10 Interesting Facts About Semarang

Located on the north coast of Java is the island’s capital city Semarang. With an area of 373.78 square kilometers, Semarang is the largest city of the Central Java province. Let’s find out some interesting facts about this beautiful port city.

Source: wikipedia

1. The Birth of Semarang

Kyai Pandan, an Islamic missionary travelled from Java to the neighboring sultanate to establish an Islamic boarding school. Along with the school a new village was set up. Later on Kyai Pandan Arang became the first regent of this place and the village he had set up became the town of Semarang.
Who could think that a school can give birth to a town?
Source: world-guides.com, Image: wikipedia

2. The City of Jamu

Jamu is an ancient herbal medicine of Indonesia. It is made from herbs, spices, roots, vitamins and fruits. Semarang is the main producer of Jamu in Indonesia. That’s why Semarang nicknamed as the city of Jamu.
Source: jakartaglobe.com, Image: flickr

3. The Red City

In the fight for its freedom, Semarang became the centre for nationalist and leftist activities during the 1920s. Then the Communist party of Indonesia was formed here and Semarang became popular as ‘The Red City’.
Source: tourismcentral.com, Image: flickr

4. The Haunted House

From outside ‘Lawang Sewu’ which means Thousand Doors looks likes a beautiful landmark building of the colonial era. It was built to be the headquarters of the Dutch East Indies Railway Company. But the fact which makes this building most popular is that it is believed to be a haunted house.
Are you ready to get spooked?
Source: wikipedia, Image: flickr

5. Infinity pool

On the edge of Umbol Sidomukti in Semarang, the Infinity pool is located. People visit this pool as its water is said to be therapeutic and has healing properties.
What’s better that a relaxed afternoon in emerald water and fresh mountain air?
Soruce: thesmartlocal.com, Image: travelindonesia.com

6. Ayam Penyet

Ayam penyet is a famous Indonesian dish of smashed fried chicken. This dish consists of fried chicken smashed with mortar and pestle which is served with sambal, some cucumbers and some fried tofu. And guess what Semarang is the birth place of this succulent dish!
So, don’t forget to try some Ayam penyet when you are in Semarang.
Source: wikipedia, Image: travelindonesia.com

7. Test Your Balance

The Umbol Sidomukti Marine Bridge in Semarang can put your sense of height and balance to test. It is a suspension bridge which looks simple enough but is not so once you start walking on it. People love to cross this bridge just for the thrill and also the view from the bridge is simply heavenly.
Source: thesmartlocal.com, Image: travelindonesia.tourism.net

8. Bandeng Presto

Semarang is famous for its Bandeng Presto. It is a milkfish recipe which is pressure cooked to soften the fish’s bone.
Source: wikipedia, Image: travelindonesia.tourism.net

9. A Cave Turned into Temple

The famous Sam Poo Kong Temple of Semarang was originally a cave. In the 18th century, the cave was covered by landslide. Then the local people built it in the form of shrine. This shrine was created to honor the Chinese Muslim Admiral Cheng Ho.
Source: indonesia-tourism.com, Image: wikipedia

10. The Tradition of Warak Ngenhog

Warak Ngendhog is a toy which is in the shape of a mythical creature resembling a rhinoceros with eggs on its back. The shape of this toy is said to represent the different ethnic group that resides in Semarang. Warak Ngendhog is famous as an icon for the city of Semarang.
Source: thedailyroar.com, Image: wikipedia