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Selinsgrove

Selinsgrove is a small town in Snyder County, Pennsylvania.

Understand

 * Susquehanna Valley Visitor’s Bureau +1-800-525-7320

Get in
The town lies approximately 45 minutes north of Harrisburg, PA and one hour south of Williamsport, PA. Located in the central part of the state, Selinsgrove is approximately 3½ hours from Philadelphia, three hours from New York, 3 hours from Washington-Baltimore and 4 hours from Pittsburgh.

By plane

 * Harrisburg International Airport Harrisburg International Airport is about 64 miles and 1 hour and 15 minutes from Shamokin Dam. Harrisburg International is served by seven major airlines which provide nonstop daily service to 12 domestic and 1 international destination. Several major rental car companies have a presence at the airport complex. Parking for the physically disabled is in all three parking lots. Special handicap accessible buses are available 24 hours a day for those parking in the SmartPark, long-term lot. Restrooms throughout the terminal are handicap accessible. In addition, there are five private unisex companion-care restrooms in the terminal building. A TDD/TTY phone is available to contact hotel shuttle and off-site rental car providers in the baggage claim area of the terminal building. For more information on any of these services, contact Customer Information Desk at  between 7AM and 11PM.
 * The University Park Airport is just outside State College. Served by United Airlines, Delta, and American. There is car rental service on site. Secure parking is provided.
 * Wilkes-Barre - Scranton International Airport in Northeastern Pennsylvania. It is about two hours northeast of Shamokin Dam and is served by many major airlines and all major rental car companies.
 * Wilkes-Barre - Scranton International Airport in Northeastern Pennsylvania. It is about two hours northeast of Shamokin Dam and is served by many major airlines and all major rental car companies.

By train
Selinsgrove lies approximately 60 miles (45 minutes) north of Pennsylvania's capital city of Harrisburg. That city serves as a vital station on Amtrak's Keystone and Pennsylvanian train routes. Trains from Boston, New York and Philadelphia arrive in Harrisburg as well as trains from points west, including Pittsburgh. After arrival, Selinsgrove is a short drive or bus ride away. Taxis are also available at the station.

By boat
Selinsgrove lies along the Susquehanna River Water Trail There is an improved Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission boating access to the Susuquehanna River on the Isle of Que. Primary boating using shallow-draft, lightweight fishing boats, canoes and inflatables is accessible. Parking is available. A short walk up Pine Street brings you in to the centre of town.

By bike
Narrow and/or unpaved shoulders along most side streets make biking around town (off the highway) challenging. Route 11 from Shamokin Dam to Northumberland is lovely with a view of the river. There is, however, heavy truck traffic along this route. South of town on Old Route 11 (Market Street) is an enjoyable ride.

By car
Selinsgrove is accessible to Interstate 80, which runs East-West about 15 miles north of the area. Pennsylvania state Routes 11 and 15 merge north of Harrisburg and serve as the main transportation artery through this region of central Pennsylvania. Most of the area's shopping districts and neighborhoods lie north of Selinsgrove along Routes 11 and 15. South of Selinsgrove, 11/15 connects with Interstates 81, 83 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike west to Pittsburgh and east to Philadelphia.

Parking
A car is the best way to navigate the Selinsgrove area. On street parking is available in the downtown along with a designated public lot. Parking is free on the street and in the municipal lot. Parking around the university is at a premium. Much of it is permit only.

By bus
Selinsgrove is served by Greyhound/Trailways bus service downtown. Greyhound service connects to Harrisburg International Airport, the Harrisburg Transportation Center (Amtrak) and numerous other transportation hubs throughout the area including the neighboring cities of Lewisburg and Sunbury.

Get around
A car or bike is the recommended way to see and do things in the Selinsgrove area. Once you venture out of the small boro, there are no sidewalks. There are no safe bike paths. The shoulders of the roads are narrow and often unkempt. Skeleton service is provided by the Union-Snyder Transportation Alliance via bus, but these buses must be notified and will only pick up customers who call ahead of time. Rides are based on distance from starting point to ending point. Selinsgrove is also served lightly by taxi service but, like the buses, these must be called ahead of time.

Historic attractions

 * Governor Snyder Mansion The former home of Pennsylvania Governor Simon Synder, for whom Snyder County is named, is on Market Street in downtown Selinsgrove. The building houses a private business.
 * Old Lutheran Cemetery The grave of three time Pennsylvania Governor Simon Snyder is here. Made of Quincy granite, the monument has brass reliefs and is topped with his life size bust was erected by the state in 1885.
 * Selinsgrove Area High School The first high school building was built in the 1930s through funding from "The New Deal". The building was designed by Lawrie and Green architects of Harrisburg. It is a concrete with steel framing construction, masonry walls and has a red brick exterior. It is topped with a cupola. Several additions and modifications have been made over the years. Student created murals adorn the walls in many of the corridors and stairwells.

Theatre and performances

 * Degenstein Center Theater at Susquehanna university, the Degenstein Center Theater hosts numerous A-list music acts throughout the year as well as theater performances put on by university students.

Do

 * Major Anthony Selin Park, on Sassafras Street, is equipped with horseshoe, quoit and basketball courts and soccer fields. There is a sophisticated play area for small children which is called Kidsgrove.
 * Best Bowl Route 522 west of Selinsgrove. in Penn Township. +1 570-374-2522 Complete proshop. Bumper bowling and bowling leagues for all ages available. A snack bar and a game room are on site. Call for hours and fees.
 * Selinsgrove Speedway The largest dirt racetrack in the northeast, Selinsgrove speedway is home to some of the largest races as well. A regular show at Selinsgrove Speedway will consist of qualifying events and main events for 358 Sprint Cars (25 laps), Late Models (20 laps), Pro Stocks (12 laps), and Roadrunners (12 laps). Races take place on Fridays and Saturdays between March and October. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for students (age 12-17) and free for children 11 years of age and younger.
 * Sunset Skating Rink 2755 N Susquehanna Trail, Shamokin Dam. +1 570 743-6060. An indoor roller rink that is open year round. Ample offstreet parking.
 * There is an outdoor public swimming pool on Linda Lane, off Rte 522. Parking is available. Annual memberships and daily admissions are sold. Hours vary with the facility open from around Memorial Day to Labor Day. The pool offers an eating pavilion, shaded lounge area and tables with a concession stand and various drink machines.
 * Susquehanna Sports Place An attraction known for its eclectic collection of sporting opportunities, SSP has batting cages for softball and baseball, a mini golf course, an arcade and many other attractions. Located at East 18th Street, Hummels Wharf.
 * Shikellamy State Park in Snyder, Union and Northumberland counties. The 78-acre Shikellamy Overlook section is on the western shore of the Susquehanna River and overlooks the confluence of the West and North Branches of the Susquehanna River. Picnic shelters and tables are available in the park on the Union County side.
 * Susquehanna Sports Place An attraction known for its eclectic collection of sporting opportunities, SSP has batting cages for softball and baseball, a mini golf course, an arcade and many other attractions. Located at East 18th Street, Hummels Wharf.
 * Shikellamy State Park in Snyder, Union and Northumberland counties. The 78-acre Shikellamy Overlook section is on the western shore of the Susquehanna River and overlooks the confluence of the West and North Branches of the Susquehanna River. Picnic shelters and tables are available in the park on the Union County side.

Learn

 * Susquehanna University Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the most liberal of Lutheran denominations, Susquehanna is a four-year university of approximately 2,000 students in downtown Selinsgrove. Susquehanna has particularly strong programs in business and communications. Its campus has been rated as the eighth most beautiful in the nation.

Buy

 * Market Street Shopping District Lining Market Street in Selinsgrove are a few picturesque shops and restaurants, most of which are locally owned. From a bridal boutique to an upscale men's wear store to the pubs and breweries all are easy walking distance within the downtown.
 * Middleburg Farmers Market a few miles west on Route 522 between Kreamer and Middleburg. Livestock Auctions, household items sold at stands, fresh fruit, vegetables, and meats. Open air/seasonal, Tuesdays 7AM-3PM
 * Susquehanna Valley Mall along Routes 11 & 15 in Hummels Wharf, this is the largest mall in the local area, It features a wide array of mid-range shopping and department stores. There are four anchor stores including JC Penney, Bon Ton, Sears along with a Boscov's. There are also smaller clothing options like FYE, Waldensbooks, American Eagle and Christopher Banks. A grocery store and a banks are located in the mall complex.
 * Old Trail Tackle & Sports Shop 225 S Old Trail, Shamokin Dam. +1 570 743-7380. Bait and other fishing supplies. Helpful advice about where fish are biting and best bait in a friendly atmosphere.
 * Colonial Candlecrafters Rte 15, Lewisburg. Features the area's largest selection of candles, candle making supplies and home scents.
 * Old Trail Tackle & Sports Shop 225 S Old Trail, Shamokin Dam. +1 570 743-7380. Bait and other fishing supplies. Helpful advice about where fish are biting and best bait in a friendly atmosphere.
 * Colonial Candlecrafters Rte 15, Lewisburg. Features the area's largest selection of candles, candle making supplies and home scents.

Eat

 * The Kind Cafe Market St. Selinsgrove. +1 570 374-0663 The local answer to national coffee chains, the Kind Cafe has first-rate coffees at half the price of its national competitors. The cafe also serves sandwiches and frequently features the live music of local high school and college bands.
 * Buy a Pennsylvania Fishing License
 * The Kind Cafe Market St. Selinsgrove. +1 570 374-0663 The local answer to national coffee chains, the Kind Cafe has first-rate coffees at half the price of its national competitors. The cafe also serves sandwiches and frequently features the live music of local high school and college bands.
 * Buy a Pennsylvania Fishing License
 * Buy a Pennsylvania Fishing License

Connect

 * The Daily Item is the region's daily newspaper. Offers events calendar, church directory on Saturdays, local assistance contact numbers. There is a satellite office on Market Street, Selinsgrove.

Selinsgrove's rural nature can be seen in its cellular phone coverage quality. Selinsgrove is served locally by Cingular Wireless, Verizon Wireless and Sprint-Nextel Wireless. T-Mobile does not natively serve Selinsgrove and users without national plans will pay roaming fees for calls made in the area. T-Mobile users will be able to roam on Cingular Wireless which operates 1900 MHz towers throughout the area. Reception on all four carriers is much improved from earlier years and visitors can expect to have full reception in almost every part of town. The rural farms and fields outside the area have lower reception that is sometimes more spotty.

There are two Wi-Fi hotspots in the area. They are located at Dunkin Donuts and Applebee's Restaurant both of which are north of Selinsgrove on Routes 11&15 in Hummel's Wharf.

Telephone numbers dialed on cellular telephones must include the area code as well as the 7-digit phone number. No preceding "1" is necessary. Local calls made from land-line phones in the area do not require an area code. Long distance codes require both the preceding "1" and the area code.

Middleburg and Sunbury are local calls. Lewisburg is a long distance call.

