Getting Around Semarang, Indonesia

Globetrotter

17 May 2023 - 4 min read

Semarang, the main city of Central Java, continues to experience growth and is thus popular among tourists. There are many historical landmarks and museums, tourist destinations, and various culinary specialties that you can enjoy.

To reach various tourist destinations, you need convenient transportation. In Semarang, public transportation is easily accessible and affordable.

Semarang was once nicknamed "Venetie van Java" due to its numerous rivers and canals that dominated its territory. Since Dutch colonialism, Semarang has become a metropolitan city with boats as its main public transportation.

Read more: Getting Around Bali, Indonesia

What's Hits in Semarang?

There are many destinations in Semarang that you can visit. You can choose a city tour and visit historical tourist destinations if you want easy access. To experience the passage of time, you can visit Lawang Sewu, Sam Poo Kong Temple, Kota Lama, and museums.

To enhance your culinary experience, try the special dishes available around tourist sites, such as those found along the old city streets. If you want to spend time with friends and family trying various rides, you can choose from Avalokitesvara Pagoda, Dusun Semilir, and Saloka Theme Park. For nature tourism, you can also visit Marina Beach and Brown Canyon.

When is the Best Time to Visit Semarang?

You are free to visit Semarang at any time, as there are no time limits or special warnings. Please note that Semarang generally has warm to hot temperatures, particularly during certain months. It is recommended to avoid the dry months and visit only from June to August. This way, you can move around more comfortably, especially when using public transportation.

Transportation Recommendations in Semarang

Do not hesitate to start traveling around Semarang, as many public transportation options are available to take you anywhere. Each mode of transportation has its own advantages, and of course, the rates vary. Check out the following explanation to learn about the types of public transportation available in Semarang.

DAMRI

The advantage of taking the DAMRI – One advantage of taking the DAMRI bus in Semarang City is that it reaches every corner of the city, including areas with smaller main roads. It can be used as an alternative to the BRT due to its numerous stopping points. Therefore, DAMRI will provide convenient transportation to even the terminals in Semarang.

DAMRI ticket prices - You will be charged a different fare by DAMRI depending on the distance you travel to your destination. Interestingly, some fleets even offer intercity routes around Semarang at exceptional yet affordable prices.

TransSemarang Buses

Travel around the city with the Trans Semarang Bus – The Trans Semarang bus, also known as BRT (bus rapid transit), can be accessed at bus stops. BRT is a solution to Semarang's traffic congestion caused by busy community activities. It is accessible to both locals and tourists for ease of travel, but it only operates from 5:30 am to 5:30 pm. Outside of those hours, other transportation options must be considered.

BRT ride rates – For an affordable trip, using BRT as a mode of transportation is the best choice. If you are a student, you can show your student card to pay only Rp1.000. Meanwhile, passengers who pay in cash must pay Rp4,000, while those who use an e-money card pay only Rp3,500. Importantly, this price is not affected by distance, so you won't have to pay again if you change buses.

City Bus

More flexibility with city buses – City buses have flexible routes within the city, allowing passengers to board and alight without waiting at designated stops. This provides greater convenience and flexibility for commuters.

Limited fleet – Although flexible, you cannot expect this bus to arrive on time because there are no fixed stops or routes. Currently, the number of these buses is increasingly limited and they can be considered rare compared to the large number of buses operating in the BRT system. Rates are also set based on the old way according to the distance traveled to arrive at the destination.

Argo Taxi

Advantages of metered taxis – You can easily find many taxis in Semarang, especially at stations, tourist attractions, or public facilities. If you want comfortable transportation in the heat of Semarang, a taxi is the right choice.

Tips for taking a taxi in Semarang - Usually, taxis use taximeters as a reference for payment, but some drivers will offer to turn off the meter. Alternatively, you can choose to turn off the meter and negotiate the price. However, be sure to estimate the cost beforehand to avoid it becoming more expensive.

Car Rental

Pros of renting a car – If you have a lot of plans in Semarang or prefer a more private trip, then it's better to rent a car, so you can safely travel between lodging and tourist destinations.

Tips for renting a car in Semarang - When deciding to rent a car, it's important to look for good information so that you can find a trusted rental provider and a car that is in good condition. For your travel needs, consider using Traveloka. It offers a variety of car types and allows you to choose whether to include a driver.

Rent a Car Only at Traveloka

This is a summary of Semarang holidays and transportation options. Plan ahead and budget wisely for a better vacation. For assistance, use Traveloka to guide you throughout the enjoyable trip.

Don't forget to book your hotel and flight tickets at Traveloka for the best deal prices!