Cirebon Berintan

Set aside a glamorous and fast pace life in Jakarta, suddenly i was in the middle of a group on a train headed for Cirebon to spend a day weekend there. It was a cheap journey but the experience i got was expensive. 3 hours trip from Gambir train station to Cirebon was not so long, right at 9am we arrived on the first place as scheduled, breakfast near seaport. We had nasi jamblang on menu, which was boiled rice served on jamblang leaves and choices of javanese cuisines to accompany. It had no particular taste compare to other javanese cuisine, only the unique serving which made it special. After having breakfast, you could enjoy the views surround or try to climb a lighthouse to see the port from above. By the time, i felt the weather gradually got hotter. Yes it is a typical atmosphere for a place along the north coast of Java island.

Cirebon is one big town in West Java province of Indonesia, located in northern coast of Java Island close to the border between West and Central Java province. The population is approximately around 400,000 people, consists of various type of religions, professions and educations. Since it is right on the borderline, they absorb many culture from both side west and central java for the language they use, traditional facets and many more. Their main income is from the sea, and from industries as well. BAT (British American Tobacco) is an example for a big industry (cigarette company) located in Cirebon. Indonesians recognize this town as a shrimp town (Kota udang) for it produces delicious and high quality shrimp paste, a kind of popular condiment in Indonesia. Some said the word "Cirebon" came from Cai (Sundanese for "Water") and Rebon (small shrimp which easily found there).

The second place we went was Sunyaragi cave, a high value of historical place. It was established in the year of 1703 for a resting and meditating purpose. There are interesting facts about this place that the cave was built short and narrow to teach younger to respect older. Another fact is that there's a sacred stone which virgin is not suggested to touch because it is believed when she touch the stone, she will be cursed to have difficulties in finding her love. Believe it or not. Sunyaragi is a quite nice place to visit with beautiful cave, rocks, pool and valley. Many local movies were taken there. After about 45 minutes being there, we continued the trip to Kasepuhan Palace, a biggest palace they have, compared to other which named Kanoman Palace. Kasepuhan itself was not so well taken care and organized, but still it was one of important places to visit.

I have a chance to eat Empal Genthong that afternoon. It is a popular food from Cirebon, similar like many other Indonesian Soup, but it has different spice and choice of meat. Actually you should taste another cuisine such as Sega Lengko, Docang, Tahu Gejrot and Krupuk Mlarat, in addition of Nasi Jamblang and Empal Genthong the ones i have mentioned before. Our trip was ended that day by visiting Batik workshop on Plered, and shopping at Pasar pagi in Lemahwungkuk.

All in all, there are not much to enjoy Cirebon, and one day trip is enough to explore the town. I observed that the people don't strive to develop their potential. It requires a good government to straighten up all components which makes the town look more beautiful in order to attract many tourists local and abroad to visit.