprapto 32. The name means “domed church”. A beautiful Protestant church built in 1753, it is the oldest church in Semarang. It has a baroque organ, a rarity in Indonesia.
Stasiun Tawang.
The oldest major railway station in Java, completed in 1870.
Simpang Lima.
a vast square at the heart of Semarang. At night, you can eat, drink, or just wander around Simpang Lima.
Taman Budaya Raden Saleh.
At Jalan Sriwijaya No.29, is a beautiful garden located at the city centre. It has a total area of 89,926 square meters. Suitable for family recreation.
Wayang Wong Ngesti Pandowo.
Inside Taman Budaya Raden Saleh, Jl. Sriwijaya No. 29 Ki Narto Sabdho building. A weekly show of Javanese drama, with stories from folklore, mahabarata, ramayana, etc.
Semarang has a very good landscape, some say the best landscape thanks to its coastal area in the northern part of the city with Tanjung Mas as its international harbour and hilly area in the southern part streching from Candi area to Bukit Sari with picturesque Mount Ungaran at the background.
Before you get into the hilly area named Bukit Sari, you will see on your left Taman Tabanas Gombel where you can stop by, drink tea and see Semarang from the hill. It’s a really beautiful view in the daytime and a very special romantic view during the nighttime.
Gunung Ungaran with its tea and jasmine plantation, Gua Kreo/Kreo Cave with its interesting stalactite and stalagmite formations and of course Marina at Tanjung Mas are the alternatives for those who have more than 2 free days in Semarang.
- Food and drinks:
Many travelers buy Bandeng (locals call it Bandeng presto or Bandeng duri lunak, which is pressure cooked Milkfish), Lumpia Semarang (a kind of spring rolls with bamboo shoots filling), and Wingko Babat (sticky rice and coconut in a variety of flavors). You can get purchase any of these at either food stores called “toko-oleh oleh” (a lot located in street called “Jalan Pandanaran”) or from street vendors/open stalls. If buying from street vendors or open stalls, you might look for those where locals go, as an indication of which ones are done right.
There are hawker-style food stalls and tents all across Semarang. They are very popular and offer good food at unbelievably cheap prices. Please note as they are not permanent establishments, they do not have phone numbers and exact address. However, they usually open in the same spots and at a regular time everyday. Also, as in any hawker-style establishments, hygiene is not a top priority here.
Travel guide to Semarang
No comments:
Post a Comment