Sam Poo Kong Temple- A Journey Through History and Harmony in Semarang
Indonesia is a beautiful archipelago rich in culture and history.
Today, we head back to Central Java to see a historical building with magnificent architecture.
This building is a very historic temple and has a very high value for the people of Semarang because in this temple there is a crossing of Javanese-Chinese and Islamic cultures.
This shows that this city, in the past, was very multi-cultural.
The historic temple is the Sam Poo Kong Temple.
What is The Sam Poo Kong?
Sam Poo Kong Temple, also known as Gedung Batu Temple, is the oldest Chinese temple in Semarang, the capital of Central Java province.
The building covers an area of 1,020 square meters and is influenced by 14th-century Chinese and Javanese architectural styles.
The temple is painted in a magnificent red color and crowned with a three-layered pagoda roof, typical of East Asian culture.
The foundation of the temple was first built by Admiral Cheng He, a Muslim explorer from Mainland China. After some time, Cheng Ho left Java, but many of his crew decided to stay and settle in the area.
They married locals, and to this day, Simongan is inhabited by Chinese descendants. In 1704, the original temple and cave collapsed due to a landslide.
The local community rebuilt it 20 years later in a different location, closer to the city center and further away from areas that were prone to decay by natural elements.
It serves both as a place of worship, and a shrine honoring Cheng He for his services to the community.
The Blends of Faiths and Cultures
The story begins with the sailing of a Muslim admiral named Cheng He, an officer from the Hui ethnic group.
The Hui people themselves is one of the ethnic groups in China, which is predominantly Muslim.
It is said that in the early 15th century, Zheng He’s fleet anchored in Semarang because the helmsman of the ship, Wang Jing Hong, was very sick.
They are searching for treatment and refuge. They’ve found a sacred cave on a hillside. It was believed to have the power to cure illnesses.
Inside the cave, prayers were offered for Wang’s recovery, which marked the founding of Sam Poo Kong Temple. The cave is also known as the Three Protectors.
The term Three Protectors is a Buddhist doctrine, that states to take refuge in the Triratna (Sanskrit) or Tiratana (Pali) of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.
If you visit this temple, you will see several places that show the harmonious blend of cultures in the place, namely Chinese architecture–Javanese culture, and Islam.
The main temple, dedicated to Sam Poo Kong (the Three Precious Protectors), embodies the Chinese architectural tradition.
You can see the bright red walls, ornate carvings depicting dragons and phoenixes, and the magnificent three-tiered pagoda roof.
However, if you look closely, you’ll find subtle Javanese influences in the temple’s layout and intricate ornaments.
This beautiful blend is a testament to centuries of interaction between the Chinese and Javanese communities.
And that’s why, to this day, Semarang has always made it to the list of the most tolerant cities in Indonesia.
If you need informations related to your trip, such as accommodations, transportations or flights during your time in Semarang, just click here
Exploring the Complex
As you enter and step through the majestic red gates, there is a sense of calm that comes over you.
Gardens filled with trees and plants and koi ponds create a serene atmosphere, inviting visitors to pause and take in the beauty of their surroundings.
Sam Poo Kong is a large-area temple with five different shrines, each dedicated to a different deity.
1. Sam Poo Kong Temple
The centerpiece of the complex, this temple honors the Three Precious Protectors – Buddha, Dharma (teachings), and Sangha (monastic community).
Inside, ornate altars adorned with incense burners and offerings create a spiritual ambiance. Take a moment to admire the intricate carvings and calligraphic inscriptions that adorn the walls.
2. Kelenteng Kyai Juru MudiJa
It called Kyai Juru Mudi because this figure is Wang Jing Hong himself, so the Javanese call him Juru Mudi or driver.
Kyai Juru Mudi was also a Muslim follower of Admiral Cheng He, so he is also buried in the Sam Poo Kong temple.
He died at the age of 85, During his lifetime, he did not return to China but lived and mingled with the local people.
3. Kyai Cundrik Bumi Temple
Kyai Cundrik Bumi is not the name of a character or person but is a storage place for Sam Poo Kong’s relics, which later became a place of worship.
4. Kyai Jangkar Temple
Dedicated to the spirit of the anchor (“Jangkar” translates to anchor in Indonesian), this temple pays homage to the seafaring history of Semarang and the significance of Admiral Zheng He’s voyages.
5. Tho Tee Kong Temple
Dedicated to the God of the Earth, this temple reflects a more subdued elegance. Its serene ambiance invites visitors to pause and reflect.
How to Get There
Sam Poo Kong Temple, or Kelenteng Gedung Batu, is located on Jalan Simongan No. 129, Bongsari, West Semarang, Central Java.
The distance is about 4.1 km or 12 minutes, from Semarang city center, precisely Simpang Lima.
The temple is strategically located, making it easy for travelers to access by private vehicle.
Two route options are available, namely via Jalan Semarang-Surakarta or via Jalan Pahlawan towards the Central Java Police.
To reach it, from Simpang Lima, take Jalan Semarang-Surakarta and turn right onto Jalan Veteran.
Following the road, pass the T-junction until you reach Jalan Kaligarang,
turn left and continue until you pass the Kaligarang Bridge.
After that, turn left again and you will arrive at Sam Poo Kong Temple.
or you can use online transport such as Gojek, Grab, or Maxim, which will make it easier for you
but if you have a plan to stay for a long period in Semarang, it’s better if you rent a motorbike
Ticket Prices and Operating Hours of Sam Poo Kong Temple
The entrance ticket fee is very affordable, at IDR 5,000 for children and IDR 7,000 for adults on weekdays.
On weekends, the ticket price increases to IDR 8,000 for children and IDR 10,000 for adults.
The price only covers the entrance ticket, while it costs an additional Rp 28,000 for adults and Rp 15,000 for children. if you want to enter the prayer room,
The temple’s operating hours are from 09:00 to 18:00 on Monday to Friday, and from 08:00 to 20:00 on weekends.
Although the temple is open all day, it’s recommended to visit at 10 am, 2 pm, and 5 pm to enjoy a quieter atmosphere.
If you need informations related to your trip such as accommodations, transportations or flight, click here
Leave a Reply