Discover Semarang: Kota Lama, culture and tradition

Semarang can be explored through a range of travel interests: Kota Lama offers a historical focus, while cultural attractions and leisure activities open up other perspectives. If you are looking for a hotel in Semarang, you can start by considering which themes matter most for your stay. The following examples show the diversity of history, culture and activities in Semarang.

Kota Lama and the history of Semarang

Kota Semarang Lama was designated a national heritage area by the Ministry of Education and Culture in 2020. The area includes four historic sites representing Semarang’s history from the 15th century to the early 20th century. This time span offers a glimpse into several eras of the city’s history.

Gedung Marba is one specific example. The building was constructed in the mid-19th century by Yemeni entrepreneur Marta Badjunet as a modern department store called De Ziekel and as the office of an import-export company. This single building brings a former commercial function to life.

Pasar Semawis, Pusat Semawis and Pasar Malam Semawis are also names for the same place; it is also known as Waroeng Semawis. If you come across several of these names while planning your trip, you can identify them as referring to the same location.

Museums, tradition and performing arts

The Museum Kota Lama Semarang combines exhibitions of historical objects with interactive 3D screens. These present the city’s history as a virtual experience. If you want to explore the city’s history through both exhibits and digital interpretation, you will find both approaches combined here.

Semarang Tawang railway station offers another historical perspective: during the colonial era, it was an important transport hub for the colonial government. Its history adds the former role of transport to the picture of trade and urban development.

In Semarang, Dugderan is passed down through generations; the tradition welcomes the joy of the beginning of Ramadan. Before the pandemic, it included a procession two days before the first day of fasting.

The performing arts are also part of the city’s cultural landscape. The Ngesti Pandowo Wayang Orang troupe has been well known in Semarang since the 1970s; performances can be seen at Gedung Kesenian Ki Narto Sabdo in the Taman Budaya Raden Saleh complex. Check performance dates before your trip.

Sam Poo Kong Temple, also called Gedong Batu Temple, is attributed to the Chinese Muslim seafarer Admiral Zheng He (Cheng Ho), who is said to have founded it in the 15th century. Today, the temple serves as a place of prayer and pilgrimage.

On foot, by bike and among greenery

A walking tour community in Kota Lama Semarang offers regular tours. Visitors can also cycle through the area. This gives you two different ways to explore: a group walking tour or a bike ride. If you would like to join a tour, check the latest dates in advance.

In the Simpang Lima area, visitors can sample traditional dishes in the evening and ride decorated pedal-powered vehicles or tandem bikes around Lapangan Pancasila. Here, the evening combines food and a ride; these activities differ from the historical walking tours and bike rides in Kota Lama.

Tall, shady trees grow in Hutan Wisata Tinjomoyo. There are hammocks at some spots for taking photos; activities and competitions, such as bird competitions and camping, are often held there. As activities and facilities may change, check the latest conditions before visiting.

Semarang Zoo offers a distinct focus: it combines animal welfare and conservation with educational and leisure activities that help visitors learn more about the diversity of flora and fauna. Grand Maerokoco offers pedal boats and other play activities, among other things. The two places appeal to different interests: the zoo focuses on nature education and conservation, while Grand Maerokoco offers recreational activities.

Consider which of these you want to shape your trip, and start your search accordingly.

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