5 Amazing Things to do in Semarang, Java, Indonesia

Discover 5 amazing things to do in Semarang.

Semarang is a fairly big city in the northern part of Central Java in Indonesia.

This list of 5 amazing things to do in Semarang gives a short review of each of the things to do in Semarang as well as links to more detailed reviews (where applicable).

It also has other useful information about Semarang such as accommodation in Semarang and how to get to Semarang.

Featured Picture: Masjid Agung Jawa Tengah.

5 Amazing Things to do in Semarang

The reason I chose to visit Semarang was because it was close to Solo and hence, not too far from Yogyakarta, which is where I had to fly out from. I’m not a fan of traveling for long periods of time these days (four hours max) and also like to stay in a place for at least a few nights before moving on.

1. Lawang Sewu

A few people (couchsurfing members) had given me some tips on things to do in Semarang and the main one in the city was Lawang Sewu. Actually, I’m not exactly sure what Lawang Sewu is. I’m guessing some Dutch building that had something to do with trains.

Tugu Muda (the most prominent monument in Semarang) is also across the road from Lawang Sewu.

Stained glass window from the outside of Lawang Sewu.

2. Sam Po Kong Temple

My plan was to walk to all the places I wanted to see in the city. I split them up over a few days and the logical one to go to after Lawang Sewu was Sam Po Kong Temple. This was the first Chinese Temple I had visited in a while. Actually, it is a Chinese/Indonesian temple.

Guarding the temple.

3. Masid Agung Jawa Tengah

Masid Agung Jawa is a pretty impressive mosque. I didn’t actually go in it – and I’m not even sure if I could have if I wanted to.

Masjid Agung Jawa Tenga.

4. Kota Lama (Old Town)

After a long hot walk to the mosque, for some crazy reason I decided to walk to Old Town. It was a really hot day and I still wasn’t feeling very well, but on the way I found a street tailor who took up my t-shirt for less then a buck.

I was not impressed with Old Town. Maybe because I was dehydrated. It was nicer than the rest of the city though, much less traffic.

A building in Old Town.

5. Simpang Lima

The last thing on this list of amazing things to do in Semarang is to go to Simpang Lima. There’s lots of food stalls around at night.

One of the many food stalls around Simpang Lima.

Actually, there were a few other things to do in Semarang but I wasn’t feeling too well while I was there. I didn’t even go for a ride in the countryside