Cirebon & Kuningan vacations

Cirebon & Kuningan vacations
Cirebon is one of the important harbor cities in Java and it is developing as an industrial city. From Bandung, Cirebon can be reached via Sumedang with scenic panoramas along the way. Although Cirebon is not as big as Bandung, it has upper scale hotels and good seafood restaurants. Most of them are located in the city center, in Jl. Tuparev, Jl. Siliwangi and Jl. Kartini. The oldest Moslem Kingdom in West Java was located in Cirebon. The first king was said to be grandson of Prabu Siliwangi of the Pajajaran kingdom. There are three palaces in Cirebon. The significant one is Keraton Kasepuhan. A traditional gapura or gate marks the entrance that leads to a pretty large yard. The yard is surrounded by red brick structures, and shaded by big old trees. You may find a man who looks as ancient as those trees sweeping the falling leaves and maintaining the yard with great care. The walls of the palace are embedded with antique ceramics plates from China, a reminder of the importance of Cirebon in the old days as a port frequented by Chinese traders. The palace is flanked by two museums housing a carriage, gamelan (traditional musical instrument) sets and other historical items. The other two minor palaces are Kanoman and Kacirebonan. Masjid Panujunan, a walking distance from the Keraton, is an old mosque built around 1478.
Gua Sunyaragi
This curious shaped grotto on Jl. Brig. Jen. Dharsono, might tempt you to play hide and seek once you are inside, and you might get lost too. Built in 1703 by one of the princes, it was used as a place for learning martial art and meditation. Later on the place was raided and destroyed by the Dutch. It was reconstructed during the reign of Prince Adiwijaya, assisted by Chinese architect in 1852.
Astana Gunung Jati
About 5 km North of the city, ia the sacred grave site of Sunan Gunung Jati and his wife, believed to be a princess from China. Sunan Gunung Jati is one Wali Songo or Nine Apostles in Moslem religion, who spread Moslem religion as far as Banten. Many people visit the place from distant area pray and ask for blessing.
Cipari & Linggarjati
30 minutes South of Cirebon is Kuningan area. The place has a natural beauty of its own and the climate is cooler. The places to go include Cipari, where a pre-historic site was found from which items are displayed in a small museum. Linggarjati is a village at the foot of Mt. Ciremai, the history of Indonesian Independence is told by rows of photos were taken during the negotiation and the signing of Linggarjati agreement. Formerly the house was owned by a Dutch entrepreneur, and has been renovated and preserved as a historical building. Linggarjati is a good starting point for mountain climbers. Opposite the junction of the road to Linggarjati is a hot spring area called Sangkan Hurip.


The Outskirts of Cirebon
The village of Trusmi, approximately 5 kms prior to entering the city of Cirebon from Jakarta has several batik factories. The design of Cirebon batik is different to batik from Central Java. It is influence by Chinese with characteristically bright colors with flower, plant or bird motifs. Some other Village around Cirebon produce rattan furnitures, framed goat skin embedded with wayang figures or calligraphy.
Sukabumi vacations
The retreat area of Sukabumi is called Selabintana, there is plenty of accommodation, ranging from hotel rooms to bungalows equipped with cooking and sports facilities. Even though there is not much to see, Sukabumi is a cool and quite place and is known as a source of marble. Here you can get crafts made of marble such as bangles, ashtray, animal figures, etc.
Pelabuhan Ratu
From Sukabumi if you go south through a winding road, you will arrive at Pelabuhan Ratu, on Southern shoreline. Unfortunately in this area there are places that are not save for swimming, and those places are marked with warning signs. Stick to safe area, or simply lie down on the beach and relax, the place is pretty quite. Accommodation and restaurant are easy to find, and sometimes you don’t need to make advance booking. The legend has it that the South Sea is the realm of Kanjeng Ratu Kidul, the queen of South Java Sea. People still believe that you should not wear anything in green, since it is her favorite color, or else you would be swept away and become one of her servants.
Pangandaran
In the Southern border of West Java and Central Java is the famous Pangandaran. It can be reached in about 5-6 hours from Bandung. Tourist facilities such as hotels and restaurants here are less commercial than those in Anyer/Carita. Bicycling in the early morning around the village will introduce you to kampong people and let you feel their hospitality. Another attraction is Pangandaran National Park. Arrange with the local authorized guide in advance if you want to explore the tropical rain forest inhabited by deer, porcupines, monkeys and other curious creature.