03 Wali Songo: Semarang - The Venice of Java...

"The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you..." - B.B. King

(A replica of a Chandi - a Welcome Signage)

Day 03: 10 Oct 2025 (Friday)
Route: Tuban - Kudus - Demak - Semarang
Hotel: Fave Hotel, Semarang

We had omelettes and Indonesian lontong for breakfast, a simple yet satisfying start to the day. By 7.30 am, we checked out and began our onward journey to Kudus.

(The early birds at the breakfast table)

(Unique modern deco for the restrooms)

The morning drive took us along the Pantura coastal road, where the glistening beaches of the Java Sea stretched endlessly beside us, their gentle waves catching the morning light. Somewhere between the breeze and the sea, we passed Tongkat Sunan Bonang, located beside the Persujudan Sunan Bonang - a revered site in Lasem, once an important centre for the spread of Islam in Java. The sacred relic stands within an orange-painted, cage-like structure on a raised concrete base, guarding a large wooden pole believed to be the mast of Sunan Bonang’s ship, a silent witness to his voyage and spiritual legacy.

(Fishing boats along the beaches)

(Sunan Bonang Walking Stick)

We travelled about 154 km, taking a smaller shortcut route to visit the Tomb of Raden Umar Said, better known as Sunan Muria (1475–1551). Sunan Muria was the son of Sunan Kalijaga. He spread Islam in the Gunung Muria district, north coast of Jepara. Sunan Muria focused on rural communities, teaching Islam through farming life and folk songs.

(Driving towards Gunung Muria)

(Long and winding road uphill)

(Serene cool atmosphere of the highlands)

Sunan Muria's tomb lies in Colo Village, Kudus Regency, nestled on the slopes of Mount Muria at an altitude of around 1,600 metres. It is said to be the most remote and challenging of all the Wali Songo tombs.

(Waiting for our ojek)

(Managed to reach the top station safely)

(Walking up the slope, passing through souvenir shops)

For the fit and determined, the pilgrimage involves a walk of more than 500 steps, a climb of about a kilometre to reach the summit. For others, like most of us in the group, motorcycle taxis (ojek) offer an alternative. The round-trip ride, though thrilling, was at times nerve-wracking, weaving along narrow, steep, and winding mountain roads. Yet, every turn revealed breathtaking scenery - the lush greenery, the scent of the highland air, and the serene charm of the Javanese countryside.

(Passing through many doors and chambers)

(Taking turn to enter the private chamber)

(No videography allowed in here)

At the top, the tomb of Sunan Muria rests peacefully amidst cool mountain breezes and panoramic views of nature’s splendour. As it was a Friday, we were blessed with the rare opportunity to enter the inner chamber of the shrine and offer our doa, a deeply humbling and spiritual moment that lingered in silence and reverence.

(Waiting for the rest to complete their visits)

(Drinking water from Sunan Muria's well)

(Riding the ojek back to the Colo base station)

After visiting Makam Sunan Muria, we stopped for lunch at a small local eatery called M’bok Tin, nestled in the cool air of the Muria highlands. Our meal was a comforting spread of tilapia masak kicap, crispy fried chicken, and ribs soup, each dish rich with homely flavours and the warmth of Javanese hospitality. Before leaving, we couldn’t resist buying a few local herbal drinks - gula kabung with ginger and gula kabung with turmeric - bottled blends said to be both soothing and invigorating. True to the online reviews, M’bok Tin lived up to its praise - delicious food, friendly smiles, and the tranquil charm of the highlands made it a memorable stop on our journey.

(A modest Kedai Makan M'bok Tin)

(Tasty dishes of fish and chicken)

We descended from the cool highlands toward Kudus, a historic town once famed as a centre of Islamic learning and now known for its fragrant kretek clove industry. As the afternoon light softened, we rode ojek motorcycles through the lively streets to the Menara Kudus Mosque, where we performed our jamak prayers. Built in 1549 by Sunan Kudus, the mosque stands as one of Java’s oldest, a graceful blend of Islamic, Javanese, and Hindu-Buddhist architecture - red-brick walls, temple-like gates, and a 17-metre minaret that holds a great beduk drum in place of a call to prayer tower.