Go next

 * Joseph Priestly House Located minutes outside Sunbury in Northumberland, the Joseph Priestly House is believed to be the first to be the first scientific laboratory in the United States. Open Wednesday through Saturday, 9AM to 5PM, Sunday, noon to 5PM The last tour of the house begins at 4PM The Joseph Priestly House is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and certain holidays. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children.
 * Clyde Peeling's Reptiland Route 15, Allenwood. +1 570 538-1869, +1-800-REPTILAND. Reptiland is an AZA accredited zoo specializing in reptiles and amphibians. Since opening in 1964, Reptiland has provided the public a link to the less-loved members of the animal kingdom. School groups, families and individuals with an interest in natural history agree - Reptiland offers a perfect blend of environmental education and entertainment.
 * Mifflinburg Buggy Museum 598 Green St., Mifflinburg. +1 570-966-1355 A restored buggy workshop with belting and pulleys, tools, machinery and forges. Hours May through October – the museum complex (Visitor Center and historic buildings) are open Thursday through Saturday, 10AM to 5PM, Sunday, 1PM to 5PM Last tour begins no later than 4PM November through April – the Visitor Center only is open Thursday through Saturday, 10AM to 5PM Group tours are offered Monday through Saturday 9AM to 5PM from April to November (weather permitting). Twenty minute drive from Selingrove.
 * Knoebels Amusement Park Route 487 Elysburg. +1-800-487-4386. Free admission, free parking, free picnicking, and free entertainment. Two world class, wooden roller coasters. Catch the Brass Ring on one of the largest and oldest Carousels in the world! Coming soon..."Flying Turns" Knoebels customized version of an old standard coaster-type ride.
 * Packwood House Museum 15 No. Water St., Lewisburg. +1 570 524-0323 A beautiful historic building housing an extensive collection of antiques and art. Purple Heart Highway Partner.
 * Slifer House Museum 80 Magnolia Drive, Lewisburg. +1 570 524-2245 A Victorian home built in the mid 1800s, located on the campus of River Woods.
 * Penns Creek Pottery, Rte 104. 65 Pottery Lane Mifflinburg. +1 570 837-3809 nestled against Jack's Mountain along Rt. 104. A wide array of beautiful pieces of handmade pottery. While perusing, owner Bill Lynch will happily sit back and impart his vast knowledge of the area and the various techniques in"throwing." After making a purchase, just ask, and Bill might give you a tour of the kiln in which your piece of pottery was created and the original granary equipment (dating back to 1908).
 * T&D's Cats of the World, a refuge for exotic animals. Get within five feet of lions, tigers and leopards or let an emu eat right from your hand! Rte 104 Penns Creek.
 * Rainbow Massage 36 Silvermoon Lane, Lewisburg. +1 570 568-0606.
 * Campus Theatre Market Street, Lewisburg. +1 570 524-9628.
 * Street of Shops 100 N. Water St. Lewisburg. +1 570 524-5765 125 shops in mall and restaurant inside restored historic woolen mill.

For additional exploration of heritage, culture, dining and shopping in the Central Susquehanna Valley, be sure to check out Lewisburg, PA and Sunbury, PA, both part of the Central Susquehanna Valley Triad. Amish farms are also nearby in Lancaster County. Hershey Bears ice hockey, Red Barons baseball and Wilkes-Barre - Scranton Penguins hockey are all within a short drivable distance from Selinsgrove. State College, home of Penn State University, is also about 65 minutes away and offers additional cultural, sports, and entertainment options. Longer distances will take you to the Atlantic coastline.

title: Selinsgrove


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Selinunte

Selinunte (full name Marinella di Selinunte) is a district of the village Castelvetrano on the south coast of Sicily, Italy. It is most famous for the neighbouring ruins of the Greek city of Selinus in the archeological park Selinunte (italian: Parco archeologico Selinunte). This park is a main tourist attraction in this region.

Understand
Selinunte was founded around 700 BC by colonists from the Greek city Megara (an independent city-state 35 km from Athens). Around 580 BC a conflict broke out with the native Elymians from Segesta. To obtain support the Greeks of Selinunte entered into a covenant with Carthage and later with Syracuse. Even in times of peace a smoldering conflict remained with Segesta. In 415 BC Segesta persuaded Athenians to send an expedition, however this did not result into a clash with Selinunte. In 409 BC expelled Carthaginians landed from Motya at Marsala and warred against Selinunte. They took over the city after a ten-day siege. The displaced residents returned after the demolition of the city walls and entered into a covenant with the Carthaginians. As an ally of the Carthaginians the city regained power and grandeur. Around 250 BC, after the first Punic war against the Romans, the Carthaginians destroyed the city and retreated to Lilybaeum. Selinunte was never rebuilt and matured over the centuries to ruins. In the 19th century the ruins of the city were barely recognizable. In the 20th century, the temples on the eastern hill were excavated. In 1950 temple E was reconstructed on a controversial manner and the excavations of the Acropolis were started.

By car
Leaving Trapani take the A29 to the south, then exit heading Castelvetrano and follow SS115 to Marinella di Selinunte. Take the first exit to the right at the roundabout in Marinella. After 50 meters you will find a parking lot and the access to the park.

By train
The nearest train station is in Castelvetrano. Information about train connections can be found on the website of Trenitalia.

By bus
The bus transportation company Salemi runs 4 times a day from the railway station in Castelvetrano to Marinella di Selinunte. However the timetables are 'not entirely reliable' so be prepared for a long wait.

Get around
The archaeological site of Selinunte is divided in several parts. The eastern hill area with the temples E, F and G. One kilometer further at sea the ruins of the old walled city with the Acropolis and temples A, B, C, D and O. Further west lies the shrine Malaphoros with a Necropolis. In the north part is a large Necropolis. All areas are connected with walking trails, however you can take the tourist train (Trenino) for €3 per stop, or €12 for the full tour (Nov 2019). Because it can be very hot, it is advisable to go as early as possible as there is little shade. Wear good walking shoes and take plenty of water. The park is at its best in spring with flower fields and with far fewer tourists than during high season. Opposite the entrance of the park you can buy soft drinks and sandwiches. At the East Hill and near the Acropolis are toilets.

See

 * East hill (italian: Collina orientale)
 * Acropolis
 * City wall: The city wall was restored after the destruction by the Carthaginians and surrounded the entire old town. Even now remains are still visible e.g. at the northern city port.
 * Acropolis
 * City wall: The city wall was restored after the destruction by the Carthaginians and surrounded the entire old town. Even now remains are still visible e.g. at the northern city port.
 * City wall: The city wall was restored after the destruction by the Carthaginians and surrounded the entire old town. Even now remains are still visible e.g. at the northern city port.

 * The sanctuary of Malophoros – This part of the park is located in the west and can be reached by a trail that leads over the river Modinone.

Buy
Souvenir stalls can be found opposite the entrance. They sell ceramics with archeological images. Postcards are probably a good choice.

Eat
There are no restaurants inside the park. A lot of restaurants can be found in Marinelle di Selinunte.

Stay healthy
Heat is your biggest enemy. Prepare well: wear headgear and put on sunglasses. Provide adequate drinking water.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Selinunte


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Selkirk (Manitoba)

Selkirk is a city of over 10,000 people (2016) in the Interlake region of Manitoba, about a quarter of whom are of Indigenous origin. The mainstays of the local economy are tourism, a steel mill, and a major psychiatric hospital. A vertical lift bridge over the Red River connects Selkirk with the smaller town of East Selkirk.

Understand

The city was named in honour of Scotsman Thomas Douglas, 5th Earl of Selkirk, who obtained the grant to establish a colony in the Red River area in 1813.

Climate
Due to Selkirk's position on the edge of the Canadian Prairies, there is a moderate 510.4 mm (20.1 inches) of precipitation annually. Selkirk has a climate with four very distinct seasons. A general year will include warm (sometimes hot) summers, cold winters, and a comfortable spring and autumn. Selkirk has 21 days with snowfall per year, from about November (sometimes as early as September or October) to around April (sometimes as late as May).

Get in
Selkirk is 38 km northeast of Winnipeg on Highway 9. There is no longer a bus to Winnipeg (Jan 2018).

Connect
Selkirk has three community newspapers:
 * The Selkirk Record
 * The Selkirk Journal

title: Selkirk (Manitoba)


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Selma

There is more than one place called Selma:

United States of America

 * Selma (Alabama) - A town in the state of Alabama
 * Selma (California) - A town in the state of California
 * Selma (North Carolina) - A town in the state of North Carolina

title: Selma


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Selma (Alabama)

Selma is a city in Alabama. Selma has the distinction of being a notable place in the pages of history, for its role in the Civil War and doubly-so for its role in the Civil Rights Movement. Though a bit forgotten and depressed today, during the Confederacy it was second only to Richmond in providing critical munitions from an armory, and thus was a target of Union forces, which, through stealth and sacrifice, took the city in the final month of the Civil War, and set General Nathan Bedford Forrest on the run, though this guy managed to live to a ripe old age anyway. This was known as the Battle of Selma.

White segregationists weren't about to have equal rights and treatment after the Civil War dust had settled though, and they put a stranglehold on any such idea in Selma with an unduly heavy hand. Poll taxes and literacy tests were the rule of the day, not to mention extrajudicial hangings of African Americans for alleged crimes. After too many years of this, a movement inspired by courageous black leaders and groups such as the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) rose up to contend against these proceedings, with marches and protests that often resulted in clubbings and arrests. This became crystallized in a march from Selma to Montgomery to bring attention to civil rights, with the first attempt cut down on the Edmund Pettus Bridge outside of Selma in a day later regarded as Bloody Sunday, that was revived in a second and third attempt with the likes of Martin Luther King Jr and John Lewis, which brought nationwide recognition to secure passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

By car
 From Montgomery US-80 W/Alabama 8/Selma Hwy toward Selma.

Go next

 * Black Belt, the African-American heartland

title: Selma (Alabama)


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Selma (California)

Selma is in the San Joaquin Valley of California just south of Fresno.

Understand
The city itself has a population of about 22,000. Selma's claim to fame is that it is the Rasin Capital of the World.

By car
Take the California Route 99, a north/south route.

Go next

 * Fresno- 99 North. About 20 minutes away.
 * Visalia- 99 South to 198 East. About 30 minutes away
 * Hanford- 43 South. About 30 to 40 minutes away.

title: Selma (California)


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Selous Game Reserve

The Selous Game Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Tanzania. With 54,600 km², it is the largest game reserve in Africa. The northern part of the reserve was designated Nyerere National Park in 2019.

Most of the reserve remains set aside for game hunting through a number of privately leased hunting concessions, but a section Nyerere National Park is a popular tourist destination. There are several high end lodges and camps mainly situated along the river and lake systems in this area. Rather difficult road access means most visitors arrive by small aircraft from Dar es Salaam, though train access is also possible.

History
The area was first designated a protected area in 1896 by the German Governor of Tanganyika Hermann von Wissmann, and became a hunting reserve in 1905.

Landscape
Habitats include grassland, typical Acacia savanna, wetlands and extensive Miombo woodlands.

