Overview
Cirebon is a coastal city with royal palaces and a distinctive food tradition. Historic quarters and the Sunyaragi cave complex add cultural stops beyond the waterfront.
Culture · Food · History
Did you know?
- Keraton Kasepuhan dates to 1447.
- Nasi jamblang is served with rice wrapped in teak leaves.
- The city name combines Sundanese words for water and shrimp.
Understand
Cirebon is named from Sundanese words ci (water) and rebon (shrimp), reflecting its fishery industry. The city is a complex mix of Javanese, Malay, Sundanese, Chinese and Arabic cultural elements. Locals pronounce it Cheer-BON with a rolling R.
Get around
The most convenient way is by rented car with driver. Angkot (public minivans) follow fixed routes with no schedule; cost about Rp3,000 per ride. Other options: becak (cycle rickshaw), ojek (motorcycle taxi), or regular taxis. Central Taxi and Bhinneka Taxi usually use meters. Gojek and Grab apps are available.
See and do
Keraton Kasepuhan (oldest sultan's palace, built 1447) and Keraton Kanoman are key attractions. Also visit Keraton Kaprabonan, the colonial-era railway station, Sunan Gunungjati's grave, and Taman Wisata Gua Sunyaragi cave house. For activities, Kejawanan Beach offers boat rides (Rp5,000-10,000) and sunrise views; Cirebon Waterland is a marine theme park.
Buy
Cirebon is a centre for batik cloth. The special 'Batik Cirebon' style can be found at many shops. Shopping centres include Yogya Grand Toserba and CSB Mall.
Eat and drink
Local specialties include nasi jamblang (rice wrapped in teak leaves with various side dishes), nasi lengko (rice with tempeh, tofu, bean sprouts and peanut sauce), sate kalong (buffalo satay sold after dark), tahu gejrot (spicy tofu, from Rp5,000), empal gentong (spicy beef soup), and mie koclok (noodle dish, from Rp25,000). Must-try drink: es cuing (refreshing gel drink).
Sleep
Accommodation ranges from budget chain hotels like Amaris (from Rp250,000) and Cordela (from Rp294,000) to mid-range options like Hotel Santika (from Rp555,000) and luxury hotels like Swiss-Belhotel (from Rp965,000). Most hotels are near the city center.
Etiquette
Wear cotton clothes due to hot and humid weather. T-shirt and knee-length trousers are comfortable. Some places like mosques and temples require polite dress such as long trousers/skirts. Hot pants/mini skirts may attract unwanted attention and might be considered impolite.
Connect
The telephone area code is 0231.
Go next
Destinations include Mount Ciremai National Park, Linggajati, Indramayu beaches, and Kuningan. The Great Post Road runs through Cirebon connecting Anyer to Panarukan.
Guide text adapted from Wikivoyage contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where to start
Sleep
Amaris Hotel Cirebon
Budget chain hotel walkable from railway station.
Price when recorded: Double rooms from Rp250,000 per night
Sleep
Asri Hotel Cirebon
Facilities include swimming pool, fitness centre, and an outdoor breakfast area with Balinese garden.
Price when recorded: Double rooms from Rp425,000 per night
Sleep
Aston Cirebon Hotel & Convention Center
Modern business hotel on the western side of the city. With large outdoor swimming pool.
Price when recorded: Double rooms from Rp548,000 per night
Sleep
Batiqa Hotel Cirebon
Price when recorded: From Rp490,000 per night
Sleep
Bentani Hotel & Residence
Near the main railway station. The hotel has a spa, fitness centre, swimming pool, and souvenir shop.
Price when recorded: Double rooms from Rp840,000 per night (discounts available when booking in advance)
Sleep
Cordela Hotel Cirebon
Price when recorded: From Rp294,000 per night
Sleep
Grage Hotel Cirebon
Price when recorded: From Rp525,000 per night
Sleep
Hotel Citradream Cirebon
Price when recorded: From Rp390,000
Before you go
Connectivity
Telephone area code 0231.
Food
Try nasi jamblang, empal gentong, and tahu gejrot.
Language
Local pronunciation: Cheer-BON. Indonesian widely spoken.
Transport
Angkot cost about Rp3,000 per ride. Use Gojek/Grab for taxis.
Weather
Hot and humid year-round. Wear cotton clothes.