• Semarang Fair, Jalan Sriwijaya no 29 Semarang. Visit this annual which showcases various cultural entertainment. It is held every July.  edit
• Wayang Orang Ngesti Pandowo, Jalan Pemuda. Watch Javanese theatrical performances  edit
• Jaran Sampo, Tay Kak Sie and Sam Po Kong Temples. Attend the biggest ceremony of the Chinese community in Java, featuring a colourful procession and dances of decorated horses and 'liong' (dragon)  edit
• Dug Der Festival, Johar, kota lama, polder tawang. Annual festival, one week before fasting month, or puasa. The name is derved from the sound of Bedug (Dug), and Bamboo Canon (Der). At the end of the festival there's "Ngarak Warak", means procession to brings Warak across the city's main street (normally from the Mayor's office to the Johar Market). Warak is a mythology animal, part giraffe, part lion, part chinese dragon, part horse part bird. It's the icon of the festival. You could buy the toy on the festival, normally these warak will be laying an egg, thus the name "Warak Ngendog".  edit
• Semawis Night Market, Gg. Warung, Chinatown, [8]. Weekly night market, during Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. You could walk along the Gang Warung, and enjoy the hawker style local food, also some souvenir from semarang. There's also annual, larger Semawis Market before the Chinese New Year. Check the website for more information.  edit

• Sam Po Kong Temple, Jl. Simongan No. 129, ☎ +62 24 7605 277. The beautiful Sam Po Kong temple (Gedung Batu) was built to respect the Muslim Chinese commander named Cheng Ho of Ming Dinasty who visited Semarang in the early 15th century. It was extensively renovated in 2006 to celebrate the 600th anniversary of Cheng Ho's voyage to Semarang.  edit

Northern Semarang has a lot of old Dutch colonial buildings. This was where the old walled city located. The wall is no longer there, but many of the old building remains, especially in the area called Kota Lama (The Old Town or Oudstadt). On certain months, this part of Semarang is flooded by the rising tide (called "rob" in Javanese).

• Tanjung Mas. A busy, important port during Dutch occupation (from 17th century to 1945).  edit

• Gereja Blenduk, Jalan Letjen Suprapto 32. The name means "domed church". A beautiful Protestant church built in 1753, it is the oldest church in Semarang. It has a baroque organ, a rarity in Indonesia  edit

• Stasiun Tawang. The oldest major railway station in Java, completed in 1870.  edit

• Simpang Lima. a vast square at the heart of Semarang. At night, you can eat, drink, or just bring yourself wandering around Simpang Lima.  edit

• Taman Budaya Raden Saleh at Jalan Sriwijaya No.29, is a beautiful garden located at the city centre. It has a total area of 89,926 square meters. Suitable for the family recreation.

Semarang has a very good landscape, some says best landscape thanks to its coastal area in the northern part of the city with Tanjung Mas as its international harbour and hilly area in the southern part streching from Candi area to Bukit Sari with picturesque Mount Ungaran at the background.

Before you get into hilly area named Bukit Sari, you will see on your left Taman Tabanas Gombel where you can stop by, drink tea and see Semarang's view from the hill. It's view is really beautiful and romantic during the night time.

Gunung Ungaran with its tea and jasmine plantation, Gua Kreo/Kreo Cave with its interesting stalactite and stalagmite and of course Marina at Tanjung Mas are the alternatives for those who has more than 2 free days in Semarang.

Monuments

Tugu Muda is one of Semarang's landmark. It is situated westward off Simpang Lima, one of the 5 streets crossing Simpang Lima named Jalan Pandanaran. This monument commemorated the 5 days of fierce battle (October 14-19, 1945) between Indonesian freedom fighters and Japanese soldiers who refused to surrender their weapons.

There are some Dutch colonial buildings around Tugu Muda; the most famous one is Lawang Sewu which means A Thousand Doors. It was built as the headquarter of the local railway company. During World War II, it was used as the Japanese army's headquarter. The building is now empty and in a dilapidated state (and notoriously haunted), nevertheless it is still considered as one of Semarang's most prominent landmark.

