Cirebon has a wealth of interesting history, from palaces, ancient mosques, to batik villages. Explore its charm amidst the blend of Sundanese, Javanese, Arabic and Chinese cultures.
Cirebon, known as the Shrimp City and the City of Saints, has a rich historical and cultural appeal. Located in West Java, Cirebon offers unique historical tourism, a blend of Sundanese, Javanese, Chinese, Arabic cultures, as well as European colonial influences.
This city holds various valuable heritages that can provide a deeper understanding of the historical journey of the archipelago. If you plan to visit Cirebon, here are some historical tourist destinations that you must visit.
1. Sunyaragi Cave Park
Taman Sari Goa Sunyaragi is a unique complex that used to function as a meditation place for the dignitaries and soldiers of the Cirebon Sultanate.
Located in a cultural heritage area of around 15 hectares, this complex was built in a distinctive architectural style, combining traditional Javanese elements with Chinese influences.
Goa Sunyaragi is known for its shape which resembles a sea coral, and has several caves, each of which has a specific function.
This place is very photogenic, with the architectural beauty making it a favorite destination for photography and history lovers.
2. The Great Mosque of Sang Cipta Rasa
The Great Mosque of Sang Cipta Rasa is a historic mosque built during the reign of Sunan Gunung Jati and still functions as a place of worship to this day.
This mosque has a unique architecture, not using a dome like most mosques, but rather shaped like a Javanese pendopo.
This mosque, located in the Kasepuhan Palace area, has a low ceiling and is supported by strong teak pillars. The interior is not decorated with Arabic calligraphy, but is adorned with patterned porcelain plates attached to the walls.
For those visiting Cirebon, the Great Mosque of Sang Cipta Rasa offers an unforgettable spiritual and historical experience.
3. Cirebon Grand Palace
Keraton Kesepuhan is one of the legacies of the Cirebon Sultanate which was founded by Prince Mas Mohammad Arifin in 1529. Here, you can find various collections of historical objects such as ancient gamelan, antique paintings of Prabu Siliwangi, and even carriages.
Visitors can also see the building’s architecture which combines Javanese and Chinese elements, giving a magnificent and exotic impression.
This palace is not only a witness to the history of the Cirebon Sultanate, but also a cultural center that shows a unique local identity.
4. Kejawan Beach
Kejawanan Beach is a great place to enjoy the sunset view with Mount Ciremai in the background. This beach is located on the north side of Cirebon and is a favorite destination for tourists who want to unwind while enjoying the sea air.
In the afternoon, this beach is crowded with visitors who want to watch the sunset. The combination of sea views with mountains in the distance creates a calm and exotic atmosphere, making it an attractive spot for nature photography lovers.
5. Kacirebon Palace
Keraton Kacirebonan is another historical palace in Cirebon built in 1800 by Sultan Cirebon I. This palace has a unique architectural style that combines Javanese, Dutch, and Chinese elements.
Inside the palace, there are various valuable heirlooms such as keris, wayang kulit, and ancient war equipment that are still well preserved. Visitors can see the beauty of the building and the collection of historical objects that are evidence of past glory.
6. Goddess of Mercy Temple
Cirebon also has a rich Chinese cultural heritage, one of which is the Dewi Welas Asih Temple, which is a place of worship for the Chinese community. This temple has hundreds of years old buildings that are still well maintained.
The architecture of the temple combines Chinese elements with Balinese accents, as seen from the dragon carvings on the pillars and the dominant red-gold decorations. For tourists, this temple provides a picture of the harmonious religious and cultural diversity in Cirebon.
7. Trusmi Batik Village
Your visit to Cirebon would not be complete without stopping by Trusmi Batik Village. As a batik production center, Trusmi Village offers various typical Cirebon batik motifs, such as the iconic mega mendung.
Visitors can shop for batik cloth, batik clothes, and handicrafts. In addition, tourists can also learn batik directly from local craftsmen. Trusmi Batik Village is the right place to get souvenirs and understand more about the Cirebon batik tradition.
8. Kanoman Palace
Kanoman Palace is one of the oldest palaces in Cirebon which is still well maintained to this day. Built in 1678 by Sultan Anom I, this palace houses various collections of historical objects, such as the Paksi Naga Liman Carriage and various palace heirlooms.
Visitors can see this collection of artifacts while enjoying the palace atmosphere which is thick with traditional nuances. Kanoman Palace is an ideal place to study the history of the Cirebon Sultanate in depth.
9. Cibulan Baths
For those who want to experience the sensation of swimming in a natural pool with sacred fish, Cibulan Baths in Manis Kidul Village, Kuningan, is an interesting choice.
Although a little far from the city center of Cirebon, this pool offers a unique experience where visitors can swim with divine fish believed to be the cursed soldiers of Prabu Siliwangi.
These fish swim freely in the pool and do not disturb visitors. This place is an interesting destination for tourists who want to enjoy water tourism with a historical background and local legends.
10. Linggarjati Negotiation Building
The Linggarjati Negotiation Building is a historic building in Kuningan that witnessed the agreement between Indonesia and the Netherlands during the struggle for independence.
This old colonial-style house houses various important artifacts such as a negotiating table, photographs, and the original manuscript of the Linggarjati Agreement.
Located at the foot of Mount Ciremai, this building has a cool atmosphere with a spacious backyard. For history lovers, the Linggarjati Negotiation Building is a place worth visiting to commemorate the nation’s struggle.
Cirebon is a city with a rich historical and cultural heritage, offering a variety of interesting destinations for tourists who want to explore the past.
From palaces, ancient mosques, to batik villages, each historical tourist spot in Cirebon tells a different but complementary story.
For those of you who like tourism with a historical and cultural background, Cirebon is a charming destination and worth visiting.
