As the capital city of Central Java, Semarang is a bustling metropolis with a rich history dating back to the Dutch colonial era. Home to a growing number of multinational companies, Semarang is an increasingly popular destination for business travelers.
With its convenient location and well-developed infrastructure, Semarang is an ideal base for doing business in Indonesia. The city offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, as well as a variety of restaurants and bars.
For those looking to explore beyond the city limits, there are a number of interesting places to visit nearby, including Borobudur – the world’s largest Buddhist temple – and the scenic Dieng Plateau.
Getting Around Semarang
How to Get from the Airport
There are a few options for getting from Jenderal Ahmad Yani International Airport to the city center. The most popular option is to take a taxi. Taxis can be found outside of the arrivals terminal and cost around IDR 150,000-200,000 (about $10-15 USD) for the 25-30 minute ride into town.
You could also take an airport shuttle bus or rent a car, but these options are generally less comfortable than taking a taxi.
How to Get Around the City
There are a few ways of getting around Semarang. The first way is by bus. Buses in Semarang are air-conditioned and comfortable. They run from early morning until late at night and cover most areas of the city.
The second way to get around Semarang is by taxi. Taxis are a bit more expensive than buses, but they are also more convenient because you can hail one down anywhere and they will take you directly to your destination.
The third way to get around Semarang is by becak (pedicab). Becaks are the cheapest form of transportation, but they are only suitable for short distances because they are slow.
Where to Stay
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay during your business trip, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a hotel, hostel or homestay, you’ll be able to find something to suit your needs and budget.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing accommodation in Semarang. Location is important. If you need a peaceful environment, it is probably best to stay away from the busy central part, and look for a hotel in a quieter area. One of the hotels to check is Hotel Aruss, as It offers quiet space that will allow you to do your meetings without any external disturbance. Being located in Upper Semarang, the hotel has perfect access to some of the best city landmarks.
If you want to be close to the action, then staying in the city centre is a good option. Apart from Hotel Aruss, here are some other hotels you may want to consider for your next business trip:
The first is the Novotel Semarang Hotel, which is located in the heart of the city. This hotel offers a variety of amenities, including an outdoor pool, fitness center, and 2 dining areas. The downside is that there is a nightclub within the hotel building, so if you are not into parties, maybe look for a higher floor facing the opposite site of the club.
The second option is the Hotel Tentrem Semarang, which is located about 8km from the airport. This hotel offers a variety of features, including a rooftop pool, spa, 2 bars, 2 restaurants and a coffee shop where you can sit down with your laptop and relax.
The third option is the Gumaya Tower Hotel, which is located in the downtown area. This hotel is located 1km from the Poncol train station in Semarang and 6km from Achmad Yani International Airport. There is an infinity pool and spa for relaxation, and the 3 restaurants serve delicious Chinese food.
What to Do
As the capital city of Central Java, Semarang has a lot to offer business travelers. From its colonial architecture to its bustling night markets, there is something for everyone in Semarang. Here are some things to do for business travelers in Semarang:
- Visit Old Batavia: Old Batavia is a must-see for any business traveler in Semarang. This historic district is full of colonial-style architecture and is home to some of the city’s best restaurants and cafes.
2.Explore the Night Markets (Waroeng Semawis): Semarang’s night markets are a great place to find cheap and delicious food. From street food vendors to sit-down restaurants, there is something for everyone at the night markets.
- Check Out Semarang’s Buddhist Temples: Buddhism is the dominant religion in Indonesia, and it is evident in Semarang. The city has several temples that are well worth visiting. Some of the best are Wisata Sam Poo Kong, Vihara Tanah Putih and Klenteng Maha Agung.
- Visit the Semarang Zoo: The Semarang Zoo is one of the biggest zoos in Indonesia. It is home to over 1,000 animals and has a wide variety of species that visitors can see.
- Take a Trip to Tugu Muda: Tugu Muda is a large monument that commemorates the struggle of Indonesians against the Dutch colonial rulers. It was built in 1953, and it is located near the Sam Poo Kong temple.
Food and Drink
As the capital city of Central Java, Semarang has a lot to offer in terms of food and drink. From traditional Javanese cuisine to international fare, there is something for everyone in Semarang. Here are some of the best places to eat and drink in the city:
For traditional Javanese cuisine, Kampung Laut is a must-visit. This popular restaurant serves up delicious Indonesian dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. Another great option for traditional food is Pesta Keboen, which offers an array of Javanese specialties.
If you’re looking for international cuisine, there are plenty of great restaurants in Semarang as well. One of the best is Eden International Daily Food, which serves up American-style comfort food.
For Italian food, you can’t go wrong with Massimo Pizzeria. This restaurant serves up delicious pasta and pizza that will have you coming back for more. Another nice place for Italian cuisine is Portobello, which offers traditional dishes as well as gelato and coffee.
Conclusion
Overall, Semarang is a great place to do business. The cost of living is relatively low, the infrastructure is good, and there are plenty of opportunities for networking and building relationships.
There are some downsides to doing business in Semarang, of course. The pollution can be a bit overwhelming at times, and the traffic can be very congested. Additionally, it can be challenging to find reliable help for basic tasks like laundry and grocery shopping.
If you’re looking for an up-and-coming city with lots of opportunity, this is the place for you.
