ID · Central Java · 6.99°S 110.42°E

semarang

Dutch-era Kota Lama, spooky Lawang Sewu and lumpia to snack on.

Best time
Hot and humid all year. May to September is the drier season.
How long
1–2 days
Getting there
Direct flights from KL take about 2.5 hours. It's also about 3 hours by road from Jogja.
Save postcard
ID · Central Javasemarang6.99°S 110.42°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Dutch-era Kota Lama, spooky Lawang Sewu and lumpia to snack on.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingSemarangID, Central Java
KLsemarang
≈ 1,486 km from KL, as the crow flies
Lawang Sewu is an ancient building located in the middle of the city of Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia

Photo: Uncredited · Public domain

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Central Java's capital and an old Dutch port on the north coast, with a large Chinese community. The Kota Lama old town has been restored, and there are temples, mosques and colonial landmarks to see. It's less touristy than Jogja and an easy stop on a Central Java loop.

Makan

  1. Lumpia SemarangSpring rolls stuffed with bamboo shoots, egg and prawn, fried or fresh.Map ↗
  2. Bandeng prestoMilkfish pressure-cooked until the bones go soft.Map ↗
  3. Tahu gimbalFried tofu and prawn fritters with peanut sauce.Map ↗
  4. Wingko babatChewy coconut cakes, the classic Semarang souvenir.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Kota LamaThe restored Dutch old town, centred on the domed Blenduk Church.Map ↗
  2. Lawang SewuThe old Dutch railway headquarters, known for its many doors and its ghost stories.Map ↗
  3. Sam Poo KongA big, bright red temple complex honouring the Chinese admiral Zheng He.Map ↗
  4. Great Mosque of Central JavaA huge mosque with giant umbrella canopies in its courtyard and a tall minaret with a viewing deck.Map ↗
  5. Pasar SemawisThe Chinatown night market, held on weekend evenings.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Combine it with Jogja and Solo for a Central Java loop by train or car.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.