What do you get when you combine colonial architecture, WWII history, and paranormal activity? The answer is Lawang Sewu, one of the most fascinating attractions in Semarang, Indonesia. Lawang Sewu, which literally means “thousand doors” in Javanese, is a complex of four buildings that once served as the headquarters of the Dutch East Indies Railway Company. Today, it is a cultural heritage site that showcases the beauty, history, and mystery of Semarang and Indonesia.
In this article, we will explore Lawang Sewu’s features, history, and mystery, as well as some tips and tricks on how to visit and enjoy this unique landmark. Whether you are a history buff, a thrill-seeker, or a curious traveler, Lawang Sewu has something for everyone.
Lawang Sewu’s Features: A Blend of Beauty and Horror
Lawang Sewu is a masterpiece of colonial architecture, designed by Dutch architect C. Citroen in 1904. The complex consists of four buildings, each with three floors and a basement. The main building, A, is the most impressive, with its stained glass windows, marble staircase, dome, and clock tower. The other buildings, B, C, and D, are connected by corridors and bridges, creating a maze-like structure.
Inside Lawang Sewu, you can admire the elegant and majestic atmosphere, as well as the exhibits and displays that showcase the history and culture of Semarang and Indonesia. You can see antique railway equipment, old maps and photos, and dioramas of the Battle of Semarang, a historical event that took place at Lawang Sewu in 1945.
However, Lawang Sewu is not all beauty and glory. There is also a dark and eerie side to it, especially in the basement, where the Japanese used to torture and execute prisoners during WWII. The basement is said to be haunted by various ghosts and spirits, such as the headless Dutchwoman, the crying baby, the bloody bride, and the vengeful soldiers.
Lawang Sewu’s History: A Witness of War and Revolution
Lawang Sewu has witnessed many important and bloody events in the history of Semarang and Indonesia. It was built in 1904 as the headquarters of the Dutch East Indies Railway Company, which operated the railways in Java and Sumatra. It was also used as a hotel, a telegraph office, and a hospital.
During WWII, Lawang Sewu was occupied by the Japanese, who used the basement as a prison and a torture chamber. Many people died or suffered in the basement, and their blood stained the walls and floors. The basement also has a well, where the Japanese dumped the bodies of their victims.
After the war, Lawang Sewu became the scene of the Battle of Semarang, one of the most important and bloody events in the Indonesian National Revolution. The battle was fought between the Indonesian Railway Youth Force and the Japanese Military Police and Strike Force in October 1945, and lasted for five days. The Indonesians fought bravely and fiercely, but were outnumbered and outgunned by the Japanese. Thousands of people died or were injured in the battle, and Lawang Sewu was heavily damaged.
Lawang Sewu is a symbol of the colonial legacy, the national struggle, and the local identity of Semarang and Indonesia. Across the street from Lawang Sewu, there is a monument called Tugu Muda, which commemorates the heroes and martyrs of the Battle of Semarang. The monument depicts a flame, a sword, and a chain, representing the spirit, the courage, and the unity of the Indonesian people.
Lawang Sewu’s Mystery: A Hub of Paranormal Activity
Lawang Sewu is considered one of the most haunted places in Indonesia, as it is believed to be inhabited by various ghosts and spirits. Many people claim to have encountered or witnessed paranormal phenomena in Lawang Sewu, such as hearing voices, seeing apparitions, feeling cold spots, and smelling blood. Some of the most famous ghosts and spirits in Lawang Sewu are:
The headless Dutchwoman: She is said to be the ghost of a Dutch woman who committed suicide by hanging herself in the main building. She is often seen wandering around the building, looking for her head.
The crying baby: He is said to be the ghost of a baby who was born and died in the basement. He is often heard crying and screaming in the basement, especially at night.
The bloody bride: She is said to be the ghost of a woman who was killed by her husband on their wedding night in the basement. She is often seen wearing a white dress stained with blood, and holding a bouquet of flowers.
The vengeful soldiers: They are said to be the ghosts of the Indonesian and Japanese soldiers who died in the Battle of Semarang. They are often seen fighting each other, or attacking the visitors.
If you are interested in the paranormal, you can tour the basement, which is the most notorious and terrifying part of Lawang Sewu. The basement tour is available every day from 9 am to 5 pm, and costs 10,000 IDR per person. You will be guided by a staff member, who will tell you the stories and legends behind the basement. You will also be given a flashlight, a helmet, and a mask, as the basement is dark, damp, and dusty.
However, be warned that visiting Lawang Sewu, especially the basement, is not for the faint of heart. There are risks and precautions involved, and you should respect the spirits and the history of the place. Do not provoke or disturb the ghosts, do not take anything from the basement, and do not go alone or at night.
Suggestions and recommendations for your visit to Lawang Sewu
How to get to Lawang Sewu
Lawang Sewu is located in the center of Semarang, near the Tugu Muda roundabout. You can easily reach it by car, taxi, bus, or bike. The address is Jl. Pemuda No. 1, Sekayu, Kec. Semarang Tengah, Kota Semarang, Jawa Tengah 50132, Indonesia.
When to visit Lawang Sewu
Lawang Sewu is open every day from 8 am to 9 pm. The best time to visit Lawang Sewu is in the morning or afternoon, when the weather is cooler and the sunlight enhances the beauty of the stained glass windows. The worst time to visit Lawang Sewu is at night, when the place is dark and spooky, and the ghosts are more active.
What to do and see in Lawang Sewu and Semarang
Lawang Sewu is not the only attraction in Semarang. There are many other places to visit and things to do in Semarang, such as:
The Old City: This is the historical and cultural center of Semarang, where you can see the colonial buildings, museums, and monuments, such as the Gereja Blenduk, the oldest church in Central Java, and the Kota Lama Museum, which displays the history and culture of Semarang.
The Chinatown: This is the vibrant and colorful area of Semarang, where you can see the Chinese temples, markets, and festivals, such as the Sam Poo Kong Temple, the oldest Chinese temple in Semarang, and the Cap Go Meh Festival, which celebrates the end of the Chinese New Year.
The Mangrove of Maerokoco: This is the natural and ecological attraction of Semarang, where you can see the mangrove forest, the wildlife, and the sea, such as the Maerokoco Park, which offers various activities and facilities, such as boating, fishing, and camping, and the Marina Beach, which offers a scenic view of the ocean and the sunset.
The Ambarawa Railway Museum: This is the educational and recreational attraction of Semarang, where you can see the railway history and technology of Indonesia, such as the Ambarawa Railway Museum, which displays the antique locomotives, carriages, and equipment, and the Ambarawa Steam Train, which offers a nostalgic ride through the countryside.
Lawang Sewu is a unique and fascinating attraction in Semarang, Indonesia, that offers a glimpse into the past and the paranormal. It is a place where you can admire the beauty, learn the history, and experience the mystery of Semarang and Indonesia. It is a place that will leave you amazed, intrigued, and maybe even scared.
If you are looking for a place that combines beauty, history, and mystery, then Lawang Sewu is the perfect destination for you. Book your trip to Semarang today and discover the secrets and stories behind the thousand doors of Lawang Sewu.
