Silversea Luxury Cruises A SEMARANG (Gateway for Borobodur)

The stunning temple complex of Borobudur is yours to discover during a memorable, full-day excursion to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Borobudur

Depart the pier in Semarang for the approximately three-hour drive into the dramatic landscape of Central Java, site of mystical and fascinating Borobudur, with a comfort and refreshment stop made en route. Borobudur is considered to be among mankind's most imposing creations. It was built with more than 2,000,000 cubic feet (666,000 cubic yards) of stone, and is renowned as the world's largest Buddhist monument; a status Borobudur has probably held since its completion approximately 1,150 years ago.

Borobudur was the spiritual centre of Buddhism in Java for approximately 150 years before being mysteriously abandoned. When neighbouring Mount Merapi erupted, volcanic ash covered the site, concealing the monumental complex for centuries. Since its 19th-century rediscovery, painstaking efforts have been made to restore and preserve Borobudur.

Borobudur Walking Tour

Upon arrival at this stunning temple complex, a magnificent shrine dedicated to Lord Buddha, your journey begins with a 1.5-hour guided walking tour. The structure is comprised of six rectangular stories of lava-rock erected in the form of a stepped pyramid. Three circular terraces and a central 'stupa' form the summit. The entire structure is in the shape of a lotus flower, the sacred flower of Buddha. Today, this awesome monument stands as a symbol of an ancient and glorious heritage, which is depicted in the reliefs that encircle the walls of the building and describe the story of Buddha's life.

Lunch

Following your tour of Borobudur, proceed to the nearby Manohara restaurant for an open-air buffet lunch consisting of Indonesian/Western dishes. After lunch, re-board your coach, as your tour draws to a close and before returning to the pier you'll make your final stop at the silver processing center to observe the craftsmen at work to create their intricate jewellery and there is a good opportunity to purchase their products. After conclusion of your memorable visit, your motor coach then brings you back straight to the pier of Tanjung Emas for the approximately three-hour drive back to the pier in Semarang, with a brief refreshment and comfort stop made en route

Semarang, located on the northeast coast Java, is the capital of the province of central Java. A major port during the Dutch colonial era, and still an important port today, the city has a dominant Javanese population.

Gereja Blenduk

Starting from the pier, you will first travel to beautiful Gereja Blenduk, the oldest church in central Java, dating back to 1753. Built in the shape of a Greek cross, the interior of this imposing Protestant Dutch church is dominated by an enormous baroque organ and pulpit. Although the organ was never able to be restored and is no longer working, it stands as a quiet reminder of the church's glorious past

Buddhagaya Watugong Monastery

Located 45 minutes from the central city of Semarang, this monastery has many buildings set in a large area. One of its most famous icons is Avalokitesvara Pagoda which has a height of 147 feet (45 meters), with seven levels, painted red, with some statues on each level.

Balemong Resort

Your next stop, observe the process of making batik and try your hand at this art form. Balemong Resort's purpose is to maintain the true Javanese identity where historical relic and artifacts of the culture decorate the entire resort. The resort not only function as a hotel, but also as a resort where patrons can learn the Javanese heritage and history.

After lunch at the resort, observe a rice field plowing demonstration before re-boarding your coach for the 60-minute drive back to the port and your ship.

Explore the splendid art, architecture and history of Semarang during this panoramic, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Sambi Sari Temple

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to central Java for a visit to the Sambi Sari Temple, with a refreshment and comfort stop en route. Upon arrival, proceed for a guided walking tour of this 9th-century Hindu temple. According to the history, the temple was buried approximately 5.5 yards (about five meters) underground. During your visit, see the parts of the original temple that have been excavated from beneath the volcanic ash.

Lunch, Prambanan Temple and Kampung Coffee Banaran

Next, proceed for lunch at the Rama Shinta Garden resto. After lunch, re-board your coach and head to the renowned Prambanan Temple. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest Hindu Temple site in Indonesia, and one of the biggest in Southeast Asia. Its tall, pointed design is typical of Hindu architecture, and is highlighted by a towering, approximately 154-foot-high (about 47-metre-high) central building inside a large complex of individual temples. Following your visit, re-board your coach and head for a refreshment and comfort stop in Kampung Coffee Banaran, then commence the approximately 55-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 623 yards (about 570 metres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, 10 steps at the restaurant, 20 steps at the Sambi Sari Temple and 25 stairs at the Prambanan Temple. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, non-slip walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Guests must be at least six years old to participate on this tour.

Gereja ( Church ) Blenduk

Traveling from the Harbor of Tanjung Emas, relax and enjoy the scenery of Semarang, Central Java brings you to the beautiful site to visit Gereja ( Church ) Blenduk : the oldest church in Central Java, dating back to 1753. Built in the shape of a Greek cross, the interior of this imposing Protestant Dutch Church is dominated by an enormous baroque organ and pulpit. Although the organ was never able to be restored and is no longer working , it stands as a quite reminder of the church's glorious past.

Pagoda Avalokitesvara Ungaran/ Buddhagaya Watugong Monastery.

