Semarang (Java Indonesia)

Semarang is a port city on central Java Island (Indonesia), located on the island's northern coast. The city has population around 1,56 million (metro around 3,2 million).

Cruise ships dock at Semarang Harbour/Tanjung Emas Port (locode IDSRG) located 2,4 km (1,5 mi) from downtown. Local rules don't permit shuttle buses so the only exploring options are bus excursions/land tours or one of the many taxis.

The city is divided into 2 areas - Old Town (Outstad/Kota Lama) is nearest the sea and between the canals, while newer suburbs sprawl out over Candi's southern hills. More a business center than a tourist city, Semarang features fortress walls, historic Dutch buildings, Chinese temples, mosques. The city is the gateway to Central Java, Yogyakarta, Gedung Songo temples and approx 97 km (60 ml) from the renowned Borobudur (9th-century Buddhist temple).

Gereja Blenduk is a unique copper-domed church built in the mid-18th century. Chinatown is a maze of shops and alleys with Tay Kak Sie Temple at its center. Other popular tourist attractions include Puri Maerakoco (park with models of traditional Java houses), Mangkang Zoo, Ronggowarsito Museum, Sam Po Kong Temple, Ambara Railway Museum (includes 21 German, Swiss and Dutch made locomotives built between 1891-1928).

Like Singapore River, Semarang constructed Semarang River at Garang River (Banjir Kanal Barat) close to Karangayu Bridge. The project was finished in 2013 with unique river gardens, water activities, art and sports sites.