Fees and permits
Entrance fees to the Selous Game Reserve differ depending on if you will be spending the night inside or outside the game reserve. If you will be staying inside the reserve, the entry fees are US$88.50 per adult per day and US$64.90 per child per day. If you will be staying outside the reserve, you only need to pay entry fees when you enter the reserve (i.e. for a safari) the entry fees are US$76.70 per adult per day and US$53.10 per child per day.

Get around
The Selous Game Reserve is very remote with limited roads. The drive from Dar es Salaam is about 230km/143mi and takes around six hours. There's good tarmac up to Kibiti, and then bush roads from there for about 100km/62mi (three hours). It is possible to drive to the reserve in the dry season and (with much difficulty) in the wet season, but the road is long and rough. Most visitors will fly to one of several airstrips. Many lodges within the northern photographic zone offer a 'game package' service, that includes pick up, game drives, walks and boat safaris on the Rufiji River.

See

 * The grave of hunter and explorer Frederick Courteney Selous, who was killed in the reserve in 1917.
 * Maji moto hot springs, where you can swim in the lower pool.
 * A wide variety of wildlife, including: lion, giraffe, buffalo, impala, hippo, elephant, wild dog, crocodile, hyena, wildebeest, leopard, zebra, kudu plus many more and over 440 species of birds.
 * The Rufiji River.

Do

 * Selous Game Drives: The destinations are quite varied: normally directed towards one or more of the lakes where the animals group to drink.
 * Selous Boat Safaris: With a multitude of destinations, ranging from the main course of the river to the many lateral canals and various lakes. The boat trip normally last a half-day, and at least one should be made at sunset. Fishing is also available but must be booked and paid for at the camps.
 * Selous Walking Safaris: Perhaps the most exciting activity of all. Selous is one of the very few parks in Tanzania where you can take a safari on your own two feet. You can choose an established trail, or one for your special interest, always of course, accompanied by an armed ranger. It’s a real treasure for the true explorer.
 * Cultural Tour of Mloka Village.
 * Relaxing by the Rufiji River: There is probably no better way to unwind at the end of a typical Selous day than by sipping a sundowner from the comfort of a camp or lodge with a view out over the Rufiji River.

Eat & Drink
No restaurants or bars exist in the area. It may be possible to arrange meals with some of lodges and camps in the area.

Sleep
There is a wide range of lodges and camps, both within the Selous Game Reserve and just outside its borders, catering for all budgets.

Lodging
Top of the list is the upmarket Mivumo River Lodge, on the banks of the Rufiji River the lodge offers top service, spacious and luxurious rooms with private balconies. Game drives, boat and walking safaris are all available from the lodge.

Another popular choice is the Selous River Camp. Nestled high on the river bank, within woodland alongside the game reserve, the camp offers a choice of mid-range accommodation and a whole range of safaris.

Selous Wilderness Camp is a small permanent tented camp on the banks of the Rufiji River.

Camping
It is possible to camp inside the Selous Game Reserve, though permits can be difficult to arrange without the assistance of one of the lodges.

Selous River Camp has a small campsite.

Go next
__INDEX__

title: Selous Game Reserve


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Semarang

Semarang is the capital of Central Java province in Indonesia. It is a bustling, growing mid-sized city with a population of almost 1.7 million in 2020. It is more an administrative and business town than a tourist destination. It nevertheless has its own charm, with contrasting modern mid-rises, a significant set of Dutch colonial architecture, Chinatown, and "kampung" all jutting against each other.

Understand
The city's name is said to derive from the Javanese words "asem" and "arang", which could be translated as "scarce tamarind."

Orientation
Semarang lies on the province's northern coast.

Semarang's topography is marked by a narrow coastal plain, rising sharply inland. The city sprawls up from the coast, and the higher areas see some of the highest rate of residential development, due to the slightly cooler climate. The sea is slowly reclaiming the coastal lowlands during the monthly rob or high tides, causing flooding up to more than a kilometer from the coast.

Climate
The coastal location can make the climate uncomfortably hot and humid. It is not unusual for temperatures to be above.

In contrast to many Indonesian cities, Semarang still has a fair amount of greenery. Locals will tell you that areas that used to be (by their standards) "cool" are no longer. The climate is hot and humid, except on the slope - where it is slightly more pleasant - towards Ungaran, so wear light-coloured cotton clothes, such as T-shirts and knee-length trousers for comfort.

Visitor information
In 2007 the government started to promote Semarang as a tourist destination, starting with the Semarang Pesona Asia (Semarang, Asia's Enchantment) branding.

By plane

For international arrivals, if you need a Visa on Arrival, proceed to the left side of the immigration queue, otherwise, go straight to the immigration counter.

Buses from the airport
Line 5 (Koridor V) of the TransSemarang Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system passes through the airport between 05:30 and 18:30 with a headway every 10 minutes. TransSemarang BRT Airport bus runs between 18:00 and 24:00. For the city centre (e.g. Simpang Lima or the City Hall Balai Kota), take the bus towards Tawang railway station and transfer to Line 1 (Koridor I) in Karangayu. Tickets cost Rp4,000 which includes transfers to any of the other lines. Keep your ticket for checking.

Taxis from the airport
There is a taxi counter outside arrivals, to the left. Cross over the drop-off lane. Prices are fixed per zone and roughly double the price of normal city taxis because the airport cooperative has a monopoly. A cheaper option is to turn right out of arrivals and walk to where incoming taxis drop off travellers at the departure area, and take one that has just dropped its passengers off. A city taxi to Simpang Lima or the city centre area should cost about Rp70,000.

By train

There are two main railway stations, both on the north coast mainline connecting Jakarta with Surabaya:

Semarang is well-connected to Jakarta, Bandung and Surabaya by train. The economy and executive class train Joglosemarkerto travels in a loop across Central Java, through Yogyakarta, Solo, Semarang, Pekalongan, Tegal, Purwokerto, and back to Yogyakarta, as well as in the reverse direction. Multiple executive-class trains connect Semarang to Jakarta (6 hours) and Surabaya (4 hours) several times a day, with overnight journeys also possible. The Harina service connects Semarang to Bandung and Surabaya once a day with executive and economy class coaches.

By car
Semarang can be reached by car from both Jakarta and Surabaya in around 4-5 hours and from Solo in less than 2 hours using the Trans-Java toll road.

From Cilacap in the very southwest of Central Java will take seven to eight hours, via Banyumas, Wonosobo and Temanggung. At Temanggung you can choose to keep going on the main roads through Secang and Ambarawa, or to cut up over the side of Mount Ungaran to Sumowono and Bandungan and take advantage of their all-day fruit and vegetable market.

By bus
The biggest and most modern bus terminal in Semarang is: Many bus companies offer daily service from Jakarta, from Pulo Gebang Bus Terminal and Kampung Rambutan Bus Terminal in East Jakarta, Kalideres Bus Terminal and Grogol Bus Terminal in West Jakarta, or from Pasar Jumat Bus Terminal (the successor of Lebak Bulus Bus Terminal) in South Jakarta. The overnight bus with A/C is also available with good service. You can choose bus operators such as Garuda Mas, Kramat Djati, Laju Prima, Nusantara, Raya, Rosalia Indah, and Safari Dharma Raya, which are all well-reputed. Sometimes the bus route is Jakarta to Solo via Semarang. In this case, you can ask the bus driver's assistant (the on-board ticket-checker) to wake you up in Semarang.

There is an executive-class tourist bus Joglosemar, which connects Jogjakarta, Solo, and Semarang (hence the name). It picks up tourists from specific hotels and provides snacks and water for their trip. Pricier than other executive buses, it is more comfortable and provides friendly service. They depart almost hourly.

Other companies providing shuttle vans in and out of Semarang include DayTrans (from Jogjakarta, Jepara), Solo and Cilacap), Central Java Travel, Bejeu (from Jepara), Bintang Raya, Matraman Travel, Mitra Travel and Putra Mandiri.

If you want to reserve a bus and travel online, there are some booking portals called Easybook, redBus, or Traveloka. This serves bus and travel tickets from cities like Bandung, Jakarta, Surabaya and Yogyakarta.

By boat
Semarang's Tanjung Emas Port (reachable by TransSemarang Koridor III) is located in the northern part, in an area that unfortunately is often flooded during high tide.

It is regularly served by ships mostly to/from destinations in Kalimantan. The state-owned PELNI has ships going to Banjarmasin (using KM. Egon), Pontianak (using KM. Lawit), and Kumai (using KM. Leuser and KM. Egon). Another operator with ships also going to Kalimantan is Dharma Lautan Utama (DLU), which serves Pontianak, Ketapang, Kumai, and Sampit. There are no regular ships going directly into Semarang from other major cities in Java, except for occasional ships from Jakarta during the mudik period close to Lebaran offered an alternative for people going back to their hometowns.

Cruise ships occasionally spend a day in port. It has few facilities for passengers, but an informal market of street vendors often assembles outside the secure area. Most passengers take a one-day tour to Borobudur or a city tour of Semarang.

By minibus/bus
There are big and medium-sized buses operated by city government-owned company called TransSemarang buses with designated stops on raised platforms (locally known as shelter). Despite being called a BRT system, the buses do not travel in designated lanes. There are eight routes:

 * Koridor Trans Semarang 1.svg: Penggaron (Bus Terminal)-Mangkang (Bus Terminal)
 * Koridor 1M: Mangkang (Bus Terminal)-Simpang Lima (night service, 18:00-23:00)
 * Koridor Trans Semarang 2.svg: Sisemut (Bus Terminal)-Terboyo (Bus Terminal)
 * Koridor Trans Semarang 3A.svg: Pelabuhan (Port)-Elisabeth (via Peterongan)
 * Koridor Trans Semarang 3B.svg: Pelabuhan (Port)-Elisabeth (via Simpang Lima)
 * Koridor Trans Semarang 4.svg: Cangkiran-Stasiun Tawang (Tawang Station)
 * Koridor Trans Semarang 5.svg: Meteseh-Ahmad Yani Airport-PRPP
 * Koridor Trans Semarang 6.svg: Diponegoro University (UNDIP) to Semarang State University (UNNES)
 * Koridor Trans Semarang 7.svg: Terboyo (Bus Terminal)-Balai Kota (City Hall)
 * Koridor Trans Semarang 8.svg: Cangkiran-Gunung Pati-Simpang Lima
 * Koridor Trans Semarang B.svg: Ahmad Yani Airport-Simpang Lima (night service, 18:00-24:00)

Most interchanging of buses is done at the Balai Kota (City Hall) or SMAN 5 shelter on Jl Pemuda.

The ticket costs Rp3,500 for adults who use electronic money, Rp4,000 for adults who pay in cash and flat Rp2,000 for students. The ticket is valid for as long as you are travelling, but you cannot break your journey. If you get off one bus and get straight on another, the ticket is valid. Keep your ticket when transferring from one corridor to another so that you won't have to buy a new ticket. Some of the less-frequented shelters do not have officials selling tickets, so you have to buy on board. Every bus also has a conductor. This is by far the most visitor-friendly method of going around by public transport.

