A Tourist's Guide to Semarang, Java, Indonesia

Part of my series when I visit places in Indonesia.

This time, I fly from Jakarta to Semarang, a city on the coast of central Java. Not knowing what to expect, I am pleasantly surprised by how nice Semarang is.

I start off at Lawang Sewu, the old Dutch East India railway station, now known as the building of a thousand doors.


I then hop across the road to see Tuda Muda, a large stone monument that commemorates Semarang's fight against the Japanese in WW2.

My next stop is Kampung Pelangi, a hillside settlement that has reinvented itself by daubing every home with bright paint.

My fourth stop is Sam Poo Kong, the oldest Chinese temple complex in Semarang. It's full to bursting with statues, temples and a traditional band.

My final stop is the quite magnificent Central Java Grand Mosque.

Overall, I had a great time in Semarang.