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The city's name derives from the Javanese words "asem" and "arang" which literally translate to "scarce tamarind."
Semarang lies in the northern part of Central Java. It is a bustling mid-sized city with a population of 1.5 million. More a business than tourism destination, it nevertheless has its own charm with contrasting modern mid-rises, Dutch colonial architecture, Chinatown, and small "kampong" jutting against each other.
The city's weather is hot and humid, so wear light-coloured cotton clothes. You do not need a long-sleeved shirt, instead a T-shirt and knee-long trousers are comfortable. However, some places such as mosques (masjid) and temples require polite dress such as long trousers/skirts. Hot pants/mini skirts will attract people's attention in ways you might not like and might be considered impolite.
Semarang is off the tourist trail and knowing even basic [wiki=9d9db2d2429f76f2dd599be8d9b5b8ee]Javanese[/wiki] or [wiki=797911455368850cb6b78b1476a0f394]Indonesian[/wiki] will be helpful (and courteous), although younger educated people can often speak some English.
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By plane
Semarang's Airport is Achmad Yani International Airport, quite nearby from the city centre. Daily flights are available to many major cities in Indonesia. Garuda Indonesia, AirAsia, Citilink, Lion Air, and Sriwijaya Air fly to Jakarta daily. Wings Air, Sriwijaya Air, Garuda Indonesia, and AirAsia also has a daily flight to Surabaya. Wings Air are also provides daily flight to Denpasar- Bali. Lion Air has also expand their flight route from Semarang to Balikpapan and Banjarmasin in Kalimantan. Trigana Air/Kalstar and Indonesia Air Transport also flies daily to Pangkalanbun.
Semarang is also connected to international destinations Singapore by SilkAir and AirAsia, and Kuala Lumpur by AirAsia.
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By train
Semarang is connected to [wiki=f3a693cf1392030d179eaa94d226f0ea]Jakarta[/wiki], [wiki=748be3bbd6272eb58bba8b311fa7fef9]Bandung[/wiki] and [wiki=6dd0ba851a1586689ea2a37b9393694e]Surabaya[/wiki] by train. Interestingly, there is no comparable railway service to [wiki=a579484d20e650fda0f5d5d2816f0858]Yogyakarta[/wiki], although a railway line exists. The Argo Muria express connects Semarang to Jakarta, and with its relatively new equipment (2002), is very comfortable. The downside is the very early departure (05:00) to Jakarta. Overnight trains are also available. The fastest train between Semarang and Jakarta takes around 6 hours.
Bandung and Surabaya are also connected to Semarang with air-conditioned eksekutif (Executive) class trains.
There are two main railway stations in Semarang, Stasiun Tawang and Stasiun Poncol.
On the northern main line, between Semarang and [wiki=e582c45561226cf83e1759bcb4df59f8]Pekalongan[/wiki], the railway line follows the coast line, providing passengers with beautiful views of the Java Sea.
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By car
Semarang can be reached by car from Jakarta. It takes around 10 to 12 hours depending on traffic. You can choose to leave early in the morning from Jakarta to arrive in Semarang in the next 12 hours or so. An over-night drive is faster yet more challenging and even dangerous for "Pantura", a non familiar with the roads driver. Pantura derives from "Pantai" which means Beach and "Utara" which means North.
From Jakarta you can take the Eastward route via Cikampek Toll-road. Go along the toll-road until your reach the Cikampek toll gate, take a left and you are in "Pantura Road". In Pantura road you have to follow the directing signs to "Cirebon", "Pekalongan", "Kendal", "Semarang" or "Surabaya" as those cities are eastward from Jakarta.
You will pass small towns such as [wiki=df7a8712303eeadde5d19f0e2955085c]Patrol[/wiki], [wiki=5b1dce50620d862881830d75c78acd54]Jatibarang[/wiki], and relatively bigger ones like [wiki=dab1ae10ef59dcbf5bdd3a69487a32f0]Cirebon[/wiki]. Before entering Cirebon, you can take the toll-road, which will steer you out of the heavy traffic by-passing it all-together. That is, if you do want to avoid any traffic and do not intend to sight-see Cirebon. After exiting the Cirebon toll road, you will drive eastward along Losari and then you will pass [wiki=8af063f30938cd1cdae428b22355a184]Tegal[/wiki], [wiki=f5d526de76a406c2d7336c93d3b7e524]Pemalang[/wiki], [wiki=e582c45561226cf83e1759bcb4df59f8]Pekalongan[/wiki] and [wiki=cea00e293fb3bf8ed5adf23aeb9709b6]Kendal[/wiki] before you arrive in Semarang.
Gas stations are abundant, you can see them almost every 5 or 10 kilometres along the road. They have toilet facilities. Pay Rp1,000. Beware of small or old gas station, they have poor lighting and terrible toilets. Choose a newer and bigger petrol station with good lighting, parking space and clean toilets. Please make sure that you have locked your car and do not leave your valuables unattended.