Central Java provincial government also runs a bus rapid transit route, TransJateng, from Tawang railway station to the Bawen bus terminal, away on the southern outskirts of the city. Passing through Semarang Old Town, the main post office, town hall, Tugu Muda, Kariadi hospital. It also passes the Watu Gong Buddhist temple and the Sido Muncul jamu factory. A ticket costs Rp3,500. If you break your journey, you will need to buy another ticket when you get back on. The first bus leaves at 05:00 until 21:00. They run every 15-20 minutes and should do the whole journey in about 90 minutes.

There are plenty of minibuses (locally called angkot or daihatsu) serving other routes. The route is written on the windscreen, and sometimes on the back and side of the vehicle. The route is normally written in the form of 'origin-destination' and sometimes with 'via' information if there is more than one minibus route with the same origin-destination but with a different path in between. For example, the route written as Johar-Sampangan, means it starts in Johar and ends in Sampangan, and vice-versa. Minibus fares are around Rp2,000-3,000. There are two kinds of minibuses, the orange-coloured ones travel longer routes, and the yellow ones travel shorter routes (e.g. from a housing complex to the nearest market or terminal). Ask the conductor or driver before you board about the route and whether it goes where you want to go. This is where you need some rudimentary Indonesian as the person you ask is unlikely to speak English.

By taxi
Taxis are safe and comfortable, and reasonably priced (starting price Rp4,000).

Make sure you understand the route or ask a friend. Make sure the driver uses the meter ("argo"). If he refuses to use the meter, use another taxi. List of taxi companies:

 * Ordering a Blue Bird in Semarang is now possible through a smartphone app. They also link up with the Go-Jek ride service to offer Go-Bluebird.
 * Ordering a Blue Bird in Semarang is now possible through a smartphone app. They also link up with the Go-Jek ride service to offer Go-Bluebird.

Online ride-hailing apps
Using your smartphone, you can now easily hail a GoJek or Grab in Semarang. It is worth investing in a local SIM card with data so you can use the apps. In Semarang, Grab offers Grab Car and Grab Bike, and GoJek offers its full range, including Go-Bluebird, its tie-in with Bluebird Taxis: book a Bluebird using the GoJek app. Because the maps used in the app are not always reliable, drivers tend to call you shortly after they accept the job, to get more precise information. It is helpful to have enough Indonesian language skills to tell them exactly where you are waiting, to be able to describe a useful landmark, and what colour clothes you are wearing.

On foot
At first glance, central Semarang seems to have wide pavements. On closer inspection, they turn out to be paved with ceramic wall tiles that are lethally slippery when wet. Trees grow out of them, bus shelters take up nearly the whole width, traders start to encroach. Coupled with the hot and humid climate, walking suddenly seems a lot less attractive. What's more, trying to cross the road is borderline suicidal. Many of the main roads in the central area are one way, which turns them into race tracks. Pedestrian crossings, even with traffic lights, are disregarded. There are footbridges in places, but construction is low quality so watch your step on the stairs, and some have railings missing.

The Old Town is the only part of town that can be truly explored on foot. Behind Gereja Blenduk you will find a fascinating warren of streets between colonial offices and warehouses.

You can walk around the open green space of Simpang Lima, but crossing the road to get there is risky.

See

Before you get into the hilly area named Bukit Sari, you will see on your left, the park where you can stop by, drink tea and see Semarang from the hill. It's a really beautiful view in the daytime and a very special romantic view during the nighttime.

Around the Old Town

Monuments

Do

Reflexology
After some hard travelling, a long flight, climbing a volcano or just a long walk around town, an easy way to unwind is one of 'reflexology' places offering an hour or two in an easy chair, with vaguely Oriental ambient music tinkling away, while someone squeezes your feet (despite being called reflexology, it is rarely that, but very pleasant nonetheless). All for a very reasonable price.

Work
Finding part-time work as a traveller in Indonesia is never easy and will be of questionable legality due to the strict labour laws. You may be in contravention of the terms of your visa.

Having said that, there is always demand for native English speakers to share their skills in some formal or informal capacity. Formal requirements for foreign nationals teaching English in Indonesia are very stringent.

As a manufacturing centre, especially for the export-oriented furniture industries in Semarang and Jepara, you may hear of opportunities for those with the required technical or sales background, with native English language ability.

Be aware that your part-time work may take the place of a full-time job for a competent and experienced Indonesian.

Oleh-oleh
One of the favourites is milkfish, bandeng, pressure-cooked to soften the bones. It goes by the name bandeng presto or bandeng duri lunak. Also popular are lumpia Semarang (a spring roll with bamboo-shoot filling), wingko babat (small grilled patties of glutinous rice and shredded coconut), ganjel rel (a cake named after the railway sleeper that it resembles in shape and texture) and pia Kemuning (various kind of filling pastry, but the traditional ones are filled with palm sugar, not halal snack because of there is a label containing pork on the package). There is a well-known strip of toko oleh-oleh stores on Jl Pandanaran.

Arts and crafts
There are numerous places around town to buy jewelry, paintings, handicrafts, art, and other items that could make great souvenirs, and these places can be found all over town. You can buy batik, antiques, and traditional items in Pasar Johar (Johar Market). There is plenty of choices. It is also accessible by Angkot (mini-bus).

Batik
You can also buy high-quality batik at department stores, or at batik specialists like Batik Keris and Danar Hadi, both in the Simpang Lima square area. Semarang also has its own style of batik called Batik Semarangan, which can be found in various stores around town, one of them in kampung batik near old town.

Traditional fresh markets
Besides the famous Pasar Johar, there are other traditional markets across the city. You may buy fresh vegetables, fruits, and meats, also numerous traditional snacks or kue known as jajan pasar. Go early in the morning to see the most activity. They tend to have quietened down by late morning. There are plenty to choose from.

Changing money
As Semarang is not a tourist city, you won't find a large concentration of money changers. Those listed below are generally reliable, and you can even call ahead to 'lock' a rate first before coming in personally in the next half an hour or so. Banks are open between 08:30-15:00.

Eat
Semarang's choice of foods is large as other cities, you can find Japanese, Italian, Thai, Korean, Indian, and more.

Semarang cuisine
Semarang has many special foods that cannot be found in other cities, including:
 * Babat gongso, beef tripe in a sweet and spicy sauce.
 * Badak sambel, a veggies fritter in a spicy peanut sauce.
 * Empal kelem, beef in thick spiced gravy.
 * Kue jongkong singkong, a cake made from grated cassava.
 * Mie kopyok, noodle in a garlic soup.
 * Petis bumbon, boiled eggs cooked in fish paste sauce called petis banyar.
 * Petis kangkung, boiled water spinach mixed with shrimp paste sauce and lime juice.
 * Tahu gimbal, tofu dish with cabbage and gimbal (shrimp fritter) in a peanut sauce.
 * Tahu petis, tofu stuffed with black shrimp paste sauce.
 * Terang bulan Semarang, different from common martabak manis, it is softer and sprinkled with strawberry jam, white powder sugar, and sweetened chocolate condensed milk.

Budget
There are food stalls all over Semarang. Some kaki lima stalls are popular and cheap, as they are not permanent, and do not have phone numbers and exact addresses. However, they usually open in the same spot and time every day.

The cheapest of the cheap is nasi kucing (literally, cat rice) which is very small portions (just enough for a cat to eat, presumably) of rice served with a modest amount of side dishes and vegetables. Another cheap dish, bakso (meatball soup) with offal and cartilage also become a favorite lunch in Semarang such as Bakso Doa Ibu, Bakso Pak Geger, and Bakso Pak Ripto. Soto Semarang is a type of chicken soto with clear soup and various side dishes for budget breakfast, some of the oldest including Soto Bangkong, Soto Bokoran, Soto Pak Man, and Soto Pak Ra'an. Porridge is one of the budget breakfast menus in the morning in the city of Semarang, the salty one is called bubur terik (porridge with tofu and boiled egg in yellow coconut milk soup) and the sweet one is bubur ketan kinco (porridge with glutinous rice, grated coconut, and liquid brown sugar).

Drink
In Semarang, it is not easy to find bars. However, lately a few stylish venues have sprung up, mainly catering to the trendy young population. There are a few bars and cafes around Simpang Lima (right downtown). After sunset, please avoid small tents selling homemade tea (teh poci) as lots of hookers looking for targets, especially rich-looking travelers.

Coffee shops

Wedang or wedhang means hot, soothing drink. You can get them in Simpang Lima, hotels or restaurants in Semarang. One of the most popular variety is STMJ (Susu Telor Madu Jahe, a concoction of milk, egg, honey, and ginger drink).

Budget
Go to Jalan Kauman (Near Johar Market - TransSemarang Koridor II or buses to/from Terboyo Terminal) and you'll find a lot of cheap accommodation. They are most likely to be a basic fan room with outside bathroom for the cheapest price level, some naming themselves as losmen (inns) and others as hotel. Several places offering basic fan room are located near the mosque at the northern end (Masjid Kauman) with rooms going for as cheap as Rp 50,000. Many budget places will not have a western-style shower.

Another group of budget accommodation, slightly more upmarket but still affordable hotels, can be found along Jl. Imam Bonjol. With Rp 250,000 or even less you can possibly have an air-conditioned room in these hotels, such as Hotel Bali and Rahayu. TransSemarang Koridor III and buses to/from Terboyo Terminal (except DAMRI) pass by Jl. Imam Bonjol.

Both areas are not too far from both train stations (Poncol and Tawang), as well as the seaport (Tanjung Mas).

Stay safe
Semarang is moderately safe. People are nice to strangers, helpful and friendly.

Never touch anyone's head (especially teenagers and older men) as it is considered as "insult" and might invite troubles. In the crowded buses, trains or small cars used as public transportation, "unintended touch" is tolerated. Never look at someone (especially young men) straight in the eyes more than 3 times as it might be considered as "challenging them to fight" (this applies especially in bigger towns/cities). Villagers are more friendly to strangers.

Semarang is neither a small city nor huge city if compared to Jakarta. Everyone is urged to observe universal safety rules such as "only walk in the light-bright areas"; do not attempt to deal with hookers or trans-sexual hookers which are usually done under secluded and dark areas; lady travelers are urged not to travel alone after 23:00 especially in an unknown dark neighborhood, sometimes even in residential areas. Only withdraw a moderate amount of money in an open air ATM.

When riding the public transportation it is not encouraged to wear jewellery, or gaudy and branded or designer watches. Petty thieves are common, but they do not strike when it isn't obvious. During the night if you must use public transportation, look for those units which have more than a few people riding and do avoid the empty ones. You might want to choose a seat close to the driver.

Stay healthy
Hospitals with 24-hour emergency rooms:

By phone
The dialing code for Semarang is 024.

By net
Some hotel lobbies and cafés offer free WiFi. Ask your server for the password wifi (PAHS-wuhrd WIGH-fee).

