10 Things Every Singaporean Should Do When In Semarang
Source The turtle statue at Kartini Beach – a 2 hour drive from Semarang city
We all desire to chase our wanderlust – even if it’s just a short weekend getaway. Nothing beats exploring the world together with your closest kakis, but planning a group holiday can be cumbersome. Picking a destination is the most tricky challenge of all – especially when everyone has a different budget.
If you’d like a different type of vacation away from touristy cities like Bangkok or Bali, make Semarang your next conquest. To many, this city in Indonesia is unheard of, but it has plenty to offer the budget traveller. Here are 10 affordable adventures in Semarang that’ll give your friends no excuse to say “I can’t go. I’m broke.”
We’ve done the math and we promise you’ll have plenty of money left for shopping and food once you’re done with these activities.
1. Conquer the Umbol Sidomukti Marine Bridge
If living Tarzan’s life and lazing on a hammock is all you have ever dreamed of, take that to the next level for an extremely low cost of S$1.30. Cross the majestic Marine Bridge and test your balance and physical fitness. Make it a personal challenge to cross the bridge on foot, without freaking out every time you look down. If you do fall over, keep calm and act natural, and take the time to enjoy the panoramic view as you lay on the giant hammock that is the netted bridge.
Price: S$1.30
Address: Desa Sidomukti Kecamatan Bandungan, Semarang, Indonesia
2. Zipline over Bandungan Valley
There’s no better way to see the surroundings of Semarang than from a flying fox with an aerial view of the valley, 2,000 metres above sea level. Located close to Umbol Sidomukti, a resort-style park atop Mount Ungaran, this flying fox is one of the many attractions near the valley.
While getting your adrenaline fix on zip-line, take the opportunity to enjoy the lush greenery and scenic views of this valley, untouched by technology and architectural developments. If you missed the view because you dared not look the first time, fret not! At only S$2.36, you can zip-line to your heart’s content.
Price: S$2.36
Address: Sidomukti village district. Semarang District Bandungan, Central Java-Indonesia
3. Take a dip in Sidomukti Village District’s Infinity Pool
After a fun day experiencing what Semarang has to offer, rejuvenate yourself and loosen the tight muscles around your body at Sidomukti Village District’s Infinity pool. Overlooking the valley, this isn’t your “usual” pool – it’s a spring water pool that’s said to have healing properties.
Back here in Singapore, $20 barely lets you dip your toes into the infinity pool of Marina Bay Sands Skypark. Here in Semarang, you can enjoy the spring pool for a ridiculous price of $0.80. What a steal.
Price: S$0.80
Address: Sidomukti village district. Semarang District Bandungan, Central Java-Indonesia
4. Ride a rustic locomotive at Ambarawa Railway Museum
If you’re a) history and culture geek or b) a fan of old-school railroad trains, you’ll love this attraction. Declared a heritage site in 2010, this museum will transport you back into the past of railway developments, exhibiting old morse telegraph equipments, old bells, signals and the all important locomotive – the engine that powers a train.
Plan your visit well on Sundays at 10am, 12pm and 2pm to catch the elusive Holiday Train that’ll give you an authentic locomotive ride through a village among rice fields and a small fishing village. For once, look out of the train windows not to see the darkness of ceaseless underground tunnels, but the rustic countryside of Semarang.
Price: S$5
Address: Jl. Stasiun, No. 1, Ambarawa, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia
5. Take a Scenic Hike up Dieng Plateau
Bali’s terraced rice fields got nothing on the beautiful terrain at Dieng Plateau, where you can be one with nature. Once home to 400 Hindu temples and structures, only 8 remain standing today. If you prefer to experience Dieng Plateau without the scorching heat, come early in the morning to catch the sunrise amidst the morning fog. Natural Instagram filter, y’all!
If you’re up for something more rugged, leave the jackets behind and come in the afternoon when the fog clears up to take in an even more picturesque sight. From temple ruins to clear turquoise craters, where else can you find a free scenic hiking trail like this?