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By bus
Many bus companies offer daily service from Jakarta to Semarang. You can choose to go in the day time with air conditioned from Pasar Rebo Bus Terminal in East Jakarta, Kalideres Bus Terminal in West Jakarta or from Lebak Bulus Bus Terminal in South Jakarta. The overnight bus with air con are also available with good services. You can choose bus operators such as: "Rosalia Indah" [url=http://rosalia-indah.com/],]"Raya", "Kramat Jati", Safari Dharma Raya [http://www.safaridharmaraya.com/[/url] as the good reputed bus serving Jakarta to Semarang. Sometimes the bus route is Jakarta to Solo via Semarang. You can choose them too, but please remind the bus driver's assistant, (The person who checks your ticket on-board the bus) to wake you up in Semarang!!.
There is also the executive-class tourist transporter , that connects Jogjakarta, Solo and Semarang (hence the name). Joglosemar picks up tourists from specific hotels and provide snacks and water for your trip. Considerably pricier than other executive buses, it is more comfortable and provides a friendly service throughout the journey.
If you are on a group, you can also rent a "Tourist/Charter Bus"
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By boat
Jakarta - Semarang and vice-versa, Is mostly a traditionally via-railway travelled route along the northern coast road ("pantura") or by plane. A trip by boat or sea vessel is uncommon due to its rare schedule and the length of the journey that takes too long compared with a train (approx 6 hours) and over-night bus (9 hours).
However, cruise ships occasionally spend a day in port. The port has few facilities for passengers, but an informal market of street vendors often assembles outside the secure-area. Most passengers take a one day tour to Borobudur.
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By mini bus/bus
There are plenty of mini buses (locally called angkot/daihatsu) and medium-sized buses called Damri in the city. These mini buses go to different destinations as follows:
* Damri No.1 Route: Terboyo-Banyumanik. Fare: Rp.6,000
* Damri No.2 Route: Terboyo-Mangkang. Fare: Rp.4,500
* Damri No.5 Route: Johar-Kompleks Perumnas. Rp.5,000
As 2008 Dishub Pemda Semarang operating Damri air con for Rp 5,000
The active corridors of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) or called as Trans Semarang are:
* Corridor I: Penggaron-Mangkang (Red Line)
* Corridor II Pudakpayung-Terboyo (Grey line)
Fare: Rp. 350,000, students: Rp. 200,000
The other planned routes are:
* Corridor III Tembalang-Terboyo (Lime line)
* Corridor IV Banyumanik-Tanjung (Yellow Line)
* Corridor V Penggaron-Terboyo (Orange Line)
* Corridor VI Bandara A Yani-Terboyo (Pink line)
The mini bus has the route travelled written on the top-front of the bus. The route normally written in the form of 'origin-destination' and sometimes with ' VIA ' information if there is more than 1 mini bus with the same origin-destination but through a different route or path in between.
For example: Daihatsu Johar-Sampangan, means the origin is from Johar terminal and going to Sampangan and vice-versa. The fares for the mini-bus is around Rp.2000-3000.
Some popular places in Semarang that can be reached by mini bus/bus are:
* Pasar Johar, you need to board Daihatsu with the route Johar-Sampangan.
* ADA Siliwangi Supermarket, you need to board Daihatsu with the route PRPP-Klipang
* Tawang Train Station, Damri No.1 Terboyo-Banyumanik.
* Poncol Station, Daihatsu Semarang-Salatiga.
* Terboyo Bus Terminal, Damri No.1 or Damri No.2.
* Undip (Diponegoro University), Damri No.1 or Damri No.5.
Make sure you ask the conductor/driver of the minibus before you board, for the route it goes and whether it goes to the place YOU want to go.
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By taxi
Taxis are safe and comfortable - yet you have to stay alert, and reasonably priced (starting price, Rp5000). Recommended Taxi : Blue Bird, a bit expensive but has better reputation than other taxi companies.
Make sure you understand the route or ask a friend. Make sure the driver uses the meter ("argo"). If he refuses to use the meter, use another taxi. List of taxi companies:
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By car
Fuel for your car (if you rent a car) Petrol is available in 3 different choices, "Premium", "Pertamax" and "Pertamax Plus" for petrole fueled vehicles and "Solar" for diesel powered vehicles. Fueling is not a self service here, you can not dispense fuel yourself. The petrol station have their own employees who will fill-up for you and then pay them for the fuel.
Rent Car Company like
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Or you can rent a car, you can choose the most convenient car for get around.
