Cirebon

Cirebon is a city and coastal port in West Java, Indonesia. It sits on the north coast of Java and forms part of the wider Cirebon metropolitan area. The name commonly refers to both the City of Cirebon (Kota Cirebon) and the surrounding Cirebon Regency, which are separate administrative entities within West Java Province. The city has long been a trading hub linking inland Java with coastal shipping routes.

Historically, Cirebon was the seat of the Sultanate of Cirebon, founded in the 15th century, and grew into a culturally diverse center where Sundanese, Javanese, and Chinese influences blended. The sultanate developed several royal houses, including Keraton Kasepuhan, Keraton Kanoman, and Keraton Kacirebonan, which preserve royal collections and host cultural ceremonies. Islam played an important role in the region, and the Masjid Agung Sang Cipta Rasa is among the notable historic mosques in the area.

Cirebon is known for its distinctive culture, including the Cirebonese language and batik, especially the megamendung cloud motif. The city’s markets, crafts, and culinary traditions, such as empal gentong, reflect a synthesis of local and external influences.

In modern times, Cirebon serves as a transportation hub on Java’s northern rail corridor, with rail links between Jakarta and Surabaya. Tourist draws include the royal palaces, historic mosques, and traditional markets, as well as nearby lagoons and coastal scenery.