Semarang

Semarang is a city where centuries of history come alive around every corner. Tucked along the northern coast of Java, it has been a buzzing trading port for hundreds of years, welcoming sailors, merchants, and explorers from across the world. That rich mix of cultures — Javanese, Chinese, and Dutch — has shaped a city unlike anywhere else in Indonesia, full of colour, character, and stories waiting to be discovered.

Wander through the old colonial district and you might feel like you have stepped straight into the Netherlands, with grand European-style buildings lining the streets beside ornate Chinese temples. The towering Lawang Sewu, with its labyrinth of doorways, and the glittering Sam Poo Kong Temple are just two landmarks that make this city feel genuinely magical. History is literally built into the walls here.

And do not leave without trying the local spring rolls — a crispy, golden street food that Semarang has proudly called its own for generations. This city is a true hidden gem of Indonesia!