The capital of Central Java, Semarang is a historic city that was used as a trading post by famed 15th century Chinese sailor, Cheng Ho. Many historic buildings from the time of the Dutch occupation still stand to this very day. The strong Chinese ethnicity is felt as many influences branch out to the local culture and cuisine. As a port city, Semarang is one of the gateways to Karimun Jawa, a chain of islands which offers spectacular diving and snorkeling.
Pangkalpinang is the largest city on the island of Bangka and is also the provincial capital of Bangka-Belitung. Once a major tin producing center for Indonesia, this port city is slowly being recognized as a must visit tourist destination, for its beautiful unspoiled beaches and tidy laid out city. Some must see locations when in Pangkalpinang include Museum Timah, which tells the history of Bangka\'s tin mining history, the many Chinese temples located around the city and Pasir Padi Beach.