Semarang has a clear historical focus in Kota Lama, along with other cultural and leisure activities. If you’re looking for a hotel in Semarang, you can first decide whether your stay will focus mainly on the heritage of Kota Lama, or whether you’d also like to include museums, performing arts and outdoor experiences.
History in Kota Lama
Kota Semarang Lama comprises four historical sites that represent Semarang’s history from the 15th century to the early 20th century. In 2020, the area was designated a national heritage area by the Ministry of Education and Culture. This long span of history makes heritage a possible theme for a stay focused on Semarang’s historical development.
Gedung Marba is one specific example of historical use. The Yemeni businessman Marta Badjunet had the building constructed in the mid-19th century as the modern department store “De Ziekel” and as the office of an import-export company.
Dugderan is also part of Semarang’s tradition, passed down through generations. It celebrates the joy of the beginning of Ramadan. Before the pandemic, the tradition included a procession two days before the first day of fasting. Sam Poo Kong, also called Gedong Batu Temple, is attributed to the Chinese-Muslim sailor Admiral Zheng He (Cheng Ho), who is said to have founded the temple in the 15th century. Today, it serves as a place of prayer and pilgrimage.
The Semarang Kota Lama Museum combines exhibits of historical objects with interactive 3D screens. They give visitors a virtual experience of the city’s history. Semarang Tawang railway station offers another historical perspective: during the colonial era, it was an important transport hub for the colonial government.
Explore Kota Lama on foot or by bike
In Kota Lama, a walking tour community offers regular guided walks. Visitors who want to explore the neighborhood on foot can join one of these walks; cycling through Kota Lama is also an option. This gives you two different ways to explore: a walking tour or a ride by bike. If you’re planning to join a particular tour, check the current schedule in advance.
Culture and leisure in Semarang
The performing arts include the Wayang Orang troupe Ngesti Pandowo, which has been known in Semarang since the 1970s. Performances take place at Gedung Kesenian Ki Narto Sabdo in the Taman Budaya Raden Saleh complex. If you’re planning a visit, it’s worth checking the latest schedule.
In the Simpang Lima area, visitors can sample traditional dishes in the evening and ride decorated pedal-powered vehicles or tandem bicycles around Lapangan Pancasila. If you want to make these activities part of your plans, check their current availability in advance. This is one way to round out a cultural program with an evening of food and a ride around the area.
Those looking to include nature and outdoor activities can find tall, shady trees at Hutan Wisata Tinjomoyo. Hammocks are available at some spots for taking photos. Activities and competitions are often held there, including bird competitions and camping. Semarang Zoo offers a different focus: it combines animal protection and conservation with educational and recreational activities, where visitors can learn more about the diversity of flora and fauna.
Grand Maerokoco also offers leisure activities, including pedal boats and other games. If a particular activity is important to your plans, check its current availability. Semarang therefore offers a clear choice of different experiences: historic sites and city culture, evening activities, or experiences centered on nature, animals and leisure.
Discover more destinations: Jakarta, Makassar, Lagoi, Palembang, Pasirputih, Balikpapan, Batuampar, Mangsit
For the overview of destinations: Indonesia.
