Getting ready to fly out to Semarang in Central Java
The time is 11.30 am here at Internet Outpost in Kuta And I am a couple of hours away from flying out to Semarang in Central Java to meet Ika’s parents.
We are flying Merpati, one of the domestic airlines from the airport in Tuban with a stop over in Surabaya in East Java. Semarang is and industrial town close to the north coast of Central Java, it is the regional capital and nowhere near the tsunami destruction.
We will arrive around 7pm and check into a hotel before visiting the family. I have been told a chicken curry is waiting for us. Hope dad is a beer drinker. Last night I was checking out hotels in Semarang using BootsnAlls hotel booker. Not much choice but it is possible to get a decent place.
My friend Chimene prepped me with manners tips last night. Do not point your feet at anyone while sitting, do not touch food with your left hand, do not call the parents by their names, instead use Ibu for the mother and Ba Pak for the father. Ikas family are pretty relaxed I think, they even eat pork and I am not anticipating any stress.
I have been to Central Java back in 1993 visiting Yogykarta and Solo. Central Java is a huge cultural center with the temples at Borobudur and Prambanan. I look forward to exploring a new place and seeing another familys situation.
We are taking small oleh olehs or gifts. I got her dad a box of chocolate covered macadamias at Hong Kong airport. Ika told me when her parents were dating he would show up with a box of chocolates and eat them all himself.
Photos will be taken so you will get a look at what I got up to.
By Nick | Permalink
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Comments
If you have time, do take a long walk along the canal in the middle of town past plenty of old Dutch buildings - quite photogenic. Also, fairly interesting harbor with old VOC warehouses and traditional architecture near Pasar Johar. Try Singapore Hotel and Hotel Rahayu for decent mid-priced rooms; avoid poorly located Patra Jasa.
G’Day Carl,
I actually stayed at the Metro hotel on Simpang Lima near Pasar Johar and had a ball exploring the areas and especially Chinatown. I was lucky with the hotel because it was empty at the time and got a good rate!.
Semarang is a brilliant place and there are literally hundreds of places to check out.
Barrie,
I agree that Semerang is one of the vastly underrated places in Indonesia that rarely sees a foreign visitor, but has plenty to offer. Cirebon is also somewhat interesting and Surabaya is a goldmine for lovers of old Dutch colonial architecture — the weedy deserted Dutch cemetery is a must-see. Plus I just dig smelly canals!
hey nick,
how was the trip?? Keep us posted please.
Hi Suchi, nice to hear from you. Semarang feels like Bali’s capital city, Denpasar. Its not really a tourist place and has a large muslim population.
hi nick,
hope you enjoy your trip this weekend!
I will be in bali on my 3rd trip next friday for 3 weeks.. mght bump into you at the internet outpost!