List of Rent Car companies :
* [url=http://lokanesia.com/transportasi-terpadu-cipaganti-pamularsih-semarang/](Cipaganti[/url]) Jl. Pamularsih Raya Semarang
* [url=http://lokanesia.com/graha-tritama-auto-servis/](Tritama Rent Car[/url]) Jl. Kedungmundu Raya No. 18-A Semarang
* [url=http://lokanesia.com/indorent/](Indorent[/url]) Jl. Jend. Sudirman No. 378 Semarang
* [url=http://lokanesia.com/smartco-autorent/](Smartco Autorent[/url]) Jl. Durian Raya Banyumanik Semarang
* [url=http://lokanesia.com/assa-rent/](Assa Rent A Car[/url]) Jl. Jend. Sudirman No. 320-A Semarang
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The beautiful Sam Po Kong temple (Gedung Batu) was built to honor the Muslim Chinese commander named Cheng Ho of the Ming Dinasty who visited Semarang in the early 15th century. It was extensively renovated in 2006 to celebrate the 600th anniversary of Cheng Ho's voyage to Semarang..
Northern Semarang has a lot of old Dutch colonial buildings. This was where the old walled city was located. The wall is no longer there, but many of the old building remain, especially in the area called Kota Lama (The Old Town or Oudstadt). On certain months, this part of Semarang is flooded by the rising tide (called "rob" in Javanese).
* A busy, important port during Dutch occupation (from 17th century to 1945).
* The name means "domed church". A beautiful Protestant church built in 1753, it is the oldest church in Semarang. It has a baroque organ, a rarity in Indonesia
* The oldest major railway station in Java, completed in 1870.
* a vast square at the heart of Semarang. At night, you can eat, drink, or just wander around Simpang Lima.
* at Jalan Sriwijaya No.29, is a beautiful garden located at the city centre. It has a total area of 89,926 square metres. Suitable for family recreation.
* Inside Taman Budaya Raden Saleh, Jl. Sriwijaya No. 29 Ki Narto Sabdho building. A weekly show of Javanese drama, with stories from folklore, mahabarata, ramayana, etc.
Semarang has a very good landscape, some say the best landscape thanks to its coastal area in the northern part of the city with Tanjung Mas as its international harbour and hilly area in the southern part streching from Candi area to Bukit Sari with picturesque Mount Ungaran at the background.
Before you get into the hilly area named Bukit Sari, you will see on your left Taman Tabanas Gombel where you can stop by, drink tea and see Semarang from the hill. It's a really beautiful view in the daytime and a very special romantic view during the nighttime.
Gunung Ungaran with its tea and jasmine plantation, Gua Kreo/Kreo Cave with its interesting stalactite and stalagmite formations and of course Marina at Tanjung Mas are the alternatives for those who have more than 2 free days in Semarang.
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Monuments
Tugu Muda is one of Semarang's landmarks. It is situated westward of Simpang Lima, on one of the 5 streets crossing Simpang Lima named Jalan Pandanaran. This monument commemorates the 5 days of fierce battle (October 14-19, 1945) between Indonesian freedom fighters and Japanese soldiers who refused to surrender.
There are some Dutch colonial buildings around Tugu Muda; the most famous one is Lawang Sewu which means A Thousand Doors. It was built as the headquarters of the local railway company. During World War II, it was used as the Japanese army's headquarters. Lawang Sewu's main attraction is its tall stained glass window. The building is now undergoing restoration although it is still open to the public. Tour guides are available at the building's entrance. Though reputed to be haunted due to the great number of executions there during WWII, Lawang Sewu remains one of Semarang's most prominent landmarks.
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Museums
Javanese culture and art.
* Indonesian Record Museum.
* Nyonya Meneer. Jamu (traditional Javanese drink) museum. Jl. Kaligawe. Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00-15:00.
* Mandala Bhakti. Military museum. Jl. Mgr.Sugiyopranoto Semarang.
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Amusement parks
Water Blaster (Water Boom). Entry through Graha Candi Golf Real Estate, with its dazzling hills view and quite an exotic feels of high breeze.
* Catfish Park [url=http://grupss.com/index.php/wisata-indonesia/59-taman-lele-semarang](Taman Lele)[/url]. Kecamatan Tugu. Open daily. Facilities: children playground, cultural and art shows, animal shows.
* Marina Beach. North Semarang. Facilities: swimming pool, children playground, beach volley ball, water sports.
* Ngaliyan Tirta Indah, jalan Raya Ngaliyan Kecamatan Ngaliyan. Facilities: swimming pool, beautiful plantation, flower garden, sports centre.
* Puri Maerokoco and Kampoeng Laut. Tawangmas PRPP, a clone of TMII (Jakarta). Facilities: cultural and art shows, boat, water bike, small train, fishing pond.
* Sodong, 20 km from Semarang. Facilities: beautiful plantation, fishing pond, swimming pool.