Price: Free
Address: Dieng Plateau, Central Java, Indonesia via Jl. Tol Ungaran-Bawen
*Note: It’s a 3-hour drive away, but totally worth it!
6. Experience a slice of the Netherlands within Indonesia
Stretch your dollar and time by visiting 2 countries at polarizing distance at once. Over at old town Semarang lies Little Netherlands – a stretch of buildings that takes you out of Asia and transports you to Europe.
Little Netherlands in Semarang offers a glimpse of colonialism’s influence on Indonesia. The charming landmark stands out aesthetically and exists as a cluster of artefacts that serves to remind tourists and locals of its historical significance.
Price: Free
Address: Old Town, Semarang, Indonesia
7. Drink from the fountain of youth at 7 Angel Waterfall
What’s more majestic than seeing 1 waterfall? 7 waterfalls! According to folklore, angels and nymphs would descend from heaven and take showers at this very waterfall, hence the name Angel Waterfall. Once you enter the space, you’ll instantly feel calmed by the soothing colours and the sound of water trickling down the stream.
Rumour has it that if you took a sip of the water here, you’ll gain luck and stay youthful. Captain Jack Sparrow and Barbossa were clearly on the wrong track.
Price: Free
Address: Desa Keseneng, Suwomono, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia
8. Admire the landscape of Semarang from 19 Stories High
Whatever your faith may be, the Great Mosque of Central Java has to be ranked priority on your place-to-visit list when you travel to Semarang. When you enter, the grandeur of this religious ground will take your breath away. This Mosque is the size of 25 football fields and is the largest in Central Java, taking all of 5 years to complete.
While you can’t step into the prayer ground for a look-see, you can freely explore and wander in the other premises. If you’re already here, you can pay a small fee of S$0.71 to access the 19th level, where you can see the landscape of Semarang with binoculars available in the area. You can also visit the museum, cafe or put up at the 23-room hotel to fully immerse in the architectural wonder.
Price: Free
Address: Jl. Gajah Raya No. 128, Sambirejo, Gayamsari, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia
9. Sample the exotic Kopi Luwak
Kopi Luwak, also known as civet coffee, carries part-digested coffee cherries defecated by the Asian palm civet. That may sound nasty, but this unique blend is one of the most expensive coffees in the world, not to be missed when you’re in Semarang.
This can be found at many places in Semarang, including the coffee shop chain, Kopi Luwak itself, or the famous Blue Lotus Coffee House. Sip on a cuppa and enjoy the authentic aroma of this fine roast. It’s half the price of your tall Starbucks beverage and about 10 times more exotic, so we’d say just drink first and think later.
Price: $3.09
Address: Jalan Pemuda No. 118, Semarang Tengah, Semarang, Jawa Tengah 50132, Indonesia
10. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Pagoda Avalokitesvara
Before rounding up your escapades in Semarang, visit Pagoda Avalokitesvara – a 7-storey pagoda stands proud at 45 metres in the midst of untouched nature. Apart from being a spot for Buddhist prayers, this landmark gives us a deeper insight of the religion’s influence on this country and its people.
More than just a place of worship and spirituality, this quiet haven is ideal for a final stop before throwing yourself back into the busy city life.
Price: Free
Address: Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan, Kompleks Vihara Buddhagay
*Note: Though there’s no entry fee, you’re encouraged to leave a small donation behind!
Semarang On!
Whether it’s a full-fledged group holiday or a short weekend trip with your buddies, Semarang is a great option with food, activities and sceneries aplenty. But among all it has to offer, its greatest appeal is, without a doubt, the ridiculous affordability. It’s hard to imagine how one can experience all these activities for only $12.55 in total. This amount can’t even get you 2 extra value meals at McDonald’s in Singapore!
Your adventure has just begun
If you’re looking for extend the vacation, the beautiful Yogyakarta is a mere 2 hours drive South from Semarang. Yogyakarta unlocks a whole other list of amazing adventures you’d never expect to find in Indonesia.
The next time you’re planning a vacation for friends on a budget but with an appetite for adventure, you know just where to look.
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This post was brought to you by Changi Airport Group.
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