(The Kudus Bus Terminal)

(Riding an ojek to Sunan Kudus Complex)

(Masjid Al-Aqsa Menara Kudus)

(The red brick Muazzin Tower)

(Performed our prayers at the mosque)

(The interior of Masjid Kudus)

After prayers, we visited the Tomb of Ja’far Shadiq, or Sunan Kudus (1500 -1550), within the Masjid Al-Aqsa Manarat Kudus complex. Sunan Kudus was the son-in-law of Sunan Kalijaga. The shrine, carved in fine woodwork beneath a tiered Javanese roof, exuded calm and reverence. Around it lay the graves of his followers and family, while pilgrims quietly offered prayers and recited verses. In the still air of Kudus, Sunan Kudus’s legacy lives on - a reminder of faith, tolerance, and harmony among the many cultures of Java.

(A long queue to enter the tomb area)

(A wall separating the entrance and the courtyard)

(A small door leading to the tomb area)

(Reciting the doa at the tomb of Sunan Kudus)

(Leaving the Sunan Kudus Complex on an angkot)

From Kudus, we continued our journey to Demak, a historic town often regarded as the cradle of Islam in Java. Once the heart of the Demak Sultanate, the first Islamic kingdom on the island, Demak remains rich in faith and heritage.

Our first stop in Demak was the Tomb of Raden Said, better known as Sunan Kalijaga (1450–1513), located in Kadilangu Village, about 3 km southeast of the Great Mosque of Demak. The tomb lies within a beautifully maintained complex, surrounded by the resting places of his descendants and other revered figures. The air was serene, filled with quiet devotion as visitors came to offer prayers. Sunan Kalijaga, known for his wisdom and deep understanding of local culture, spread Islam through wayang kulit (shadow puppetry), traditional art, and folklore - bridging faith with the soul of Javanese tradition. Sunan Kalijaga was a student of Sunan Bonang.

(Souvenir stalls along the path to the tomb)

(The tomb of Sunan Kalijaga)

(The door to the private chamber is closed)

(Reciting my doa at the tomb)

(Buying souvenirs on the way out)

We later visited the Great Mosque of Demak, believed to have been founded by the Wali Songo in the 15th century. Its three-tiered pyramidal roof and four grand teak pillars reflect classic Javanese architecture, symbolizing simplicity and strength. Once the spiritual and political center of the Demak Sultanate, the mosque today remains a living symbol of unity, faith, and the enduring legacy of early Islam in Java. We performed our jamak prayers here.

(The 3-tiered Masjid Agung Demak)

(The Great Mosque of Demak)

(The four historical pillars)

(The Imam's changing room)

(The mimbar of Masjid Demak)

( The beduk and kentung of Masjid Demak)

(Museum Masjid Agung Demak)

From Demak, we travelled about 35 km to Semarang, with a dinner stop at Kedai Makan Sambel Sawah in Grogol. The restaurant, whose name means “chili sauce of the rice field,” captures the warmth of traditional Javanese countryside dining, surrounded by a rustic, rice-paddy ambience. Their specialties include fried chicken, fish, duck, and seafood - all served with a variety of fiery sambals. Ours were unforgettably hot!

(Welcome to Resto Sambel Sawah)

(A beautiful Floating Restaurant by the paddy field)

(Varieties of flavourful dishes)

(Tasty food and good companions)

After dinner, we continued our journey towards Semarang. Exhaustion finally caught up with me, I dozed off in the bus, lulled by the rhythm of the undulating road. We arrived late at night and checked into the Fave Hotel, grateful for a warm shower and a well-deserved rest.

(Fave Hotel, Semarang)

👈 02 Wali Songo: Tuban - The Land of Ronggolawe Majapahit...

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

04 Wali Songo: 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 Dutch 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 souvenir 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)

👈 03 Wali Songo: Semarang - The Venice of Java...

05 Wali Songo: Jakarta - Skyscrapers and Colonial Landmarks... 👉