* Mangkang Zoo, located in the West Semarang. It's newly opened. There a lot of animals here but it lacks public attraction.
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Visit this annual which showcases various cultural entertainment. It is held every July.
* Annual showcases of Central Java Promotions and Development. It's held between June and July.
* Watch Javanese theatrical performances
* Attend the biggest ceremony of the Chinese community in Java, featuring a colourful procession and dances of decorated horses and 'liong' (dragon)
* Annual festival, one week before fasting month, or puasa. The name is derved from the sound of Bedug (Dug), and Bamboo Canon (Der). At the end of the festival there's "Ngarak Warak", means procession to brings Warak across the city's main street (normally from the Mayor's office to the Johar Market). Warak is a mythology animal, part giraffe, part lion, part chinese dragon, part horse part bird. It's the icon of the festival. You could buy the toy on the festival, normally these warak will be laying an egg, thus the name "Warak Ngendog".
* Weekly night market, during Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. You could walk along the Gang Warung, and enjoy the hawker style local food, also some souvenir from semarang. There's also annual, larger Semawis Market before the Chinese New Year. Check the website for more information.
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Semarang is the hosts of some universities/colleges. Diponegoro University is the state university. It is the biggest and the oldest university with good reputed faculty of law, economics, medicine, architecture, engineering, fisheries etc. It hosts more than 10 thousand students in its two campus, Pleburan (in the downtown) and Tembalang in the southern hilly part of Semarang. Islamic University of Sultan Agung and Catholic University of Soegijapranata are major private universities in Semarang.
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For business travellers, Semarang is a transit city where you only have a chance to see Semarang's bustling activities from a taxi or a hotel's window.
Semarang is also an industrial city. Many companies have opened their manufacturing plants in the eastern, western and southern parts of Semarang. For a foreigner who wants to work in Semarang, this is a good place because of its landscape. You can live in the hilly and considerably cooler housing area in Candi or Bukit Sari while you work in the downtown area. Traffic jams is considered to be fewer than in Bandung or Surabaya. For visitors from Jakarta, driving a car in Semarang is "heaven" for its many fewer traffic jams compared with Jakarta.
Semarang is the home of the biggest "Jamu" (means "javanese traditional herbal") industry such as Jamu Jago, Nyonya Meneer and others.
Most of Jakarta's major banks and companies have opened branches in Semarang. For its relatively close vicinity with Jakarta (only 40 minutes by plane and 6 hours by train), making Semarang enjoy its status as a major hub in Java island.
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Currency used is Rupiah (Rp). You can find money changer in the downtown area, or simply get into banks and you will get fair exchange rate. Money changers and banks do not accept US$ bank notes issues before 1999 because of the experience in Indonesia if of many being forgeries.
Near the airport in Jendral Sudirman street, there is Money Changer "Golden Valasindo", which accept most of foreign currency including US$ bank notes issued before 1999. The phone number is (024) 766 32631.
Banks are open between 08:30 to 15:00.
You can visit some malls available in Semarang such as Sri Ratu (the first mall in Semarang from the 80's), Matahari Plaza, Ciputra Mall Java Mall, DP Mall and the Paragon Mall. There, you can buy batik (Javanese handwritten cloth), antiques and the traditional items in "Johar Market" or in Bahasa Indonesia called "Pasar Johar" (spell "Pa Saar Jouw Har). They have plenty of choices. Ask if you can get assistance from hotel staff or a travel agent staff to take you around Pasar Johar. It is also accessible by Angkot (vans) from Simpang Lima.
Semarang have many arts and crafts shops around the city. They normally sell Javanese arts, paintings and clothes including Batik. Some shops popularly visited by tourist are:
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*The city's oldest Antique shop located centrally at the heart of Semarang.
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Many travellers buy Bandeng (locals call it Bandeng presto or Bandeng duri lunak, which is pressure cooked Milkfish), Lumpia Semarang (a kind of spring rolls with bamboo shoots filling), and Wingko Babat (sticky rice and coconut in a variety of flavours). You can get purchase any of these at either food stores called "toko-oleh oleh" (a lot located in street called "Jalan Pandanaran") or from street vendors/open stalls. If buying from street vendors or open stalls, you might look for those where locals go, as an indication of which ones are done right.
There are hawker-style food stalls and tents all across Semarang. They are very popular and offer good food at unbelievably cheap prices. Please note as they are not permanent establishments, they do not have phone numbers and exact address. However, they usually open in the same spots and at a regular time everyday. Also, as in any hawker-style establishments, hygiene is not a top priority here.
