Semarang

Semarang - Today will be my first time to Semarang - the city on the north coast on the island of Java.   The city population is estimated at 1.5m people but Greater Semarang is about 5m.  This was a major port during the Dutch colonial era and called Bergota.  Semarang is still a busy port due to its strategic location midway along Java's north coast.

it is a melting pot of Chinese, Javanese and European cultures since at least the 17th century.  As a result of its large ethnically Chinese population, the city boasts several Chinese temples. These include Sam Poo Kong (Gedung Batu), built in honour of the Chinese Great Admiral Zheng He who visited the area in 1405.


The flight from Jakarta into Achmad Yani International Airport, was delayed by 1hr 20 mins.  The flight was to depart @ 5pm and we only left the tarmac @ 6:20pm.   We managed to check-in Lesley baggage whilst he was still sitting in his taxi in a heavy traffic jam.  We got the baggage stubs and boarding passes waiting for Lesley to arrive. 

Checked-into Grand Candi Hotel and then ready for good Semarang food.  Pak Adi brought us to a road side stall selling chicken rice.  The most famous chicken rice stall in Semarang.

Chicken Rice stall advertisement

Very delicious

The taste of this chicken rice is 'heavenly' comes with slices of chicken, half braised egg, vegetable with hot spices that gave the nice flavour to the white rice; served on banana leaf.   Each of us had 2 servings of this chicken rice as it's quite a small portion.

Assortment of cold dishes

 I did not try any of these as it was left out in the open; really do not want to get an upset stomach.  The dish is quail eggs and all kinds of cooked innards of the chicken.

Erwin tucking into his delicious chicken rice