A semiconductor light emitting device includes: a semiconductor lamination including a first semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type, an active layer formed on the first semiconductor layer, and a second semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type formed on the active layer; a rhodium (Rh) layer formed on one surface of the semiconductor lamination; a light reflecting layer containing Ag, formed on the Rh layer and having an area smaller than the Rh layer; and a cap layer covering the light reflecting layer. Migration of Ag is suppressed.