Cirebon, Indonesia
Region: West Java
Geographic Coordinates: -6.707100, 108.557000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with high humidity and rainfall throughout the year, with no distinct seasons.
Population: 316126
Language: Javanese
Cirebon is a city located on the northern coast of West Java, Indonesia. It is well-known for its rich cultural heritage, Stunning beaches, And delectable cuisine. The city has an estimated population of 330, 000 people and is divided into three districts: Kejaksan, Lemahwungkuk, And Harjamukti. One of the top tourist attractions in Cirebon is the Kraton Kasepuhan Palace. Constructed in 1529 by Sultan Sepuh XIV Pangeran Raja Atapraja as his residence, This palace showcases traditional Javanese architecture. Visitors can explore the palace grounds and view various artifacts such as royal carriages and traditional clothing worn by past sultans.
Another popular destination in Cirebon is the Sunyaragi Cave. Initially used as a meditation spot for Sultans during ancient times but has since been converted into a tourist attraction. Visitors can explore several rooms within the cave that are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. For those looking to unwind on beautiful beaches, Cirebon offers numerous options such as Kejawanan Beach or Kencana Beach. These beaches provide crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming or snorkeling while also providing breathtaking views of nearby islands.
Cuisine in Cirebon is also something not to be missed with dishes such as Empal Gentong (a spicy beef soup) or Nasi Jamblang (rice wrapped in teak leaves). The city also produces its own unique type of batik called Megamendung which features cloud-like patterns on fabric. In addition to these attractions, Cirebon hosts several annual festivals including the Grebeg Maulud Festival which celebrates Prophet Muhammad’s birthday with parades featuring giant rice cone offerings carried through town. Overall, Cirebon provides visitors with an opportunity to experience traditional Javanese culture while also enjoying modern amenities like beautiful beaches and delicious cuisine.
It is a must-visit destination for those traveling to Indonesia.
- Keraton Kasepuhan Cirebon (Cirebon Palace)
- Masjid Agung Sang Cipta Rasa (Great Mosque of Sang Cipta Rasa)
- Sunyaragi Cave
- Batik Trusmi
- Kanoman Market
- Gunung Jati Tomb Complex
- Gronggong Hill
- Taman Sari Gua Sunyaragi (Sunyaragi Cave Park)
- Linggarjati Museum
- Kejawanan Beach
- Textile and garment manufacturing
- Food processing and agriculture
- Chemical production
- Furniture manufacturing
- Automotive parts manufacturing
- Printing and publishing
- Tourism and hospitality
- Retail trade
- Construction industry
- Fishing industry
- The Sultanate of Cirebon was established in the 15th century by Prince Cakrabuana, a descendant of the Majapahit dynasty.
- Chinese Muslim explorer Zheng He arrived in Cirebon during his fourth voyage to Southeast Asia in 1407.
- Several historic buildings were constructed in Cirebon, such as Keraton Kasepuhan palace and Masjid Agung Sang Cipta Rasa mosque.
- Notable sultans who reigned over Cirebon include Syarif Hidayatullah (who converted to Islam and established strong Islamic influence), Sunan Gunung Jati (who played a crucial role in spreading Islam throughout Java), and Sultan Sepuh XIV Pangeran Raja Adipati Arief Natadiningrat (who modernized and developed the region).
- Throughout history, Cirebon was involved in various conflicts against Dutch colonialism, Japanese occupation during World War II, and political upheavals during Indonesia’s struggle for independence.
- Ki Hadjar Dewantara (an Indonesian educator who founded Taman Siswa school), Raden Saleh (a renowned painter born nearby Semarang but studied art in Cirebon), and Ahmad Tohari (a contemporary author known for his novels set in rural Java) are notable figures from or associated with Cirebon.
- Keraton Kasepuhan
- Keraton Kanoman
- Sunyaragi Cave
- Cirebon Waterland Ade Irma Suryani
- Grage Mall Cirebon
- Batik Trusmi Village
- Gunung Jati Tomb Complex
- Masjid Agung Sang Cipta Rasa
- Taman Sari Gua Sunyaragi
- Kacirebonan Palace
- Perserang Serang FC: This football club was founded in 1970 and is based in Serang near Cirebon. They currently play in Liga 2, which is the second tier of Indonesian football.
