Day 2: Afternoon at Kota Tua

Semarang - For lunch, I made my way to Spiegel Bar & Bistro, located in the charming Old Town. Housed in a beautifully restored colonial building dating back to 1895, Spiegel was once a premium department store known as NV Winkel Maatschappij H. Spiegel. Today, it has been transformed into a stylish bistro while preserving its high ceilings and rustic European charm. 

I ordered their fried rice with bone marrow which is a rich and indulgent dish that perfectly blended local flavours with a modern twist.

Free bread...

fried rice with bone marrow

After my lunch, I visited Museum Kota Lama;  it was a fascinating journey through time, offering a deeper understanding of how Semarang evolved into the city it is today.

Located in the heart of the Old Town, the museum stands on the site of what was once the Bubakan fountain roundabout, now transformed into a modern heritage space. Inside, the museum showcases the history of Semarang dating back to 1547, highlighting its growth from a trading port into a vibrant colonial city.

immersive video with a guide throughout

What makes this museum particularly unique is its use of immersive technology. Through interactive displays and 3D visualisations, visitors are not just observing history; they are experiencing it. It feels as if you are transported into different eras, witnessing the development of the city firsthand.

underground old train repair

It was a short walk to Semarang Gallery and was a refreshing artistic experience in the heart of the Old Town.  Entrance fee is Rp 25,000.  This gallery is housed in a beautifully restored colonial building, the gallery showcases contemporary Indonesian art, featuring works from both emerging and established local artists. 

The space itself is charming, with high ceilings and a clean, minimalist layout that allows each piece to stand out.

The space itself is charming, with high ceilings and a clean, minimalist layout that allows each piece to stand out. As I walked through the exhibits, I appreciated the diversity of styles and themes, reflecting Indonesia’s rich cultural identity.

 It was a quiet yet inspiring stop, offering a creative contrast to Semarang’s historical landmarks.

Then I walked past Blenduk Church but it was closed.  The Blenduk Church (GPIB Imanuel) in Semarang, built in 1753, is Central Java's oldest Protestant church and a landmark of the Kota Lama (Old Town) district. Renowned for its unique Neo-Classical Baroque architecture, the church features a large, iconic copper dome, known in Javanese as blenduk. It remains an active place of worship.

The streets of Kota Tua is stoned paved road with interested art works.  

Old Dutch buildings converted into commercial offices. 

Bank Mandiri

Telkom Indonesia

Next, I went for a desert in this famous bistro and bar - Marabuta bistro and bar.  My visit to Marabunta Bar & Resto was truly a unique and memorable experience. Located in Semarang’s Old Town, this venue stands out not just for its food, but for its stunning setting. Housed in a beautifully preserved colonial building, the highlight is the impressive interior featuring a large statue of a warrior, giving the space a dramatic and almost theatrical atmosphere.

The restaurant offers a mix of Indonesian and Western dishes, catering to a wide range of tastes.

What makes Marabunta particularly special is how it blends history with modern dining. The high ceilings, vintage architecture, and artistic elements create a distinctive charm that you don’t often find elsewhere.  It’s not just a place to eat, but a place to soak in the character of Semarang’s Old Town.  

Pistachio kunafa chocolate croissant

I had the Pistachio kunafa chocolate croissant is a popular dessert trend that combines the flaky, buttery texture of a French croissant with the rich, crunchy, and nutty filling of a "Dubai-style" pistachio kunafa chocolate bar.  

I went to Chinatown Semarang also called Pecinan Semarng for dinner.   Chinatown in Semarang is busy in the daytime with commodities trading, gold shops, motor shops, etc but come nightfall it becomes quiet.   

I had to walk around to find a restaurant that is opened and came across a mainland Chinese restaurant serving noodles.

After my dinner, I walked around Chinatown - quiet and not many people around.  Came across this alley that led straight to a small Taoist temple.

Back at the hotel, I ordered Lumpia Semarang is a famous Indonesian-Chinese spring roll originating from Semarang, Central Java, characterized by a sweet and savory filling of bamboo shoots (rebung), dried shrimp, chicken or prawn, and scrambled egg. This culinary specialty is often deep-fried to a crispy perfection, served with a thick savory sauce.

 

Lumpia Semarang

Day 2: Morning at Kota Semarang

Semarang - Today’s journey in Semarang was a deep dive into history, culture, and heritage.  It set against the city’s ever-present humid weather.

After my breakfast took a grab to the iconic Lawang Sewu, one of Indonesia’s most recognisable historical buildings. Built in the early 1900s during the Dutch colonial era, Lawang Sewu; meaning “Thousand Doors” and was originally the headquarters of the Dutch East Indies Railway Company. 

Lawang Sewu

True to its name, the building features countless doors and tall windows, designed for ventilation in the tropical climate. Walking through its grand corridors, you can feel the weight of history, especially knowing it later served as a site during the Japanese occupation and Indonesia’s struggle for independence. The architecture is stunning, with its white façade and arched windows standing proudly as a reminder of a complex past.

Train front carriage

Top floor of Lawang Sewu

All the doors of Lawang Sewu

Lawang Sewu Quadrangle

Frangipani flowers

Just across the road stands the striking Tugu Muda, or “Youth Monument.” This 53-metre stone monument commemorates the five-day battle between Indonesian youth and Japanese forces from 14–19 October 1945. 

Built in 1953, it symbolises courage, sacrifice, and patriotism. Standing there, you can’t help but reflect on the resilience and determination of the young fighters who played a part in Indonesia’s independence.

I cross the road and came across Museum Mandala Bhakti (Army museum) - paid the entrance fee of Rp 5,000 and made a quick tour of this small museum. 

interesting stairs up to the museum

Originally constructed as a courthouse for Europeans during the Dutch colonial period, it was later repurposed as a command headquarters for the Indonesian Army until its decommissioning. The museum houses extensive historical data, documentation, and weaponry from Indonesia's Independence War.

Next, I headed to the vibrant Sam Poo Kong, a colourful temple complex rich in cultural significance. Dedicated to the Chinese admiral Zheng He, this site blends Chinese and Javanese influences beautifully. 

Admiral Zheng He

It’s a photographer’s paradise, with bright red structures, intricate details, and dramatic backdrops at every corner. The entrance fee was Rp200,000 for the outer grounds and another Rp200,000 for the inner areas, totalling Rp400,000—but it was well worth it for the experience and the countless photo opportunities.

Admiral Zheng He altar

Cave to Admiral Zheng He prayer room