A painted slope
Rainbow houses.
A hillside residential neighbourhood behind the flower market in central Semarang, whose stepped houses were all painted in rainbow colours in 2017 as part of a city project to brighten working-class districts, turning it from a neglected quarter into a well-known sight for photographers and families. You climb narrow lanes and steps between houses painted red, yellow, blue and green, with cheerful murals and colourful fish, looking down from the top over the whole slope and a small river at its foot. Residents sell drinks and snacks to visitors. Entry is free or a token donation to the residents. It is a lived-in neighbourhood, so respect people's privacy. Half an hour is enough, and it lies near Lawang Sewu and Tugu Muda, so it fits a city-centre tour. Mornings are best for the colours.
Rainbow houses.
Fish and motifs.
Easy to fit in.
Wonosari, Randusari, central Semarang
Lawang Sewu (Thousand Doors)Semarang's best-known landmark, a huge colonial building from the early twentiet7 minutes walk
Sam Poo Kong Temple ComplexA large Chinese temple complex honouring the Muslim admiral Cheng Ho, who, the s17 minutes walk
Simpang Lima SquareSemarang's central square, a broad lawn where five main roads meet, hence its na20 minutes walkAs a short photo stop near Lawang Sewu, yes; as a destination on its own it is small. Visitors to Jodipan in Malang will find it similar.