Cirebon - Discovering Indonesia

Travelling to Cirebon

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Cirebon, a pretty good destination in Indonesia (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Cirebon and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Cirebon, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Indonesia, here's everything to know about Cirebon for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Cirebon

Cirebon is a city located on the north coast of the Indonesian island of Java. It is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, including its traditional dances, music, and handicrafts. The city has various beautiful landmarks such as palaces, temples, and gardens. Cirebon also offers a wide range of local cuisine, including the famous Nasi Jamblang, a traditional rice dish served with various side dishes. The city is easily accessible by car or train from Jakarta, which is approximately 3-4 hours away.

What to visit in Cirebon

Here are some of the tourist attractions you can visit in Cirebon, Indonesia: 1. Keraton Kasepuhan Cirebon: This is one of the oldest palaces in Cirebon and is a must-visit for anyone interested in Cirebon's rich cultural heritage. It was built in 1447 and features beautiful Javanese architecture with intricate carvings and reliefs.
2. Cirebon Batik Village: Batik is a traditional Indonesian textile that is famous worldwide, and Cirebon is one of the best places to see it being made. Here, you can see the batik-making process in action and even try your hand at making some batik patterns yourself.
3. Sunyaragi Cave: The Sunyaragi Cave is a unique attraction in Cirebon that is worth checking out. It is a man-made cave that was built as a meditation center in the 18th century. It features interesting architecture with tunnels, arches, and staircases, and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
4. Gronggong Hill: At Gronggong Hill, you can enjoy panoramic views of Cirebon and its surroundings. From the top of the hill, you can see the sea, mountains, and the city's skyline. It's a great place to take photos and enjoy a picnic.
5. Kejawanan Beach: If you're looking for a relaxing day at the beach, Kejawanan Beach is a great option. It's a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. Plus, you can try some of the fresh seafood dishes that are sold by local vendors.
6. Istana Darussalam: This is another palace in Cirebon that is worth visiting. It was built in the early 19th century and features unique architecture that mixes Javanese and Islamic styles. It is still used by the royal family, but visitors are welcome to explore some parts of the palace.
7. Gua Lawa: Gua Lawa is a natural cave system located just outside of Cirebon. It features beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, as well as underground rivers and streams. Visitors can explore the caves with a guide and learn about the geological history of the region.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Indonesia, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Cirebon.

When to go on holiday to Cirebon

The best time to visit Cirebon is during the dry season from April to October. During this time, there is little rain and the weather is sunny and warm. The wet season, from November to March, can be characterized by more frequent rain and high humidity. However, it is still possible to visit Cirebon during this time as it rarely rains all day and there are fewer tourists. It is important to note that the period from mid-June to mid-July and during late December and early January are peak tourist seasons, so if you plan to visit during these times, you should book your accommodation and transportation in advance.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Cirebon

There are several ways to get to Cirebon, Indonesia.
1. By Plane: The nearest airport is Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to Cirebon, which is about 3-4 hours away by road.
2. By Train: Cirebon has a well-connected railway station that connects the city to several major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya.
3. By Bus: Cirebon is also well-connected by bus to various cities and towns in Java island. Several bus companies operate daily services to/from Cirebon.
4. By Car: You can also drive to Cirebon from Jakarta or Bandung through the toll road connecting these two cities. The journey takes approximately 3-4 hours.
Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, it's always best to plan ahead and book your tickets in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Cirebon, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Cirebon

Sure, here are some typical foods of Cirebon, Indonesia: 1. Empal Gentong - This is a popular beef soup dish made with various herbs and spices, including ginger, galangal, and coconut milk, and often served with rice cakes and fried shallots.
2. Nasi Jamblang - A rice dish typically served with a variety of side dishes, such as chicken, beef, tofu, and tempeh cooked in various spices and coconut milk.
3. Tahu Gejrot - A simple dish of fried tofu served with a spicy sauce made from chilies, shallots, and palm sugar. 4. Karedok - A fresh and healthy dish consisting of raw vegetables such as cucumber, bean sprouts, long beans, and cabbage, served with a peanut sauce.
5. Soto Ayam - A popular chicken soup made with turmeric, lemongrass, and other spices and served with rice cake and other condiments like chopped scallions and lime slices.
6. Pindang Tulang - A soup dish made from beef and bone marrow cooked with various spices like turmeric and ginger. 7. Lengko - A simple and refreshing dish consisting of vegetables such as long beans, cabbage, and bean sprouts, paired with tofu, tempeh, and rice cake and dressed with a light peanut sauce.
8. Tahu Tek - Fried tofu topped with a sweet and savory peanut sauce, shrimp crackers, and sliced shallots.
Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
You can find general info about typical foods in Indonesia here.

