Top 11 Destinations in Semarang
There’s one city in Java in the north of Yogyakarta where travellers always miss out. This city is actually bigger than Yogyakarta but smaller than Jakarta, the capital city. This city is called Semarang. For centuries, this city has been an important port for traders from Asia and Europe. This city is where the rail industry started over hundred years ago. Just like many other port city in the north coast of Java, this city is so vibrant in culture, culinary, and architectural design due to the mixed population who already resided this area long time ago.
Albeit this city is not as famous as Jakarta, Yogyakarta or even Bali, but it doesn’t mean that this city has nothing to offer to the travellers. Here are top 11 destinations to visit when you are in Semarang.
Lawang Sewu
This castle-like building has been the top destination in Semarang for both local and foreign tourist. Some estimated that this is the second most visited place in Central Java after Borobudur Temple. Many people mistakenly think that this building was a governmental office, but it was actually headquarter of the oldest Dutch Railway Company in Dutch East Indies.
Old Town of Semarang
The place that used to be the Dutch settlement for more centuries is still well maintained by the local government. Here also lies the oldest protestant church in Semarang and also other monumental building that played important roles before and after the independence.
China Town of Semarang
Unlike many other China Towns in Indonesia who were forced to modify itself in order to survive the anti-Chinese government of New Order regime in Indonesia that lasted for 30 years, the China Town in Semarang is relatively intact and well preserved. Here you will find the oldest Chinese temple in Semarang that imported most of its material including the design directly from the Mainland of China during the Ming dynasty in 18th century.
Sam Poo Kong Temple
This place where believed to be the place where the grand admiral Cheng Ho from china set anchor in Semarang. Many people believed that in the old time, this temple was situated next to the sea. In term of scale, this is the biggest Chinese temple in Semarang.
City Center of Semarang
The place that we know as a modern city center of Semarang, during the old days this place was located in the outskirt of Semarang. Many things changes in the last decades and the city grows in an unprecedented scale that could turn this area from the outskirt into the city center. Here lies a lot of historical buildings that stand side by side with the new one and still being used today.
Jatibarang Lake and Kreo Cave
This lake or more likely to a reservoir, is an artificial lake that was built five years ago near to the Kreo Cave that filled with monkeys that for the people who lived nearby are still highly respected because the people believe that the monkeys helped Sunan Kalijaga (one of the nine saints of Javanese Islam) to build the settlement in the area that now are called by the people as Jatingaleh.
Grand Mosque of Central Java
This mosque is relatively new compare to other traditional mosques in Semarang. It was built more than ten years ago but in terms of size, this is the biggest mosque in Central Java that is capable to accommodate up to 16,000 brethren at one time. Here also lies the Asmaul Husna Tower with the height of 99 Meters; from there you can see the panoramic view of the city of Semarang.
Giri Natha Hinduism Temple
If you really want to go to Bali to visit the Hinduism temple over there but you don’t have enough time to arrange the journey to Bali, don’t hesitate to come at this temple. Because this temple was built in 1968 by the Balinese people who lived in Semarang, hence it also possesses some Balinese architectural feature on this temple. Located on the edge of the cliff provides this temple a greater view of Semarang especially overlooking the city center.
Pagoda Buddhagaya Avalokitesvara
The local also called this area as Watugong that means a stone gong (the musical instrument) because they found the stone that similar like a gong and you can still see that stone in this pagoda. Built in 2006, the Indonesian Record Museum declared that this is the highest pagoda in Indonesia with the height of 45 Meters. It’s located in upper Semarang, so you can see the panoramic view of Semarang from here.
Mausoleum of Ki Ageng Pandanaran, the founder of the city
Ki Ageng Pandanaran was the founder of Semarang. He was ordered by the sultan of Demak sultanate, the first Islamic sultanate in Java to build the pesantren (Islamic school) in the place that we call today as Semarang. After he died, his body was buried on the top of the hills in a place that we call today as Mugas. Just like many other religious sites that I mentioned before, you are also able to see the panoramic view from this mausoleum.
Mangkang City Zoo
Located in the outskirt of Semarang, this zoo displays variety of exotic animals that you can hardly find elsewhere in the world. Even you can see the famous Komodo Dragon from this zoo without having to go to Komodo Island that will cost you extra effort and extra money to reach there.
Maerokoco Theme Park
Maerokoco is a theme park located in the north of Semarang is also known as a miniature park of Central Java. At Maerokoco you will learn and see the various traditional houses and culture from 35 districts spread out in all over Central Java.
If you want to go visit those places, please send us your inquiry by send us a mail to info@bersukariatour.com or if you want to participate in our walking tour, please visit our website here. We are waiting for you to come to our beautiful city, Semarang. See you soon.
Photo sources:
- Our personal collection
- http://wisatajateng.com/semarang/wisata/waduk-jatibarang
- http://anekatempatwisata.com/10-tempat-wisata-di-jawa-tengah-yang-harus-dikunjungi/
- http://wisatakita.net/vihara-buddhagaya-watugong/
