Welcome to the Semarang cruise port guide. Semarang is a mega city of 2 million inhabitants. This bustling city is a reflection of modern Java. You will find the super malls along side the old Dutch colonial quarter. Learn about the Chinese heritage in China town or at the amazing Sam Poo Kong temple. Everything shows that different groups have mixed and mingled here at one point or another. Enjoy the diversity of the city in combination with the beautiful modern culture of Java. The town of Semarang is not the only reason the cruise ships visit Semarang. It is also the gateway to Borobudur. This is one of the most impressive sites in the world, that nearly made it on to the list of 7 wonders of the world.

The cruise ship dock at the industrial port of Tanjung Emas.

This is your view from the ship. The green building is the cruise terminal that has lots of facilities inside.

The cruise terminal offers currency exchange, wi-fi, tourist information and taxi information desk.

At the exit of the cruise terminal you will find a souvenir market where you can pick up your local souvenirs.

At the cruise terminal you will find a taxi information desk. The prices are on display here. Please know these prices are not fixed and you can still negotiate. The taxi prices are listed above.

The traditional form of transportation is the rickshaw. Although you won’t find them as much as back in the days they are still in full operation to give you a ride around town. You will not find them at the port, however you will find them in the city centre of Semarang. Spot one and negotiate a deal for a city tour.

Cruise Port Guide Semarang – Indonesia: docked

After sailing into Semarang your cruise ship will dock at Tanjung Emas, the port of Semarang. You will find there is modern cruise terminal with all kinds of facilities waiting for you there. In the cruise terminal you will find free wi-fi, souvenir shops, currency exchange, tourist information and a taxi information desk. The dock is about 5 km away from the city centre. Therefore you will need some sort of transportation to get out of the port area and into the city or to Borobudur. Most ships offer a shuttle service, check with the front office on board what will be the plan for your call.

Taxis in Semarang

If you are not utilising the shuttle bus or ships shore excursions you are most likely to take a taxi. At the terminal you will find a taxi information desk where the prices are also on display. The prices on display are not fixed and we still recommend you to negotiate upon a price before stepping into the taxi. The taxi prices listed at the cruise terminal:

Borobudur: 200 US dollar round trip

Jepara (carving wood / handicraft): 150 US dollar round trip

Two hour city tour: 55 US dollar round trip

All day city tour: 150 US dollar round trip

Traffic jam

Semarang is a mega city and traffic jam occur on a daily basis. We highly recommend to use your time wisely, especially when planning a trip to Borobudur. Take into account the trip to Borobudur could take up to 3 hours one way. Make sure to always stay ahead of the ships excursion busses.