Museums

• Museum Ronggowarsito, Jl. Abdurrahman Saleh No. 1, ☎ +62-24-7602389, [6]. 8AM-2PM, except on Monday. Javanese culture and art. Rp2.000 (Mar 2008).  edit

• MURI, Indonesian National Record Museum. Jl. Setiabudi no.179 Srondol. [7]. Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8AM-4PM.

• Nyonya Meneer. Jamu (traditional Javanese drink) museum. Jl. Kaligawe. Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10AM–3PM.

• Mandala Bhakti. Military museum. Jl. Mgr.Sugiyopranoto Semarang.

Amusement parks

• Water Blaster (Water Boom). Entry through Graha Candi Golf Real Estate, with its dazzling hills view and quite an exotic feels of high breeze.

• Lele Park (Kampoeng Wisata). Kecamatan Tugu. Open daily. Facility: children playground, cultural and art shows, animal shows.

• Marina Beach. North Semarang. Facility: swimming pool, children playground, beach volley ball, water sports.

• Ngaliyan Tirta Indah, jalan Raya Ngaliyan Kecamatan Ngaliyan. Facility: swimming pool, beautiful plantation, flower garden, sports centre.

• Puri Maerokoco and Kampoeng Laut. Tawangmas PRPP, a clone of TMII (Jakarta). Facility: cultural and art shows, boat, water bike, small train, fishing pond.

• Sodong, 20 km from Semarang. Facility: beautiful plantation, fishing pond, swimming pool.

• Mangkang Zoo, located in the West Semarang. It's newly opened. There a lot of animal preserve there but it lacks of attraction.

By plane

Semarang's Airport is Ahmad Yani International Airport, quite nearby from the city centre. Daily flights are available to many major cities in Indonesia. Garuda Indonesia, Merpati Nusantara, Mandala Air, Batavia Air, Sriwijaya Air and Jatayu Airlines fly to Jakarta daily. Merpati also has daily flight to Surabaya. Deraya flies to Pangkalanbun and Bandung. There is also flight service to Yogyakarta by Trigana Air/Kalstar. Trigana Air/Kalstar and Indonesia Air Transport also fly daily to Pankalanbun. The airport's only international flight is to Singapore seven days a week by Garuda Indonesia.

By train

Semarang is connected to Jakarta, Bandung and Surabaya by trains. Interestingly, there is no comparable railway service to Yogyakarta, although a railway line exists. The Argo Muria express connects Semarang to Jakarta, and with its relatively new equipment (2002), is very comfortable. The downside is the very early departure (5.00 AM!) to Jakarta. Overnight trains are also available. The fastest train between Semarang and Jakarta takes around 6 hours.

Bandung and Surabaya are also connected to Semarang with air-conditioned eksekutif class trains.

There are two main railway station in Semarang, Stasiun Tawang and Stasiun Poncol.

On the northern main line, between Semarang and Pekalongan, the railway line follows the coast line, providing passengers with beautiful views of the Java Sea.

By car

Semarang can be reached by car from Jakarta. It takes around 10 to 12 hours depending on the road traffic. You can choose to leave early in the morning from Jakarta to arrive in Semarang the next 12 hours. Over night drive is faster yet more challenging and even dangerous for "Pantura" non familiar driver. Pantura derives from "Pantai" which means Beach and "Utara" which means North.

From Jakarta you can take the route eastward via Cikampek toll road. Go along the toll road until your reach Cikampek toll gate, take left and you are in "Pantura Road". In Pantura road you have to follow the direction sign "Cirebon", "Pekalongan", "Kendal", "Semarang" or "Surabaya" as those cities are eastward from Jakarta.

You will pass small towns like Kendal before you arrive in Semarang.

Gas station are abundant, you can see them almost every 5 or 10 kilometers along the road. They have toilet facilities. Pay Rp1,000 (US$ 10 cents). Beware of small or old gas station, they have poor lighting and terrible toilet. Choose a newer and bigger gas station with good lighting parking space and clean toilets. Please make sure that you have locked your car and do not leave your valuable unattended.

