Brief Description:
Immerse yourself in the rich history and charm of Old Town Semarang over two delightful days. This tour offers a relaxed and in-depth experience of exploring historical buildings, feeling the unique colonial atmosphere, and learning about the rich cultural and historical heritage of this bustling port city.
Duration: 2 Days
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Day 1: Discovering the Colonial Legacy
Itinerary :
1. 09:00 – 10:00: Pick-up & Transfer to Semarang Old Town
Pick-up at the hotel or designated meeting point.
Briefing on the tour schedule and activities.
2. 10:00 – 11:30: Lawang Sewu – Iconic Colonial Building
Visit the majestic Lawang Sewu, the former headquarters of the Dutch East Indies Railway Company.
Explore the historic corridors while learning about the building’s intriguing past and unique architecture.
Enjoy a leisurely photography session capturing the stunning colonial structures.
3. 11:30 – 12:30: Sam Poo Kong – Legacy of Admiral Cheng Ho
Discover Sam Poo Kong, a historic temple marking the arrival of the famous Chinese admiral, Cheng Ho.
Admire the blend of Chinese and local architecture in this important cultural site.
Hear the fascinating story of early Chinese settlements during the colonial era.
4. 12:30 – 13:30: Lunch at a Local Restaurant
Enjoy a relaxed lunch featuring traditional Semarang cuisine at a nearby restaurant.
5. 13:30 – 15:00: Tawang Train Station – Tracing Semarang’s Railway History
Visit one of the oldest railway stations in Indonesia.
Appreciate the colonial architecture and hear stories about the station’s role in connecting the nation’s economy during Dutch rule.
6. 15:00 – 16:30: Exploring Semarang Old Town
Take a leisurely walking tour through Semarang Old Town, often referred to as “Little Netherland.”
Visit the historic Blenduk Church, the oldest church still in use in the area.
Stroll along cobblestone streets lined with well-preserved colonial buildings.
Discover local art galleries and craft shops that have revitalized the area’s cultural scene.
7. 16:30 – 17:30: Nostalgic Break at Toko Oen
Stop by Toko Oen, a legendary colonial-era café.
Indulge in their famous homemade ice cream and light snacks while soaking in the vintage atmosphere.
8. 17:30: Return to Hotel
Transfer back to the hotel, concluding the first day’s exploration.
Day 2: Delving Deeper into History
Itinerary :
1. 09:00 – 10:00: Breakfast at Hotel
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel to prepare for the day.
2. 10:00 – 11:30: Semarang City Museum
Visit the Semarang City Museum, which houses artifacts detailing the city’s history from the colonial era to modern times.
Learn about the port’s significance in the spice trade and the city’s strategic role in transportation.
3. 11:30 – 13:00: Polder Tawang – Exploring Water Management History
Visit Polder Tawang, a historical water management system created during the colonial period.
Learn about its significance in controlling flooding and its role in the city’s development.
4. 13:00 – 14:00: Lunch at Kampung Laut Restaurant
Enjoy lunch at Kampung Laut, a serene waterfront restaurant offering local flavors and fresh seafood.
5. 14:00 – 16:00: Heritage Walk in Kota Lama
Continue exploring the historic Kota Lama area at a leisurely pace.
Visit additional significant sites, such as the Great Mosque of Central Java and various colonial-era buildings.
Engage with local artisans and shop for unique handicrafts.
6. 16:00 – 17:00: Sunset at Semarang Harbor
Head to the Semarang Harbor to witness a beautiful sunset over the water.
Relax and reflect on the historical journey while enjoying the evening breeze.
7. 17:00 – 18:00: Return to Hotel
Transfer back to the hotel, concluding the two-day exploration of Semarang’s rich heritage.
Tour Highlights :
Guided exploration of significant historical sites, including Lawang Sewu, Sam Poo Kong, and the Semarang City Museum.
Colonial architecture and street photography in the picturesque Semarang Old Town.
Local culinary experiences with meals at traditional restaurants and cafes.
Relaxed pacing allows for deeper engagement with history and culture.
Included in the Package:
Air-conditioned transportation throughout the tour.
Professional tour guide.
Entrance fees to all tourist attractions.
Lunch on both days at local restaurants.
Notes :
Cameras are highly recommended to capture the beauty of this heritage tour.
Comfortable shoes and clothing are suggested for walking in the Old Town.
This two-day tour offers an enchanting journey through time, allowing you to fully appreciate Semarang’s colonial past while enjoying the modern-day charm of its historic districts.
By : Irwan Sumadiyo