About Kendal

Kendal – Waterfalls and Fishing Villages Neighbouring Semarang

Kendal Regency lies in the northern part of Central Java province, directly west of Semarang city. The regional capital is Kendal town. Kendal offers varied landscapes from Java Sea fishing villages to southern highland waterfalls – easily accessible thanks to Semarang's proximity.

Attractions and Activities

Curug Sewu Waterfall is the Kendal highlands' most beautiful waterfall – amid lush tropical vegetation. Kaliwungu is an Islamic education and pilgrimage centre – the annual haul (religious festival) draws large crowds. Java Sea fishing villages (Rowosari, Cepiring) have traditional fishing lifestyles. Ngilimut Alam nature park is a highland relaxation spot.

Culture and Cuisine

Kendal is a traditional Central Javanese rural region: Central Javanese courtesy and religious tradition characterise it. Bandeng (milkfish) is Kendal's most famous product – bandeng presto (pressure-cooked fish) is sought across Java. Cuisine is Central Javanese: soto Kendal, bandeng presto, and wingko babat (coconut cake) are local favourites.

Public Safety

Kendal is a safe region. Traffic on the pantura highway is heavy. Drive carefully on highland roads. Medical care: Semarang (approx. 30 minutes) has excellent hospitals.

Practical Information

From Semarang Ahmad Yani Airport, approximately 30 minutes west by car. The best time to visit is April to October. Accommodation: Semarang's wider selection is recommended; simple hotels in Kendal.

About Central Java

Central Java is Indonesia's cultural heart, where the world's largest Buddhist and Hindu temples, living Javanese traditions, and volcanic highlands together create the province's appeal. If you had to choose one Indonesian province for culture and history, Central Java would be it.

Where is Central Java?

The province is located in the central part of Java island. Semarang is the capital, accessible by international flights. Yogyakarta and Solo are the other two important cities in the region.

What to See?

1. Borobudur – The World's Largest Buddhist Temple

The 9th-century Borobudur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest Buddhist monument. Watching sunrise from the temple, above volcanoes and jungle, is an unforgettable experience.

2. Prambanan Temple

The slender towers of this 9th-century Hindu temple complex are stunning architectural masterpieces. The evening Ramayana ballet performance in front of the temple is a special cultural experience.

3. Dieng Plateau

A volcanic plateau at 2,000 meters elevation with ancient Hindu temples, colorful crater lakes, and geothermal phenomena. Sunrise from Sikunir Hill is breathtaking.

4. Solo (Surakarta)

One of the centers of Javanese culture with two royal palaces (Kraton). Batik markets, traditional gamelan music, and local gastronomy provide an authentic Javanese experience.

5. Semarang – Colonial Heritage

Semarang's old town features Dutch colonial buildings, Chinese temples, and multicultural gastronomy. The Lawang Sewu building and Sam Poo Kong temple are the most famous.

When to Visit?

April–October is the dry season, ideal for temple visits and the Dieng Plateau.

How Long to Stay?

5–7 days:

1–2 days: Borobudur and surroundings
1 day: Prambanan temple
1–2 days: Solo and Javanese culture
1 day: Dieng Plateau
1 day: Semarang

Summary

Central Java is Indonesia's cultural treasure house. Borobudur and Prambanan are world-famous attractions on their own, but the traditions of the Javanese court, batik, and local cuisine complete the experience.

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