Hotels in Semarang

Book your cheap hotel in Semarang

Semarang may have a reputation of being more a business than tourist destination, but for the traveller who loves city exploration, the provincial capital of Central Java in Indonesia offers plenty. This dynamic port city is rapidly developing with giant malls and business areas, but visitors can experience evidence of the Dutch Colonial period, the influence of a large Chinese population, and traditional Javan culture.

With growth comes infrastructure and there has been a proliferation of hotel accommodation in Semarang. You will find everything from cheap B&Bs to luxury business hotels that max out on facilities.

Neighbourhoods of Semarang

Named as the “Cleanest Tourist Destination in Southeast Asia by the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard for 2020–2022, the areas of most interest to tourists are:

  • The Old Quarter: Known as Oldstadt, the inner core of the city dates back to the Dutch Colonial era. Many of the fine, old buildings here are being renovated and new coffee shops, restaurants and other attractions are popping up.
  • Chinatown: The hub of the Chinese population in the city, it’s an area that includes the riverside and is full of pagodas, temples, shop houses, apothecaries, fortune tellers, jade jewellers, and food markets. There’s a night market too.
  • Simpang Lima: The social hub of the city, Five Ways Square bustles with locals and visitors enjoying the shopping malls and cinema complexes.
  • Semarang Harbour: An atmospheric place to see schooners and other traditional boats and ships that dock at Tambak Lorok.

What to See and Do in Semarang

The seventh most populous city in Indonesia has an eclectic set of attractions, including:

  • Gedung Batu: Also known as the Tay Kak Sie Temple, this complex is dedicated to legendary Chinese explorer Admiral Cheng Ho, an illuminated, gilded statue of whom stands in the inner shrine. Built in 1746, there are koi carp ponds and small red pagoda-style buildings.
  • Lawang Sewu: The Thousand Doors is the city’s most famous landmark. Once the headquarters of the Dutch East Indies Railway Company, it features a magnificent marble staircase and stained glass windows.
  • Dream Museum Zone: An incredible cathedral sized space in the Old Town filled with 3D photos, paintings and models that has become a huge attraction for selfies.
  • Ronggowarsito Museum: A large collection of antiquities including curios, fossils, wayang puppets and batik. There are Javanese dance displays on Friday mornings.
  • Jamu: Semarang is famous for this herbal medicine. It can be seen in manufacture at Jamu Nyonya Meneer and Jamu Jago which also has a museum.
  • Semarang Gallery: A wonderful exhibit of contemporary Indonesian art housed in an old Dutch warehouse.
  • Pasar Johar Market: The city’s most popular market is huge and has a multitude of stalls selling anything and everything. The Mesjid Besar, grand mosque faces the market.

What to Eat in Semarang

As well as traditional Indonesian cuisine, the city has a local cuisine, a heavy Chinese influence and also international food in the many hotels. Food can be found in restaurants, markets and street food stalls. Dishes to try include:

  • Bandeng Presto: Milk fish cooked in a pressure cooker.
  • Lumpia: Found all over the country, these are spring rolls. Lumpia Semarang are of Chinese origin and are filled with bamboo shoots and chicken, shrimp or prawn, and served with a sweet chilli dipping sauced.
  • Wingko: A pancake-like snack made from coconut popular in Java.
  • Tahu Gimbal: Translated as “Tofu Dreadlocks”, it’s a street food dish made from tofu, fried shrimp, vegetables and fried egg with a sauce made from nuts, chili, brown sugar, salt, water, and fermented fish.
  • Ganjel Rel: Also known as Roti Gambang, this is a traditional brown bread with sesame seeds, flavoured with palm sugar and cinnamon.
  • Tahu Pong: Deep fried tofu served with dipping sauce and pickled radish.
  • Soto Bangkong: Shredded chicken served in a seasoned chicken broth with rice noodles, bean sprouts, spring onions and celery.

Typical Events and Festivals in Semarang

Many events and festivals are related to religion in a city where 87 per cent of the population is Islamic. Interesting events are:

  • Dugderan: Unique to Semarang, this festival welcomes Ramadan. A bound puppet dragon-like animal called Warak Ngendog represents the fasting of the month ahead.
  • Semarang Night Carnival: Parades, entertainments and fireworks to celebrate the city’s birthday in May every year.

How to Move Around in Semarang

The city is well connected by all major transport types. There are two large bus terminals. The main forms of public transport are the bis (minibuses) and Ojek (motorcycle taxis). Less popular but still very useful ways of getting around are Angkot (share-taxis) and microbuses.

The Climate in Semarang

With a tropical rainforest climate bordering a tropical monsoon climate, temperatures in Semarang are consistent throughout the year with an average of 28°C. June through August are the driest months if you want to avoid the rainy season (November to March).

Semarang today 86°F
86°F | 75°F

In Semarang we will have moderate rain, the day will be very hot; beware of heat stroke.

    • Friday
    • 90°F | 75°F
    • Saturday
    • 90°F | 77°F
    • Sunday
    • 88°F | 77°F
    • Monday
    • 88°F | 77°F

329 Accommodations in Semarang

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Frequently asked questions about Hotels in Semarang

The most centrally located hotels in Semarang with the best ratings are: Hotel Gumaya Tower and Hotel Quest Simpang Lima Semarang By Aston.

You can make reservations at Hotel Po Semarang, Ciputra Semarang Managed By Swiss Belhotel International and Novotel Semarang if you"re looking for a hotel with valet service for your visit to Semarang.

If you need a hotel with disabled access in Semarang, we recommend Hotel Po Semarang, Motel Patra & Convention Semarang and Hotel Grand Candi.

According to our clients, if you´re travelling with children, the best hotels in Semarang are Hotel Grand Arkenso Park View, Hotel Grand Candi and Hotel Dafam Semarang.

If you want to save time, the hotels in Semarang with express check-in and check-out are Hotel Po Semarang, Motel Patra & Convention Semarang and Novotel Semarang.

Some of the options for hotels with non-smoking rooms in Semarang are Hotel Po Semarang, Motel Patra & Convention Semarang and Hotel Santika Premiere Semarang.

In Semarang, Hotel Po Semarang, Motel Patra & Convention Semarang and Hotel Santika Premiere Semarang offer 24-hour front desk service.

If you're bringing a vehicle, we recommend that you book a hotel with parking in Semarang, like Hotel Po Semarang, Motel Patra & Convention Semarang or Hotel Santika Premiere Semarang.

The best-rated hotels in Semarang with a gym are Hotel Po Semarang, Motel Patra & Convention Semarang and Hotel Santika Premiere Semarang.