City to City Road Trip Ideas – The pandemic has shaped not just our daily lives but how we travel and enjoy our leisure time. A staycation is an option for most people, and domestic destinations have become very popular. This shows how people can always find better alternatives despite the unfortunate situation happening around them.
Another plan B that most of us can do is a road trip with our family or friends since it might not feel safe yet to travel by public transportations. And no one can guarantee that public places are free from the crowd. Hence, road tripping is the best way for us to escape from reality for a while.
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A Road Trip from Semarang to These Five Inescapable Cities!
From Sabang to Merauke, Indonesia has countless scenic drives across the country and a road trip is the best lifetime decision that you can make. Today, we are here to take you from Semarang to these five inescapable cities and collated a city to city road trip ideas for you!
1. Kudus
Just an hour and a half drive from Semarang, you can ride your four-wheeler to Kudus; a city well-known for its Kretek cigarette production and city that offers numerous interesting tourist attractions and delicate food that you must try.
Originally derived from the word al-Quds – the Arabic name for Jerusalem, Kudus itself was founded by Sunan Kudus during the 16th century and home to history. Despite its strong Muslim identity, Kudus remains links with Hinduism and its culture.
Where to go: Menara Kudus
Menara Kudus or the Holy Water is a religious symbol of the Kudus city. Situated in the area of Al-Aqsa Mosque and has been standing there since the Majapahit Kingdom, the Kudus Tower is as unique as the picture you see above.
It is built in red bricks and resembles the classic Hindu temple architecture of Majapahit. It looks elegant and mesmerizing at night, as the lights shine upon the tower so you can see how golden it looks.
What to eat: Soto Kudus
A visit to Kudus is incomplete without tasting its signature dish, Soto Kudus! Soto is varied, and its varieties are found in many different regions throughout Indonesia, and Kudus is one of them. Soto for short, is a traditional soup made with different types of meat and vegetables.
What makes Soto Kudus special and unique is that it is served with buffalo meat other than the usual chicken meat that you can find in Jakarta and its surrounding. The well-cooked buffalo meat is cut into pieces and smeared on top of the noodles. Then you can add soy sauce or sambal to it.
Where to stay: @HOM Hotel by Horison, Kudus
Looking for your accommodation in Kudus? Don’t worry, as we are here to help you through it.
@HOM Hotel Kudus by Horison Group is by far the best one that you can find in town. Looking luxurious from the front, Home Hotel Kudus indeed serves you that luxury look until your bedroom. You will also be served with mouth-watering Indonesian dishes each morning during your stay.
Dominated with the touch of red, the interior looks satisfyingly impressive and well-designed. Here, you will be treated just like Kings and Queens with excellent services and facilities. It is also situated just 10 minutes away from the iconic Museum Kretek.
Price: starts from 261.099 IDR / room / night*
Address: Jalan Tanjung No. 14- 16, Kramat, Kudus, Kudus Regency, Central Java 59312
Facilities: Karaoke, Restaurant, 24-Hour Front Desk
Book your room at @ HOM Hotel Kudus by Horison Group only at tiket.com!
2. Rembang
Rembang, ever heard of this city? Pretty sure that most of you haven’t. To be exact, it is located in the extreme northeast coast of Central Java Province. If you haven’t visited Rembang, then it is time for you to take a once in a lifetime decision and just go for it 😉
Rembang, a city well known as Raden Adjeng Kartini’s – a prominent Indonesian national hero – final resting place, little do you know is a home to many tourist attractions that you can visit. With approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes drive from Semarang, a visit to Rembang is something that you need to experience yourself, t-mates.
Where to go: Dampo Awang Beach
Situated in the heart of Rembang, Dampo Awang Beach has been into anyone’s itinerary who has visited Rembang and you should too! With just a 10.000 IDR ticket you can already have fun in the recreational park and the pristine beach.
While waiting for that perfect time to watch the mesmerizing sunset, you can enjoy your spare time at the mini zoo, even ride the flying fox at the park. Experience that nostalgic feeling; that perhaps Kartini was once there enjoying the view of the picture perfect sunset too, just like you.
What to eat: Serepeh Satay
Besides the historic destinations, Rembang’s culinary experience is something that you cannot miss! Chicken satay with peanut sauce or soy sauce? That is something that you can basically find everywhere, but Serepeh Satay? Yes, it’s something that you can only find in Rembang.
Uniquely different from other satay, the sauce of Serepeh is made from coconut milk with its own kind yellowish red color. The taste is sweet yet spicy gives you a bit of its savory taste to the tongue.
Where to stay: Favehotel, Rembang
A hotel with an ocean view in Rembang? Say no more, Favehotel Rembang gives you all. This modern-looking hotel gives you a touch of elegant red in every bit of its corner; from the lobby to your bed. Luxury is something that you don’t need to ask here, t-mates. A must stay hotel to put on your City to City Road Trip Destinations Ideas!
Based on our research, it is the only hotel in Rembang that offers you an ocean view from your window. Situated in the heart of Rembang, it is strategically located to the nearest local restaurants and local food shops.
Want to have some great time in the evening? Jump into the pool and order your favorite cocktail or relax yourself in the spa!
