Making the most of Semarang
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Tanjung Emas port is near Semarang in Central Java. Its modern cruise terminal has free wi-fi, souvenir shops, currency exchange, tourist information and a taxi information desk. It is an ideal base for Central Java and Borobudur temple, 100 km / a two-hour drive away in Yogyakarta province.
As many crew members are from this area, be considerate and give them "a day off".
The port/terminal is 6 km from the town center, and taxis are available at the port/terminal.
Downtown shuttle buses are generally provided.
Take a printable map with you.
Former Dutch colony Semarang is the gateway to Central Java's other cities. Under Dutch rule it became a busy trading and administrative centre, joined by many Chinese traders in the Muslimcommunity. Sugar and other agricultural exports brought the city great wealth. Chinese influence remains visible in temples and houses dating to the middle of the 15th century, including Sam Po Kong temple, also called Gedong Batu, symbolising Chinese and Muslimbeliefs. The 18th century Blenduk Church displays Dutch heritage in its unique, beautiful architecture. This city…
Getting around
A cruise-organised Borobudur tour is about the only good option; a taxi there and back costs about $200.
With 2 million people, Semarang is very likely to have traffic jams. Police escorts accompany tour buses to clear the way ahead!
Nearby places
Near Semarang are heritage and cultural sites in the Royal cities of Solo and Yogyakarta, the 9th century Hindu Prambanan temple, and The Borobudur, a 9th century Buddha temple.
Food and shopping
Downtown Semarang's Mal Ciputra at Jl. Simpang Lima is the city's largest shopping complex: a 21st century mall with clothing stores, jewelry boutiques and delicious cafes. The city also has stores specialising in local artwork and crafts.
Semarang is home to Luwak coffee, the world's most expensive.
Money
ATMs are common in Indonesia's major cities.
Use credit cards carefully because cloning and fraud are major Indonesian problems. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, though American Express can be problematic; smaller operations commonly add 2-5% over cash.
Staying connected
Bahasa Indonesia, known as Indonesian, is the sole official language.
Internet prices vary considerably and, as usual, reflect what you pay for; expect around Rp 5,000 per hour. Larger cities have free hotspots in some shopping malls, McDonald restaurants and Starbucks cafes, and some hotel lobbies offer them free.
Emergency number for mobile phones: 112.