By bus

Many bus services from Jakarta to Semarang. You can choose to go in the day time with air conditioned (A/C) from Pasar Rebo Bus Terminal in East Jakarta, Kalideres Bus Terminal in West Jakarta or from Lebak Bulus Bus Terminal in South Jakarta. The overnight bus with A/C are also available with good services. You can choose bus operators such as: "Rosalia Indah" [3], "Raya", "Kramat Jati", Safari Dharma Raya [4] as the good reputed bus serving Jakarta to Semarang. Sometimes the bus route is Jakarta to Solo via Semarang, you can choose them too, but please remind the bus driver's assistant (usually male, a person who check your ticket onboard the bus) to wake you up in Semarang.

There is also the executive-class tourist bus Joglosemar, that connects Jogjakarta, Solo and Semarang (hence the name). Joglosemar picks up tourists from specific hotels and provide snacks and water for your trip. Considerably pricier than other executive buses, it is more comfortable and provides a friendly service throughout the journey.

If you are on a group, you can also rent a "Tourist/Charter Bus" [5].

By boat

Jakarta - Semarang (vice versa) traditionally travelled via railway, northern coast road ("pantura") or by plane. A trip by a sea vessel is uncommon due to its rare schedule and length of journey that takes too long compared with train (approx 6 hours) and over night bus (9 hours).

However, cruise ships occasionally spend a day in port. The port has few facilities for passengers, but an informal market of street vendors often assembles outside the secure area. Most passengers take tours to Borabordur.

By mini bus/bus

There are plenty of mini bus (locally called angkot/daihatsu) and medium-sized bus called Damri in the city. These mini bus go to different destinations as follows:

• Damri No.1 Route: Terboyo-Banyumanik. Fare: Rp.6.000
• Damri No.2 Route: Terboyo-Mangkang. Fare: Rp.4.500
• Damri No.5 Route: Johar-Kompleks Perumnas. Rp.5.000

As 2008 Dishub Pemda Semarang operating Damri AC for Rp 5,000

The mini bus has a route travelled written on the top-front of the bus. The route normally written in the form of 'origin-destination' and sometimes with 'via' information if there are more than 1 mini bus ply the same origin-destination but through a different path in between.

For example: Daihatsu Johar-Sampangan, means the origin is from Johar terminal and going to Sampangan and vice-versa. The fares for the mini-bus is around Rp.2000-3000.

Some popular places in Semarang that can be reached by mini bus/bus are:

• Pasar Johar, you need to board Daihatsu with the route Johar-Sampangan.
• ADA Siliwangi Supermarket, you need to board Daihatsu with the route PRPP-Klipang
• Tawang Train Station, Damri No.1 Terboyo-Banyumanik.
• Poncol Station, Daihatsu Semarang-Salatiga.
• Terboyo Bus Terminal, Damri No.1 or Damri No.2.
• Undip (Diponegoro University), Damri No.1 or Damri No.5.

Make sure you ask the conductor/driver of the minibus before you board for the route it goes and whether it pass the place you want to go.

By taxi

Taxis are very safe and comfortable, and reasonably priced (starting price of Rp4000).

Make sure you understand the route or ask your friend. Make sure the driver use the meter ("argo"). If he refused to use the meter, use other taxis. List of taxi companies:

• Astria, Jl Jatisari 1, Semarang 50235, ☎ 62-24-7460940.  edit
• Centris Multipersada, Jl Majapahit 583, ☎ 62-24-6723624.  edit
• Kosti, Jl Pamularsih 15, Semarang 50148, ☎ 62-24-7613333.  edit
• Pandu Persada Saranamukti, Jl Kaligawe Km 4/46, ☎ 62-24-6591234.  edit
• Puri Kencana, Jl Rogojembangan Raya 68, ☎ 62-24-6705050.  edit

By car

Fuel for your car (if you rent a car) are "Premium", "Pertamax" and "Pertamax Plus" for gasoline fueled car and "Solar" for diesel engined car. It is not self service, you cannot fill in the gasoline yourself. The gas station has their employees who will help you and you have to pay to them for the fuel according to the fuel meter reading.

Currency used is Rupiah (Rp). You can find money changer in the downtown area, or simply get into banks and you will get fair exchange rate. Please note that in practice, money changer and banks are not accepting US$ bank notes with issuance year 1999 backwards because of the experience in Indonesia mostly found US$ with issuance year 1999 backward had been forged.

