10 Top Things to Do in Ambarawa (History and Nature)

Ambarawa, which is a small town near Semarang, is famous in the history of Indonesian independence. In addition to historical places, Ambarawa also has a stunning natural beauty because of its location surrounded by mountains. Let’s find out the top things to do in Ambarawa Central Java Indonesia ..!

1. Visiting Ambarawa Railway Museum

Ambarawa Railway Museum keeps the vast collection of old locomotives that once prevailed in its day. In addition, at the Ambarawa Railway Museum can also be found other items related to the activities at the station, such as ticketing machines, ancient calculators to train wheels.

The museum also offers Ambarawa Railway Mountain Tour. With an ancient diesel train or steam train, visitors will be invited to see the scenery along the route Ambarawa – Bedono or Ambarawa – Tuntang.

How to Get There

Ambarawa Railway Museum is located at Stasiun Street, Panjang, Ambarawa. Opening hours is 8 am – 4 pm. The admission is Rp 10,000. Another unique museum is Camera House which stores various types of cameras from various times. Visiting Camera House is one of things to do in Magelang.

2. Visiting Maria Cave

The Maria Cave was built in 1954 at the initiative of a Dutch nobleman who presents his land as the site of the founding of the Maria Cave. The cave is always crowded with tourists from various regions and religions.

In addition to spiritual tours, visitors can enjoy the beautiful garden around the Maria Cave. Visitors are also allowed to bring the water home from a spring that is believed to have blessings.

How to Get There

Maria Cave is located at Tentara Pelajar Street, Kerep, Ambarawa. It’s free entry and open 24 hours.

3. Visiting Palagan Ambarawa Monument

Palagan Ambarawa Monument was built to commemorate the battle that took place in Ambarawa on December 1945 between the Allied forces and the Indonesian troops. Palagan Ambarawa Monument was inaugurated by President Soeharto on December 15, 1974.

At the bottom of the monument there is a relief depicting the battle that occurred in Ambarawa. In addition there is also a museum that stores various war relics such as tanks, cars, cannon, aircraft and machine guns.

How to Get There

Palagan Ambarawa Monument is located at Mgr. Sugiyopranoto, Panjang, Ambarawa. The admission is Rp 5,000. Opening hours is 8 am – 4 pm. Palagan Ambarawa Monument is as important as National Monument (Monas). Once in a lifetime you have to visit Monas. There are lots of things to do near Monas.

4. Visiting Fort Willem I

Fort Willem I was founded during the reign of Colonel Hoorn in 1834. This still-standing fortress has many instagramable spots so it is often visited by photography enthusiasts.

Currently Fort Willem I is used as civil and military prisons. Therefore visitors must obey the rules and be polite.

How to Get There

Fort Willem I is located in Lodoyong, Ambarawa. Opening hours is 8 am – 4pm. You need to ask the officer permission to enter. If you are a history buff, you should also visit Fort Rotterdam in Makassar. Go there and you will have plenty of things to do in Makassar.

5. Visiting Gedong Songo Temple

Gedong Songo Temple, which is estimated to be built in the 9th century, is situated on the slopes of Mount Ungaran with an altitude of about 1,200 meters above sea level. This temple complex has 9 temple buildings scattered in several areas.

The location between one temple with the other is not adjacent so it takes extra energy to see the whole temples. Nevertheless, the cool mountain air and scenic beauty will pamper visitors along the way.

How to Get There

Gedong Songo Temple is located in Bandungan, about 15 km from downtown Ambarawa. The admission is Rp 6,000 for domestic tourists and Rp 50,000 for foreign tourists. Opening hour is 7 am – 5 pm. Gedong Songo Temple is not the only temple in Central Java. You can also visit Arjuna Temple which is one of must things to do in Wonosobo.

6. Visiting Lake Rawa Pening

Lake Rawa Pening is a popular tourist attraction in Ambarawa. The lake has an area of 2,670 hectares and is located at the foot of Mount Merbabu, Mount Ungaran, and Mount Telomoyo.

Here visitors can breathe fresh air typical of the mountains, enjoy beautiful scenery of rural nature and see the activities of fishermen. In addition, visitors can also fish or ride a boat around the lake.

How to Get There

Lake Rawa Pening is located in Ambarawa Circle Road, Km 3. The admission is Rp 2,500. Opening hours is 9 am – 5 pm.

7. Visiting Bukit Cinta

Bukit Cinta is on the shores of Lake Rawa Pening, in its southwestern part. Bukit Cinta is the perfect place to relax while enjoying the beauty of Lake Rawa Pening.

Bukit Cinta is filled with large trees that provide a shady atmosphere. This place is also a favorite for young couples to spend time.

How to Get There

Bukit Cinta is located in Banyu Biru, Ambarawa. The admission is Rp 6,000 on weekdays and Rp 7,500 on weekend. Opening hours is 9 am – 5 pm.

More top things to do in Ambarawa Central Java Indonesia

8. Visiting Kampung Rawa

Kampung Rawa is mostly situated above Lake Rawa Pening. In addition to restaurant, you can enjoy various kinds of water rides such as fishing ponds, water bikes, rowing boats and speed boats.

While enjoying the delights of cuisine served in the restaurant, you can see the beauty of Lake Rawa Pening. In addition there is also a souvenir shop that sells handicrafts made by local residents.

How to Get There

Kampung Rawa is located in Sarbini Street, Ambarawa. The admission is Rp 5,000 for cars and Rp 2,000 for motorcycles. Opening hours is 8 am – 7 pm.

9. Visiting Eling Bening

Eling Bening is a rising tourist attraction in Ambarawa. The main attraction of this place is the cool air, the breathtaking scenery of Lake Rawa Pening and the charm of the rows of mountains that surround Ambarawa.

Eling Bening provides a variety of facilities such as restaurant, swimming pool, meeting room, outbound and camping ground. In addition it also has archery area, children play ground, hill tracking area, stage ceremonial and flying fox

How to Get There

Eling Bening is located at Sarjono Street, Bawen, Ambarawa. The admission is Rp 15,000. Opening hours is 8 am – 6 pm.

10. Visiting Celosia Flower Garden

Celosia Flower Garden is a popular place among youngsters. The instagenic colorful flower will fascinate and spoil your eyes.

The favorite spots in Celosia Flower Garden are famous landmarks such as Singapore’s Merlion, France’s Eiffel Tower and Netherland’s Windmill. There are also a miniature of mushroom house, hobbit house and a sign of love.

How to Get There

Celosia Flower Garden is located in Gedong Songo, Bandungan, about 15 km from downtown Ambarawa. The admission is Rp 10,000. Opening hours is 9 am – 5 pm.

Well friends, surely you have lots of top things to do in Ambarawa. Do not procrastinate, let’s visit Ambarawa Central Java Indonesia..!