Getting Around Salatiga, Indonesia

Globetrotter

29 May 2023 - 3 min read

Salatiga is an excellent destination to visit in Central Java. Here, you can enjoy the fantastic natural scenery and explore historical sites. Although Salatiga might not be as famous as Jogja or Semarang, it is worth a visit.

Overview of Salatiga

Salatiga is a small city in Indonesia at the crossroads of Semarang, Ambarawa, Magelang, and Surakarta. It has a rich history and many exciting places to visit. During the Dutch colonial era, it was even nicknamed "the most beautiful city in Central Java."

Moreover, Salatiga is one of the oldest cities in Indonesia, having been founded in 750 AD by King Bhanu. He designated the Hampra area as a tax-exempt fiefdom, an act considered the founding of Salatiga, as stated in the region's 1995 regulations.

What's interesting in Salatiga?

Salatiga has many popular tourist spots, such as Mount Merbabu, Kopeng Tourism Park, and Lake Rawa Pening.

Visitors can also explore historical sites showcasing Dutch heritage, such as the Ambarawa Railway Museum and Fort Hock. In addition to enjoying the local food, Salatiga offers a range of activities for visitors.

The Best Time to Visit Salatiga

Salatiga has a tropical climate with distinct dry and rainy seasons, like many other cities in the country. The town is in a mountain basin, resulting in cooler temperatures and abundant trees. The average temperature ranges between 29-31 degrees Celsius.

If you plan to hike Mount Merbabu, the best time to go is July and August. If you want to explore the city without getting wet, visiting during these months is also best.

Transportations in Salatiga

When traveling to Salatiga, being familiar with the transportation options is essential. Here are some to consider:

Public Bus

General information: To reach Salatiga, you can take a public bus as there are no commercial trains in the area. Note that these buses operate only on long-distance routes and not within the city. Local buses only serve routes between cities such as Semarang or Yogyakarta, but not within Salatiga.

Fares: This public bus has prices similar to others, which depend on the distance and starting point.

Semarang-Salatiga: IDR 50,000

Solo-Salatiga: IDR 25,000

Jogja-Salatiga: IDR 30,000

Tips: Choosing the right public bus is essential for a comfortable trip. Fares vary by distance, and the most common bus type is the AC economy, which runs directly from the terminal. Executive buses with more amenities are available but usually require reservations.

City Transport (Angkot)

General information: Angkot is the main form of transportation in Salatiga, and it is a type of public transport that can take you to many different locations.

Routes: Angkots are numbered according to their routes. If you are unsure about the route, ask the driver or visit the official website of the Salatiga City Government for more information.

Fares: The fare starts from IDR 4,000 and only costs IDR 3,000 for students.

Tips: To reduce overcrowding and ensure that students can use public transport to travel to and from school, it is advised to avoid using angkot during school rush hours.

Ojek

General information: If you're looking for a quicker and more versatile way to travel, consider taking an ojek in Indonesia. Ojeks are motorcycle taxis that can take you to a variety of places, including widespread food destinations that may need help to reach by car.

Tips: Speak with ojek drivers and agree on a reasonable price based on the distance you plan to travel.

Read more: Getting Around Surabaya, Indonesia

Taxi

General information: Taxis are a private and convenient option for travel, especially for couples or when traveling to locations without other public transportation. Sharing the fare between two or three people can make the cost more affordable.

Tips: Taxis in Salatiga are limited. When using a taxi to travel to tourist sites, ask the driver to turn on the meter to avoid paying more.

Prepare for your trip to Salatiga by familiarizing yourself with the city's public transportation and other important information. You can use Traveloka to easily book flights, hotels, and attractions and find great travel deals that fit your budget and plans!

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