Cirebon – Sultanate Palaces and Batik on the Javanese-Sundanese Border
Cirebon is an independent city on the northern coast of West Java province, beside the Java Sea. The city is one of Indonesia's richest cultural heritage sites: the centuries-old palaces of the Cirebon Sultanate, world-famous Cirebon batik, and a unique blend of Javanese and Sundanese cultures define it. Cirebon is a stop on the pantura (northern coastal) highway, strategically located between western and central Java.
Attractions and Activities
Keraton Kasepuhan (Kasepuhan Palace) is a 15th-century sultanate palace that now serves as a museum – the singa barong (golden chariot) and Chinese-Javanese hybrid architecture are stunning. Keraton Kanoman is the second sultanate palace, also open to visitors. Taman Sari Gua Sunyaragi is a remarkable stone garden and meditation cave complex from the 17th century. 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 also popular.
Culture and 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.
Public Safety
Cirebon is a safe city. You can walk around the city centre and Keraton area freely at night. Traffic on the pantura highway is heavy – drive carefully. Swimming is not recommended along the Java Sea coast. Medical care is available locally (several hospitals in Cirebon).
Practical Information
Cirebon's railway station (Kejaksan) provides 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 from simple hotels to boutique hotels.