Food Stalls
(Note: Unless stated otherwise, these food stalls only open after sunset everyday)
*Simpang Lima [http://seputarsemarang.com/simpang-lima-semarang-4597] in the heart of Semarang has plenty of food stalls offering variety of Indonesian and Javanese food. The prices are cheap, sometimes very cheap. You can eat 1 piece of fried chicken, a thigh or a leg, plus 1 plate of steamed rice for as little as Rp 10,000. You can also get into other tents to try other meals. Some of them offer "lesehan" or "sit down on a carpet" while eating your meal . Beef or chicken satay (grilled beef or chicken) is mouth watering, with peanut sauce and hot chilli whith "fried rice" or nasi goreng babat situated in "Air Mancur" or fountain, southward of Simpang Lima and in front of Diponegoro University campus is delicious.
*Along Jalan Pahlawan, south of Simpang Lima, you will also find many food stalls under tents, selling a variety of foods from "Gudeg" (Javanese steam sweet sour vegetables), Bubur ayam (Chicken porridge), Jagung bakar (grilled corn) and many others. Pamper yourself with plenty of good food, yet very cheap.
*Semawis is another place to go for hawker-style food. Located on Gang Warung in the China Town. It opens only weekend nights (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) and has a variety of food stalls offering authentic Semarang cuisine and delicacies.
*"Jalan Pandanaran" is a street specialized for having numerous stores selling locally made "Semarang-ish" products worth getting for your loved ones and friends before you leave Semarang. Although parking is a bit of a hassle, it may only take you a minute or two to walk from where you are parked to visit these shops.
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Budget
Kalasan Fried Chicken in Simpang Lima offers good food at cheap prices.
*Koee Lekker Paimo Indonesian interpretation of dutch pancake, Jl. Karanganyar, in front of Loyola High School (a famous school in Semarang). Daytime, weekdays only (Monday - Saturday)
* Fried Tofu and Tempe of Prasodjo is also famous for their hot and fried tofu and tempe (soybean cake), eat them while it's hot with a green chilli named "rawit"
* Mbok Berek in Jalan Jendral Sudirman 58A offers a traditional Javanese fried chicked called Ayam Penyet (smashed Fried Chicken) served fried with coconut milk and local salads (lalapan).
* Nasi Ayam Bu Wido in [wiki=0399f08750869fb20eb8ada25442f7a2]Kemuning[/wiki] offers Nasi Ayam or Javanese Chicken Curry, Semarang style (open for dinner only).
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Mid-range
Home-style chinese and sea food. The "mie goreng" (fried noodle) and "kee-kian goreng" (fried pork meat) are a must-try.
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* Serving different dishes of milkfish with local taste. GPS coordinates: -6.986428S, 110.413279E
* Serving different dishes of milkfish with local taste, chinese, and seafood. Air-conditioned. GPS Coordinates: -6.987110S, 110.415114E
* Bandeng Juwana Elrina [url=http://www.bandengjuwana.com]]in Jalan Pandanaran (Jalan Pandaran no.57, (024) 831 1488) is one of the places for you to buy and bring home Semarang's traditional foods (open from 06:30-22:00 Sunday to Thursday, 06:30-23:00 Fridays and Saturdays). It ranges from "Bandeng Juwana Elrina -Bandeng duri lunak" (which is a ready to eat, presure cooked, well packed & soft boned milkfish) to wet or dried "Lumpia Semarang". They also sell Semarang's traditional "Wingko", which is a flame grilled coconut delicacy that is definitely a must-try and taste. Free sample tasting is offered at that store! They make it fresh everyday, under the name of "Dyriana", which is a name of a local bakery that is also affiliated with that store). GPS Coordniates: -6.986428S, 110.413279E
* Freshly made baked breads with specific local taste (try the "roti pisang" or banana bread), cakes, and a nice cafe serving local hot foods and cold drinks.Air conditioned. (024) 844 5175. This bakery often has live demonstrations of traditional products being made right in the bakery (call first, often around 15:00-17:00). GPS coordinates: -6.986197S, 110.412804E
* Traditional Indonesian seafood, providing both indoor and outdoor eating areas. GPS Coordinates: -6.995669S, 110.432475E
* Nglaras Rasa Jl MH Thamrin 124. Tel.: (62)(24) 8319 766. Indonesian fast food.
* Food court of various food, indonesian, chinese, japanese, indian, western.
* Toko Oen Jl Pemuda 52, Bodjong, Semarang 50138. Tel.: (62)(24) 354 1683. A Semarang institution since Dutch colonial days. Famous for its ice cream, steak, and fried rice.
* Satay Pak Kempleng in [[Ungaran[/url]] area is delicious and known for years for its big cut satay portion (open for lunch).
* Soto Bangkong (or Chicken Soup Bangkong) is well known for its delicious soto.
