Semarang is a port city with centuries of history, and as such, it is home to countless historical destinations. When visiting Semarang, you can easily find colonial-style buildings throughout the city, but the most iconic of these is Lawang Sewu.
Lawang Sewu is a historic building located at the intersection of Jalan Pemuda and Jalan Pandanaran. The building is so majestic that it catches the attention of anyone passing by. Make sure to add Lawang Sewu to your Semarang bucket list. A trip to Semarang isn’t complete without a visit to this iconic building, just like eating Lumpia is an essential part of the Semarang experience.
Facts you need to know before visiting Lawang Sewu
A former railway company headquarters during the Dutch colonial period
Lawang Sewu was built between 1904 and 190. A decade later, between 1916 and 1918, the building underwent a rebuilding process to annex additional buildings.
The 18,232 m2 building was initially used as the headquarter of the Nederlandsch-Indische Spoorweg Maatschappij (NISM), a private Dutch railway company, until it was seized by the Japanese in 1942 and repurposed as the Office of the Japanese Transportation Bureau.
During the early independence years, this majestic building frequently changed hands and functions. It served as one of the offices of the Indonesia railroad service company (DKARI), the headquarters of the Dutch army during the aggression period. The office of the IV Diponegoro Military Regional Command until it was “returned” to the Indonesia railway company, then named Perumka, which later became KAI.
In 2009, restoration work on the building began until 2011, when it officially opened as a cultural heritage site. If you’re interested in history and trains or just want to witness the splendour of this majestic building, a trip to Lawang Sewu is a must.
From a former headquarter to a beautiful and informative museum
Today, Lawang Sewu no longer serves as a railway operational office. Instead, it has been transformed into a railway museum, showcasing collections of historical value. Here, you can see a replica of a steam locomotive and various operational support equipment from the past, including a calculating machine and a typewriter.
Throughout the museum, you will find photos and videos with information on the restoration of the Lawang Sewu building and samples of materials used in the process.
Besides being a popular tourist destination, Lawang Sewu also often hosts exhibitions, discussions, and even pre-wedding photoshoots.
Surprisingly, there are less than 1000 doors in Lawang Sewu
Lawang Sewu is a Javanese word that means “a thousand doors.” However, despite its name, Lawang Sewu doesn’t have 1,000 doors. Sources vary on the exact number of entries in the building, with some claiming there are 928 doors, while others say 429 doors, with the rest being large windows.
Although sources vary on the exact number, it’s easy to see why this building is referred to as having a thousand doors. With so many doors in the building, you would easily lose count of them during your visit. Why not try counting all the doors and windows on your trip to Lawang Sewu?
Well maintained and has all the necessary facilities
As a centuries-old building, Lawang Sewu has a decorated history and has been the subject of many horror stories. It was once considered a haunted building and often hosted an “Uji Nyali” or a “bravery test.” Given the fact that it had been neglected at the time, it’s easy to see why such stories would circulate.
Now, the haunting image of Lawang Sewu is slowly vanishing. After a series of restorations and renovations, the building has been brought back to life better than ever. It is currently managed by KAI’s Architecture & Preservation Unit, which is also responsible for several other railway museums in Indonesia.
Besides its reputation as a cultural and historical attraction, Lawang Sewu is also known as an educational attraction with adequate facilities. There is a library with a wide variety of train-related books for all ages, as well as a large meeting room that you can rent. You’ll also find basic amenities such as prayer rooms and toilets.
Believe it or not, the restrooms at Lawang Sewu are also a popular attraction. The restrooms here are just as luxurious as those in Europe with imported materials from Europe. See for yourself!
If you haven’t planned a year-end vacation and are looking for a great destination, consider Semarang. Located in Central Java, the province’s capital is easily accessible from both the west and east side of the island. Connected with the Trans Java toll road nearby, road trips to and from Semarang are now even faster and more convenient.
Semarang is a city that offers something for everyone. Catering to tourists of all ages, Semarang relies heavily on historical and culinary destinations. Besides these attractions, Semarang is also surrounded by several natural wonders worth exploring, including Brown Canyon, the “instagrammable” Cemoro Sewu, and Umbul Sidomukti spring.
Consider inviting your loved ones on a road trip to Semarang with a bus from TRAC’s bus rental service. As a big city, Semarang’s streets can cater to buses of all sizes. So, don’t hesitate to bring along all members of your big family for a vacation together on a large bus. You know what they say, the more, the merrier!
TRAC’s bus rental service offers various bus sizes to meet your needs. If travelling with a large group, you can opt for a big bus with a 48 or 59-seat capacity.
If comfort and a luxurious travel experience are your top priorities, you should opt for the TRAC Luxury Bus. Equipped with complete facilities like a mini pantry, restrooms, mini meeting rooms, sofas, and even a mini “karaoke hall,” this bus has everything you need for an exciting trip. With a spacious cabin that can fit 11-15 passengers.
TRAC also offers bus rental services to and from Semarang with smaller capacities. TRAC’s medium-sized buses can accommodate up to 35 passengers, while for smaller groups, TRAC’s smaller-sized buses can fit up to 13 to 16 passengers.
Looking for a smaller transportation option? TRAC also offers car rental services in Semarang and other cities in Indonesia. You can choose to rent with a driver or opt to drive yourself. TRAC’s fleet includes a wide range of vehicles, from city cars to SUVs, so you can find the right car that suits your needs and budget.
One of the best things about TRAC’s car rental and bus rental services is how convenient it is to book a ride. Simply download the TRACtoGo application from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. After that, you can order any TRAC service from your phone. With a vast network covering many cities in Indonesia, TRAC is ready to be the convenient and hassle-free car and bus rental service that always meets your transportation needs.
Stay up-to-date on all things TRAC, including holiday destinations, travel tips & tricks, service information, and special offers by following TRAC on Instagram @trac_astra, Facebook TRAC-Astra Rent a Car, and Twitter @TRACastra.
So, what are you waiting for? Stay on track with TRAC!
