Indonesia (Post Covid-19 Overseas Visit No 4 - My 16 days in Surabaya, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Malang, Batu & Probolinggo) Day 4 May 16 2023 Semarang, Java

Pasar Turi Train Station, Surabaya, Java

Tawang Train Station, Semarang, Java

Day 4 May 16 2023 Semarang, Java - a short visit to the iconic Hotel Majapahit (Hotel Oranje) in Jalan Tujuagan, Surabaya prior to taking a train from Surabaya > Semarang (13.20 > 17.35). 

Surabaya > Semarang, Java (279km)

1) Woke up early & enjoy a complimentary breakfast (Indonesia-style) together with my travel buddy, Thompson, in Varna Culture Hotel, Surabaya, Java, my 3rd free breakfast in the hotel & a good exposure to eating Indonesian style food & taste ! 

2) Hotel Majapahit (Hotel Oranje), Surabaya, Java - located a few doors from our hotel (Varna Culture Hotel) I stayed, originally built in 1910 by the famous Sarkies brothers, a classic landmark institution (probably in the same league with that of Raffles Hotel in Singapore and E & O Hotel in Penang, Malaysia) filled with national pride, where history blends with romance & elegance, its graceful colonial architecture with immaculate landscaped gardens, combined with modern facilities & its famous Spa makes the Majapahit a preferred choice for the most discerning travellers ! Indicative room tariff for a classic room (2 single beds) in June 2023 (weekday) is Rm370 (US$82) inclusive of tax. 

3) Surabaya Pasar Turi Train Station, Java - my 1st train ride from Surabaya Pasar Turi > Semarang Tawang (13.20 > 17.35), economy seat 99,750Rp = Rm30.70, air-conditioned & non reclining seats.  

Train's Canteen

Economy Seats - Non Reclining 

4) Countryside scenery as viewed from the train's windows, vast tracts of golden yellow & green looking paddy fields & farmlands greeting you for this Surabaya > Semarang rail route - no dull moments at all ! 

5) Arriving in Semarang Tawang train station (17.35) after a 4 hours train ride from Surabaya, just take note that around this hour ie 18.00, the sky has turned dark so not much of sightseeing you could do during this period ! 

6) Took a Grab (13,000Rp = Rm4) from a nearby hotel in Semarang Tawang train station for our hotel check in - Votel Krakotoa Semarang, room tariff 236,345Rp = Rm72 (2 single beds)

7) My two consecutive dinners in Waroeng Steak & Shake Restaurant (a fast food chain) nearby our hotel in downtown Semarang - ordered a hot plate of dori sambal korek 26,000Rp = Rm8, hot, spicy & appetising !