Following your delightful visit, your journey continuous with a pleasant drive toward the Buddhist temple called Pagoda Avalokitesvara Ungaran or Buddhagaya Watugong Monastery: located about 45 minutes from the central city of Semarang, this monastery has many buildings set in a large area. One of its most famous icons is Avalokitesvara Pagoda which has a height of 147 feet ( 45 meters ), with seven levels, painted red, with some statues on each level.

Hotel Santika Premier with Refreshment and Dance Performance.

Next, re-board your motor coach and proceed to the Hotel Santika Premier where your refreshment will be served, accompanied by a presentation of traditional Javanese dance performance.

Sam Po Kong.

Following your dance performance and refreshment and as your tour draws to a close, you'll make your way to your final stop to visit an old Chinese temple namely Sam Po Kong : the European style - building with a thousand doors. Once the headquarters of the colonial railway company, it was used to house Japanese forces during World War II. Due to Semarang's large Chinese population, the city boasts several admiral Cheng Ho, who visited the area in 1405.

After conclusion of your memorable visit, your motor coach then takes you back directly to the harbor of Tanjung Emas, commencing approximately a 25 minutes drive from Sam Po Kong Chinese Temple.

The stunning temple complex of Borobudur is yours to discover during a memorable, full-day excursion to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Borobudur

Depart the pier in Semarang for the approximately three-hour drive into the dramatic landscape of Central Java, site of mystical and fascinating Borobudur, with a comfort and refreshment stop made en route. Borobudur is considered to be among mankind's most imposing creations. It was built with more than 2,000,000 cubic feet (666,000 cubic yards) of stone, and is renowned as the world's largest Buddhist monument; a status Borobudur has probably held since its completion approximately 1,150 years ago.

Borobudur was the spiritual centre of Buddhism in Java for approximately 150 years before being mysteriously abandoned. When neighbouring Mount Merapi erupted, volcanic ash covered the site, concealing the monumental complex for centuries. Since its 19th-century rediscovery, painstaking efforts have been made to restore and preserve Borobudur.

Borobudur Walking Tour

Upon arrival at this stunning temple complex, a magnificent shrine dedicated to Lord Buddha, your journey begins with a 1.5-hour guided walking tour. The structure is comprised of six rectangular stories of lava-rock erected in the form of a stepped pyramid. Three circular terraces and a central 'stupa' form the summit. The entire structure is in the shape of a lotus flower, the sacred flower of Buddha. Today, this awesome monument stands as a symbol of an ancient and glorious heritage, which is depicted in the reliefs that encircle the walls of the building and describe the story of Buddha's life.

Lunch

Following your tour of Borobudur, proceed to the nearby Manohara restaurant for an open-air buffet lunch consisting of Indonesian/Western dishes. After lunch, re-board your car as your tour draws to a close and before returning to the pier you'll make your final stop at the silver processing center to observe the craftsmen at work to create their intricate jewellery and there is a good opportunity to purchase their products. After conclusion of your memorable visit, your motor coach then brings you back straight to the pier of Tanjung Emas for the approximately three-hour drive back to the pier in Semarang, with a brief refreshment and comfort stop made en route

The stunning temple complex of Borobudur is yours to discover during a memorable, full-day excursion to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Borobudur

Depart the pier in Semarang for the approximately three-hour drive into the dramatic landscape of Central Java, site of mystical and fascinating Borobudur, with a comfort and refreshment stop made en route. Borobudur is considered to be among mankind's most imposing creations. It was built with more than 2,000,000 cubic feet (666,000 cubic yards) of stone, and is renowned as the world's largest Buddhist monument; a status Borobudur has probably held since its completion approximately 1,150 years ago.

Borobudur was the spiritual centre of Buddhism in Java for approximately 150 years before being mysteriously abandoned. When neighbouring Mount Merapi erupted, volcanic ash covered the site, concealing the monumental complex for centuries. Since its 19th-century rediscovery, painstaking efforts have been made to restore and preserve Borobudur.

Borobudur Walking Tour

Upon arrival at this stunning temple complex, a magnificent shrine dedicated to Lord Buddha, your journey begins with a 1.5-hour guided walking tour. The structure is comprised of six rectangular stories of lava-rock erected in the form of a stepped pyramid. Three circular terraces and a central 'stupa' form the summit. The entire structure is in the shape of a lotus flower, the sacred flower of Buddha. Today, this awesome monument stands as a symbol of an ancient and glorious heritage, which is depicted in the reliefs that encircle the walls of the building and describe the story of Buddha's life.

Lunch

Following your tour of Borobudur, proceed to the nearby Manohara restaurant for an open-air buffet lunch consisting of Indonesian/Western dishes. After lunch, re-board your van as your tour draws to a close and before returning to the pier you'll make your final stop at the silver processing center to observe the craftsmen at work to create their intricate jewellery and there is a good opportunity to purchase their products. After conclusion of your memorable visit, your motor coach then brings you back straight to the pier of Tanjung Emas for the approximately three-hour drive back to the pier in Semarang, with a brief refreshment and comfort stop made en route

Explore Semarang at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Semarang at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Solo, Danar Hadi Batik Museum

Depart the pier in Semarang for the approximately 2-hour drive to the traditional city of Solo also known as Surakarta to visit Danar Hadi Batik Museum, which was inaugurated by President Megawati Soekarno Putri in 2000.

