Semarang: City History and Culture

Semarang offers a range of themes to explore during your stay: city history, culture, regional cuisine, and nature. If you’re looking for hotels in Semarang, first consider which of these aspects you’d like to focus on during your trip.

Kota Lama and the City’s History

Kota Lama Semarang developed from a fortified city and became known as the Old City, or Kota Lama. Visitors can stroll through the former European business district and explore its historic buildings. Kota Semarang Lama has been designated a national heritage area since 2020. The Museum Kota Lama presents Semarang’s history using immersive technology, adding a historical perspective to the buildings.

Stasiun Tawang railway station is also part of the city’s history: it is located on the north side of Kota Lama, was designed by Dutch architect Sloth-Blauwboer, and opened on June 1, 1914. You can explore Kota Lama on foot or cycle through the district. Semarang’s official tourist bus service operates the double-decker buses Si Denok, Si Kenang, and Si Kuncung. Check availability and booking terms in advance if you plan to use the service.

Traditions and Cultural Sites

Sam Poo Kong is a historic temple complex commemorating Admiral Cheng Ho. In the sixth month of the lunar calendar, a festival commemorating Cheng Ho’s arrival in Semarang is held in connection with Sam Poo Kong. Check the date and program before your trip. Dugderan is a tradition passed down through generations in Kota Semarang that expresses joy at the start of Ramadan.

Performing arts are another cultural highlight: you can attend Wayang Orang performances at Gedung Kesenian Ki Narto Sabdo in the Taman Budaya Raden Saleh complex. Tari Semarangan is a traditional dance from Semarang, performed as a pair by two women dancers. The two examples offer different perspectives: one focuses on a performance, the other on the form of a traditional dance.

Regional Cuisine and Shopping

Lumpia is a snack typical of Semarang, born from the cultural connection between Javanese and Chinese influences. At Desa Wisata Wonolopo, visitors can try traditional dishes such as Gendar Pecel, Ketan Serundeng, and Nasi Urab Ndeso. You can also make Jamu yourself or take a village tour on an Onthel bicycle.

Shopping offers a range of different options, too. Bandeng Presto is available at souvenir shops along Jalan Pandanaran; at Kampung Batik Bubakan near Kota Lama, you can buy batik typical of Semarang. A night market at Gang Warung offers a variety of Indonesian and Chinese-influenced food and drinks. Check market days and opening hours in advance. At the covered Pasar Klitikan in Kota Lama, vendors sell old coins, coal irons, used dolls, old toys, and other antiques.

Nature and Outdoor Experiences

Wild monkeys live in Goa Kreo. Every year, on the third day of the month of Syawal, residents of Talun Kacang, Kandri, and Gunung Pati hold Sesaji Rewanda to feed the long-tailed macaques living in Goa Kreo. The site thus combines wildlife observation with a recurring local tradition.

In Hutan Wisata Tinjomoyo, tall trees provide shade. Hammocks are set up at some spots for taking photos; activities and competitions such as bird competitions and camping are often held there. At Mangrove Maerokoco, visitors can walk through the mangrove forest and also use a boat, if available. These destinations offer different ways to experience Semarang beyond its historic streets and cultural sites.

Discover more destinations: Ungaran, Ambarawa, Jepara, Sragen, Brebes, Blora, Cilacap, Sukoharjo

For the regional travel overview: Central Java.