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A VISIT to Semarang is not complete without visiting the icon of Lumpia City, namely the Old Town area, which you can explore on foot. The area which is included in the ranks of the UNESCO World Heritage City has many unique attractions from various sides, not least in terms of history.
One of the history that cannot be separated from the Old City of Semarang is the buildings with a touch of classical architecture to the early traces of the railroad industry in Indonesia. Traveling on foot is also a fun option to do in this area.
If you are interested in traveling while exploring the history of the Old City of Semarang, then you can start from a shop or cafe called Tekodeko which is on Jalan Letjen Suprapto 44.
Literally this cafe has a unique decoration in the form of a teapot as its allure. Tekodeko is the first recommendation because the building still has remnants of Dutch settlements from the colonial era.
One of the original remains that can still be seen at Tekodeko today is the white marble tiles. Besides being able to see first hand the tiles that may be hundreds of years old, you can enjoy interior touches with a vintage feel.
From Tekodeko, you can head towards Jalan Cendrawasih a little out of the Kota Lama Area of Semarang to go to the Kota Lama Museum.
The Kota Lama Museum was previously known by local residents as the location of the Bubakan Roundabout Fountain. Even though it was only inaugurated in February 2022 by the Semarang City Government, the historical value in the Museum is very high.
Without the need to pay, when visiting this museum you can dive into the journey of the Old City of Semarang from when it was founded until now. Visitors can also see directly the condition of the tram lines, remnants of Dutch heritage.
For those of you who are interested in seeing further evidence of the history of the railways, you can walk a little to the refueling point across from the Kota Lama Museum. You will see a pole that remains which was originally used as a telegram communication tool in the operation of the train in the past.
Traces of history from the early days of the train and tram industry in Semarang can also be seen from the remains of the “Sentral Jurnatan” ruins. The location can be reached by walking to Jalan Agus Salim which is not far from the Kota Lama Museum.
“Sentral Jurnatan” in the past was the central train station operated by a train company named Samarang-Joana Stoomtram Maatschappij (SJS). There are many routes that are served using the steam tram from the station when it is still active, such as towards Demak, Kudus, Pati, Rembang, and Blora.
But now because the area has become a shopping complex, and the debris is located in one of the motor sport sales and service outlets. After being treated to various destinations that show the remnants of the railroad industry, the journey can continue back to the Old City of Semarang.
Walk towards Jalan Suari and Jalan Kepodang, then you will be presented with old buildings and some debris on either side of you as you walk through the area. At this moment you can say you are enjoying the true charm of the Old City of Semarang.
Especially for those of you who like “instagramable” photos, this is the right time to capture moments in the Old City. Still not enough to fulfill the desire to take pictures? Don’t worry, not far from the road there is a destination called Rumah Akar.
You can see the ruins of the building that was last used in 1967, now integrated with tree roots. Old buildings that are left as they are give an aesthetic touch, are unique, and make them attractive and guaranteed to be very instagramable.
More specifically, Rumah Akar is now located on Jalan Roda II, but during the Dutch colonial era it was called Zwalustraat. This location has become popular since it appeared on the big screen several times. For example, the films “Ayat-Ayat Cinta” to “Gee”, which once made the place a shooting and shooting location.
To end the trip more memorable, you can visit the Blenduk Church which is located in the core of the Kota Lama area of Semarang. Blenduk Church or also known as GPIB Imannuel Semarang is the most iconic building in the area.
Condensed by adopting the European style of art deco architecture, tourists can feast their eyes on visual treats and also capture moments in this place of worship.
Tourists can also enjoy various activities that take place near the Blenduk Church, precisely at Sri Gunting Park. The community, from cultural activists to artists, makes maximum use of this public space.
There are those who open classes such as batik classes or even present dance performances at that place. Making tourists closer to local cultural wisdom and get new experiences.
In terms of duration, walking tours using this route can at least take approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour. But if you want to save time, you can also rent bicycles, some of which are powered by electricity, from rental service providers around the Kota Lama area of Semarang. It is better if the trip is done in the morning or evening, of course, to avoid the scorching sun.
However, if you want to explore interactions with the cultural and artistic community, then the afternoon is the best time to tour the Little Netherland area. In general, traveling to the Old City of Semarang is relatively economical and does not cost a lot.
You will still have to prepare more funds if you want to do a culinary tour considering that in the Old City area of Semarang there are also quite a lot of local culinary offerings that are ready to be enjoyed. [antaranews/photo special]
