Semarang Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia)



Around Semarang are many places of interest and tourist attractions for all ages. Most tourists tend to head straight for the beaches of Semarang, with the sandy attractions of Kartini Beach and Martina Beach being especially popular.

If you are a family holidaying in Semarang and looking for something different to the beaches, then you will find that the best tourist attractions are likely to be the rather plentiful theme parks. These feature everything from water slides and swimming pools, to playgrounds and live entertainment.


Simpang Lima

Simpang Lima is a park-like attraction in the heart of the city and famed for its endless shopping malls, restaurants and modern cinema complexes. Named the 'Simpang Lima', since this literally translates as 'five intersections', other highlights here include endless food stalls, selling a host of traditional Indonesian dishes at bargain prices. If you wish to experience the hustle and bustle of everyday life in Semarang, this is certainly the place to hang out, with the Simpang Lima remaining busy well into the evening.
Open hours: daily - until late
Admission: free

Beaches

Enjoying an enviable setting on the northern shoreline of Central Java, the city of Semarang has a number of beaches available for sun-seeking holiday makers. Marina Beach is amongst the best and lies on the northerly side of the city, where it offers volleyball, pleasure boats and water skiing, as well as some good scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities. Kartini Beach is also very much of note and is actually located just 1 km / 0.5 miles from the shore, on the neighbouring island on Panjang, which is just a short boat trip away. Considered to be a part of the north-easterly town of Jepara, Kartini Beach is easily reached and is a good spot for either a paddle or a swim.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Blenduk Church (Gereja Blenduk)

Address: Jalan Jenderal Suprapto 32, Semarang, Indonesia, ID
The crowning dome and towers of the beautiful Gereja Blenduk are clearly visible and this beautiful Protestant church was completed in the middle of the 18th century, remaining in an excellent state of repair. With traditional Dutch architecture and regular church services, the Gereja Blenduk is situated within the Old City (Outstadt) area of Semarang and is the most historical church in the whole of Central Java.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Semarang Harbour

Always a pleasant and lively part of the city to hang out, Semarang Harbour is a good place to sit back and watch the comings and goings of a variety of different ocean-going boats and sailing vessels. The harbour's busy Tambak Lorok wharfs are regularly frequented by traditional two-masted Indonesian sailing ships, which are known locally as 'Pinisi' boats and really are quite an impressive sight, which many tourists choose to capture on camera. This is an international harbour of some standing, and offers pleasant views of the Tanjung Mas area.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Amusement Parks / Theme Parks

Many families often choose to holiday in Semarang, due to its surprisingly high number of theme park attractions. Ranging from pools with fast water slides, to playgrounds, animal shows and even traditional performances of people theatre (wayang orang), Javanese folk theatre (ketoprak) and Indonesian shadow puppetry (wayang kulit). The most popular include the following:


Open hours: daily - hours vary
Admission: charge

Taman Budaya Raden Saleh

Address: Jalan Sriwijaya 29, Semarang, Indonesia, ID
The Taman Budaya Raden Saleh is a centrally located park and covers an area of approximately 22 acres / 9 hectares. This is the place to come if you want to escape from city life and find some peace and quiet. A number of festivals are staged here each year, including the Ruwatan Traditional Ceremony each May.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Mangkang Zoo

Highly suitable for families with children, the Mangkang Zoo is a very reasonable attraction, and is currently enjoying its highest ever visitor numbers, which on occasion have topped 10,000 people in just one day. The majority of the animals were relocated here from the former Tinjomoyo Zoo and include orangutans, 'owa owa' monkeys, exotic birds (including pelicans), huge snakes and deer. Mangkang Zoo resides on the western side of Semarang and is to be found relatively close to the Cirebon to Kuningan Highway.
Open hours: daily - hours vary
Admission: charge