[PLACE TO GO] SEMARANG 101

JUNE - We are always going to visit somewhere during Eid, this year we went to Semarang. No special reason, we just never went there, but believe me Semarang is one of Indonesia's cities you should visit. You gotta know the reason why.

SAM POO KONG

Simongan 129th Street, Bongsari, West Semarang

Such a good place to experiencing Chinese Culture in Semarang. Sam Poo Kong was the stopover of Admiral Cheng Ho (Zheng He) in Semarang also a Taoisme temple. On the weekend or national holiday, you'll also get a chance to watch Barongsai performance there. 

LAWANG SEWU

Tugu Muda, Pemuda Street, Central Semarang

It was initially used as Nederlands-Indische Spoorweg Maatschappij's office in the colonial era. Beautiful building which famous as a *whisper* haunted house from local myth. 

 

PAGODA AVALOKITESVARA

Perintis Kemerdekaan Street, Banyumanik, Semarang

The highest pagoda in Indonesia. It's a Buddhist temple which built after the monk who meditated here got vision that a shrine should be constructed on the hill. Calm and quiet place, I enjoyed so much. Tried back to Semarang with Trans Semarang since I went here by Uber, there's a bus stop if you walk down and it'll only cost you IDR 3500.   

MASJID AGUNG JAWA TENGAH

Gajah Raya Street, Sambirejo

This mosque adopted Nabawi's umbrella roof, which (obviously) attracts more people to come. Aside from that, this mosque is huge and you can also sightseeing Semarang from their tower. But if you come in Summer, better prepared some suncream, just in case.
(Note : They open the "umbrella" only at the Friday prayer time / special occasion)

KAMPUNG BATIK SEMARANG

Batik Street 698A, Rejomulyo

Should I say that it was trap? It's literally just a neighborhood which coloring their wall with Batik theme, so if you are wondering Malang's Kampung Warna Warni or Johdpur's Blue City, I don't think you'll like to go here. I spent 15 minutes before leave *sigh*

You can't leave out Semarang culinary. The famous GIMBAL PAK EDI, Semarang version of Tahu Tek: Ketupat, Tofu, Shrimp Gimbal with peanut sauce. Just always confirm that you ordered right, mine was switched with another person and it come too spicy.. I.. couldn't eat lol. 

MIE KOPYOK PAK DHUWUR, and not only Tahu Tek but I found similarity of Mie Kopyok with Lontong Balap in Surabaya hahaha. But anyway, this one is good. You could also order Kerupuk Puli at cashier also noted that they just have tea for beverages *uhuk sponsored by Teh botol Sosro*

As special as their other branch in Malang, TOKO OEN never disappoints you if you want dutch-adopt food. Old recipe of steak and cakes!! and their ice cream is a must try.

Have you ever queuing for LUNPIA GANG LOMBOK? We were waited for almost 4 hours just for a boxbesek lunpia! You can ordered fried or no-fried one, it filled with crunchy bamboo shoot, shrimp, and egg, worth to buy but absolutely should spare enough time. Spotted Tahwa/Tahua seller in front of this store and it was good.

If you pay visit to old town area, SPIEGEL BAR AND BISTRO is standing next to Blenduk church. I remember that their coffee was okay, a bit overpriced food but it was nice place (I loveeee pretty old building!). Set your map here, they open everyday 10.00 ~ late. 

  

 

TEKODEKO KOFFIEHUIS

Old Town, Semarang

I run into Tekodeko because of rain, didn't tried their food but they have their own style for their coffee, or we can called it fusion? 

SEVEN BISTRO

Diponegoro 38B Semarang Jawa Tengah (next to Siranda)

Another (accidentally) run into place after lost lol. SEVEN have coffee shop (front) and bistro- which I found after, so I didn't visited it-. It was so quiet and because it located in highland, don't forget to sightseeing their backyard!  Their coffee is good if compared to other two above, but not the pancakes xD.

Will going to Semarang again this week (one of main reason I post it today :p), please tell me if you have any recommendation place(s)!

P.S : The photos are not nicely placed, bet I should change my template again?

FRIYAY,
-iMa