[Tracy]

Semarang may not be as popular as other cities in Java Islands. However, the strategic position of Semarang has made the city a melting pot of Chinese, Indian Arab, and European cultures. Wander around the Chinese quarters and the Dutch commercial district, you will see the influences of different cultures everywhere. In the older part of the city near harbour named Kota Lama, or the Oudstadt, stroll around to explore the historic old buildings in what was once the European commercial district.

The one thing that you definitely must try in Semarang’s Chinatown is the famous Lumpia (Springroll) Semarang. A dish that is similar to the springroll, the Lumpia has a sweet yet savoury taste and is filled with bamboo shoots, egg, chicken or shrimp. It can either be served in a soft wrap or deep fried, with a side of delicious thick brown sauce, freshly cut spring onions, birds eye chilli and lettuce.

SEMARANG OLD TOWN: Charming Old-Time Heritage Atmosphere

There is often one exotic historic area in every city waiting to be explored. In Semarang, Central Java, the area is named Kota Lama (Old Town) or Outstadt. Situated in the intersection of Jl. Pemuda and Jl. Imam Bonjol, Kota Lama is also known as Little Netherlands. Established in the 18^th century when Indonesia was a Dutch colony, its location is currently separated from a residential area. Despite its rich history, Kota Lama was once forgotten, leading it to becoming a red-light district as well as a center of cockfighting.

Fortunately, the city administration kicked off efforts to revive the area a year ago. The illegal street vendors, cockfighting rings and prostitutes were removed. The old buildings have been renovated and transformed into offices, banks and restaurants, creating a lively ambiance during the nighttime. The government also opened the Klitikan Market, which hosts antique shops. Tourism police can also be seen strolling the area to provide safety for visitors.

KARIMUNJAWA

The Karimunjawa archipelago, located in the Java Sea, north of the capital city of Semarang, has everything to offer sea lovers who enjoy trekking and snorkeling along a pristine beach. The Karimunjawa National Park (not to be confused with the Karimun Islands in Bintan, Riau) is one amongst seven marine national parks in Indonesia.

The pristine beaches and seas are home to healthy coral reefs that scatter in an 80 km wide area all the way to the coast of Jepara. Two protected biota species here are the black coral (Antiphates sp)and organ pipe coral (Tubipora musica). Others include the triton trumpet, the hornet helmet, and the pearly-chambered nautilus. Here are also hawksbill turtles, common green turtles, and on land are the red-breasted parakeet and other tropical bird species.

The archipelagic Karimunjawa, thought not as known the Marine reserves near Ambon and Manado, has unexpectedly good beaches, reefs and lovely sea scopes. Corals seem to blossom in to gardens, with an Amazing variety of form and color fishers and marine plants. Fringing reefs, atolls, wrecks and an excellent variety of different species make diving in Karimunjawa an unforgettable adventure.

---

ITINERARY

DAY 1: SEMARANG – JEPARA

Pick up from Semarang Airport and we will explore Semarang before heading to Jepara. Stay overnight in Jepara/Semarang (depending on the arrival time).

DAY 2: KARIMUNJAWA (B, L, D)

After breakfast, get ready to check out. We will take a public ferry boat across to Karimunjawa (about 2 hours). Reach Karimunjawa around noontime, check in to our homestay and rest while waiting for our lunch. At 2 pm, we will explore the island, go to the Love Hill, and enjoy Tanjung Gelam Beach. Back to our homestay after sunset and have our dinner around 7 pm. Free time afterwards.

DAY 3: JEPARA – KARIMUNJAWA  (B, L, D)

After breakfast, get your gears and suits ready. We will go snorkelling at Menjangan Kecil and Cemara Kecil. Lunch with grilled fish will be served while we are at Cemara Kecil Island. After lunch, we will go to Karang Gosong, a sandbar in the middle of the sea. Then we will see the baby shark and enjoy the sunset near to Menjangan Kecil Island. Dinner at the homestay and free time afterwards.

DAY 4: KARIMUNJAWA – JEPARA – SEMARANG (B)

After breakfast, free time until check out time at 10 am. We will go back to Jepara by a public ferry boat at 11 am. Reach back around 1 pm and head back to Semarang. We will stop at a few places along the way before check in to our hotel in Semarang. Stay overnight in Semarang.

DAY 5: SEMARANG (B)

After breakfast, free time until check out time and leave for the airport.

*If necessary, the itinerary may subject to change depending on the situation on the day.

---

INCLUSIONS

• 4 nights accommodation (twin-sharing)
* Single Supplement is available by request and whenever possible
– 2 nights homestay in Karimunjawa (AC)
– 1 night in Jepara
– 1 night in Semarang
or 2 nights in Semarang

• Return fast boat ticket Jepara – Karimunjawa
• Land transportation during the trip
• Meals as stated on the itinerary
• Snorkelling gears
• Wooden boat for island hopping
• Entrance fees, all necessary permits, retributions, and administrative requirements
• Tour Guide and/or Leader
• Mineral Water

EXCLUSIONS

• Airfare
• Visa on Arrival (if applicable)
• Optional activities not included in the itinerary
• Personal expenses
• Gratuity for guides
• Travel insurance

---

HOW TO REGISTER

For registration, please click here – [5D4N] Semarang & Karimunjawa.

For inquiries, please post your questions below.

[Author]

Posts