Price: strats from 331.100 IDR* / room / night
Address: Rembang, Pandean, Rembang, Rembang Regency, Central Java 59211
Facilities: WiFi, Spa, Swimming Pool, 24-Hour Front Desk, Restaurant
3. Madiun
Two hours and a half drive from Semarang, our next city to visit is Madiun, a city located in the western part of East Java. Once a strategic area during the Mataram Sultanate era, Madiun nowadays is known as Kota Gadis or Gadis city, which is an abbreviation of perdagangan (trade), pendidikan (education), and industri (industry).
More than that, Madiun is a home to some exotic destinations that you should consider to visit, t-mates. There are amazing tourist attractions that will make you forget your way home.
Where to go: Kedung Malam Waterfall
As beautiful as it is, the icon of Madiun, Kedung Malam Waterfall is located at the foot of Mount Wilis. It is no doubt a place of big breath-taking pictures of natural beauty. The place itself is surrounded by villages and fruit gardens, where you can ask for an apple or two!
There are two waterfalls that will awe you, where both are facing directly toward each other. The essential part of the panorama are of course the waterfalls, with frothing white-waters thundering as they fall from the surrounding cliffs.
What to eat: Pecel Madiun
Different from the usual one that you eat, Madiun’s pecel is quite distinct because of these two elements: Kembang Turi (Sesbania Graniflora’s flower) and Lempeng (Madiun’s signature cracker). Madiun’s pecel is presented on a pincuk (a plate made from banana leaf) and eaten with bare hands.
Where to stay: Amaris Hotel, Madiun
Looking grand from the outside, Amaris Hotel, Madiun offers you more than a comfortable stay, t-mates. Being in such a strategic spot, Amaris Hotel, Madiun is just a stone’s throw away from Madiun City Square.
The first thing you’ll notice upon entering your room would be how spacious it is, and how cozy it is. Especially with the bustling Madiun city view outside. Before you know, there is a plushy king-sized bed waiting for you.
You’d find no frills at this hotel, as it is well-maintained and offers you all the comfort you need for your stay.
Price: starts from 392.413 IDR* / room / night
Address: Jl. Kalimantan 34-30, Kartoharjo, Kartoharjo, Madiun, East Java 63117
Facilities: Wi-Fi, Parking, Restaurant, 24-Hours Front Dest
4. Gresik
Gresik! Another city on our list that is filled with tourity attractions that you cannot miss! A road trip from Semarang would be so much worth it, if you put Gresik in one of your city to city road trip destinations ideas.
Where to go: Bawean Islands
Who would’ve thought that Gresik has its own Gili? Yes! For those of you who want to see the blue of the sea and beauty of the underwater life in East Java, then Bawean Islands should be on your itinerary.
You don’t have to fly so far all the way to Gili Trawangan, West Nusa Tenggara if you have your nearest Gili near Gresik. You will be spoiled with crystal clear water and pristine beaches. Immerse yourself in that summer feeling and ambience!
What to eat: Jubung
Jubung, a signature snack from Gresik is one of the best snacks that you should try upon your arrival at Gresik! As simple as it seems this snack is mainly made from black sticky rice.
When it is cooked, it is then wrapped in a betel nut tree bark. It is sweet with a soft texture. No wonder that this popular Gresik snack has been loved by many, even the tourists!
Where to stay: Aston Inn, Gresik
Located strategically in the heart of Gresik, Aston Inn is connected with Gressmal shopping center and offers you a modern concept as well as excellent service and facilities.
Aston Inn Gresik will undoubtedly spoil you with luxury in every corner. Every room is elegantly designed with delicate colors and interior. Enjoy a refreshing morning or evening swim at its outdoor rooftop swimming pool overlooking the city!
Price: starts from 470.012 IDR* / room / night
Address: Jl. Sumatra, Setingi, Randuagung, Kebomas, Gresik Regency, East Java 61121
Facilities: Wi-Fi, Swimming Pool. Spa. Restaurant
5. Malang
Malang! A city that has its own charm both to the locals and the tourists. A destination that is definitely worth exploring, with the beautiful scenery to the amazing food that a city can offer, Malang indeed has it all.
You might be familiar with the tropical paradise of Bali, but the East Javan city of Malang offers you unmissable activities you may not expect and things that you surely cannot be missed! From Malang’s exotic Beach to amusement parks to magnificent waterfalls.
Where to go: Kampung Warna-Warni, Jodipan (Colorful Rainbow Village, Jodipan)
Somewhere in Malang, lies the most colorful village you will ever see! Every single house in Jodipan has a different shade of color, this place even looks gorgeous from above! Once a slum, today, Jodipan is a picturesque neighborhood that has instagrammable spots everywhere!
What to eat: Cwi Mie
The local must-eat food of Malang is Cwi Mie. Not so different from its buddy Mie Ayam (Chicken Noodle), Cwi Mie is a bowl of noodles, lettuce, fried or boiled wontons, beef balls, and chicken sprinkles on top. A delicious one for sure!
Where to stay: De Boutique Style Hotel, Malang
It is another strategically located hotel for you, t-mates. De Boutique Style Hotel’s coziness will leave you with good memories, as there nothing here will make you complain during your stay. The excellent staff will ensure you that you will have everything you need during your stay.
With its minimalist and modern design, it is such a pleasant place to be.
Start Your Memorable Journey with tiket.com’s City to City
See, now you know that there are many City to City road trip destinations ideas that you can reach from Semarang by using tiket.com’s City to City feature! By keeping our price transparent, we are hopeful that you will feel no worries when it comes to renting a car with us 😉
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