The museum has many collections from different regions likes Lasem (Chinese influence), Pekalongan, Yogyakarta, Batik or even we can find batik from Netherlands and China in this museum. The history of batik in Indonesia, especially Java has ever been in bad time in the middle of the 19th century with the beginnings of the westernization of fashion. UNESCO acknowledgement of batik as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009 batik got its glory again. Since then, batik has received great attention from the world community, and it make Javanese fan of batik became proud with what they had. While visiting the Museum, your coffee break will be served.

Royal Palace of Mangkunegara

Following your delightful visit, your journey continues on to the center of culture and art of Solo to visit the Royal Palace of Mangkunegara. This palace complex still functions as the residence of Sri Sunan and his royal household who still run the royal tradition until now. This palace now become a centre of culture and art in Solo city, also one of the tourist attractions in Surakarta. Some of the palace complexes are museums that store various royal collections, including the gifts of European kings, replica of the royal heirlooms and gamelan.

The Surakarta palace is one of the exotic building today. One of the palace architect is KGPH. Mangkubumi (titled Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono I) who also became the main architect of Yogyakarta Palace. Therefore, it isn't surprising that the basic patterns of the two spaces of the palace (Yogyakarta and Surakarta) have many common equations. These two palaces were not built simultaneously in 1744-1745, but were gradually constructed by the reigning Sri Sunan by maintaining the same basic pattern of spatial layout.

Lunch, Sugar Factory Museum

After touring the Royal Palace ground, then, re-joining your motor coach to proceed to the Local Restaurant (Royal Besaran) located in Tjolomadoe Sugar Factory Museum where your lunch will be served.

After lunch and as your tour draws to a close, join your Tour Guide as you stroll around and admire the historical evidence of Sugar Factory Museum, was previously a sugar factory. Built in 1861 by the principality ruler Mangkunegara IV, the factory was the world's second-largest sugar exporter after Cuba in its heyday. The museum is located in the former factory's carbonation station. Visitors can learn about the factory's history through various info-graphics, photographs and texts. The museum also has a showroom showcasing documentation of the old sugar trade's economic.

After conclusion of your memorable visit, your motor coach then brings you back directly to the pier of Semarang, commencing approximately 2-hours drive from Sugar Factory Museum Tjolomadoe.

Experience the lush, tropical beauty and history of central Java during this panoramic, full-day World Cruise Collection excursion.

Tanjung Emas, Central Java, Ambarawa Railway Station, Steam Locomotive Museum

Newly-designed especially for our valued World Cruise guests, your exclusive World Cruise Collection tour begins with a scenic, approximately one-hour drive to central Java, and a visit to the Ambarawa Railway Station and Steam Locomotives Museum. Built in 1873 on 152,489 square yards (about 127,500 square metres) of land, the Ambarawa Railway Station was named the Willem I Railway Station, since it was the Dutch King Willem I who ordered its development. Ambarawa was a military city, and, during the Dutch Colonial Government, King Willem I ordered the construction of a new railway station to enable the government to transport its troops to Semarang. Upon arrival, visit the Steam Locomotives Museum, which is set around the grounds of the old railway station.

Guided Museum Tour, Vintage Locomotives, Steam-Train-Ride, Semarang, Tuntang

Here, view a substantial collection of well-restored classic locomotives, with the oldest dating back to 1891. The museum was established in the 1970s, primarily to preserve a wide array of steam locomotives that were nearing the end of their useful lives on the 39-inch (99-centimetre) gauge railways of the Indonesian State Railway. Following your visit, take an exclusive ride aboard a steam-train through the historical sections of Semarang and lush, tropical landscape of rural central Java en route to the small village of Tuntang. Upon arrival, a brief comfort stop is made before riding back to the Ambarawa Railway Station. Leaving the Ambarawa Railway Station, re-board your coach and head to the Mesastila Resort.

Mesastila Resort, Antique Buildings, Lunch, Plantation Tour, Coffee Tasting, Snack and Souvenir

This luxurious, 5-star resort and spa incorporates an unparalleled collection of remarkable antique and enchanting buildings, including central Javanese icons. The resort keeps the traditional, local and wholesome experience intact, which accentuates the magnificent of the local environment, people and culture, and facilitates a healthy lifestyle. Upon arrival, proceed for lunch at the resort's restaurant, then take a guided walking tour of the plantation. Along the way, visit a hut in which coffee is traditionally processed. Enjoy a tasting of freshly-brewed coffee accompanied by a special snack made of roasted coffee beans and brown sugar, and receive a local coffee product as a souvenir of your visit. Your World Cruise Collection tour concludes with a 1.75-hour drive back to the pier.