Perhaps when people think of Semarang city in Central Java, they think of its famous spring rolls. 

However, aside from food, Semarang also has plenty of interesting tourist attractions and below are the 13 must-visit places.

1. Central Java Grand Mosque

Located at Jl. Gajah Raya, this mosque has a Muslim museum and its architecture is inspired by the mosques in Mecca and Medina.

2. Maron Beach

This beach is conveniently located 10 minutes from Ahmand Yani International Airport, hence you will likely see airplanes flying across the sky while playing in this beach. Bonus point: Pocket-friendly snacks such as fritters and cool beverages are available here.

Read also: A guide to visiting Semarang

3. Lawang Sewu

This old building was built in 1904 in the center of Semarang City and occupied by a Dutch train company in the past. The name Lawang Sewu means a thousand doors and it truly represents the building that has so many doors and windows.

4. Catfish Park

The two-hectare amusement park offers games, mini zoo and lodging.

5. Marina Beach

This beach is located at Jl. Yos Sudarso, four kilometers from Simpanglima Semarang and 500 meters from Ahmad Yani International Airport. It is also situated next to Puri Mareokoco. It’s a great place to relax and unwind under the shades of trees. There are boats available here as well.

6. Pagoda

The 45-meter Vihara Buddhagaya Watugong has been named by MURI as the highest pagoda in Indonesia. It’s located at Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan Watugong, 45 minutes from the center of Semarang.

7. Wonderia Park

Wonderia Park that is located on Jl. Sriwijaya Semarang is always crowded with people on weekends and during holidays. The entrance ticket is priced at Rp 5,000 (US$0.37) while the parking ticket is Rp 2,000. Among the rides that kids and adults can enjoy here are merry go round, kiddy boat, typhoon coaster, super rally, boom boom car and space gyro.

8. Curug Lawe

Curug Lawe is a 10-meter waterfall in Mount Ungaran. There’s also Curug Benowo that’s located in the same area of Curug Lawe. This curug is surrounded by clove plantation on the mountain slopes. The name Curug Lawe describes the number of waterfalls at the place, which is 25 (Javanese word for 25 is selawe). Curug Selawe can only be reached by foot, hence visitors have to walk for four kilometers on the river bank.

9. Sam Po Kong

About one kilometer from Simpanglima, precisely on Jl. Simongan No. 129, there’s a Chinese temple called Sam Po Kong where visitors can pray or explore the location.

10. Water Bluster

This is a modern playground arena for kids and families on Jl. Bukit Candi Golf No. 1, three kilometers from Simpanglima. It has a man-made beach, swimming pool, restaurant and golf course.

11. Simpanglima Field

A public arena at the town center, this place has tourist pedicabs, cars, bicycles, chairs, pedestrian track, public toilet, roller skates, traditional games, grass field and others. Parking areas are available near the field or at the nearby Mall Ciputra, Mall Simpanglima, Baiturahman Mosque and E Plasa, among other places.

12. Pemandian Siwarak

Located in the western part of Ungaran city, Pemandian Sirawah provides clean and cool water for visitors. People can take a picnic here while enjoying street snacks such as peanuts, fritters, rice, meatballs and others. Those who want to see fish at this place need to pay for an entrance ticket priced at Rp 10,000.

13. Umbul Sidomukti

Located two kilometers north of Jimbaran market, this destination offers the longest flying fox, horses, grilled corn, traditional snacks, coffee and lodging, to name a few. The entrance ticket is priced at Rp 10,000. (kes)