Tracing the Legacy of Cheng Ho: A Journey Through Semarang's Cultural Heart

TheIndonesia.co - Tucked on the northern coast of Central Java, Indonesia, Semarang is a city where time seems to slow down. Colonial buildings whisper stories of the past, Chinese temples glow with incense and prayer, and centuries-old maritime legends still echo through its streets. At the heart of this vibrant tapestry lies the annual Cheng Ho Parade—a grand cultural spectacle commemorating the arrival of Admiral Cheng Ho (also known as Zheng He), the legendary Chinese explorer who visited Java in the early 15th century.

The highlight of this celebration is not just the colorful procession through the city, but the way it connects communities across regions, cultures, and beliefs. Semarang’s unique charm—anchored in its Old City district known as “Little Amsterdam”—blends Chinese heritage, Dutch colonial history, and Javanese warmth into a destination worthy of deeper exploration.

The Cheng Ho Parade: A Living Legacy

Every year, usually in July, Semarang comes alive with the vibrant Arak-Arakan Cheng Ho, or Cheng Ho Parade. This year’s event marked the 620th anniversary of the admiral’s historic voyage to Java. In a powerful tribute to multicultural unity, 14 Chinese temples (kelenteng) from cities across Indonesia participated, making it the largest parade to date.

According to Antara News Agency, the parade re-enacts Cheng Ho’s symbolic journey, starting from Tay Kak Sie Temple in Gang Lombok—an old Chinese neighborhood in Semarang—stretching over 6 kilometers to the majestic Sam Poo Kong Temple in Simongan. Along the way, thousands of spectators line the streets, watching as temple representatives carry statues of their deities through a meticulously mapped route. With drummers, lion dance performers, and spiritual chants filling the air, the atmosphere is electric.

This year’s parade was compacted into a single, action-packed day compared to the three-day festivities of previous years. Yet it drew a record number of participants—up to 4,000—from across the archipelago, including temples from Jakarta, Malang, Kudus, Ungaran, and Bekasi. Their destination: the revered statue of Admiral Cheng Ho inside Semarang’s most iconic temple, Sam Poo Kong.

A Cultural Hub: Sam Poo Kong Temple

Sam Poo Kong Temple isn’t just the final destination of the parade—it’s the spiritual and historical heart of Cheng Ho’s legacy in Indonesia. Originally a landing site for the admiral and his fleet, the temple complex today stands as a vivid fusion of Chinese and Javanese architectural styles.

Visitors are greeted by red and gold pagodas, stone carvings, and incense that floats through the tropical air. The temple serves not only as a place of worship but also as a cultural venue, particularly during the Cheng Ho Festival. This year, entertainment acts ranging from local dangdut singers like Arlida Putri to traditional lion dance troupes filled the evening with music, color, and community spirit. A bustling bazaar featuring local crafts and foods added to the festive experience.

Entrance tickets to the event ranged from IDR 25,000 to IDR 45,000, depending on whether you booked in advance or purchased on-site. The value? Immeasurable, especially for travellers seeking authentic cultural experiences.

Semarang Old City: “Little Amsterdam” of Java

While the parade is an unforgettable event, Semarang’s Old City—Kota Lama—is a destination in its own right. Often dubbed "Little Amsterdam" due to its impressive collection of Dutch colonial architecture, the district is a dreamy stroll through time. Restored 18th and 19th-century buildings now house cafés, art spaces, and boutique shops.

One of the main landmarks is Gereja Blenduk, a domed Protestant church built in 1753, which stands as the oldest church in Central Java. Across the cobbled streets, you’ll find Spiegel Bar & Bistro, a trendy café set in a heritage building that serves up both local and Western cuisine.

The revitalization of Kota Lama has made it one of the most photogenic and culturally rich parts of the city. For history buffs, photographers, or anyone who enjoys sipping coffee under a vine-covered veranda, it’s pure bliss.

Exploring Beyond: Gateway to Karimunjawa Islands

Semarang is more than a cultural capital—it’s also a practical launchpad for travelers heading to the Karimunjawa Islands, an unspoiled archipelago about 80 kilometers north of Java. Known for their pristine beaches, coral reefs, and laid-back island life, Karimunjawa is a rising star among Indonesia’s marine destinations.

Ferries to Karimunjawa depart from Jepara, a town about 2.5–3 hours’ drive from Semarang. From there, you can hop on a fast boat (around 2 hours) or a slower ferry (about 4–5 hours). For those with limited time, there are also occasional flights from Semarang's Ahmad Yani International Airport to Dewandaru Airport on the main island.

It’s not unusual for travelers to spend a few days soaking in Semarang’s cultural richness before heading to the white sands and turquoise waters of Karimunjawa. The combination of heritage and natural beauty makes for an ideal extended itinerary.
How to Get to Semarang from Abroad

Semarang is accessible and well-connected for international travelers. Here’s how to reach the city with ease:

• By Air:
  Semarang’s Ahmad Yani International Airport (SRG) serves direct domestic flights from major Indonesian hubs like Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, and Makassar. While direct international flights are limited, many travelers connect through Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport or Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali.
• By Train or Car (from Jakarta):
  If you enjoy scenic travel, the train ride from Jakarta to Semarang takes about 6–7 hours and offers views of Java’s countryside. Executive class trains are comfortable, punctual, and affordable. Private car travel is also an option, taking approximately 6 hours via toll roads.
• By Sea: For the adventurous, Pelni ships and private ferry services offer routes along the Java coast, though schedules may vary. This is a more leisurely and local mode of travel.

Once in Semarang, getting around is simple. Ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Grab are widely available, or you can rent a car with a driver for ease of exploration.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Festival

What makes the Cheng Ho Parade and the city of Semarang truly special isn’t just the spectacle—it’s the deep sense of connection between past and present, between cultures and communities. This isn’t just a tourist event; it’s a living tradition carried by locals with pride and reverence.

Pair that with the evocative charm of the Old City and the proximity to Karimunjawa’s tropical paradise, and you’ve got a destination that delivers far more than the average itinerary. Whether you're drawn by history, culture, architecture, food, or island adventures, Semarang offers something uniquely Indonesian—and undeniably magical.

So next July, when the drums start beating and lion dancers take to the streets, be sure you’re there. Walk the path of Cheng Ho, and let Semarang reveal its stories to you.

Travel Tips at a Glance:

• Best time to visit: July (to coincide with the Cheng Ho Parade), or dry season (May–September).
• Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
• Language: Bahasa Indonesia (English is moderately spoken in tourist areas)
• Suggested duration: 3–5 days in Semarang, 3–4 days in Karimunjawa

Must-Visit Attractions in Semarang:

• Sam Poo Kong Temple
• Tay Kak Sie Temple
• Semarang Old City (Kota Lama)
• Lawang Sewu (historic Dutch colonial building)
• Blenduk Church
• Taman Srigunting (Colonial garden park)