Explore Semarang’s Captivating Old Town

Semarang offers more than just Lawang Sewu when it comes to historical tourism! While Jakarta has its famed Old Town, Semarang’s Old Town, affectionately called “Little Netherland,” stands out as one of Indonesia’s most iconic heritage sites.

Spanning 31 hectares, this district is filled with striking European-style architecture that transports you to a bygone era. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a unique cultural experience, Semarang’s Old Town offers a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern city vibes.

8 Semarang Old Town Tourism Destinations

Blenduk Church

Standing proudly with its striking red dome and pristine white facade, Blenduk Church is one of the most iconic landmarks in Semarang’s Old Town.

Officially known as the West Indonesia Protestant Church (GPIB) Immanuel, it was originally built in 1742 and continues to serve as a place of worship today.

Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of antiques and historical artifacts, making it a fascinating stop for history enthusiasts.

Visitors are welcome to explore the church grounds from Tuesday to Friday between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM, with a small donation of Rp10,000 per person going toward the church’s upkeep. Please note, on Sundays, the church is reserved exclusively for Christian worship services.

Gedung Oudetrap (Gedung Gambir)

Nestled at 3B Jalan Taman Srigunting, the Oudetrap Building—also known as the Gambir Building—dates back to 1834 and is famous for its unique spiral staircase.

In the 18th century, this historic structure served as a warehouse for cloves, spices, and gambir, which is why it became known locally as the Gambir Building.

Today, the Oudetrap Building plays a new role as a hub for city events, managed by the Semarang City Government. If your timing is right, you might catch an exhibition or even join a seminar hosted within its walls.

Srigunting Park

Situated right next to the iconic Blenduk Church, Srigunting Park offers a peaceful retreat where you can relax and take a breather. Once a parade field (paradeplein) used by Dutch soldiers for training, the park has transformed over time into a beautiful green space.

Originally built to enhance the city’s air quality and not open to the public, the park is now accessible to everyone. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, snap some photos, and enjoy the charming backdrop of Blenduk Church.

Rumah Akar

Just a short 3-minute walk from Blenduk Church, you’ll come across an intriguing structure overtaken by tree roots. Known as Rumah Akar, or “The Groot” on digital maps, this roofless building features a massive tree in its center, with its roots weaving through the walls.

In the past, this building housed the oldest Dutch-language newspaper office in Semarang. Over time, it has served various purposes, primarily as a media office.

Now, in its current state, Rumah Akar has become a must-visit spot for those looking to capture a unique and aesthetic backdrop for photos.

Gedung Marabunta

As you approach Gedung Marabunta, you’ll be greeted by a pair of giant ant statues, earning it the nickname The Ant House. Originally built as an entertainment venue, it was once a popular spot for komedi stamboel performances—a form of traditional comedy theater.

After Indonesia’s independence, the building was managed by a shipping company and even served as a café for a time. After sitting abandoned for several years, Gedung Marabunta has returned to its roots as a performance venue and is even used for weddings.

For those looking to indulge, Marabunta Resto & Bar now offers a delicious menu that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Gedung Marba and Spiegel

Situated almost directly across from each other, Gedung Marba and Spiegel add to the charm of Semarang’s Old Town. Across from Srigunting Park, you’ll find the striking red Gedung Marba.

Its bold color and unique architecture make it a popular backdrop for tourists’ photos. Unfortunately, the building’s interior is off-limits as it’s still used as an office space.

Gedung Spiegel, with its white facade, sits on a corner just down the street. Built in 1895, it once housed a department store. After years of inactivity, it was restored in 2015 and now thrives as Spiegel Bar & Bistro.

With its impressive design and lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect stop for anyone looking to add a culinary experience to their Semarang itinerary.

Semarang Creative Gallery and Semarang Contemporary Art Gallery

Semarang Creative Gallery is a vibrant shopping center that showcases local products inspired by art and culture. It also serves as a platform for local artists to express their creativity.

Conveniently located near Blenduk Church and Gedung Oudetrap, it’s an easy stop on your journey through Semarang’s Old Town.

Semarang’s Old Town isn’t just a historical relic; it’s alive and thriving with creative energy. One of its standout cultural spaces is the Semarang Contemporary Art Gallery.

Established in 2001, this gallery found its current home in a historic building on Jalan Srigunting in 2008. Its mission is to introduce contemporary art from Asia, with a special focus on Indonesia, making it a must-visit for art lovers.

Museum Kota Lama

Just 500 meters from Blenduk Church stands Museum Kota Lama, a striking new building with beautifully arranged brickwork.

This museum offers an immersive experience that blends the physical and digital worlds, allowing visitors to virtually step into the history of Semarang in the colonial period.

Best of all, admission is free! However, be sure to reserve your visit in advance through the Lunpia app, which provides access to features like a guided tour.

Explore Semarang with TRAC Car Rentals

Semarang’s strategic location and growing tourist appeal make it a hot spot for travelers. Getting there is a breeze, with multiple transportation options including car, train, and plane.

For road trip enthusiasts, Semarang is an ideal destination. With well-developed infrastructure, the city is conveniently located along the main Pantura route and the Trans-Java toll road.

Arriving by train, or plane? No problem! Just be sure to plan your local transportation to make exploring Semarang easy and stress-free.

When it comes to getting around the city, renting a car is your best option. With a rental, you can skip the hassle of figuring out public transport routes, and of course, you won’t have to worry about the weather—no scorching sun or sudden downpours!

TRAC offers car rentals in Semarang to help you explore the city and beyond. You can even start your road trip right from your hometown with a TRAC rental. Choose from two options: car rental with a driver, or the self-drive rental for more flexibility and independence.

Not only in Semarang, TRAC car rental services are also available in almost all cities in Indonesia! Use the voucher code “DiIndonesiaAja” to enjoy a comfortable trip around the country with a special discount of IDR 100 thousand.

Reserve your TRAC rental through the official website or the TRAtoGo app, available for download on Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

Stay connected with @trac_astra on Instagram, TRAC-Astra Rent a Car on Facebook, or @TRACastra on Twitter (X) to discover exclusive promotions, discount codes, and travel tips to inspire your next adventure.

Whatever the track, just use TRAC!