Cope

Police stations:

East
Overland, all points to Surabaya, taking in: By air, to Surabaya and Bali
 * The important religious sites in Demak and Kudus
 * The batik centre of Bakaran near Pati to see the unusual black, cream, and indigo batik
 * Rembang for its salt fields and kawista syrup also the Chinese architecture and heritage of Lasem, with its famous batik style
 * Cepu district in Blora for its former glories of the teak industry, and its outrageous heritage forest railway
 * The continuously erupting mud volcano in Grobogan
 * The remnants of the Majapahit empire in Trowulan near Mojokerto

Southeast
The main destination in that direction is Solo, a two- to three-hour drive. On the way you will pass through:
 * Salatiga — Relaxed university hill town located at the foot of Mount Merbabu, and jumping off point to explore Lake Rawa Pening and go up to the mountain village of Kopeng
 * Boyolali — Famous for its dairy industry, and the delicious clear soup Soto Seger Mbok Giyem. Also, the jumping-off point to visit the copper-beating village of Cepogo and to investigate the pass between the volcanoes of Merapi and Merbabu
 * Once in Solo, keep going further south and east, either up the slope of Mount Lawu to the magical high temples of Sukuh and Cetho, and then over into East Java, or towards the fantastic surfing beach of Watu Karung near Pacitan

South

 * Slightly south of Semarang are some smaller hill towns easily reached in a day trip: Ungaran, Bandungan and Ambarawa
 * Keep going further south to Magelang and Yogyakarta. It takes 3-4 hours to drive from Semarang to Yogyakarta

Southwest

 * Go to the Dieng Plateau through the small towns of Temanggung and Wonosobo to see ancient Hindu temples/candi in a former ancient city which lies on the misty plateau
 * Keep going in that direction and you will eventually get to the resort town of Pangandaran in West Java

West
All points to Jakarta, including:
 * Kendal — A small town where a famous waterfall Curug Sewu reside
 * Pekalongan — Famed for its batik and an easy day trip on the train
 * Cirebon — As known as the city of shrimp has a sultanate palace
 * Bandung — A vibrant city with Sundanese cuisine

Northwest
Direct flights to Batam, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur

North
Flights and ferries across the Java Sea to various spots in Kalimantan make Semarang a good jumping-off spot to see the orangutans in Tanjung Puting National Park near Pangkalanbun

Northeast and out to sea

 * Jepara for its laid back, coastal town vibe, furniture industry, and jumping-off point to explore Mount Muria
 * Karimunjawa — A marine national park in the small islands north of Semarang

title: Semarang


text:
Semboku

Semboku (仙北) is a city in Akita prefecture.

Districts

 * Kakunodate
 * Nyuto Onsen
 * Lake Tazawa
 * Tamagawa

Tourist Information Site
The city's official site has a good sightseeing section in English.

Get in
The Akita Shinkansen Komachi (こまち) from Tokyo, Sendai and Morioka makes a regular stop at JR Tazawako Station and JR Kakunodate Station. Komachi provides hourly service from Tokyo and the journey takes roughly 4 hr from Tokyo, 2½ hr from Sendai and 1hr from Morioka. All Komachi trains are reserved. If the trained is fully-booked, you can purchase standing seats. Japan Rail Pass is accepted.

Go next

 * Shizukuishi
 * Kazuno
 * Kitaakita
 * Akita
 * Daisen
 * Yokote
 * Yuzawa
 * Hachimantai
 * Shizukuishi

title: Semboku


text:
Semenyih

Semenyih is a small but unexpectedly crowded town in Selangor, Malaysia.

Understand
The town is predominantly inhabited by the Chinese and Malays.

Get in
Roads from many directions take travellers to the town. Entering Grand Saga Highway and drive along about 28 km straight into the Semenyih town is one of the options. Or take the Seremban State Road and after bypassing Lenggeng, Beranang, and Bandar Rinching Semenyih, you'll arrive in the town.

See
You may travel to ostrich farm which is about 10 km from Semenyih town towards Nirvana cemetery. Or visit the most popular Chinese temple at Broga which worshiping "God of Rock" (Sek Datuk). According to the local peoples saying that this God will bring you some Lottery Luck if you has faith with it.

Do
At the morning, you can enjoy beautiful hill view when you exercise at the hill top in Broga. Just nice for city peoples enjoying uptown live.

Buy
You may buy a rabbit as your pet when you visit Rabbit Farm in Broga. At this farm, you and your kids may play around with the rabbits and later, pluck fruits from farm trees.

Eat
Plenty of good food you must try, at morning, travel to Semenyih old town and visiting curry mee stalls that are next to Semenyih school's field or drive into Semenyih Chinese New Village to enjoy various Chinese restaurant local cuisine. Afternoon, try some spicy pork soup namely as Siew Man Hot Soup which located at Semenyih main street. It behind the fruit stalls. Dinner time you can eat at Semenyih Sentral which has plenty of local Indian, Chinese, and Malays foods. Malik tauhu and cucuk udang (in front of the town public field, operated for more than 30 years) is famous among locals and those from neighbouring towns.

If you travel to Beranang, stops at Tesco Semenyih area where there are many small stalls selling hot meals and snacks at roadside. There are also big brand restaurants located there.

Drink
Chill out the hot day by having green coconut drinks which you can buy anywhere along the Semenyih roadside. Also go to Tesco Semenyih area where many small stalls selling variety kind of viral and common drinks.

Sleep
There are no any hotels or motels in Semenyih town, but you can stay at YL Motel at Jalan Semenyih's Taman Jasmin which is 8 km away from Semenyih.

Connect
For emergency, please dial 999 for any rescue.

Go next
After visiting Semenyih, you can head to Silk Highway and follow the sign to places you wish to go.

title: Semenyih


text:
Seminole

There is more than one place called Seminole

United States of America

 * Seminole (Florida) - in the state of Florida
 * Seminole (Oklahoma) - in the state of Oklahoma
 * Seminole (Texas) - in the state of Texas

See also: Seminole County

title: Seminole


text:
Seminole (Oklahoma)

Seminole is in the Frontier Country region of Oklahoma.

title: Seminole (Oklahoma)


text:
Seminole County

There is more than one place called Seminole County:

Seminole County
Seminole County is the name of several counties in the United States:

 * Seminole County (Florida) - A county in Florida which is in Greater Orlando.
 * Seminole County (Georgia) - A county in Georgia.
 * Seminole County (Oklahoma) - A county in Oklahoma.

title: Seminole County


text:
Seminyak

Seminyak is a beach town in South Bali north of Legian and Kuta. The next town north of Legian, Seminyak is more upmarket with mostly luxury accommodation and fashionable high-end restaurants and bars. The atmosphere is much more sophisticated and laid-back than Kuta, and the beach in particular is quieter during the day. Seminyak is also the high end spa and boutique shopping capital of Bali. Nowhere is the upscaling of Bali more obvious than here.

Understand
Seminyak was once a distinctly separate village, and something of a backwater. Development occurred at an astonishing pace, and has absorbed all green space that separated Seminyak from Legian, it is now almost impossible to determine where Seminyak ends and the nearby villages of Petitenget, Umalas and Kerobokan begin. The district has become very congested.

By car
Seminyak is part of the main west coast conurbation in South Bali and it can get very congested with traffic. There are two main routes in. From Kuta and Legian, Jalan Legian runs parallel with the beach and at its western limit, becomes Jalan Seminyak. If at all possible try to avoid this road though, and take instead the eastern bypass called Jalan Sunset. This is almost invariably the quicker route from Kuta and Legian into Seminyak, although it is actually further in distance.

A prepaid taxi from the airport to Seminyak costs a fixed Rp 60,000. Trips to or from Kuta cost around Rp 30,000 and from Legian about Rp 15,000.

Get around
The streets of Seminyak are increasingly jammed, with Jalan Laksmana being a particular black-spot. Your best options here are to walk or rent a motorcycle/bicycle.

A number of roads in Seminyak have alternative names. Whilst this issue is not exclusive to Seminyak, it does seem to happen here more than anywhere else in Bali. There follows a list of road names with the most popular given first and the alternatives afterwards in brackets.

 * Jalan Arjuna (Jalan Double Six, Jalan 66)
 * Jalan Raya Seminyak (Jalan Raya Basangkasa)
 * Jalan Dhyana Pura (Jalan Caplak Tanduk)
 * Jalan Laksmana (Jalan Oberoi, Jalan Kayu Aya)
 * Jalan Pantai Legian (Jalan Blue Ocean)
 * Jalan Mertanadi (Jalan Penjara)

See

Seminyak Beach and Petitenget Beach is a continuous expanse of grey sand stretching in both directions as far as the eye can see. To the south it becomes Legian Beach and then Kuta Beach, but is noticeably quieter than both. The sunsets here are famous, and opportunites abound to mix with the glitterati who frequent the high end beach front establishments such as Ku De Ta. Easy access points to the beach are at the end of Jalan Dhyana Pura, and from the large public car park (Rp 2,000) between Petitenget Temple and La Luciola restaurant.

Spas, massage and other treatments
Seminyak is the high-end spa capital of Bali. Your spa experience here will be one of great luxury in a sophisticated setting. You pay up for all of that of course, but the prices are still 50% or more cheaper than you would pay in a western country.

If you are staying in one of Seminyak's high end hotels there will undoubtedly be an in-house spa service. If you are staying in a villa, then in-villa treatments will almost certainly be offered - check with the staff.

Other
A little bit of surfing goes on here, but it is not as good as off Legian and Kuta beaches to the south, or at Canggu to the north.

Buy
Seminyak is the centre in Bali for hip and inventive fashion boutiques, other designer stores and art studios. A good starting point for any shopper would be the legion of small boutiques and designer stores on Jalan Laksmana.

Others

If you are looking for Indonesian antiques (genuine or reproductions), or just enjoy browsing for eclectic homewares, try Jalan Kerobokan between the junction with Jalan Seminyak and the next set of traffic lights to the north. This is a very busy road and moving around is not easy, but both sides of the street are lined with numerous furniture, antique and homeware stores. A quieter, but just as rewarding option for similar products, is Jalan Mertanadi which runs parallel to Jalan Kerobokan just to the east.

Two traditional fresh produce markets remain in Seminyak. The most convenient is on the west side of the last bend at the very northern end of Jalan Raya Seminyak, and is widely known as Seminyak Market. A little more out of the way is a similar market in Kerobokan, called Taman Sari. Take Jalan Raya Kerobokan north from Jalan Raya Seminyak until you reach the first set of lights. Turn right and Taman Sari market is almost immediately on your righthand side. Both are best in the mornings from 07:00-11:00, and provide visitors with the opportunity to examine and purchase traditional, fresh local fruit and vegetables.

Eat
Seminyak has developed a world-class dining scene. If you want to splurge on one very special dinner while you are in Bali, look no further than the higher end options in Seminyak. Prices are high by Bali standards but on an international scale still good value for the highest quality of food and eating environment. The clientele is demanding here and the turnover of restaurants quite high, so those that make it and stick around are invariably very good.

Budget
Although they have become hard to find, there are still some excellent budget options available in the area.

Drink
Many of Bali's hippest nightspots are in Seminyak.

Gay bars
There are numerous gay bars on Jalan Dhyana Pura, the most popular of which is Mixwell.

Sleep
There is virtually no backpacker accommodation in Seminyak. Budget travellers will generally do better to stay in nearby Kuta or Legian. However, there are some (fairly uninspiring) losmen type places in Gang Bima which runs south off the northern end of Jalan Dhyana Pura, right in the heart of Seminyak.

