The Lawang Sewu, built by the Dutch in the early 20th century, was the head office for the Dutch East Indies Railway Company until 1942. At that point, the Japanese took over during World War II to use it as their military headquarters. Hard to miss even from afar, with its twin towers and large stained-glass windows, the colonial era building is famous in urban legend, said to be haunted. Haunting aside, the building’s name, “Lawang Sewu”, translates to “Thousand Doors”. While there aren’t actually a thousand doors, the sheer number of doors, and arcs, in addition to its 600 large windows, it certainly does feel like there are a thousand to explore.

This humungous, three-story building was the site of the bloody “Battle of Semarang”, which happened just a while after Indonesia declared her independence. Many were tortured and executed, and the Tugu Muda monument stands before the building in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the bid for freedom. Within these walls saturated with history, the atmosphere of the place is not lost on visitors, and whether you’re exploring the many rooms for that perfect Instagram shot, or hunting for ghosts, a trip to Lawang Sewu is bound to be unforgettable!