As a tourist attraction, Semarang may not be as popular as the adjacent cities of Solo and Yogyakarta, but the Central Java capital boasts numerous hidden gems you won’t find anywhere else.
From visiting what is dubbed Indonesia’s Grand Canyon to trying the famous Semarang-style lumpia or spring rolls, we’ve compiled a list of things to do in the city that will make your visit worth the steamy weather it is famous for.
Image credit: @dzikri_robby
Dubbed as “Indonesia’s Grand Canyon”, Semarang’s Brown Canyon boasts sand-colored cliffs that stand tall above a mining site. It is one of the city’s most popular photoshoot locations, with visitors usually flocking before the evening to catch the sunset.
As the site’s tourist facilities are still mostly underdeveloped, getting there can be quite challenging. Most visitors opt to use private vehicles and navigate from the nearby Meteseh Market as a reference point, but keep in mind that the road can be rocky as it’s mostly used by trucks going to and from the mining site.
Address: Rowosari, Tembalang, Semarang, Central Java 50279
Image credit: @maghfirroh
Kampung Pelangi – which literally means “Rainbow Village” – started off as a slum behind Semarang’s Kalisari Flower Market, but it is now one of the city’s most visited tourist attractions thanks to the city government’s effort in painting the houses and facilities such as bridges and roads in bright colors in 2017.
Thanks to its location near the Semarang city center, Kampung Pelangi is easily accessible by private vehicle or app-based transportation services. Visitors are charged Rp. 3,000 (~USD0.21) per person, on top of a parking fee of Rp. 2,000 (~USD0.14) per vehicle.
Address: Jalan DR. Sutomo No. 89, Randusari, Semarang, Central Java 50244
Image credit: @aldyputu
As a port city, Semarang was one of the most important cities for the Dutch colonial government during its occupation of Indonesia, so visitors can still see the remainders of the colonial era that make up the city’s Kota Lama, or Old Town area.
Image credit: @fitriana_ruva
The area contains preserved centuries-old buildings from the Dutch colonial era, including the famous Lawang Sewu (literally means “a thousand doors”) and the pictured Blenduk Church, which was built in 1753 and is famous for its large dome.
Address: Jalan Letjen Suprapto No. 31, Semarang, Central Java 50714
Image credit: Izuan Mohati
The oldest Chinese temple in Semarang, Sam Poo Kong was established in the 15th century by Chinese admiral Zheng He, and is now one of the city’s major historical landmarks. While it started off as a Taoist temple, today it is shared by multiple denominations including Muslims and Buddhists.
Image credit: Izuan Mohati
One of the temple’s most prominent features is a statue of Zheng He, located in front of the main shrine. The temple serves as the venue of the annual Zheng He Festival, which commemorates the admiral’s arrival in Semarang centuries ago.
Address: Jalan Simongan No. 129, Bongsari, West Semarang, Semarang, Central Java 50148
Image credit: @mflhuda_24
Located at an elevation of 1,300 meters above sea level, Gardu Pandang Lereng Kelir is one of the best spots to catch a breath of fresh air while enjoying the view of Semarang from above. Not only that, visitors can also catch a glimpse of some of Central Java’s most famous mountains, such as Mount Sumbing and Mount Merbabu.
Lereng Kelir is also famous for its pine forest, which you can explore while taking photos along the way, and camping site. Entry costs Rp. 5,000 (~USD0.35) on weekdays and Rp. 7,000 (~USD0.49) on weekends.
Address: Jalan Ke Dusun Gertas, Gertas, Brongkol, Jambu, Semarang Regency, Central Java 50663
Image credit: @johanijone
Located in the nearby town of Ungaran in Semarang Regency, Watu Gunung is best known for its hot springs, with water sourced directly from Mount Ungaran, an adjacent stratovolcano, which makes them a popular attraction for those looking to relax and escape busy city life.
Image credit: @kristighifari
Aside from pools and hot springs, the area also has a number of family-friendly water attractions, including rental boats you can use to explore a large man-made lake. Entry to the waterpark costs Rp. 20,000 (~USD1.39) per person on weekdays and Rp. 25,000 (~USD1.73) on weekends.
Address: Lerep Satu, Lerep, West Ungaran, Semarang Regency, Central Java 50519
Image credit: Izuan Mohati
Semarang is full of remnants from the Dutch colonial era, and Toko Oen Restaurant near the city center is one of the best places to experience it. Having been in operation since 1936, the restaurant retains its Dutch colonial interior and takes pride in offering European-influenced cuisine.
Image credit: @heidy_sk
It is best known for its wide variety of ice creams, ranging from its signature three-flavored Symphony Ice Cream to various ice cream cakes, and Dutch appetizers such as bitterballen and croquettes.
Address: Jalan Pemuda No. 52, Bangunharjo, Central Semarang, Semarang, Central Java 50138
Image credit: @fisena_hard
A trip to Semarang would not be complete without getting a taste of the famous lumpia, or Semarang-style spring rolls with chicken, shrimp, and bamboo shoot fillings. Gang Lombok is widely regarded as the home of the original lumpia, having been in operation for generations since the late 19th century.
The humble small shop, which still retains much of its original interior, is a popular destination among tourists looking to bring home a basket of freshly made spring rolls. Each lumpia, whether fried or steamed, costs Rp. 18,000 (~USD1.25).
Address: Jalan Gang Lombok No. 11, Purwodinatan, Central Semarang, Semarang, Central Java 50137
Although Semarang is still developing as a tourist destination, its attractions and landmarks promise a unique travel experience that cannot be found anywhere else.
Even with the notorious steamy weather, Semarang is worth exploring especially if you are keen on seeing remnants of Indonesia’s colonial past, and those who expect a food adventure will not be disappointed with the city’s culinary gems.
For more Indonesian guides, check out:
Cover image adapted from @dzikri_robby and @julianculinary
Enjoying The Smart Local Indonesia? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, and Instagram for more stories like this.
These family-friendly itineraries in Singapore will bring your kids and loved ones to educational sites,…
Tourists are now allowed back into Bali on regular visas on arrival, as Indonesia's tourism…
Good news - the new Singapore VTL for Indonesians has been announced by the city-state.…
Keraton Kasepuhan is one of Cirebon's oldest palaces and it has stunning architecture and an…
Hey Beach Cafe is the cafe for your next Instagram post with coastal-themed decorations inspired…
Check out Dusun Bambu in Bandung, a Sundanese-style resort which offers scenic nature views and…