* A Famous Lumpia in Semarang
*Tasty fried chicken
*Retro Cafe Semarang Kota Lama (Old Town / Little Netherland) Jl Garuda 24 , near by Gereja Blenduk (Church), Kota Lama Semarang. Artistic, unique and classic interior with antique collection. Indonesian food, modify western food, snack, variant beverages (traditional drink, juice, etc). FREE for open karaoke, photobooh, and WiFi internet access. Open everyday 11am-10pm Ph: (62)(24)3543624. (Price : IDR 4.000 - 27.000) Fb: retro Semarang ; ig: @retrocafesemarang ; twitter: retrocafesmg
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Splurge
. European, Asian & Indonesian Cuisine with A Semi-fine Casual Dining Concept, side by side with tungdeblang pool.
* Nori The Japanese Kitchen Lounge, Jalan Jangli, Semarang. Ask your taxi driver for Graha Candi Golf residence, it's located right at the main entrance. They have the best sushi in town. Contemporer Japanese dining with lounge-like ambience.
* Pringgading Restaurant, Jalan Pringgading 54. Chinese food with Indonesian flair. Yum cha on Sunday mornings. Always full, very lively and chaotic. Service not outstanding though.
* De Joglo Live Seafood Resto, JL S.Parman no. 76. Live and fresh Seafood. Venue styled as a traditional Javanese house ("joglo").
*Xiang Yuen, Grand Candi Hotel - Jl. Sisingamangaraja No. 16 Semarang 50232, +62 24 8416 222, [http://www.grandcandihotel.com/xiangyuen.php]. M-F 06:30-15:00 & 18:30-22:30, Sa-Su 7:00-15:00 & 18:30-22:30. Authentic Cantonese & Szechuanese. Rp 100,000-Rp 1,000,000
* Indonesian and Dutch cuisine served in a restored Dutch colonial house furnished with antiques and Dutch East Indies memorabilia. Go there for the ambience.
* Authentic Korean-style restaurant, with delicious barbecue, flavorful soups, and noodle dishes.
* Sisingamaraja Site, or popularly known as 'S2'. Across the street from the Hotel Grand Candi on Jl. Sisingamaraja. A modern and hip mix-use complex where people can hang out, drink, eat Japanese, Peranakan, or Western cuisine, or have coffee and desserts. There is also a gym on the second floor.
*Rinjani View is one stop entertainment, food and beverage centre located in the upper town. Rinjani View consists of six outlets: Resto, Lounge, Teraz, Karaoke, The Cafe and Apartment's View. There's a fabulous view of Semarang City and Java Sea from all six. Serves Western, Chinese and Indonesian food. Wifi connection is available.
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In Semarang it is not easy to find bars. However, lately a few stylish venues have sprung up, mainly caters to the trendy young population.
* E-Plaza, Jl. Ruko Gajahmada Lantai II No.29. Located in an entertainment complex which comprises a cinema, a restaurant, and pool game venue.
* Nori The Japanese Kitchen Lounge, Jl. Jangli (entrance to Graha Candi Golf complex). A great sushi joint and one of few places in town serving "sake", with live accoustic music on weekends. Can get very crowded though.
There are few bars and cafes around 'Simpang Lima' location (right in the downtown). After sunset, please avoid small tents selling homemade tea (teh poci) as lots of prostitutes looking for targets, especially rich looking travellers.
Wedhang means hot soothing drink. You can get them in Simpang Lima, hotels or restaurants in Semarang. One of the most popular variety is STMJ (Susu Telor Madu Jahe, a concoction of milk, egg, honey, and ginger drink). For more Wedhang:
* Istana Wedhang, Jl. Pemuda No. 125 (next to Novotel Hotel). A classic place to drink wedhang, this place provides various wedhang, and some local food like nasi goreng, nasi campur, etc.
* Es Kelapa Muda Kartika, Jl. MT. Haryono 83 (near to Bubakan). The most delicious young coconut drinks. Daytime only, just get there early because late afternoon they're most likely sold out already.
* Es Pak Jhon, located at warung infront of christian school at Dr Cipto
* On-On Pub, a Bar located inside oldish Hotel Candi Baru, Jl. Rinjani. A place to gather with other Semarang's expatriates.
* Black Canyon Coffee Bar, near On-On Pub. Stylishly designed, in front of Hotel Candi Baru. Cozy place but very crowded especially during weekends.
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Budget
If you want to travel backpackers style, you can go to Jalan Kauman and you'll find a lot of hostels there.
Anice, clean, and air-conditioned room in Hotel Bali and Rahayu at Jalan Imam Bonjol costs less than US$20. Basic fan room (several places offering those can be found near the big mosque at the northern end of Jl. Kauman) cost Rp 40,000-50,000.
* This resort style Guesthouse has an unique atmosphere.