The main choices are villas and higher end hotels. There are some good bargains to be had in the mid-range though in low season, so shop around.

Beware of false advertising. Only the most expensive "villas" are completely private and self-contained, while many share at least some facilities, and the cheaper ones are just clusters of bungalows.

It is difficult to differentiate between budget and mid-range hotels based on stars, so a usual 4- or 3-star mid-range hotel may be a budget hotel.

The prices are stated below are normal, except if stated as discount prices.

Hotels
Any villas listed in this section do not have private courtyards and share facilities like a swimming pool.

Private villas
Villas listed here are either private individual properties with their own pool, or are within an all-villa hotel which offers only completely private units.

Stay safe
Seminyak is the centre of Bali's party drug scene with offers of ecstasy and cocaine especially common. Pay heed to the advice here, and avoid at all costs.

Cope
Indicative of its place in the elite group of high end Asian travel destinations, Seminyak has its very own lifestyle magazine. The Yak is an impressive, glossy magazine produced four times each year, and has the full run-down on the Seminyak scene: happening restaurants and bars, fashion boutiques, and reviews of the latest hip hotels and villas. Pick up a copy at any local news-stand for Rp 70,000.

Go next

 * The bright lights, shopping centres and traffic jams of Kuta are just 15 minutes away to the south.
 * The rural tranquility of Canggu is 25 minutes drive to the north.
 * The temple of Tanah Lot, famed for its sunsets, is 40 minutes away by car.
 * Further to the south lie Jimbaran, famous for its luxury hotels and beach front dinners, and the Uluwatu area, which boasts top beaches and cultural destinations, such as the Uluwatu temple.
 * To the east and the other side of the island, one will find sedate Sanur - one of Bali's oldest tourist destinations featuring a mix of tourist attractions.

title: Seminyak


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Semkovo

Semkovo is a ski resort nested in the Rila Mountains of Bulgaria.

Get in
During the winter season, the tourists from the nearest town of Belitsa arrive at the complex by sledge.

Do
Semkovo is a starting point for marked tourist routes to Vapski circus and the Vapski lakes (2 hours 30 min walk), Polejanski circus and the Dry Lake which are one hour walk, Skalishki circus and Skalishki lakes—2½-hr walk.

Sleep
There are numerous hotels, holiday houses, villas. The resort complex Semkovo includes the Rila hotel, Bor hotel, the "Semkovo" chalet, holiday houses of universities, and several ski track and rope lines.

Go next

 * Bansko - popular ski resort at foot of Pirin Mountains

title: Semkovo


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Semmering

Semmering is an alpine pass connecting Lower Austria and Styria. The Semmering railway is an UNESCO world heritage site as it is the first high alpine mountain railway.

Understand
Semmering is the best known alpine resort in eastern Austria. In 1854 the Semmering railway was built, one of the first railways to pass through high alpine mountains. The spectacular landscape and the monumental buildings were declared UNESCO world heritage. The railway made it easily accessible from Vienna, and at the fin-de-siècle, several monumental hotels were built here. The Semmering railway was considered such an impressive feat of engineering that many other railways through mountainous terrain were nicknamed "Semmering of x", much like the Watergate scandal engendered the "-gate" suffix for scandals. As of 2020, a new base tunnel is being built for faster long distance trains, and to relieve freight trains of the costly and difficult need to have extra locomotives coupled to get across the steep sections. The old line will of course stay open, but international and freight traffic will move to the new line once it opens.

The Semmering region encompasses the municipalities Gloggnitz, Payerbach, Maria Schutz, Semmering in Lower Austria and Spital, Mürzzuschlag, Neuberg, Mürzsteg in Styria.

Get in
By train with the Semmering railway (Semmeringbahn) either from Vienna or Graz. The Semmering is a mere 100 km away from both cities.

Get around
The railway connects the major municipalities. The beautiful landscape offers plenty of hike possibilities. Of course, all municipalities are connected and accessible by car (S6 highway).

See
The railway station has an exhibition regarding the Semmering railway which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The local church and several impressive hotels and villas, along the main road crossing the town, originate from the end of the 19th century and have a beautiful view of the Alps. They're worth a visit.

Sports
The Semmering has two nearby ski resorts, of the two the Zauberberg is more popular as it is closer to Vienna. The Stuhleck area however offers more possibilities.

Connect
The ski resort operates several free Wi-Fi access points.

Go next
Semmering lies on the Austrian south railway line which connects Vienna and Graz. Of course cities on the track like Baden (Austria), Wiener Neustadt, Bruck an der Mur, Kindberg or Kapfenberg are also easily reached.
 * Graz is the second-largest city in Austria. The City of Graz including its historic centre and Schloss Eggenberg is a world heritage site.
 * Vienna is the capital of the Republic of Austria and by far its most populous city. It is Austria's artistic, cultural, economic and political centre.
 * Leoben is the industrial and educational centre of Northern Styria and home of the Austrian mining industry and university.

title: Semmering


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Semonkong

Semonkong is a small town in central Lesotho. In Sesotho, Semonkong literally means Place of Smoke, which is a reference to the huge 200m Maletsunyane Falls which is close to the town.

By car
Semonkong is about 120km from Maseru. From Maseru, follow the signs to Roma where you will find the only gas station you will encounter during your oncoming trip. Also, there is a small Chinese grocery store to stack up on supplies, since Semonkong itself doesn't have that much to offer. Follow the tarmac all the way until you get there.

The journey takes about 3-4 hours. A 4x4 is not needed but smaller cars will struggle slightly on some of the uphills, just be confident and patient. You might not want to do it overloaded. Note that cellphone reception is limited. Semonkong lodge have a free shuttle every Tuesday and Friday from Maseru to Semonkong. They collect you at the tourist information in Maseru.

By minibus
Minibuses run from Maseru to Semonkong (and vice-versa) on a daily basis and leave from the major (and perhaps only) transit station in Maseru. The cost was M70, and the drive took 3.5-4.5 hours (April 2014). As with public transport in many countries of Africa, do not expect an exceptionally comfortable ride.

Get around
Semonkong is small enough for it to be possible to get around by foot.

See

 * The Maletsunyane Falls - 1 hour pony ride (or a longer walk) from the Semonkong Lodge, the highest single drop waterfall in Southern Africa at 192m. Above the waterfall, the Maletsunyane River in itself is nothing spectacular, which makes the discovery of the falls even more amazing! The scramble down the sides of the gorge is hard, but fairly safe and the noise and spray at the bottom by the pool is awe inspiring! Because no sun shines on the bottom, there is often snow down there, even in summer!

You can also go to the viewpoint by car: When you are about to cross the bridge to Semonkong, turn right and follow the signs to Maletsunyane Falls. Drive for about 9 km on a mysteriously good road until you see a sign pointing to your left (you can see the gorge on your left). Go onto the grass road for a while and you have a beautiful view over the entire gorge and the falls.

Do

 * Semonkong Lodge offers short (~1 hour) and long (overnight) pony treks and 4x4 rides through the area. They also offer abseiling next to the waterfall, and bill it as the highest commercial abseiling point in the world (200m) according to the Guinness book of records. It also offers hikes to the falls (ranging from 2 hours to the top of the falls to 4 hours to the bottom of the gorge, both with guides) and elsewhere. Usual rates are about M30 plus M10 for every hour you walk, in total for small groups.
 * The blanket presentation done by Masetho at her home is not to be missed if you're interested in learning about Basotho culture and the blankets you see every person wearing. M100 per person.

Buy
Although there are some shops which sell basic footstuffs, there's not much in the way of other shopping!

Eat

 * Semonkong Lodge serves alright food in its bar/restaurant. It is a bit pricey though!

Go next

 * Maseru - Lesotho's capital, and the country's hub
 * Malealea - the other big tourist destination in central Lesotho

title: Semonkong


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Semporna

Semporna is a city on east coast of Sabah. It has a population of around 135,000. While there is not much to see and do in Semporna itself, it is frequently used as a gateway for diving and snorkeling trips to the nearby islands of Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking, Maiga and others.

By plane
Most travellers take a flight to Tawau from either Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu, then travel overland by taxi (RM 95 for Tawau Airport to Semporna trip). It's also possible to arrange a shuttle service with tour/diving operators operating in Semporna.

By bus
From Kota Kinabalu: Direct from Inanam station to Semporna (or Tawau), 8-10 hrs, 75 MYR one-way. Departs 7:30AM & 7:30PM. To get to Inanam station you can take the public bus from the long distance bus station in KK city on Jalan Padang (Bus #3 to "Terminal" or "Inanam", purple bus stop, 20 min, 1.50 MYR) to the Inanam bus station, or a taxi (~20 MYR). Call 088-384701 or 088-384702 to book tickets for the Dyana Bus to Semporna. In high season (Jun-Aug) these buses fill up fast so book at least a day in advance.

From Sandakan: there are two direct buses to Semporna run by Dyana Bus at 7:30AM and 2PM (5-6 hrs, 40 MYR). If you miss the direct bus, you can also try taking a bus to Lahad Datu (at least 1PM, 18RM), and from there take a minibus to Semporna (leaves when it's full, 24RM).

From Sepilok: Take a taxi to Sandakan and take a bus from there, or hail down the bus at Sepilok junction (works if there are seats available on the bus). A taxi can be booked through your accommodation in Sepilok for ~30 MYR pp (shared) and takes 1 hour.

From Kinabatangan River: Let your tour agent drop you off at a bus station (or a bus stand) on the main road to Semporna. There your tour guide might also help you find a bus to Semporna: either the one heading straight to Semporna (a bus passing by that left from Sandakan early in the morning) or, when you missed that bus or when it is full, a minibus to Lahad Datu. From Lahad Datu you can catch another minibus to Semporna. Costs for the minibusses are about RM 20 to Lahad Datu and RM 29 from Lahad Datu to Semporna.

Get around
Because of its small size, Semporna town is easily explored on foot. However, there are also commercial passengers' vans and "kereta sapu (prebet)" for getting around. Usually the fare is RM1 to RM3 to where ever within the city, but the "prebet" will charge tourists with higher prices (about RM5 - RM10), make sure you make a deal with the driver before take a ride.

One may also attempt to get around the town and to surrounding villages/beach resorts using private taxis (commonly referred to as "prebet" or "kereta sapu"). These taxis are usually not color-coded, and the drivers usually drive around the town honking their taxis to attract passengers or converge around points of interest such as the supermarkets. This mode of transportation is favored by the less economically-able locals and the taxis usually charge between RM1 to RM3 to go anywhere and may charge more for tourists. Since these taxis are not licensed for commercial purposes (hence lacking business insurance), travelers are advised to avoid using these taxis at all cost. One will also notice that this kind of taxi usually wait until they have sufficient number of passengers (4 to 6 people) before heading to the passengers' destination.

Commercial passengers' vans are also available for travels to nearby villages and to Tawau. These vans are usually color-coded in yellow and can transport 8 to 12 passengers. These vans are usually available near the KFC fast food outlet and around supermarkets. Charges vary and one should establish an agreed price with the driver before boarding these vans. These vans also travel to Tawau daily and is usually available as early as 5:30AM.