Near the airport in Jendral Sudirman street, there is Money Changer "Golden Valasindo", which accept most of foreign currency include US$ bank notes with issuance year before 1999. The phone number is (024) 766 32631.

Banks are open between 8.30 a.m to 3.00 p.m.

You can visit some malls available in Semarang such as Sri Ratu (the first mall in Semarang from the 80's), Matahari Plaza, Ciputra Mall and the Java Mall.

Most travelers will buy Bandeng Presto (pressure cooked milk fish), Lumpia Semarang (a kind of spring rolls with bamboo shoots filling), Roti Sanitas (famous bakery), Wingko Babat (sticky rice and coconut in a variety of flavors)

You can buy batik (Javanese handwritten cloth), antiques and the traditional items in "Johar Market" or in Bahasa Indonesia called "Pasar Johar" (spell "Pa Saar Jouw Har). They have plenty of choices. Ask if you can get assistance from hotel staff or a travel agent staff to take you around Pasar Johar. It is also accessible by Angkot (vans) from Simpang Lima.

Semarang have many arts and crafts shops around the city. They normally sell Javanese arts, paintings and clothes including Batik. Some shops popularly visited by tourist are:

• Andika Art & Crafts Gallery, Jalan Puri Anjasmoro Street Block O-1/5., ☎ +62-24-7606123.  edit
• Lia Gallery, Jalan Genade Selatan 2., ☎ +62-247498700.  edit
• Goedang Art & Antique, Jalan Pemuda 37., ☎ +62-24-3564453.  edit
• Galery Gerbang, Jalan Dr. Wahidin 56., ☎ +62-24-8447860.  edit
• Pandjang Art Shop, Jalan Widoharjo 31A., ☎ +62-24-3541460.  edit
• La Vogue, Jl. Pemuda. The city's oldest Antique shop located centrally at the heart of Semarang.  edit

Cheap

There are hawker-style food stalls and tents all across Semarang. They are very popular and offer good food at unbelievably cheap prices. Please note as they are not permanent establishments, they do not have phone numbers and exact address. However, they usually open in the same spots and at a regular time everyday. Also, as in any hawker-style establishments, hygiene is not a top priority here.

Simpang Lima in the heart of Semarang has plenty of food stalls offering variety of Indonesian and Javanese food. The price is cheap, sometimes very cheap, you can eat 1 piece of leg or thigh of fried chicken plus 1 plate of steamed rice for as little as Rp 10,000 (equivalent to US$ 1). You can also get into other tents to try other meals, some of them offering "lesehan" or "sit down on a carpet" during your meal time. Beef or chicken satay (grilled beef of chicken) is mouth watering with peanut sauce and hot chilli while "fried rice" or nasi goreng babat situated in "Air Mancur" or fountain southward off Simpang Lima and in front of Diponegoro University campus is delicious.

Along Jalan Pahlawan, south of Simpang Lima, you will also face many food stalls under tents, selling a variety of foods from "Gudeg" (Javanese steam sweet sour vegetables), Bubur ayam (Chicken porridge), Jagung bakar (grilled corn) and many others. Pamper yourself with plenty of good foods yet very cheap.

Semawis is another place to go for hawker-style food. Located on Gang Warung in the China Town, it opens only weekend nights (friday, Saturday and Sunday) and has a variety of food stalls offering authentic Semarang cuisine and delicacies.

Food Stalls (Note: Unless stated otherwise, these foodstalls only open after sunset everyday)

• Koee Lekker Paimo Indonesian interpretation of dutch pancake, Jl. Karanganyar, in front of Loyola High School (a famous school in Semarang). Daytime, weekdays only (Monday - Saturday)
• Kalasan Fried Chicken in Simpang Lima offers good food with cheap price
• Fried Tofu and Tempe of Prasodjo is also famous for their hot and fried tofu and tempe (soybean cake), eat them while it's hot with green chilli named "rawit"
• Lumpia Gang Lombok at Lombok Street, in Chinatown, next to Tay Kak Sie Temple (open from the morning)
• Juwana in Jalan Pandanaran is the place for your to buy and bring home tradisional Semarang's traditional food (open from the morning). It ranges from "Juwana Bandeng Presto" or "Cooked, well packed & Soft Thorn Fish" to wet or dried "lumpia.
• Mbok Berek in Jalan Jendral Sudirman 58A offers a traditional Javanese fried chicked called Ayam Penyet (smashed Fried Chicken) served with a fried coconut milk and local salads (lalapan).
• Soto Bangkong (or Chicken Soup Bangkong) is well known for its delicious soto
• Satay Pak Kempleng in Ungaran area is delicious and known for years for its big cut satay portion (open for lunch).
• Nasi Ayam Bu Wido in Kemuning offers Nasi Ayam or Javanese Chicken Curry (open for dinner only).

