THE OUDSTAD: RELIVE NOSTALGIC COLONIAL DAYS IN SEMARANG OLD TOWN/jean

Tawang Train Station (mapio.net)

Java's north-coast port of Semarang is the capital of the province of Central Java Province, a city blessed with an alluring atmosphere, bearing witness of diverse cultural heritage from those who had played their part in its precious history.
Here the Middle East and Gujarat heritage radiate strongly from the Pekojan � Kauman district, the chinese ancestors who came and settled in Semarang left some of their most oriental legacies in the alleys of Kranggan area, otherwise known today as Pecinan or Chinatown.

In another quarter, The European touch brought by the Dutch during the colonial era remains carved in the buildings at Jl. Letnan Jenderal Soeprapto Street, Tanjung Masarea in a complex known as The Oudstad or the Old Town, a Dutch colonial heritage site not unlike the area in Jakarta called the Old Batavia.

Taken from the old Dutch language, the Oudstad is sometimes referred to as 'Little Netherlands' that has been included in UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List (http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/6011/). Semarang's Old Town is recognized as one of the best preserved colonial cities with remarkable testimony of important historical timelines in history � with particular reference to economic, political and social aspects in South East Asia and the World. Established in the 18th century when Indonesia was a Dutch colony, its location is currently separated from the more modern residential districts.

At the heart of this quarter is the elegant Gereja Blenduk or Blenduk Church, meaning the Domed Church. This is the oldest Protestant church in Central Java. Surrounding Blenduk Church, are over 50 well-maintained colonial buildings in the Old Town complex, displaying distinct 18th century European architecture.

The Old Town is also popular for those looking for antiques and vintage items like old gramophones, Dutch coins, old telephones, typewriters and the like, for here is also the Antique market.

Source: hellosemarang.com

Also near here is the Tawang Train Station that stil in use until today, connecting cities along the north coast of Java, from Jakarta in the west all the way to Surabaya in the east.

Right at the heart of the complex, at the Old Town's intersection between jalan Glatik Street, Jalan Garuda Street, and the main Jalan Letjen Suprapto Street is an iconic spot frequently appearing on photographs. Rows of antique buildings in their original state decorated by 'becak' traditional trishawslining the street, perfectly portray the classic ambience of the complex.

Stepping into the Oudstad, visitors will definitely be taken back in time into a 200 years' nostalgic trip.

It all started at first with the establishment of the VOC fort that was constructed along the Semarang riverbank. The fort has five bastions, so that it is popularly known as De Vijfhoek or the Five Corners bastion. When the fortified wall was demolished in 1824, a modern commercial business area rose at the site. The Industrial Revolution also triggered acceleration in the development of the region.

Simultaneous with the opening of investments for foreign private firms, this ex-fort area became crowded with commercial activities that included the loading and unloading of goods. The site came to be dominated by office buildings, warehouses, stores, banks, and foreign consulates. Infrastructure development also received attention, such as the widening of the Semarang riverbanks, the construction of a new harbor, and establishment of a reliable transportation system for the public and for goods. Slowly but surely, the city began to expand, and along with it, further development shifted to the southern section of the city, so that the former fortress region came to be known as the Old Town or de Oudstad.

Today, Semarang Old Town has become a definite favorite stop on the tour of Semarang , especially for cruise ships calling on the port for passengers to disembark and take a tour to the magnificent Borobudur temple. The area is particularly attractive for Dutch tourists and other Europeans who seek the nostalgic past as lived by their parents and grandparents in the Far East of yore.

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Semarang hotels

6 INSTAGRAMMABLE LANDMARKS IN MEDAN/jean

Source: Infohotel.co

Medan, the capital city of North Sumatra Province, is rich in diversity of cultures. Through the centuries, thousands of merchants from China, India, the Middle East, the Malay Peninsula, Singapore and Europe have come to the city to trade and where many settled down, each bringing their own culture. The assimilation of these cultures has created a lively diverse city, as well as fascinating legacies in architecture and culinary heritage.

The city has many distinguished landmarks sculpted with meticulous details and marvelous artworks. Here, you will easily find old buildings standing right next to sleek modern constructions.