See

 * The Bajau ethnic houses on stilts by the jetty and around the town's mosque.

Diving/Snorkeling
The nearby island of Sipadan offers some of the world's best scuba diving opportunities with large pelagics including sharks, rays and sea turtles. Many visitors to Semporna join a scuba diving trip to Sipadan. As of October 2022, a 3-dive day at Sipadan is around 900MYR including equipment rental and marine park fee. Snorkelers to Sipadan pay about 700MYR all fees included. The boat ride from Semporna to Sipadan takes about 45 minutes. A 2022 rule change limits the number of Sipadan dives per day to two, so expect your dive operator to push the third dive to a nearby island.

Other nearby islands include Mabul and Kapalai, which are also popular destinations for both scuba divers and snorkelers. Day trips to both of these, as well as other islands nearby, are available from most of the half dozen or so dive operators in Semporna.

Festivals
Unlike the Land Bajaus and Kadazan usually found in northern Sabah coastal areas, the Sea Bajaus which dominate Semporna celebrate Regatta Lepa-Lepa annually during the entire month of April. Being the focal point of Semporna's identity, the festival is of extreme importance to the locals and the State Government, in which the State's Head of State is always invited to grace the event. Regatta Lepa-Lepa is similar to dragon boat race in which different villages around Semporna will commission their own boats and decorate their boats for parade near the jetties. The culmination of this event is the Ratu Lepa pageant event.

Buy
Moon stones and pearls are sold, often on the jetty by the Dragon Inn Hotel. Bargain hard to get a good price. Moon stone pendants (without necklace) should go for about RM 4-5.

Budget
It's easy to find stalls selling local delicacies like the following:
 * Nasi kuning (yellow rice) — sold in the morning by the street — traditional breakfast for sabahan. It consist of rice, fish cook with chilli and vegetables.
 * Mee soup (bakso) — sold by Indonesian immigrants for RM1 per bowl. Good budget eating
 * Pisang goreng (fried banana) — 10-20 cents each, sold by the street (same street with bakso and grilled chicken).
 * Ayam panggang (roasted chicken) — can be found near to mee soup stall. Both sold only during night.
 * Putu (local traditional carb) — 50 cents for a portion.
 * Grilled tuna fish — RM2-RM3 per fish.
 * Latok (fresh seaweed) — 50 cents for a portion.

Mid-range
Chinese restaurants can be found easily in every block.

Drink
The restaurant at the beginning of the causeway serves big mugs of fresh fruit juices (mango, honeydew, lychee and others) for RM 5.

Sleep
The best deals and information can typically be found using online hotel indexing websites.

Go next

 * Kota Kinabalu
 * Lahad Datu
 * Sandakan
 * Tawau

title: Semporna


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Semuc Champey

Semuc Champey is a set of crystalline pools over the Río Cahabón in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala. It consists of a natural 300 m limestone bridge, under which passes the Cahabón River. Atop the bridge is a series of stepped, turquoise pools, a popular swimming attraction. Semuc is part of the backpacker trail in Guatemala.

Climate
At an altitude of approximately 341 m Semuc Champey's climate is usually warm, typical of a tropical rainforest jungle, getting colder through the night.

Being surrounded by tropical jungle, Semuc Champey is often clouded, especially in the rainy season.

Get in
Shuttles go from Cobán and Antigua to Lanquin. From there, shared taxis will bring you to your hotel in Semuc Champey. If you don't come with a shuttle, your hotel can pick you up if you call them in advance.

Small hotels and backpacker lodges exist in Lanquin, which until around the year 2000 was the usual place to stay when visiting. Now there are good (rustic) community-owned and operated hotels just outside of Semuc Champey.

Fees and permits
The fee to enter the Semuc Champey National Park is Q50 for foreigners. It is usually included in your tour.

See
For a better perspective of the site, there is a viewpoint atop a difficult path that offers views of Semuc Champey.

Go next

 * Antigua - by shuttle (Q140, 9-10 hours)
 * Flores - by shuttle (Q140, 8 hours)

title: Semuc Champey


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Semur-en-Auxois

Semur-en-Auxois is a medieval town in the heart of the Côte-d'Or, Burgundy, on the banks of the Armançon. Semur was once a fortified town, and though the castle has now been mostly dismantled, the tall towers and main wall still remain and surround the inner part of the town. Visitors enjoy walking the quaint cobblestone streets, shopping and dining in the pedestrian area, and taking in the magnificent views from the two medieval bridges across the Armançon — the Pont Joly and the Pont des Minimes.

Get in
Semur-en-Auxois is not accessible via plane or train.

By car
There is an exit off the A6 Autoroute. When you approach, you will recognize Semur by seeing the cracked tower on the hill.

Get around
The town is easily walkable; many of the streets within the medieval walls are open to pedestrians only. There is also a tourism office near one of the historic gates to the city, which now leads to the tourist area.

Do
Discover Semur-en-Auxois by following the roadbook called "Sans les armes sur la piste du lion", available at the tourist information office for €1.50). Take good shoes as the path brings you out of the city for a 2- to 3-hour walk.

Buy

 * There is a little open-air market on each Sunday morning, near the church. Local vegetables, cheese, honey, etc. Everything is fresh and delicious.

Go next

 * Époisses (13 km to the west), a village famous for its eponymous cheese.
 * The Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay (about 15 km north), listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site

title: Semur-en-Auxois


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Senaru

Senaru is a village in North Lombok. Senaru is normally thought of as the key gateway village to an arduous trek up Mount Rinjani. There is a lot more to this area than that though, and those visitors less inclined towards serious trekking should not be discouraged from visiting here.

Understand
There are some cute little places to stay, and glorious scenery all around, including some notable waterfalls.

The village of Batu Koq about 1 km to the north, almost merges as one with Senaru these days.

Culture
The area around Senaru (and the wider Bayan district) was the birthplace of Lombok's unique Wektu Telu belief system — ancient animist practices combined with Islam.

Get in
If you come to do Rinjani trek, most operators will include transport before and after the trek, from/to Bangsal, Senggigi, Mataram, and sometimes more.

By car
From the main north coast road, turn south at the small town of Bayan from where it is about 8 km to Senaru village.

If you are coming from the main tourist areas in West Lombok, expect to pay about Rp 300,000-400,000 for a taxi or chartered vehicle.

It is about 1 hr 15 min from Bangsal harbour by car. New wide road from 2023 between Tanjung and Banyan.

By bus
It is possible, if a little difficult, to get to Senaru by bus from Mataram Mandalika bus terminal. From the main Mataram bus terminal, take a bus headed towards Anyar or Bayan. These are infrequent, there is no reliable timetable and the journey is 2½-3 hours. From Anyar or Bayan, try local transport like bemos or taxis to Senaru.

Get around
Once you are in Senaru, just walk: it is stunning here.

Depending on your hotel and trek tour, you may be offered free transport to waterfall or some other places.

Waterfalls

Aside from Mount Rinjani itself, the key attractions around here are the two well known waterfalls (air terjun). Guides abound in Senaru, and you might find it difficult walking anywhere without one. The best strategy is often to find a guide you like, agree a nominal price (under Rp 50,000) and have he or she (very unusually for Lombok, women guides are available here) accompany you. If nothing else, this will keep the others from hassling you.

Do
Climbing Mount Rinjani is not to be taken lightly and full details are given that article.

There are many other less demanding treks in the area, for example a panorama walk, or a day trip Senaru—Bayan. Senaru is a great base for these local treks.

Eat
All of the local bungalows and homestays have simple cafes attached.

There are a few simple warungs on the road between Senaru and Batu Koq villages. The local Sasak food is excellent — try to stick with the authentic local cooking as the dull, generic western traveller dishes may disappoint.

Go next

 * Mount Rinjani Go climb an active Volcano.
 * Tanjung Luxurious villas to rent, a golf course, boating marina and facilities, Lombok's premier resort the 5-star Oberoi Resort and Tugu, one of Lombok's more eclectic resort newcomers.
 * Bangsal just to get to the Gilis.
 * Gili Islands - an archipelago of three small islands off Lombok's northwestern coast with each island full of resorts
 * Senggigi Hotels large and small to suit all budgets, stylish boutique resorts, car and motorbike rentals. forest trekking. restaurants and nightlife.
 * Mataram Shopping, restaurants, museum, Namarda Water Park and on toward the central south of the island for the airport to leave Lombok for Java, Bali, Sumbawa, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
 * Kuta Surfing, Tangung Aan and explore the coastline of the south.

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Sendai

Sendai (仙台) is the largest city, with around 1 million people, in the Tohoku region of Japan's Honshu island and the capital of Miyagi prefecture. As everyone here will tell you, "Sendai is not too big and not too small, it's very convenient and it's close to both the sea and the mountains."

Sakunami hot springs area of the city has a separate article.

Understand
Sendai is divided into five districts: Aoba-ku (青葉区), Izumi-ku (泉区), Miyagino-ku (宮城野区), Taihaku-ku (太白区) and Wakabayashi-ku (若林区).

Sendai is a comfortable and pleasant city — it's a nice place to live. It's very green — in fact they call it 杜の都 (Mori no Miyako, "The City of Trees"). The main avenues around the city are wide and tree-lined, giving the city an almost European feel. The main shopping street, Chūō-dōri (中央通り), is pedestrian and covered, so it feels like a mall. Several large universities are located in Sendai, attracting young adults from throughout the Tohoku area. In general, the city enjoys a high standard of education, and this is reflected in the quality of English spoken on this street, which is far higher than in other cities in the region.

History
Although there is evidence of settlements in the Sendai region dating back over 20,000 years, it was not until the local feudal ruler, Date Masamune, moved his capital here in 1600 that the city began to take on any significance. He established a fine castle on Aobayama (green leaf mountain) and the town that was built below the castle near the Hirose River was built according to the traditional street grid pattern. The original name of the area was also Sendai, but the Chinese characters at the time were different (千代). They used to refer to a temple on Aobayama that housed a thousand Buddha statues. Later, Date Masamune changed the Chinese characters to mean 'hermit on a platform,' (仙台) which referred to a mythical palace in the mountains in China. It is this latter name that is used by the present-day city.

Climate
There are two ways of looking at the weather here. One is the way most Japanese people seem to look at it: it's not too cold in the winter and not too hot in the summer, compared to other Japanese cities to the south. Others find it chilly year round.

Winter temperatures rarely dip below zero Celsius, and snow, though frequent in winter, melts quickly. Winter weather is very rainy, yielding to variable weather in spring. There is a long rainy season, marked by consistently cool and cloudy weather, which typically coincides with the month of June, but has been known to set in right after the cherry-blossom blooms in April and to continue through July, and even August.

When (and if) the rainy season ends, summer weather is warm and humid, (average high in August is 28 °C (82 °F) until September, which brings typhoon season. Most of the typhoons do little damage, having dissipated somewhat on their travel north, but fall on Sendai as very heavy rainstorms, following one another in close succession.

