West Cirebon: Indonesia’s Melting Pot of Cultures
Located in West Java, West Cirebon is known for its fishing industry, specifically shrimps. What’s interesting is that it is believed that the city’s name is derived from two Sundanese words: ci (river) and rebon (shrimp). This port city is known as Grage derived from the words negara gede, which means Great Kingdom. To gateway to this seafood paradise is through (CBN) Penggung Airport in Cirebon, Indonesia
Best Time to Visit
Given that Indonesia is known for its hot and humid weather, it is highly advised that comfortable and breathable clothes but conservative enough to respect the Muslim culture that is predominant in the area. If you wish to maximize your stay in West Cirebon, the best months would be May to October with hottest months being in September and October.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Sunyaragi Cave is the most recommended West Cirebon attraction. It is not exactly a cave but rather a “taman sari” or water palace built by a sultan for his harem. Nowadays, the palace’s water, that was once part of Lake Jati, has dried out allowing visitors to explore its nooks and crevices as well as see the female statues known as Perawan Sunti and the Garuda Statue.
You can get around via angkots, becak or taxis, although the latter is only limited. You can save more by taking angkots, becaks or by walking from West Cirebon hotels like Aston Cirebon Hotel & Convention Center, Verse Hotel Cirebon and Swiss-Belhotel Cirebon.