- PSKC Cimahi FC: This football club was founded in 1955 and is based in Cimahi near Cirebon. They currently play in Liga 3.
- PS Tirta Kencana Putra: This football club was founded in 1987 and is based in Majalengka, a district of West Java province that borders on the east side of Cirebon Regency.
- SSB Bintang Jaya: This futsal team represents the city of Cirebon and has won multiple championships at the regional level.
- PBVSI Kabupaten/Kota Cirebon: This volleyball team represents the regency/city level of government for the area surrounding Cirebon City.
- Tari Topeng Cirebon (Cirebon Mask Dance)
- Grebeg Maulud (Islamic Festival)
- Kuda Lumping Festival (Horse Trance Dance)
- Nasi Jamblang Festival (Traditional Rice Dish Festival)
- Serimpi Dance Festival
- Tari Bedhaya Ketawang (Royal Javanese Court Dance)
- Wayang Golek Puppet Show
- Karaton Cirebon Cultural Parade
- Batik Cirebon Exhibition and Workshop
- Pesta Rakyat Keraton Kasepuhan (People’s Party at the Royal Palace)
- Empal Gentong is a local dish made of beef cooked in a spicy coconut milk broth, served with rice cakes or steamed rice. Some popular places to try it are Empal Gentong Haji Apud, Empal Gentong Mang Darma, and Empal Gentong Pak Gendut.
- Nasi Jamblang is rice wrapped in teak leaves and served with various side dishes such as fried chicken, tofu, tempeh, and vegetables. Some popular places to try it are Nasi Jamblang Ibu Nur and Nasi Jamblang Mang Dul.
- Tahu Gejrot is fried tofu served with a spicy sauce made of palm sugar, chili peppers, and vinegar. Some popular places to try it are Tahu Gejrot Cirebon Pak Eman and Tahu Gejrot Bu Juriah.
- Soto Kuning is a yellow turmeric-based soup with shredded chicken or beef, noodles or rice cakes, bean sprouts, celery leaves, lime juice and sambal (chili paste). Some popular places to try it are Soto Kuning Pak Haji Yadi and Soto Kuning Bu Asih.
- Ayam Panggang Karaton is grilled chicken marinated in spices such as lemongrass, garlic and coriander seeds served with sambal kecap (sweet soy sauce chili paste). Some popular places to try it are Ayam Panggang Karaton Bu Wiwi and Ayam Panggang Karaton Mbah Gito.
- Es Dawet Telasih is a sweet dessert made of coconut milk jelly cubes mixed with palm sugar syrup topped with shaved ice or coconut flesh chunks drizzled condensed milk on top. Some popular places to try it are Es Dawet Telasih Cirebon Baru dan Lestari.
- Cireng is fried tapioca flour dough stuffed with minced meat or cheese, served with spicy peanut sauce. Some popular places to try it are Cireng Keraton Bu Yeti and Cireng Si Jalak.
- Sate Kalong is grilled skewered chicken or beef served with sweet soy sauce and chili paste. Some popular places to try it are Sate Kalong Pak Ujang and Sate Kalong Pak Rukun.
- Taman Sari Gua Sunyaragi is a park that features caves, waterfalls, and beautiful gardens.
- Kasepuhan Palace Park is a cultural park that exhibits the traditional way of life in Cirebon.
- Taman Kota Cirebon is a city park with playgrounds, jogging tracks, and gazebos.
- Pantai Kejawanan is a beach park with white sand beaches and water sports activities.
- Gunung Ceremai National Park is a nature reserve ideal for hiking and camping activities.
- Batik Museum Trusmi showcases the art of batik making in Cirebon through its museum displays.
- Sungai Cimanuk Rafting Adventure offers an outdoor activity of rafting along the river in Cirebon.
- Sanggar Seni Mangun Dharma holds Javanese Traditional Dance Workshops where you can learn various traditional dance styles from expert instructors.
Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, some parks may be temporarily closed; it’s best to check before visiting them.
