Sightseeing in Semarang - what to see. Complete travel guide

Semarang is a city situated on the northern coast of Indonesia, in the heart of Central Java Province. This city harmoniously combines old colonial buildings built during the medieval and the modern part, which is full of luxury hotels and high-class places of rest.

Currently Semarang is quite an important trading center of the country. Closer to the west of its territory are located several industrial and rapidly developing sectors such as food processing, ship repair, engineering, woodworking, and electrical engineering. The headquarters of British American Tobacco Company are located here as well.

The old part of the city attracts visitors by its Dutch architecture that is cherished and appreciated by the local residents. Beautiful Arab and Chinese quarters are also kept in great condition. Among the major monuments of the Chinese culture present in Semarang is Sam Po Kong Temple. Other attractions that traditionally attract tourists are the old Protestant church named Blenduk, Holy Rosary Cathedral and Semarang Cathedral. You may also enjoy visiting the monuments dedicated to heroes of Indonesia and Youth, which are located in the historic part of the city. The central square of the city is named Simpang Lima. It always attracts lovers of night life. Don’t leave this place without visiting Taman Budaya Raden Saleh – this beautiful garden is located just nearby. The city is also famous for its handicrafts, the most popular of which are manufacturing of various musical instruments, woodcarving and batik production. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The beautiful Masjid Agung Mosque is considered one of the most majestic architectural monuments in the city. It is very large. The one hall only can accommodate up to 16000 people at a time. This magnificent mosque is a real center of culture and leisure, available to all travelers. The Museum of Islamic Culture, as well as a cafe, and several souvenir shops are found on its territory. Outside the mosque, is a beautiful developed square. At certain times of day, huge mechanical umbrellas are opened there. They protect people from the burning sun.

Gedung Lawang Sewu ancient colonial mansion is situated in the very center of the city. Tourists know it under the unofficial name of Thousand Doors. It has a really complex structure. You just can't count all the number of doors, windows, and arches exactly. During the tour, visitors will learn a lot of exciting and terrible secrets. If you believe local residents, the mansion is inhabited by ghosts. They even organize special night excursion for those who wish to personally check this fact.

The Purbakala Archaeological Museum is a great sightseeing object. It presents a unique collection of archaeological finds discovered in the city and the surroundings. Some artifacts date back to the Paleolithic times. The very building of the Archaeological Museum is also of great historical interest.

Lovers of natural attractions will not be bored, as well. In Semarang, they can visit a beautiful Taman Djamoe Indonesia landscape park. Each year, it is decorated with new landscape compositions. You can enjoy beautiful flowers and rare plants or watch the birds. The picturesque park has long become home for them.

Wonderful hiking tours are organized in the mountainous area of Ungaran. Historically, extensive tea and jasmine plantations have been formed here. Now, they are popular sightseeing objects. At particular times of the year, tourists are engaged in tea and jasmine gathering. They can also visit local historical factories and watch the preparation of high-quality tea process. The mountainous region is incredibly beautiful and attracts not only tourists but photographers from all over the world.