Sam Poo Kong Temple Attraction & Entrance Fee

Cheng Ho is a Chinese admiral who commands expeditions to Southeast Asia, South Asia, and East Africa during the 15th century. In 1416, he stops in north Java, in a city nowadays known as Semarang. And Sam Poo Kong Temple is built to commemorate his arrival.

The temple’s architecture adopts elements from Chinese, Javanese, and Islamic cultures. Centuries later, the temple is not only the legacy the admiral left behind. He also left another thing: a harmonious community of different cultures. After Cheng Ho left the island, some of his crews remained.

The crews never left Semarang, adapt to local customs, and married local women. Their descendants maintain both Chinese and local culture alive. The mixture of cultures nowadays is still here and exist for centuries.

Although Cheng Ho himself is a Muslim. Sam Poo Kong is a temple of Tridharma (Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism). Pilgrims coming to this temple aren’t limited to Tridharma only. Some Muslims, particularly a traditional branch of Islam called Islam Kejawen, also go to this temple regularly to pray and seek blessings.

Sam Poo Kong Temple Architecture

Learn how different cultures can blend beautifully by examining Sam Poo Kong’s architecture and design. Chinese, Javanese, and Islamic cultures form one architectural masterpiece. It also goes more than that.

Sam Poo Kong is also a representation of a centuries-long peaceful cohabitation between 3 different cultures in the city community. First, the temple takes a Javanese Joglo form. A non-walled square room design supports by four or more pillars. Second, the Chinese influence is also so obvious. Such as with the dragons, hong birds, and ornaments adorning the building.

And last, Sam Poo Kong itself faces northwest, toward the direction of Mecca. Just like every Islamic mosque in the world.

Walk around the temple and get drowned in the color of red. In that case, the Chinese color of good luck. In total, there are five temples in Sam Poo Kong Temple. The main temple and also the oldest one is Sam Poo Kong. The other four are Kyai Juru Mudi Temple, Kyai Jangkar Temple.

The rest is Kyai Cundrik Bumi and Mbah Kyai Tumpeng temple. Notice how their names are Javanese names rather than Chinese. The culture’s blend apparently doesn’t stop at its architecture only.

Sam Poo Kong Carvings On Cheng Ho’s Expedition

Learn more about the Admiral Cheng Ho expedition on stone murals that are beautifully carved on the temple’s wall. To point out, the relief was just added during the renovation in 2005. There are ten parts to learn from with each depicting a chapter of the admiral’s adventure in Indonesia. At the bottom of the reliefs, there are inscriptions written in 3 languages: English, Chinese and Indonesian language.

Take inspiration from how his voyage is nothing but a peaceful trade mission. Cheng Ho’s voyage was not about conquering new land or expanding power. It is about seeking friendship and cultural exchange.

Then, learn about one of his crew that never left, Ong Keng Hong. Obviously, his story is the second interesting story after the expedition. The explorer then becomes a respected member of society during the 15th century in Semarang. In fact, Ong Keng Hong plays a huge part in society mainly by introducing his culture to Javanese society at that time.

Rent Costume And Pose Like Admiral

At only Rp80.000, temple guests could rent beautiful Chinese traditional clothes. The Chinese costumes come in colorful colors with floral or dragon patterns. Pose around the temple feeling like Chinese royalty.

The rent comes with a photographer too. Which is convenient without the hassle to take a selfie. A tip, pick the ultimate costume: the Cheng Ho costume. It is a replica of what the admiral wears on his statue in front of the temple.

Multicultural Vibes at Temple Festivals

Sam Poo Kong Temple host many festival and ceremonies throughout the year. Cheng Ho Festival is held between June to August each year. At this time it is the anniversary of Cheng Ho’s arrival in Semarang. Come during this time to see the statues of Cheng Ho and his crews Ong Keng Hong, Lauw In, and Thio Ke, march around the city.

Apart from the parade, there will be art performances, games, and cultural talk shows. Chinese New Year is another joyful celebration. Enjoy the lion dance performance “Barongsai” during the new lunar year festival here.

Sam Poo Kong festivals are often multicultural and cross-religion. They also host festivals during Muslim Holiday “Eid al Fitr”. Likewise, there will be art performances from Chinese and Indonesian cultures, as well as a culinary bazaar.

Sam Poo Kong Temple Opening Hours

Sam Poo Kong Temple opens every day, all year round, from 8 AM to 8 PM. The square area can be scorching at noon. That is to say, the best time to visit the temple is to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

See: Lawang Sewu Dark History, Museum & Tickets.

Sam Poo Kong Temple Entrance Fee

There are 3 kinds of tickets, the regular ticket allowed guests to access the square yard and Cheng Ho statue. The pass ticket includes access to the entire temple area including the praying zone. The regular ticket is Rp10.000 and the pass ticket is Rp30.000 on weekdays.

See: Gedong Songo Temple, Hot Spring & Ticket.

Facilities

Sam Poo Kong provides a huge parking area for visitors. Basic facilities include toilets, an information center, a nursery room, disable friendly access. Visitors don’t have to worry about finding food and drinks because there’s a food court inside the temple premises. There are also souvenir shops for souvenir hunting.

See: Guide To Explore Dieng Plateau, Temples & Volcano Crater.

How To Get To Sam Poo Kong Temple

Sam Poo Kong Temple is situated at Simongan Road No.129, Bongsari, West Semarang. Its location is in the city center and only 8 KM from Ahmad Yani International Airport. To get there, visitors can use a taxi, a rented car, or a rented bus. Visitors coming from Tawang Railway Station can use the bus service Trans Semarang route K2, the fare is Rp3.500.

See: Prepaid SIM Card for Tourists, Registration, Price & Providers.

Address & Location

The temple is located in Jl. Simongan No.129, Bongsari, West Semarang 50148.