* This smart hotel chain is professionally managed and offers comfortable, value-for-money, easy access and highly efficient accomodation. 1 minute from Simpang Lima, opposite Ciputra Mall, 20 minutes from Airport. Free Wifi
* only 400 metres from Tugu Muda or Lawang Sewu & museum, 10 minutes walk to Paragon Mall, 12 minutes walk to Dp mall. 20 minutes from Airport,5 minutes from train station, 2 minutes from Jogja/ Solo Joglosemar Shuttle bus station. Free WIFI/internet, Air Condition, Hot water, free central java /city map, rent bicycle, rent car, 24 hour Indomaret Convenience store at based floor, fitness centre. Reservation also can be made by email
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Mid-range
Rooms from single bed to family room for 4 people. Room facility (for standard rooms and above): air-conditioning, telephone, television, indoor bathroom, hot water. Also, a refrigerator for deluxe rooms and above.
* 2-star hotel in prime location.
* Newly-refurbished 3-star hotel. Close to Pasar Johar traditional market.
* Another dutch colonial style-hotel in Semarang's hilly district. Also the host of OnOn Pub (an expatriat favourite gathering, so you could find some information about Semarang on their bulletin board) and Black Canyon Cafe, a Thai Cafe chain.
* Three-star hotel in Gajahmungkur (@the old european village area)--include: buffet breakfast,pick-up service from/to airport,car wash,unlimited internet hotspot
* Three=Star Hotel in Semarang
* The two-star hotel near Chinese business area for the Family and Convention located in Rejosari Semarang--include: 6 representative meeting rooms,buffets breakfast, pick up service from/to airport, car wash,unlimited internet Hotspot
* Located in the heart of Semarang, Quest Hotel Semarang is situated close to the famous Simpang Lima Business District and also the Chinatown district. It is 15 minutes away from the airport and 10 minutes away from the train station. Rooms are equipped with cable TV, safe and tea/coffee making facilities and have a private balcony.
* Also, Located in the heart of Semarang, this hotel is situated close to the famous Simpang Lima Business District and also the Chinatown district. It is 15 minutes away from the airport and 10 minutes away from the train station. Rooms are equipped with cable TV, safe and tea/coffee making facilities. The gym has modern equipment and the breakfast is western to go style. Cereal, eggs, sausage, muffins, coffee and a great open eating area.
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Splurge
Managed by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), The Hotel is adjacent to Newest and Luxury Paragon shopping mall, 5 minutes to Tugu Muda / Lawang Sewu Historical building, 5 minutes to pusat jajanan and oleh - oleh at Pandanaran street, 10 minutes to Simpang Lima.
* Managed by Swiss-Belhotel, this hotel has an unbeatable location in Simpang Lima area overlooking the town square. It is connected to Semarang's largest shopping mall, Mall Ciputra.
* The only five-star hotel in Semarang, Grand Candi Hotel is in an upscale residential area on the hill. It is located next to a golf-course and has several excellent restaurants.
* The latest international chain to open in Semarang, Novotel is in the CBD area.
* Located in Simpang Lima area, connected to Plaza Simpang Lima shopping centre.
* This resort style hotel is in the hilly area of Candi Baru
* A four star hotel close to the city centre.
* Hotel Ibis, near simpang lima, 4 star hotel
* Hotel Gumaya, Gajah Mada, 4 star hotel
* The affordable three-stars hotel for business and leisure travellers who seek new standard of comfortable accommodation.
* 4 star hotel with rooftop infinity pool and poolside bar. Next door to Jawa Supermall.
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Semarang's safety is considered moderate. The people are nice, to strangers. (Specially, western tourists); People are helpful and friendly.
Never touch anyone's head (especially teenagers and older men) as it is considered as "insult" and might invite troubles. In the crowded bus/train/small car used as public transportation, "unintended touch" is tolerated. Never look at someone (especially young men) straight in the eyes more than 3 times as it might be considered as "challenging them to fight" (this applies especially in bigger towns/cities) - Villagers are more friendly to strangers.
Everyone is urged to observe universal safety rules such as "only walk in the light-bright areas"; do not attempt to deal with prostitutes or trans-sexual prostitutes which are usually done under secluded and dark areas; female visitos are advised not to travel alone after 23:00 especially in unknown, dark areas, and sometimes even in residential areas. For precautions do carry mace or pepper spray. Only take moderate amount of money in an open air ATM.
When riding the public transportation it is not encouraged to wear jewellery, or gaudy and branded or designer watches. Petty thieves are common, but they do not strike when it isn't obvious. During the night if you must use public transportation, look for those units which have more than a few people riding and do avoid the empty ones. You might always want to seat close to the operator.
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Tap water in Indonesia is not potable. So do not drink your hotel tap water unless you boil it first. Bottled water is very popular and not expensive, popular brand is AQUA, ADES, 2 Tang etc. You can find them in department stores and mini mart such as Indomart, Alfa Mart and even in small street stalls (usually in the corner of street intersection). In unfamiliar establishments or where you have no assurance of of sanitation standards, also take care with ice used in drinks.