Mid-range

• Bahagia, Jl. Gajahmada 85 C. Home-style chinese and sea food. The "mie goreng" (fried noodle) and "kee-kian goreng" (fried pork meat) are must-try.  edit
• Nglaras Rasa Jl MH Thamrin 124. Tel.: (62)(24) 8319 766. Indonesian fast food.
• Toko Oen Jl Pemuda 52, Bodjong, Semarang 50138. Tel.: (62)(24) 354 1683. A Semarang institution since Dutch colonial days. Famous for its ice cream, steak, and fried rice.
• Bentuman Steak, Jl. Taman Beringin No. 23. hahaha  edit

Splurge

• Pringgading Restaurant, Jalan Pringgading 54. Chinese food with Indonesian flair. Yum cha on Sunday mornings. Always full, very lively and chaotic. Service not outstanding though.
• De Joglo Live Seafood Resto, JL S.Parman no. 76. Live and fresh Seafood. Venue styled as a traditional Javanese house ("joglo").
• Xiang Yuen, Grand Candi Hotel - Jl. Sisingamangaraja No. 16 Semarang 50232, +62 24 8416 222, [9]. M-F 6.30AM-3PM & 6.30PM-10.30PM, Sa-Su 7AM-3PM & 6.30PM-10.30PM. Authentic Cantonese & Szechuanese. Rp 100,000.00-Rp 1,000,000.00
• Pesta Keboen, Jalan Veteran 29. Indonesian and Dutch cuisine served in a restored Dutch colonial house furnished with antiques and Dutch East Indies memorabilia. Go there for the ambience.  edit
• LeResto resto & lounge, Jalan Sultan Agung 107. . European, Asian & Indonesian Cuisine with A Semi-fine Casual Dining Concept.  edit

Drinking alcohol is not a custom in Indonesia, and in Semarang it is not easy to find bars. However, lately a few stylish venues have sprung up, mainly caters to the trendy young population.

• E-Plaza, Jl. Ruko Gajahmada Lantai II No.29. Located in an entertainment complex which comprises a cinema, a restaurant, and pool game venue.

There are few bars and cafe around 'Simpang Lima' location (right in the downtown).After sunset, please avoid small tents selling homemade tea (teh poci) as lots of hookers looking for targets, especially rich looking travellers.

Wedhang means hot soothing drink. You can get them in Simpang Lima, hotels or restaurants in Semarang. One of the most popular variety is STMJ (Susu Telor Madu Jahe, a concoction of milk, egg, honey, and ginger drink). For more Wedhang:

• Istana Wedhang, Jl. Pemuda No. 125 (next to Novotel Hotel). A classic place to drink wedhang, this place provides various wedhang, and some local food like nasi goreng, nasi campur, etc.
• Es Kelapa Muda Kartika, Jl. MT. Haryono 83 (near to Bubakan). The most delicious young coconut drinks. Daytime only, just get there early because late afternoon they're most likely sold out already.
• On-On Pub, a Bar located inside oldish Hotel Candi Baru, Jl. Rinjani. Place to gather with Semarang's Expatriate.
• Black Canyon Coffee Bar, near On-On Pub. Stylishly designed, in front of Hotel Candi Baru. Cozy place but very crowded especially during week ends.
• Sisingamaraja Site, or popularly known as S2. It's right in front of Hotel Grand Candi at Jl. Sisingamaraja. Modern and hip, feels like Kemang. Its a mix used complex, where you can hang out, drink, eat Japanese, Peranakan, Italian, or Western. You can even find GYM at this place!