Plan a CruiseSemarang Cruise Port Guide
Semarang, located in Central Java, serves as a bustling gateway to the region. This former Dutch trading and administrative center, enriched by a significant Chinese community, boasts a unique blend of heritage. Your ship will dock at the modern Tanjung Emas port, which offers free Wi-Fi, souvenir shops, currency exchange, a tourist information desk, and a taxi information desk directly at the terminal. While the city itself offers interesting historical sites, Semarang is primarily known as the access point for the magnificent Borobudur Temple, located about 100 km away. Please be mindful that many crew members are from this region, so consider allowing them a day off if possible.
Getting Around from the Port
The city center of Semarang is approximately 6 km from Tanjung Emas port. Shuttle buses are generally provided by the port or cruise line to the downtown area. Taxis are readily available at the terminal's taxi information desk.
For trips to Borobudur Temple (100 km, a two-hour drive each way), a taxi round trip will cost approximately $200. Be aware that Semarang, with a population of 2 million, is prone to significant traffic jams. Cruise-organized tours to Borobudur often benefit from police escorts, which help clear the way and are generally recommended for managing travel time effectively.
Attractions and Activities
-
Borobudur Temple: This iconic 9th-century Buddhist temple, located about 100 km (a two-hour drive) from the port, is the highlight for many visitors. Due to potential traffic congestion in Semarang, a cruise-organized tour is often the most efficient way to visit, as these tours typically include police escorts to navigate traffic. Alternatively, you can arrange a taxi for approximately $200 round trip, but be prepared for potential delays. It's advisable to compare cruise line excursions with offerings from providers like GetYourGuide and Viator.
-
Explore Semarang City: For those staying closer to the port, Semarang offers a rich historical tapestry.
- Sam Po Kong Temple (Gedong Batu): Dating back to the mid-15th century, this temple symbolizes both Chinese and Muslim beliefs, reflecting the city's multicultural past.
- Blenduk Church (GPIB Immanuel): An 18th-century church showcasing unique and beautiful Dutch colonial architecture.
- Other Historical Sites: Discover landmarks like Tugu Muda, Ronggowarsito Museum, Mandala Bakti Museum, and the Recordable Indonesia Museum (MURI).
-
Prambanan Temple: While Borobudur is the primary draw, the 9th-century Hindu temple complex of Prambanan is also within the vicinity of Semarang, though visiting both on an 8-10 hour port call might be too ambitious given the travel times.
Dining & Shopping
At the cruise terminal, you'll find souvenir shops for last-minute purchases. For a more extensive shopping experience, head to the downtown area. Mal Ciputra, located at Jl. Simpang Lima, is Semarang's largest shopping complex, offering clothing stores, jewelry boutiques, and various cafes. Semarang is also known for local artwork, crafts, and is home to Luwak coffee, considered one of the world's most expensive coffees.
Safety
When using credit cards in Indonesia, exercise caution as cloning and fraud are reported issues. While Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, American Express can be problematic. Smaller establishments may also apply surcharges of 2-5% for credit card payments over cash.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). ATMs are common in major cities like Semarang for cash withdrawals. However, as noted, credit card fraud can be a concern, and surcharges for card payments are possible at smaller operations. The sole official language is Indonesian, known as Bahasa Indonesia. Free Wi-Fi is available at the cruise terminal, and free hotspots can also be found in some shopping malls, McDonald's, Starbucks, and hotel lobbies in larger cities. Paid internet access typically costs around Rp 5,000 per hour.