6 Top Reasons Why You Should Visit Cirebon in West Java

Reasons Why You Should Visit Cirebon – T-mates, you may have known Cirebon for its famously tasty rebon shrimp, but do you know that the city has sooo much more to offer? With a four-hour drive from Jakarta, you will arrive in the town laying on the border of West and Central Java.

Also known for having a strong foreign influence in the past, Cirebon holds many historical landscapes that can enrich your adventure. Other than that, you will also have a lot of other things to explore. Begin your exploration of Cirebon with tiket.com by finding out the reasons why you should visit this port city of West Java.

Read more:

• The Complete Guide for a Road Trip Across West Java
• Best Back to Nature Accommodations in West Java
• Unmissable Destinations in Purwakarta, West Java

Things That Would Make You Say Yes to a Cirebon Trip

Let’s have a virtual trip to Cirebon to better imagine your future, on-site trip!

1. The Religious Tourism of Cirebon

While East Java has Surabaya and its surroundings which are the basis for the spread of Islam, West Java has Cirebon that plays an important role in this big mission. This small town on the north coast of Java is known to have Sunan Gunung Jati, which in the 14th century began to spread Islam until finally the West Java region where the majority of the population became a Muslim.

Sang Cipta Rasa Grand Mosque

For religious tourism, Cirebon has the Sang Cipta Rasa Grand Mosque. This mosque is said to have been built in the 15th century when Islam began to be incessantly spread. Furthermore, there is the Panjunan Red Mosque which was founded by an Arab descent who was hundreds of years old. Finally, there is the Sunan Gunung Jati Tomb, which is proof of the guardian’s dedication to spreading his faith.

Vihara Welas Asih

Other than Islamic religious sites, Cirebon also has a well-known Buddhist temple that is half a century old. Apparently, Vihara Welas Asih is seen as the symbol of tolerance of religious diversity in this city. The diversity is shown from its ornaments, barongsai activists, to social activities that often go hand in hand with Muslims. 

Must be a beautiful sight to see religions coexisting happily!

2. The Mouth-Dripping Culinary

T-mates, are you one of those travelers whose main agenda is almost always to eat? No worries, we’re sure you have a lot of foodies on your side. Especially when you’re in Cirebon, you have a wide range of options from savory to sweet, or from watery to dry. All are tasty and guaranteed to make you want more!

Some of the most famous prides of Cirebon are nasi lengko, empal gentong, tahu gejrot, and nasi jamblang. With nutritional and natural ingredients, these dishes will make both your palette and body happy. What an all-in-one culinary experience!

3. The Exceptional Natural Beauty

Kejawanan Beach

Located not far from the city. Kejawanan Beach is often the destination to spend the approaching-sunset hours for locals. However, it’s not a strange occasion to see tourists going in and out of the beach since early in the morning for various activities.

The unique part of this beach is its black sand and calm waves. The dark-colored sand comes with a solid texture, making it a better ground to run or play around. The calm waves also allow you to have an on-water recreational activity. You can even rent a boat on-site for a more authentic beach experience!

Sunyaragi Cave

Initially, the 400-year-old cave was specifically established as a resting place, as well as a place of meditation for the Sultans of Cirebon and their families. However, the cave with an area of about 15 hectares has now been transformed into cultural heritage. 

The cave has a unique form and makes it a great spot to add a little ancient aesthetic to your Instagram feeds!

4. Various Souvenirs to Bring Home

Batik from Kampung Batik Trusmi

Familiar with Mega Mendung Batik? Yup, the batik is known to come from Cirebon. So, this city is where you can get the original one! Other than buying batik fabric for you or your family and friends, Kampung Batik Trusmi can also be a place where you see the production of batik, and even get your hands-on experience in painting batik.

Handicrafts from Kanoman Market

In Kanoman market, t-mates can buy various kinds of typical Cirebon souvenirs ranging from food to handicrafts.

The market, which is also a Chinatown area, is now decorated with colors so that it looks more unique and interesting. Some souvenirs that you can find here are traditional clay handicrafts in the form of piggy banks, jugs, ashtrays, bowls, and others. Don’t forget to try the Cirebon Savory Ketan while you’re there too!

Fresh Mango from the Land of Cirebon

T-mates, your trip to Cirebon is incomplete without bagging some mangoes home. You know the one that is so famous in Cirebon? The round one with an orange-ish color? It’s called gedong gincu mango and you’ll find a lot of good ones here!

Other than that, West Java is truly the home of mangoes. Therefore, you will also find other types that are just as delicious like harum manis and indramayu. Fresh mango mocktail at home is coming for youuu~

5. The Historically-Rich Sites

Keraton Kasepuhan

When talking about history in Cirebon, one of the first things that come to mind is likely Kasepuhan Palace. Here, t-mates can see historical evidence of the arrival of Islamic culture in this city since 1529.

This palace was built by Prince Mas Zainul Arifin to expand the area of the Pakungwati Palace. On this 25 hectare land, there are several buildings that you can visit. The main building is Siti Hinggil, which is distinguishable for its arrangement of red bricks and an architectural style resembling the Majapahit era.

Keraton Kanoman

Kanoman Palace is part of the two sultanate palaces in the city of Cirebon besides the Kasepuhan Palace. Founded in 1678 by Prince Kertawijaya, this 6 hectare palace is located behind Kanoman Market.

Inside the palace, there are still many relics of the palace that are stored in a museum called the Kanoman Palace Heritage Building, ranging from gamelan, spears, wall carvings, to the golden carriage. Coming here must feel like time traveling to the past!

6. The Unique Accommodation with a Luxury Village Concept

When visiting a city, you must be wondering where you can spend the night, right? Cirebon offers a cozy place with a reasonable price that you can stay and have a unique experience at. Desa Alamanis Resort Villa comes with a luxury village concept, meaning that the designs are mostly traditional, but you’ll feel like you’re living lavishly.

Perched on top of the Gronggong Hill in Cirebon, this resort presents a unique getaway surrounded by lush tropical greenery. Waking up has never felt as good as when you’re there, t-mates! Daily breakfast with local and international dishes are served every morning at Lawang Rasa Restaurant where guests can also enjoy lunch and dinner.

Desa Alamanis Resort Villa has several types of villas you can book according to your need, each villa is an air-conditioned relaxing space that can make you reach the kind of peace you won’t find in a busy city. You can also find other ways to relax like swimming or going to a spa. Guaranteed, it is peaceful all around!

The “Why” is answered, Now Find Out How You Can Visit Cirebon! 

T-mates, now you know why you should visit Cirebon, right? Then, it’s time to show you how you can have a great visit there. With tiket.com, you can find train tickets to Cirebon and even car rentals in Cirebon to make going around the town easier. 

Nowadays, everything should be made simpler, right? Therefore, you can easily book your tickets through our website or mobile apps from the comfort of your home. During your travel, remember to always implement health protocols, okay?

going anywhere? tiket.com!

*The information is valid at the time of writing. Price and other policies are subject to change at any time without prior notice.