For those who prefer dry sunny weather, autumn is the most reliable time for pleasant conditions in Sendai. In October, the weather becomes clear, dry and sunny, though cool, usually throughout the month and sometimes well into November. Daytime temperatures hover around 18 °C, with cooler nights. Rice harvesting is done at this time, while the fields found just outside the city are golden.

Tourist information site

 * Discover Sendai is the city's official English tourist site.

 * Sendai Tourism, Convention and International Association helps foreign tourists in various ways.

Get in
Sendai is 360 km (220 miles) from Tokyo, so it is often viewed as out of the way and difficult to access. However, it is a 90-minute shinkansen (bullet train) ride, or one hour flight then less than a 30-minute transfer to the city center. In fact, Sendai is 100 km closer to Tokyo than the very popular Kyoto, and boasts its own unique history, plenty of temples and shrines, and is far less crowded with tourists (with Sendai almost exclusively marketed to domestic and intra-Asian tourism).

By plane
Sendai Airport (SDJ) mainly functions as a domestic airport with regular flights from Sapporo, Nagoya, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Okinawa and Kanazawa(komatsu). However, there are also a few international flights from neighboring countries, such as South Korea, Taiwan and China.

The airport is linked to the city with the Sendai Airport Access railway, which takes 17–25 minutes from JR Sendai Station and costs ¥650.

JR East also maintains an airport limousine bus between JR Sendai Expressway station (East Exit Stop 71, West Exit Stop 63-1) and Sendai Airport No.2 bus stop. From JR Sendai Station East Exit (add 10 minutes for West Exit), it operates at 10:20am, 1:20pm and 4:20pm on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, taking about 47 minutes and costs ¥800 (¥8400 for children). It is primarily aimed at travelers carrying significant amounts of luggage. From Sendai Airport, the airport limousine bus operates at 9:05am, 11:45am, 3:25pm, and 6pm, on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, taking about 45 minutes to Sendai Station West Exist and costs ¥1000 (¥500 for children). Additionally, the bus departing from Sendai airport makes a stop at the Sendai Prefecture Office City Hall, whereas the inverse is not true.

In 2016 Sendai Airport was the first airport in Japan to be privatized. Thus, the number of low cost carrier (LCC) flights and number of destinations are expected to increase.

By train
Sendai is a major station on the Tohoku Shinkansen (bullet train) line, some two hours from Tokyo. The line continues north to Morioka and Aomori.

The most frequent ride from Tokyo is on the all-reserved Hayabusa (はやぶさ), which makes only a few stops and runs to Sendai in 1½ hours (¥11,200). The Komachi (こまち) service bound for Akita is coupled to the Hayabusa train, but bear in mind that Komachi cars are slightly narrower, and therefore, so is seating.

If you have a little more time on your hands, or if any of the above trains are sold out, the more frequent Yamabiko (やまびこ) services are a good alternative. The fare is slightly cheaper for reserved seating (¥10,890), but the Yamabiko trains also offer a few cars of unreserved seating which are cheaper still (¥10370). The Yamabiko serves more stations - and in some cases, ALL stations - so the expected travel time will be about 30–40 minutes longer than the Hayabusa and Komachi.

A few all-reserved Hayate (はやて) services remain on the route, and these are another alternative. The Hayate trains are only slightly slower than the Hayabusa and Komachi, but cost the same as the Yamabiko.

The Japan Rail Pass and JR East Rail Pass is valid for Ordinary and Green Cars on the all of the bullet trains mentioned above. On the other hand, rail passes will only cover the basic fare if you are willing to try out the premium first class seating on the Hayabusa called "GranClass". To use "GranClass" the limited express and GranClass fare has to be paid (¥13,990 from Tokyo). Without a rail pass, "GranClass" costs ¥19,930 between Tokyo and Sendai.

The Joban Line runs between Sendai and Tokyo, and was fully repaired after the 2011 earthquake in March 2020. Some services of the limited express Hitachi (ひたち) terminates at Sendai, though as a non-high speed service, the entire journey takes about 4.5 hours from Tokyo to Sendai.

By bus
Many highway buses run to Sendai from various locations in the Tohoku region.

JR Bus Tohoku and Tohoku Kyuko bus operate highway bus service to Sendai from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo. There are five daytime trips and one overnight trip. Each run takes 5½ hours at a cost of ¥6,210.

Same companies also run a line to Niigata across the mountains. There are five or six daytime buses that run for 4 hours and cost ¥4,500.

An overnight bus service also runs directly from Yokohama and Shinagawa, costing ¥6,500 from Yokohama (6½ hours) and ¥6,200 from Shinagawa (5¾ hours).

Kintetsu runs an overnight bus service, the Forest, from Osaka and Kyoto to Sendai. The one-way ride costs approximately ¥12,000 and takes 12¼hours from Osaka and 10¾ hours from Kyoto.

Willer Express is a company with nightly bus services to Sendai from Tokyo. With English online booking service.

Meitetsu runs an over night bus service from Sendai to Nagoya. Departure time is 21:30 and arrival in Nagoya is 07:00.

By boat
Taiheiyo Ferry (太平洋フェリー) (Japanese) +81-22-259-0211. Offers overnight car ferries to Nagoya (21 hr 40 min) and Tomakomai (in southern Hokkaido) (15 hr 20 min) on the SS Ishikari and SS Kitakami.

Getting there: Ferry terminal is a ten-minute taxi ride away from Nakanosakae Station (中野栄駅) on the JR Senseki line (仙石線). The terminal is also not far from the Sendai-ko kita (仙台港北) interchange on the Sendai Tobu Highway (仙台東部道路). For further details, check out the ferry website.

By subway
Sendai has two subway lines. Traveling on a north-south axis, the Namboku Line connects major shopping districts with the train station. Key stations include Sendai for the train station and the AER building, Nagamachi-minami for the Mall (large American-style shopping mall including multi-screen cinema), Hirose-dori and Kotodai-koen for access to Ichibancho (covered shopping arcade), and Izumi-chuo for the soccer stadium. The second line, the Tozai Line, travels on an east-west axis and opened in December 2015.

By bus
Sendai is covered by a bus network, whose routes and timetables are available through Google Maps and other services. However, in some places buses are infrequent, with waiting times up to half an hour, and they tend to get very crowded in the rush hour.

Fortunately for tourists there is a "Loople Sendai" bus that makes a wide loop around to various Sendai attractions for ¥630 for a whole day, or ¥260 for one ride. Normal route buses have fares based on the distance travelled and usually cost from ¥170 (the basic fare) to ¥300 for some longest journeys. Note that the Loople buses are small, and can get very crowded on weekends and the summer. The loop also only runs in one direction and service ends by 5pm. You can buy a day ticket, Sendai Area Pass or pay as you go through an IC card.

Travelcards (commony called "bus cards" both in English and Japanese, although they could be also used on subway) are available, offering slight discount -- ¥5,000 card has ¥5,850-worth of fare on it. There are two major bus companies, but for all practical intents and purposes they are indistinguishable.

By bicycle
Bicycles can be rented for ¥1,000 a day or ¥500 from 14:0/, they are called Date Bike, you will need Internet access to rent one.

A few interesting cycling itineraries can found on the Date Bike website, explanations are in Japanese but maps are understandable.

On foot
The city center is compact and can easily be traversed on foot, especially by using the covered shopping arcades. There are many shops and arcades around Sendai station and therefore people could walk around on their own. Other parts of the city are quite hilly (even the center has some significant slopes) and while they still could be traversed on foot, this might be physically demanding. Residential parts are also very spread-out, and walking such large distances becomes impractical.

See
Although one of Japan's most pleasant and livable cities, Sendai is not generally high on the tourist circuit as it was flattened in the war and has few historical sights remaining. However, for those interested in touring the city, the.Gozain Sendai Volunteer English Interpreter and Tour Guide Group offer free guided tours (no charge for the guides)

Do
Akiu Onsen is an onsen town located in the outskirts of Sendai, known to be frequented by the famous samurai Date Masamune and home to its own Akiu Kokeshi, now considered to be part of the Togatta Kokeshi-type.
 * One of the few and only tour companies based locally and catering to English speaking travelers in Sendai is Attract Tohoku Their unique experiences include a food parade around the city, exploring hidden alleys, bar hopping like a local, and even a Japanese style hair-and-makeup package.
 * The biggest festival in Sendai is Tanabata (七夕). The festival starts with fireworks on Aug 5th and then the festival proper is from Aug 6th to Aug 8th. The streets are decorated with big paper decorations, there's a parade and... well, that's about it.
 * In December, there's the Pageant of Starlight which isn't really a festival as such. The trees in two of the city's main avenues - Aoba-dōri and Jōzenji-dōri - are festooned in thousands of orange lights. The effect is very pleasant, with the orange glow casting a warmth over the otherwise cold and frosty streets.

Buy

 * Sendai hira - silk
 * tsutsumiyaki - pottery
 * yanagi'u washi - hand made paper
 * Sendai tsuishu - lacquerware
 * Sakunami kokeshi - The kokeshi variety from Sakunami Onsen.
 * Sendai tansu - wardrobe
 * Matsukawa Daruma
 * Tamamushi nuri - lacquerware

Eat
Sendai's specialties include gyūtan (牛タン), grilled beef tongue; sasakamaboko (笹かまぼこ), a type of fish sausage; and zundamochi (ずんだ餅), sweet green soybean paste eaten with soft glutinous rice balls. Sendai-Miso (仙台味噌) has a long history. Hiyashi-Chuka (冷やし中華, cold ramen noodles) originated in Sendai.

Japanese

 * There is a "sushi road" in Sendai station where you can enjoy delicious sushi at inexpensive prices.

Alcohol
Due to the many universities near the city center, the nightlife in Sendai is excellent for a city of its size. Several small dance clubs on or around Chuo-dori fill with incredibly energetic young people most nights of the week. Kokubunchō (国分町) is the main entertainment district. Full of restaurants, izakaya, bars, hostess bars and strip clubs.

Go next

 * Tagajo
 * Shiogama
 * Matsushima, about 40 minutes away by local train (Senseki Line), is a bay full of tiny pine covered islands and is recognized as one of the three most beautiful views in Japan.
 * Kinkasan, 60 km away at the tip of the Oshika Peninsula, offers light hiking and lots of deer. Walk up the mountain to see monkeys. Stay at the shrine on the island and participate in the morning service (06:00).
 * Shiroishi
 * Ishinomaki
 * Osaki
 * Zao
 * Iwanuma

title: Sendai


text:
Seneca Falls

Seneca Falls is a town in the Finger Lakes region of New York state. The birthplace of the women's rights movement in the 19th century, Seneca Falls is also widely believed to be the inspiration for the town of Bedford Falls in Frank Capra's holiday classic, It's A Wonderful Life.

Understand

 * Seneca Falls Town Council website

By plane

 * Syracuse Hancock International Airport
 * Greater Rochester International Airport

By car
New York State Thruway (Interstate 90), Exit 41. Route 414 South to Routes 5&20 east to Seneca Falls.

Eat

 * The national fast-food chains are available.

Drink
The Finger Lakes region sports more than 70 wineries.

Go next
Explore other towns in the Finger Lakes area.

title: Seneca Falls