The Cultural and Historical Jewel of Semarang

• HelloHalo
  [ha-lo]
• GoodbyeSampai jumpa
  [sam-pai jum-pa]
• YesYa
  [ya]
• NoTidak
  [ti-dak]
• Please/You're welcomeSilakan
  [si-la-kan]
• Thank youTerima kasih
  [te-ri-ma ka-sih]
• Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [ma-af]
• How are you?Apa kabar?
  [a-pa ka-bar]
• Fine. And you?Baik. Dan kamu?
  [ba-ik. dan ka-mu]
• Do you speak English?Bisa bicara bahasa Inggris?
  [bi-sa bi-ca-ra ba-ha-sa ing-gris]
• I don't understandSaya tidak mengerti
  [sa-ya ti-dak men-ger-ti]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya ingin melihat menu, tolong
  [sa-ya in-gin me-li-hat me-nu, to-long]
• I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sa-ya ti-dak ma-kan da-ging]
• Cheers!Selamat!
  [se-la-mat]
• I would like to pay, pleaseSaya ingin membayar, tolong
  [sa-ya in-gin mem-ba-yar, to-long]

• Help!Tolong!
  [to-long]
• Go away!Pergi!
  [per-gi]
• Call the Police!Panggil polisi!
  [pang-gil po-li-si]
• Call a doctor!Panggil dokter!
  [pang-gil dok-ter]
• I'm lostSaya tersesat
  [sa-ya ter-se-sat]
• I'm illSaya sakit
  [sa-ya sa-kit]

• I'd like to buy...Saya ingin membeli...
  [sa-ya in-gin mem-be-li...]
• I'm just lookingSaya hanya melihat-lihat
  [sa-ya han-ya me-li-hat-li-hat]
• How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [be-ra-pa har-ga-nya]
• That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [i-tu ter-la-lu ma-hal]
• Can you lower the price?Bisa kurangi harganya?
  [bi-sa ku-rang-i har-ga-nya]

• What time is it?Sekarang jam berapa?
  [se-ka-rang jam be-ra-pa]
• It's one o'clockJam satu
  [jam sa-tu]
• Half past (10)Setengah (sepuluh)
  [se-ten-gah (se-pu-luh)]
• MorningPagi
  [pa-gi]
• AfternoonSore
  [so-re]
• EveningMalam
  [ma-lam]
• YesterdayKemarin
  [ke-ma-rin]
• TodayHari ini
  [ha-ri i-ni]
• TomorrowBesok
  [be-sok]
• 1Satu
  [sa-tu]
• 2Dua
  [du-a]
• 3Tiga
  [ti-ga]
• 4Empat
  [em-pat]
• 5Lima
  [li-ma]
• 6Enam
  [e-nam]
• 7Tujuh
  [tu-juh]
• 8Delapan
  [de-la-pan]
• 9Sembilan
  [sem-bi-lan]
• 10Sepuluh
  [se-pu-luh]

• Where's a/the...?Dimana ada/ada...
  [di-ma-na a-da/a-da...]
• What's the address?Alamatnya apa?
  [a-la-mat-nya a-pa]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bisa tunjukkan saya (di peta)?
  [bi-sa tun-juk-kan sa-ya (di pe-ta)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kapan yang berikutnya (bis)?
  [ka-pan yang be-ru-tu-nya (bis)]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiket (ke ....)
  [ti-ket (ke ....)]

Semarang was founded in the 9th century and initially served as a small village by the name of Pragota. It was located by the Java Sea, which would later become a significant factor in its development as a bustling port town. The town's name was eventually changed to Semarang, derived from the Javanese words 'asem' and 'arang', which mean 'scarce tamarind'.

The introduction of Islam to Semarang occurred in the 15th century through the efforts of Sunan Pandanaran, one of the Wali Songo, the nine saints who spread Islam across Java. The city became an important center for Islamic learning and culture, which is still evident today in its many mosques and Islamic schools.

In the 17th century, Semarang came under the control of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). The VOC established Semarang as a major trading hub, constructing fortifications and infrastructure to facilitate trade. This period saw significant economic growth but also introduced European architectural styles that are still visible in the Old Town (Kota Lama) area.

During World War II, Semarang was occupied by Japanese forces from 1942 to 1945. The occupation period was marked by hardships and resistance from local populations. The city’s infrastructure and daily life were significantly impacted, leading to a period of reconstruction after the war.

Following Indonesia's declaration of independence in 1945, Semarang underwent a transformation. The city became a provincial capital, fostering political, educational, and cultural growth. Modern developments have seen the rise of new business districts, while efforts to preserve historical sites have maintained the city's rich cultural heritage.

Semarang is known for its diverse cultural influences, including Javanese, Chinese, Dutch, and Arab communities. The city hosts numerous cultural festivals and events such as the Dugderan Festival, which celebrates the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, and the Semarang Night Carnival, showcasing local traditions, music, and dance.

Semarang is home to a blend of architectural styles. The Old Town (Kota Lama) features colonial buildings like the Lawang Sewu, a historic railway building. The Sam Poo Kong Temple, a legacy of Chinese admiral Zheng He, and the Great Mosque of Central Java reflect the city’s religious and cultural diversity.

Semarang is served by Ahmad Yani International Airport (SRG), which has domestic flights from major Indonesian cities and some international routes. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a ride-hailing service to reach the city center. Alternatively, Semarang is accessible by train from Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, and other cities. The main train station is Semarang Tawang Station. Buses also connect Semarang to various parts of Java.

Semarang has a variety of transportation options. For short distances within the city, you can use taxis, ride-hailing services, or becak (pedicabs). There are also public buses and minibuses (angkot) for affordable travel. For sightseeing, renting a car or a motorbike can be convenient. Semarang also has a BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system known as Trans Semarang, which covers major routes across the city.

The official currency in Semarang is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and malls, but it's advisable to carry cash for small purchases and in more remote areas. ATMs are readily available throughout the city. Currency exchange services can be found at the airport, hotels, and authorized money changers.

Semarang is generally safe for tourists, but like any city, it's important to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded places like markets and public transport. Areas with higher crime rates targeting tourists include around the Old Town (Kota Lama) and Simpang Lima. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid displaying valuables.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for general emergencies or 110 for police assistance. Semarang has several hospitals and clinics, including Kariadi Hospital (RSUP Dr. Kariadi) for medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. The nearest police station or embassy/consulate can assist in more serious situations.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes before entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight bow. A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Semarang like a local, visit the traditional markets such as Pasar Johar for fresh produce and local goods. Don't miss the chance to try Lumpia Semarang, a local culinary specialty. Engage with locals, who are generally friendly and willing to share insights about their city. Explore the Dutch colonial architecture in Kota Lama and visit Sam Poo Kong Temple. For a unique experience, take a walk along Semarang's waterfront during sunset.