Semarang, Indonesia

Semarang, Indonesia is a bustling port city on the northern coast of Java Island known for its colorful colonial architecture, vibrant street food scene, and historic landmarks such as Lawang Sewu and Sam Poo Kong Temple.

Trip to Semarang, Indonesia

Day 1: Arrival and Enjoy the City at Night

Arrive at the Ahmad Yani International Airport in Semarang, where you will be greeted by a driver who will take you to your hotel. After check-in, take some time to freshen up and rest. In the evening, head to the nearby Lawang Sewu building, which was built by the Dutch during their colonial rule of Indonesia. The building is famous for its architectural style and is a must-visit attraction in Semarang. Enjoy the view of the lighted building at night, and indulge in some street food on the way back to the hotel.

Day 2: Heritage Walk to Kota Lama

Start the day by taking a heritage walk to Kota Lama, the old town of Semarang. This area is known for its architecture and cultural significance. Visit the Blenduk Church, which dates back to the Dutch colonial period, and was built in the neo-classical style. Continue your walk to the Lawang Sewu building, which is a testament to Semarang’s past as a Dutch colony. After that, visit the Sam Poo Kong temple, which is one of the oldest temples in Semarang. It was built in honor of the Chinese explorer Zheng He, who visited Indonesia many centuries ago.

Day 3: Visit Semarang famous culinary destinations

Semarang is known for its rich culinary culture, and today you’ll get to explore it. Start the day by visiting Toko Oen, which is famous for its European-style desserts and ice cream. Continue on to the Semawis night market, where you can sample dishes from all over Indonesia. Try the popular dishes such as Lumpia Semarang, Sate Kelinci, Sate Buntel, and many other delicious treats.

Day 4: Boat tour to Karimunjawa Islands

Take a scenic boat tour to Karimunjawa Islands, which are a group of 27 small islands located in the Java Sea. A full day will be spent exploring the islands, relaxing on the beaches, and snorkeling around the coral reefs. You can also tour the local fishing village, where you can see traditional houses that have been preserved for generations.

Day 5: Visit the Thousand Doors Mosque

Today, visit the Al-Akbar Mosque, also known as the Thousand Doors Mosque. It is the largest mosque in Central Java, and its unique architecture is worth seeing. The mosque has a capacity of 15,000 worshippers and is known for its beautiful lighting and intricate details. Don’t forget to take a photo of the stunning view of the city from the top of the mosque.

Day 6: Visit the Old Dutch Fort and Semarang Shopping Spree

Visit the Old Dutch Fort, also known as Fort Rotterdam, which is located on the north coast of Semarang. The fort was built by the Dutch in the 17th century as a strategic site for trading. Today, it is a museum that houses many historical items, including ancient Dutch cannonballs. In the evening, indulge in some shopping at the Semarang Mall or CIWALK Shopping Center, which are famous shopping destinations.

Day 7: Departure Day

Today is the last day of your trip. After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and head to the Ahmad Yani International Airport to catch your flight back home.

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