Another Day in Semarang

One wedding.

Two-way (free) plane ticket.

Three days.

And Four Ladies.

That’s the best description for my latest trip to the one day is more than enough city, Semarang. I went back there purposely for attending my cousin’s wedding, Patricia. I went there also for tour-guiding the Gang: my mom, and her sisters (AiDe & A’i), and also my sister (Maybe). I also went there with my uncle Tony, Aunty Lena, and their children (Sindhu, Krishna, and Yudha, also Ook Irene) – thanks for the ticket & accommodation! *sponsor resmi*

So, here’s the story..

December 25^th 2009

At Soekarno Hatta Airport, I met Farah Quinn! Chef Farrrrrrrrrrrrahh… I thought she was JuPe at first, but she’s too small.. (out of topic :p )

10 a.m. checked in. 11 a.m. boarding in. And at noon, I arrived at Ahmad Yani Airport. It was a small airport, but nicely it was clean.

I met Oom Ciat and Boris (Patricia’s poppa & bradda) at the airport. We went out for lunch to Bandeng Juwana (2^nd floor). Deliciously undeniable!!! I honestly missed this place. I ate like a pig.. I ate Bandeng Sriyani, I ate Bandeng Cabe Ijo, Nasi Bandeng Bakar, Bandeng Sambal Bali, Bandeng Balado. You MUST eat there and taste every menu! It’s highly recommended by me.

After that, I went to our hotel (definitely not Rahayu Hotel) with the Gang, meanwhile the rest went to Gumaya Hotel preparing for the ceremony.

Anw, the radio aired ‘Telephone’ by Gaga ft. Beyowulf 2 times in one hour that time! (It’s not so popular in Jakarta at that time, but Semarang has tons of little monsters—Gagalupe worshiper).

After we checked into our hotel and soon, our first place to be visited was Sam Poo Kong. I could enter into the temple and took some pics inside (last time we couldn’t some inside). If you want to come inside, you can buy Hio for Rp 10.000 and you can enter the temple. Here are some pics from inside the temple.

This is Farah Quinn !

Same gate

A’i was praying

She’s still praying.. Umm… do you see penampakan here?!

Praying inside the Gedung Batu.

Gedung Batu entrance

Outside you can see sculpture.

Wall relief.

The curling tree, they said that it was a rope from a boat.

There was a huge tree inside one of the temple.

The bell

So.. Chinese

Nothing is wrong with this pic.. Just want to upload it. Ha!

The Kaisar and Princess are coming !!!!

Lawang Sewu was the next destination. It was an old building which was used as an office (in Colonial period) and also prison (in Japan period). First, by ticket Rp 5.000 each person. Then, hire a guide—pay him voluntarily. He took us around this building and explained about the architecture and so on.

In front of Lawang Sewu there was an old train. This building was renovated to be revitalized as Central Train Office in the next few years.

Same pose with the 1000 doors.

No need to be afraid. This building was opened until night to proof the public that there’s no ghost activity in this building.

Into another room

Balcony view

Who is it ?

The water tower, never been here before. It would remind you to some action movies.

Near the tower you can pose at the balcony next to Tugu ! Perfect spot.

Where am I?

The never ending doors.

The next destination was Gereja Blenduk, but we didn’t enter it ‘coz we’re so hungry, and yes.. I brought them to Sate Kambing in front of Gereja Blenduk. We ordered umm… I forgot the name of the menu, actually it’s kidney. And… yaikks… I would never order that again!

Eating at Sate Kambing 29

Our first day was closed by shopping and shopping. They never skipped this one. Ha!

Let’s count for our first day:

Plane ticket: free^^. Local plane offers Rp 200-400K (two way)

Driver & Car: Rp 300-400K for one day. (we used Toyota Avanza)

Eating at Bandeng Juwana: Rp 8000 – 20.000 for each menu. (mild to moderate J)

Buy Hio @ Sam Poo Kong: Ro 10.000

Lawang Sewu: Rp 5000 each

Lawang Sewu guide: just tips. Rp 50.000 for 5 ppl

Eating at Sate Kambing: Rp 15.000 – 30.000 for each menu (moderate prize)

December 26^th 2009, The wedding day

Before the wedding, we went to Bandungan. It’s 1,5-2 hours driving car from Semarang. It’s a place similar with Puncak. There, you may visit Gedong Songo Temple. There were 9 (songo) temples with beautiful green mountainous view. Because it was a very large area, you can rent horse in order to reach the ninth temple. It is also good for some youngsters to take a walk by following the path until reaching the top. Since the ladies are not the youngsters anymore (physically), and they wore heels also.. We just reached the first temple. And don't forget to buy ticket (Rp 2.600)

Gedong Songo Complex

We went to a place called Rawa Pening Restaurant for lunch. They have beautiful garden, warm interior design theme (maybe because it was Christmas), and they also rent some room for sleeping. We recommended you to eat there although the service was extremely poor (patient is the word).

Once you get there, you MUST try the kroket, very cheap, but very D E L I C I O U S. And ordered as many as they have, or you have to be very patient. They served local foods for the main course such as fried rice or soup and soto. They also served western foods like beef, chicken, tuna steak and some soups. DON’T order the soup, it was the worst one E V E R. The price was mild to moderate (from Rp 3000 – 30.000). *kachiiing*

Find this logo at Bandungan: Rawa Pening Restaurant

Front View

They decorate with rice!

Feels so homy in side

Room for rent

Then, I came back to our hotel and the ladies went to beauty salon. At 6 p.m. we went to Gumaya Hotel for the wedding reception. It was such a beautiful wedding. Great one with great foods !!! Congratulations !!!

The wedding: Boris, Ai Nani, Ko' Irawan, Ci Patty, & Oom Ciat

My family: Oom Tony, Mom & Sis, Ahjumma Ur & Sa'ie Lena, Ook Irene

That's all of my story from Semarang City. Thank you very very much for all of the accommodation.

You should also visit the other town like Ungaran and Bandungan for some fresh air and horse riding. Better than mati gaya di Semarang.