Cirebon Travel Guide

Cirebon is a port town on the northeast coast of West Java with an interesting disposition and easy access. The town has plenty of historical attractions worth checking out and several unique dishes to its name.

Worth It?: Only if you have a love for old sugar mills and palaces.
What to Do: visiting the kraton palaces, eating nasi jamblang.
Best Time to Go: May through to September for the best weather in West Java.
How Long?: One or two days maximum for Cirebon.
Trivia: Cirebon was formerly known as Cheribon.

Cirebon was originally established in 1865 by the Dutch East India Company due to its enviable location on the coast near to sugar and spice plantations. One thing worth checking out for those interested in the trade is the old sugar mills.

Local palaces, known as kratons, are the main highlight of Cirebon. They are Kraton Kasepuhan, Kraton Kanoman, Grave of Sunan Gunungjati, and Gua Sunyaragi. Sunan Gunungjati's grave is just outside of town and comes with a temple and cave system that was built by Chinese architects in the 19th century.

A must-do while in Cirebon is to try one of its signature dishes that are available in the many restaurants here. The most popular is known as nasi jamblang and features steamed rice and flavorings wrapped up in a leaf from a teak tree.

Travel to Cirebon - Getting There

Cirebon is 300kms east of Jakarta via highway through Bandung. Trains make the journey from Gambir Station in the capital aboard the Cirebon Express in a little over 3 hours. Cirebon has a small airport, an hour's flight from Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta Airport.

Cirebon Things to Do

Cirebon Attractions

Cirebon's palaces

the main attraction is the four palaces - Sunan Gunungjati grave being the most interesting with its temple and caves.

Side trips from Cirebon

Trusmi village: situated five kilometers from Cirebon, Trusmi is known for its batik production, with an excellent selection and good prices.