Things to Do in Semarang: Sam Poo Kong, Lawang Sewu & More

Semarang is Central Java’s underappreciated capital — a port city with deep Peranakan Chinese roots and one of Java’s finest collections of colonial architecture. It functions primarily as a commercial and transit hub, which means its historical districts remain relatively intact and untouristified. The three-day Old Town restoration project that began in 2018 has brought Kota Lama back to life as one of the more pleasant areas to walk in Java.

1. Sam Poo Kong Temple (Gedung Batu)

Sam Poo Kong is a Chinese temple complex commemorating Admiral Zheng He (Sam Poo Tay Djin), the Chinese Muslim explorer who anchored his fleet here in 1406 during his voyages through Southeast Asia. The main hall is housed in a cave where Zheng He allegedly prayed; the surrounding complex of red-pavilioned temples, stone statues, and ceremonial gates is the most visually dramatic site in Semarang.

Entry: IDR 10,000 (grounds); IDR 30,000 for main shrine access | Hours: 8am–7pm daily Colourful Chinese ceremonies: Most vibrant around Chinese New Year (January/February) and the Birthday of Sam Poo (lunar calendar — usually August/September)

A statue of Zheng He stands at the entrance at nearly 10 metres tall. The surrounding Chinese garden is well-maintained. This is a working place of worship — dress modestly and observe quietly during active prayer.

2. Lawang Sewu

“Lawang Sewu” means “Thousand Doors” in Javanese — a reference to the extraordinary number of full-height arched doorways in this Dutch colonial railway headquarters built in 1907. The building was used as a Japanese internment camp and military facility during the occupation, and the basement detention cells are included in the tour.

Entry: IDR 20,000 | Hours: 7am–9pm daily | Location: Jl Pemuda (Simpang Lima area)

The night tour (after 6pm) is the most atmospheric — the building is illuminated and the basement accessible by torchlight with a guide. Day visits are better for architectural photography of the stained glass windows and double-arcade corridors.

3. Kota Lama (Old Town)

Semarang’s Dutch colonial old town — a square kilometre of 18th and 19th-century trading houses, warehouses, and civic buildings near the old port. The restoration since 2018 has cleaned up facades, installed proper lighting, and brought café and restaurant tenants into previously derelict buildings.

Entry: Free | Best time: Evening when the district is lit | Location: 2km from city centre

The Gereja Blenduk (1753) — a neoclassical Dutch Reformed church with a distinctive copper dome — is the centrepiece. The Taman Sri Gunting park in front is the social hub of the neighbourhood. Spiegel Bar and Bistro (a restored colonial bank) is the best place to drink in the district.

4. Gedong Songo Temple Complex

Nine Hindu temples (Gedong Songo = “Nine Buildings” in Javanese) perched on the slopes of Mount Ungaran at 1,200 metres altitude — each temple occupying a different ledge with views over the lowlands below. Less visited than Borobudur or Prambanan, with a significantly more dramatic mountain setting.

Entry: IDR 10,000 | Hours: 7am–5pm | Transport: Hired car, 45 minutes from Semarang

The trail linking all nine temples takes approximately 2 hours on foot, climbing through volcanic steam vents. Horse rental is available for the less mobile (approximately IDR 100,000/person).

5. Dieng Plateau Day Trip

The Dieng Plateau at 2,000 metres altitude is Central Java’s highland escape — a bowl-shaped volcanic plateau with ancient Hindu temples (Candi Arjuna complex, 8th century), coloured sulphuric lakes (Telaga Warna), and some of the coolest temperatures on Java.

Candi Arjuna entry: IDR 20,000 | Telaga Warna entry: IDR 15,000 Transport from Semarang: 2.5–3 hours by car; most visitors join an organised day tour (IDR 300,000–500,000/person)

Dieng sunrise over the coloured lakes, seen from the Sikunir hill (a short 20-minute climb), is one of Central Java’s best sunrise experiences. This requires an overnight stay in Dieng or a very early departure from Semarang.

6. Chinatown Gang Lombok

Semarang’s Peranakan Chinese quarter around Gang Lombok (Lombok Alley) is one of the oldest Chinese settlements in Java, established in the 17th century. The Tay Kak Sie Temple (1772) on Gang Lombok is covered in ceramic figurines and gold-leaf carvings in the southern Chinese style.

Entry: Free (temple by donation) | Hours: 7am–5pm | Best time: Lunar New Year for lantern festival

The surrounding streets sell traditional Peranakan snacks, Chinese dried goods, and incense. The morning dim sum warungs around Gang Pinggir serve one of the better dim sum breakfasts on Java.

7. Simpang Lima City Square

Semarang’s modern centrepiece — a large hexagonal square (simpang = junction, lima = five) surrounded by major hotels, the Grand Mosque, and the Citraland Mall. More significant as a social landmark than a tourist attraction, but the evening food cart culture around the square (from approximately 5pm) is an enjoyable local scene.

Entry: Free | Best time: Evening

8. Museum Mandala Bhakti

A military museum in a 1930s Dutch colonial building near Simpang Lima documenting Indonesia’s armed forces history from the colonial period through contemporary deployments. The exterior is more interesting than the interior, but the collection includes vehicles, weapons, and uniforms rarely seen outside specialist collections.

Entry: IDR 5,000 | Hours: 8am–3pm (closed Mondays)

9. Rob Flooding Neighbourhood Walk

Semarang’s northern coastal district has been sinking for decades due to groundwater extraction — entire neighbourhoods have been partially submerged, with residents living above the tideline on elevated walkways while their former ground floors sit underwater. It is an extraordinary and sobering urban landscape.

Entry: Free | Access: By Grab to Kampung Lorok, north Semarang

This is not a tourist attraction but an ongoing climate-related urban emergency. Walk respectfully and support local food stalls if you visit.

10. Sukorejo Coffee District

The Ungaran–Sukorejo hills south of Semarang produce Robusta coffee on estates that date to the Dutch colonial era. Some estates offer tours of the plantation, processing facilities, and cupping sessions.

Estate tour price: Approximately IDR 50,000–100,000/person | Transport: 1 hour south of Semarang by car

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Getting Around Semarang

Grab and Gojek operate across the city. The BRT Trans Semarang covers the main Simpang Lima to Banyumanik corridor and some routes toward Kota Lama. A hired car with driver for a half-day city tour costs approximately IDR 300,000–450,000.

Browse tours and activities in Semarang — a local guide makes a big difference for navigating temples, wildlife sites, and the less-visited corners of the island. Travel insurance for Indonesia is strongly recommended before any trip — emergency medical cover is especially important given the distances between islands.

More Semarang Guides

• Semarang travel guide — the full Semarang overview: orientation, hotels, restaurants, and getting there
• Where to stay in Semarang — old town hotels, business district options, and budget accommodation
• Semarang food guide — lumpia Semarang, wingko babat, and the best places to eat in the city
• Karimunjawa island guide — the best beach and snorkelling escape from Semarang, 3–4 hours by fast boat
• Java island guide — how Semarang fits into a wider Central Java itinerary