Wali Songo 04: Cirebon - The Legacy of Sunan Gunung Jati......

"Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do..." - John Wooden

(Wayang Golek Menak puppets)

Day 04: 11 October 2025 (Saturday)
Route: Semarang - Cirebon
Hotel: Neo Samadikun Hotel, Cirebon

We started the morning with a hearty breakfast of fried rice, toast, and fluffy omelettes, accompanied by a plate of salad and fresh fruits - a satisfying meal to fuel us for the long journey ahead to Cirebon, 235 km away. Today’s schedule was free and easy, giving us one last chance to enjoy Semarang before saying goodbye.

(A hearty breakfast early in the morning)

(A simple but filling, to last till lunch time)

Semarang, the proud capital of Central Java, carries layers of history within its streets. Once a bustling Dutch colonial port, it remains a vibrant coastal city rich in culture and charm. Often called the Venice of Java, Semarang enchants visitors with its tranquil canals and elegant Dutch-era buildings that seem to whisper stories of the past.

(Tourist attractions in Semarang)

(Canals criss-crossing the town of Semarang)

(Masjid Abdul Rahman)

(The unique minaret of the mosque)

(Historical buidings in the old city)

(St. Joseph Church)

Before leaving this beautiful city, our bus made a short tour around Semarang, allowing us to soak in its character one last time. And of course, no farewell would be complete without a stop for local souvenirs. Our first stop was Kampoeng Semarang, a cheerful hub filled with the aroma of freshly made snacks. Display tables were lined with boxes of Lumpia Semarang - the city’s famous spring rolls - and stacks of Wingko Babat, sweet coconut cakes. Shelves brimmed with crackers, traditional treats, and colorful crafts. We watched fellow travelers eagerly filling their baskets with goodies, and soon we found ourselves joining in, adding a few sweet reminders of Semarang to our own bags.

(Pusat oleh-oleh Semarang)

(Varieties of Indonesian snacks)

(Completed my shopping for snacks)

Our next visit was to Masjid Agung Jawa Tengah (Great Mosque of Central Java), a stunning modern landmark completed in 2006. The mosque beautifully blends Javanese, Arabic, and Greek architectural styles, with a majestic dome, four tall minarets, and a 99-meter tower symbolizing Asmaul Husna — the 99 Names of Allah. Its spacious courtyard is graced with giant hydraulic umbrellas inspired by the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. Inside, the complex includes a convention hall, museum, and library, making it not only a place of worship but also a center for learning and tourism.

(The Great Mosque of Central Java)

(The four huge hydrolic umbrellas)

(Al-Husna Tower viewed from the mosque courtyard)

(The interior of the mosque)

We bought tickets to go up the Al Husna Tower, and from the 19th-floor observation deck, we admired the panoramic view of Semarang through the binoculars provided. The city stretched gracefully toward the horizon - a blend of old and new, sea and skyline. 

(Al-Husna Tower of Masjid Agung, Semarang)

(The 360° view from the 19th floor)

(Masjid Agung Jawa Tengah)

(Panoramic view of Semarang)

(Semarang city, the sea and the skyline)

After capturing a few photos, we descended to visit the museum on the 2nd and 3rd floors, which offered fascinating insights into the mosque’s history and Islamic culture in Java.

(Staircases connecting the two levels of the museum)

(The history and culture of Java)

(A miniature model of Masjid Agung Semarang)

(Menara Masjid Kudus replica)

(Displays of artefacts and antiquities)

(Musical instruments of Gamelan)

(Jagger & Richards - the puppets version)

Next, we stopped by Batik Benang Ratu, a well-known store offering an impressive range of batik products - from men’s and women’s clothing to accessories like bags and sandals. Browsing through the colorful fabrics and intricate patterns was a delight.

(Toko Batik Benang Ratu)

(Another sovenier shopping stop)

The shopping and walking eventually stirred our appetites, so we headed to Istana Ayam Pop Simpang Raya for lunch. The restaurant, part of a popular Padang chain, is famous for its Ayam Pop - tender fried chicken served Padang-style. Once again, we enjoyed a hearty nasi padang meal, full of rich flavors and comforting spices.

(Simpang Raya Restaurant)

(Nasi Padang dishes)

After lunch, we began our journey out of Semarang toward Cirebon, stopping for prayers at Ar Razaaq Masjid in the Rosin Rest Area, Pemalang. Continuing another 150 km along the highway, the scenery turned breathtaking - endless stretches of green paddy fields glowing softly under the golden sunset.

(Rosin Rest Area Pemalang)

(Ar-Razaaq Masjid at the R&R)

Dinner was at Resto Klapa Manis, a serene spot perched beautifully with a mountain view on one side and a valley on the other - a perfect setting to unwind after a long day on the road.

(The dark cloud and the sunset)

(Restoran Klapa Manis)

(Beautiful view of the valley)

(Variety of tasty dishes and satay kambing)

Finally, we checked into Neo Samadikun Hotel in Cirebon, fatigue had truly set in. After a quick shower, I slipped under the sheets and drifted into deep sleep — grateful, content, and ready for another day of adventure tomorrow.

(Neo Samadikun Hotel, Cirebon)