Cirebon – Sultanate Palaces and Batik on the Javanese-Sundanese Border
Cirebon is an independent city on the northern coast of West Java province, beside la mer de Java. The city is one of Indonesia's richest patrimoine culturel sites: the siècles-old palaiss of the Cirebon Sultanate, mondialement célèbre Cirebon batik, and a unique blend of Javanese and Sundanese cultures define it. Cirebon is a stop on the pantura (northern coastal) highway, strategically situé entre western and central Java.
Attractions et activités
Keraton Kasepuhan (Kasepuhan Palace) is a 15th-siècle sultanate palais that now sert de a musée – the singa barong (golden chariot) and Chinese-Javanese hybrid architecture are magnifique. Keraton Kanoman is the second sultanate palais, également open to visitors. Taman Sari Gua Sunyaragi is a remarkable stone garden and meditation cave complex depuis the 17th siècle. Cirebon batik workshops (Batik Trusmi) are the birthplace of mega mendung (cloud-pattern) batik – watch the hand-made batik process here. Sunyaragi and the Plangon monkey forest are également popular.
Culture et cuisine
Cirebon is a cultural melting pot: Sundanese, Javanese and Chinese influences have created a unique local identity. Topeng Cirebon (mask dance) and tarling music are distinctive local art forms. The cuisine is robust and distinctive: empal gentong (spiced beef in clay pot), nasi jamblang (assorted rice toppings on banana leaf), tahu gejrot (vinegar tofu snack), and mega udang (giant prawn) are all Cirebon specialities.
Sécurité publique
Cirebon is a safe city. You can walk autour de la ville centre and Keraton area freely la nuit. Traffic on the pantura highway is heavy – drive carefully. Swimming is not recommended le long de la mer de Java coast. Medical care is available locally (several hospitals in Cirebon).
Informations pratiques
Cirebon's railway station (Kejaksan) offre excellent connections to Jakarta, Bandung and Semarang. Cirebon Penggung Airport has limited flights. From Jakarta, approximately 3 hours by train, 3–4 hours by car. The best time to visit is April to October. Accommodation ranges depuis simple hotels to boutique hotels.