Below is a glimpse of the colorful spirit you will find in Medan�s city center:

1. The Maimoon Palace

Built by Sultan Ma�mun Al Rashid Perkasa Alamsyah in 1887-1891, the palace has a total of 30 rooms on its 2,772 sqm land. However, only one main room is open for public, which is the throne room. Its architectural style is a cultural-mix of Malay, Islamic and Moghal heritage. While its interior design takes a more Spanish-Italian ambience. Take pictures of yourself wearing traditional royal Malay Deli costume or sit on the throne of the Sultan and His Queen. The Royal collection of jewelry, antiques and gifts presented by other countries� royal leaders are also on display here. Address: Jl. Brigjen Katamso, Medan

2.Al Mashun Grand Mosque

Source:ucokmedan.com

This grand mosque is located on a busy street in Medan. The mosque was built in 1906-1909, during the reign of Sultan Ma�mun Al Rasyid Perkasa Alam of the Deli Sultanate. Surrounded by an extensive garden, the architectural style of the main building is a combination of Middle Eastern, Moghal and Spanish influence. It is built in an octagonal shape and has four wings to its south, east, north and west. The mosque was built based on the strictest orders given by the Sultan: that it should be grander than his own grand palace � the Maimoon Palace. An elegant structure with intricate details on the exterior and interior design, this is surely a place you need to visit. Address: Medan 20218, Indonesia  

3. Tjong A Fie Mansion

Source:royhanza25.blogspot.co.id

Visiting this mansion will make you feel immediately transported back in history. Every furniture and accessory in this mansion are arranged exactly as if the mansion is still inhabited by its owner. Located in downtown Medan, the building has a combination of Chinese, Malay and Art-Deco influences. The mansion continues to be well preserved among the surrounding modern structures . Tjong A Fie was a Chinese merchant who tried to find better fortune in the city that is today know as Medan. He rose to become a wealthy entrepreneur, a respected leader and philanthropist. With beautiful carvings, ornaments, antiques and artworks, this mansion was dedicated to his beloved wife. Here�s a fun fact: Tjong A Fie is among the three personalities who financed the construction of the Al Mashun Grand Mosque. Address: Jln. A. Yani 105, Medan 20111  

4. Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni

Source:parokisantopetrus.com

A magnificent structure with intricate fa�ade, The Maria Shrine at Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni is dedicated to the blessed Mother Mary. It was built in 2001-2005. You may well mistake it for a Hindu temple or perhaps a mosque because of its ornamentation and domes. Father James Barathaputra, SJ was the originator of the idea to build this one-of-a-kind Catholic Church. His vision was to make this a sanctuary for people who seek peace, solace, healing and divinity. Address: Jl. Sakura III no. 10 Tanjung Selamat, Medan, Indonesia

 5. Sri Mariamman Temple

Source:justgola.com

This temple was built in 1884 by young Tamil donors named Gurdhuara Sahib and Sami Rangga Naiher. Located at Kampung Madras area (also known as Medan�s Little India), it is the oldest Hindu temple in Medan. It was built to worship Goddess Mariamman and is devoted to the Hindu Gods Ganesha and Murugan. its architectural style was taken from Hindu temples found in South India and Sri Lanka. It is ornamented with vivid colors, statues and beautiful carvings. The temple�s prayer room is closed on Saturdays, but the courtyard is always open on any other day. Address: Jln. Teuku Umar no. 18, Medan 20112, Indonesia

6. Maha Vihara Maitreya

Source:infohotel.co

Being the largest Buddhist temple in Medan, it prides itself with the slogan of �One World One Family�. Built in 1991 on a piece of land covering 4,5 hectares, it was inaugurated in 2008. You can find huge statues around the premise, but unfortunately taking photographs of some of them is prohibited. The interior is graceful and simple, dedicated for devotees to perform silent solemn worship, following the teachings of Maitreya Buddha. The temple has also a playground for kids to play and a souvenir shop. It is strategically located in a housing complex where you can find abundant choice of delicious food and beverages to enjoy after a long day exploring the city. Address: Jl. Cemara Boulevard Utara no. 8, Kompleks Cemara Asri, Desa Sampali Percut Sei Tuan, Medan,20371

There you have it, the colorful nuances of Instagrammable architectural sights to be found in Medan. Get ready to snap them as an inseparable part of your memorable journey to North Sumatra!(Indonesia.travel)