Semarang Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Semarang tours and things to do in the historic capital of Central Java: day-trip to the world’s largest Buddhist temple at Borobudur, marvel at the towering spires of Prambanan, wander the colonial Kota Lama old town, visit the Chinese temple of Sam Poo Kong, and explore the misty Dieng plateau. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
rating
Explore Semarang by interest
Whatever brings you to Semarang — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Semarang
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Borobudur
Buddhist wonder.
Prambanan
Hindu spires.
Kota Lama
Old town.
Sam Poo Kong
Chinese temple.
Lawang Sewu
Colonial landmark.
Dieng Plateau
Highland temples.
Java Countryside
Rice terraces.
Semarang City
Java’s port capital.
2 hr awayBorobudur
Buddhist wonder.
2.5 hr awayPrambanan
Hindu spires.
3 hr awayDieng Plateau
Highland temples.
2.5 hr awayYogyakarta
Cultural capital.
City awayKota Lama
Colonial old town.
City awaySam Poo Kong
Chinese temple.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Semarang visitor asks before booking.
Dry (May–Sep)
The best time — sunny and ideal for temples.
Shoulder (Apr, Oct)
Warm with occasional showers, quieter.
Wet (Nov–Mar)
Hot and humid with tropical downpours.
For Borobudur
Dry season for clear sunrise views.
For culture
Any time — indoor sites suit the wet season.
Best overall
May to September for the driest weather.
One day
Kota Lama, Lawang Sewu and Sam Poo Kong.
Two days
Add a Borobudur or Prambanan day trip.
Three+ days
Add Yogyakarta and the Dieng plateau.
For temples
Borobudur and Prambanan day trips.
For culture
Java culture and heritage tours.
For nature
The Dieng plateau highlands.
By air
Semarang has an airport with domestic links.
Tours & transfers
Tours reach Borobudur, Prambanan and Dieng.
By car
Private drivers are handy for temple day trips.
By train
Trains link Semarang across Java.
Where to stay
Stay near the centre or Kota Lama.
Indonesian rupiah
Indonesia uses the rupiah; carry some cash.
Borobudur
Go for sunrise for the most magical light.
Prambanan
Combine it with Borobudur on a long day.
Kota Lama
Explore the old town on foot early or late.
Java culture
Add a batik or village experience.
Heat & humidity
Start early and bring water and sun protection.
Dieng
Bring a layer — the highlands are cool.
Borobudur trips
Sunrise tours sell out — book ahead.
Prambanan trips
Temple day trips fill up — reserve early.
Yogyakarta trips
Full-day trips fill up — book ahead.
Dieng trips
Highland tours fill up — reserve early.
City tours
Heritage tours fill up — book ahead.
Dry season
May to September is busiest — book well ahead.
City tour
Around $35–60 for a Semarang city tour.
Borobudur trip
About $70–130 for a Borobudur day trip.
Prambanan trip
Roughly $70–120 for a Prambanan tour.
Yogyakarta trip
Around $60–110 for a Yogyakarta day trip.
Dieng trip
About $88–150 for a Dieng plateau trip.
How to save
Join group day trips to save over private tours.
Semarang through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Temples & touring.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Ideal.
- Best for
- Fewer crowds.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Warm.
- Best for
- Lush scenery.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Humid.
- Best for
- Borobudur.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Clear.