Hospitals with 24 hours emergency rooms (ER):
* RS Umum Pusat Dr. Kariadi, Jl. Dr. Sutomo No. 16, Tel.: (62)(24) 413993, (62)(24) 413764, (62)(24) 413476.
* RS. St. Elizabeth, Jl. Kawi No 1. Tel.: (62)(24) 831 0035
* RS. Telogorejo, Jl. K.H. Achmad Dahlan, Tel.: (62)(24)446000.
* RS. Panti Wilasa Cipto, Jl. Dr.Cipto 50, Tel.: (62)(24) 546040.
* RS. Panti Wilasa Citarum, Jl. Citarum No. 98. Tel.: (62)(24)3542224.
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Post offices are easy to find. DHL, TNT, Fedex and other international courier also available. Local courier and shipping company (also serving international courier and freight) is ELTEHA (LTH). Ask your hotel staff to help you dealing with these courier companies.
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Ambulance: 118
* Police: 110
* Central Java Police HQ. Jl. Pahlawan 1. Tel.: (62)(24) 831-1382
* Semarang Police HQ. Jl. Dr Sutomo 19. Tel.: (62)(24) 844-4444, (62)(24) 8418400
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Police stations
Central Semarang. Jl. Brumbungan Tengah 41. Tel.: (62)(24) 354-5175
* North Semarang. Jl. Letjen Suprapto 45. Tel.: (62)(24) 6921275
* South Semarang. Jl. Sultan Agung 103. Tel.: (62)(24) 8315123.
* West Semarang. : Jl. Ronggolawe Selatan. Tel.: (62)(24) 7610698
* East Semarang. Jl. Majapahit. Tel.: (62)(24) 6710863
===Tourism Information Centre [http://www.semarang.go.id/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=33&Itemid=51]===
* Jalan Madukoro Blok BB. Tel.: (62)(24) 7608570.
* Jalan Pemuda 147. Tel.: (62)(24) 3515451. Next to Novotel Hotel.
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Bank
Citibank, JL Pahlawan 5 phone 062 24 86459300
* HSBC JL Gajah Mada
* Standchart JL A Yani
* DBS jl pandanaran
* ANZ jl pandanaran
* Commbank jl gajah mada
* QNB jl gajah mada
* Hana Bank jl pandanaran
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Semarang is the major hub city of Central Java. From Semarang you can go with to [wiki=5a47eabd02323c3d006873d00fd28639]Dieng Plateau[/wiki] to a small town named [wiki=bfcb8db2a9bb5ad28643b55111c3d88f]Wonosobo[/wiki] for a one day sightseeing ancient hindu temples/candi in a former ancient city which lies in the misty plateau.
Alternatively, within one and a half hours you can go to [wiki=eccf75893dd661f16d44b15c8f65a0a3]Borobudur[/wiki] temple in Muntilan and then to [wiki=fd0e572c7c25e569d741812bf91454e8]Prambanan[/wiki] temple in Klaten and buy some antiques and batik in [wiki=a579484d20e650fda0f5d5d2816f0858]Yogyakarta[/wiki]. It takes less than 2 hours to drive from Semarang to Yogyakarta. [wiki=26c04769d2607a2234d4329b7630ed35]Solo[/wiki] is also only a one and half hour drive from Semarang.
You can also go further southward to some small towns like [wiki=b84a8f345d038252c4a82c3017cc9621]Ungaran[/wiki], [wiki=48dfb8cf5b4dc4d98d50b943e91d56ac]Salatiga[/wiki], [wiki=372a35169e0d5781e166fdbc113c4c8f]Ambarawa[/wiki], [wiki=c0389e390b6665b8f46a6be80e6631dd]Kopeng[/wiki] and [wiki=b70190eb1ed72f0804222d37b933173c]Bandungan[/wiki]. It will take at least a one day tour but is really worth it. You will see beautiful scenery on the way between Semarang, Salatiga and the adjacent cities like [wiki=26c04769d2607a2234d4329b7630ed35]Solo[/wiki] and [wiki=a579484d20e650fda0f5d5d2816f0858]Yogyakarta[/wiki]. You can reach Solo (sometimes called Surakarta) or Yogyakarta in less than 2 hours.
* [wiki=d4086d83bd5a215ab69a472a2a761cd9]Karimunjawa[/wiki] - A marine national park in the small islands north of Semarang.
* [wiki=339dec8115760c303a210fda760b2c8e]Kudus[/wiki] - the centre of Indonesia's cigarettes industry, where some prominent manufacturers are located, of which 'Djarum' is the most famous.
[[WikiPedia:Semarang]]
[wiki=6eefe41303fa98c2e633d114875db3c6]zh:三寶瓏[/wiki]
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