Is Cirebon an expensive destination for tourists?

Cirebon is not considered an expensive destination for tourists when compared to other popular destinations in Indonesia like Bali or Jakarta. The cost of accommodation, food, and transportation is relatively affordable in Cirebon. However, the costs will depend on your travel style and preferences. Luxury accommodations and high-end restaurants can be more expensive. It is always best to research and compare prices before planning your trip to get a better idea of the total cost and budget accordingly.

Where to find accomodation in Cirebon

The best areas to find accommodation in Cirebon, Indonesia are the central business district (CBD) and the surrounding areas, such as the Kanoman and Kejaksan neighborhoods. These areas offer easy access to popular attractions, such as the Keraton Kasepuhan Palace and the Great Mosque of Cirebon, as well as numerous restaurants, cafes, and shopping options. Additionally, you may want to consider staying near the train station or bus terminal for convenient transportation options.
You can check hotel prices at Cirebon here:
Booking.com

Is Cirebon a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Cirebon is generally considered a safe place for tourists to visit. However, as with any destination, it is important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, particularly when traveling alone or at night. It is also recommended to take standard safety measures such as avoiding carrying large sums of money or valuables, keeping your belongings close to you, and using reputable transportation services. Overall, Cirebon is a beautiful and culturally rich destination, and many travelers enjoy their time there with no issues.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Indonesia here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Cirebon.

What type of travelers will enjoy Cirebon the most?

Cirebon, Indonesia caters to all types of travelers, but it is more suitable for people who are interested in cultural exploration, history, architecture, and local cuisine. It is a great place for families as kids can enjoy different cultural experiences like visiting the Keraton Kasepuhan, which is the palace of the Cirebon Sultanate, or the Cirebon Waterland Ade Irma Suryani or learn traditional Cirebonese batik. Couples can enjoy experiencing Cirebon's colonial heritage in the Kota Lama area, trying out the local cuisine, and watching traditional music, dance, and wayang performances. Young people may enjoy the food, shops and beaches around the city.

How to get around Cirebon

In Cirebon, the transportation options for moving around the city are: 1. Ojek (motorcycle taxi): This is the most common and convenient mode of transportation in Cirebon. Ojek drivers can be found throughout the city and are recognized by their distinctive green jackets or vests.
2. Angkot (public minivan): Angkots are a cheap and convenient way to get around Cirebon. They operate on set routes, and the fare is usually around IDR 5,000 per person.
3. Go-Jek/Grab (ride-hailing apps): These apps are popular in Indonesia, and Cirebon is no exception. You can easily book a car or motorcycle taxi through the Go-Jek or Grab app, and the fare is typically cheaper than a traditional taxi.
4. Car rental: If you prefer to drive yourself, you can rent a car in Cirebon. Several rental companies operate in the city, and rates are reasonable compared to other parts of Indonesia.
5. Bicycle rental: Some hotels and guesthouses offer bicycle rentals, which are a great way to explore the city at your own pace.

What to see around Cirebon

Here are some nice places you can consider visiting in a day trip from Cirebon, Indonesia: 1. The Kraton Kasepuhan - a palace of the Sultanate of Cirebon, considered to be one of the most beautiful and historic palaces in Indonesia.
2. Mount Ciremai - the highest mountain in West Java and a popular hiking spot for adventurous travelers.
3. Sunyaragi Cave - a natural cave with beautiful limestone formations and a popular spot for picnics and relaxation.
4. The 1000 Doors Ancient Mosque - an ancient mosque that is believed to have over a thousand doors and is considered an architectural and cultural masterpiece.
5. Batik Museum - if you're interested in traditional Indonesian textile arts, this museum may be worth visiting.
6. Gronggong Hill - a hill with a great view over the city of Cirebon and the surrounding countryside.
7. The Kuningan Botanical Gardens - a large botanical garden with an extensive collection of plants and flowers from the region.
8. The Talaga Naga - a beautiful lake with clear blue waters, surrounded by a lush jungle.
Hope this helps!
For every travel information about Indonesia you can click here.

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