Travel to Cirebon, this is one of Indonesia's oldest coastal cities ...

... and the sultanates in Cirebon are older than in Yogyakarta and Solo. With a history dating as far back as the early fifteenth century during which Cirebon was an important trading settlement and a center of spiritual influence. Artistically Cirebon remains distinctly different from those of other parts of Java.

... are the palaces and the cultural center of the Cirebon region. Whether in its mystical masked dances, its exultant gamelan music or innovative decorative arts of Cirebon, the creative powers of the Cirebonese speak of a people whose artistic endeavors rival that of the better-known cultural centers of Surakarta or Solo and Yogyakarta.

... is one of the distinctive architectures from Cirebon-'s kratons. Built during the early 18th century, the Sunyaragi complex was once a pleasure garden. This cave is also believed to possess magical powers to transport certain users to both Mecca and to Gunung Jati directly from Cirebon. Those with certain spritual attainments wishing to be metaphysically transported had simply to sit inside the cave and meditate and they would arrive in the required destination.

... about 7 kilometers travel from Cirebon is the center for rattan furniture and rattan handicrafts industries in Indonesia. This so called Rattan Village of Tegalwangi. Here we will see here how rattan has made itself as the center of people's daily lifes and activities. Starting from along the main roads to the Cirebon-Palimanan highway and mostly in "kampungs" behind the busy factories, all we can see are rattans and activities related.

... six or seven kilometers from Cirebon is the Traditional Batik Handicrafts Village of Trusmi. This little village of white walled houses and narrow lanes was once the home of Panembahan Trusmi, a student of Syech Siti Jenar - head of mystic guild of artisans in Java.

... Further northeast off Cirebon, visit the village of Gresik Kulon - Arjawinagun is the center of glasspainters. Once Glass Paintings decorated the front walls of every house around Cirebon. Apart from their aesthetic value they served the more mystical purpose of protecting the inhabitants - preventing danger and misfortune from entering the home.

... Some 15 kilometers south of Cirebon in the midst of a jati (Teak) forest in Plangon is the tomb of Pangeran Panjunan, a scholar and teacher of Islam who hailed from Baghdad. Sacred monkeys guard the spot, making sure that visitors pay up with donations of bananas or nuts before they are allowed to leave.

... About six kilometers from Cirebon on the road to Indramayu, the tomb of Gunung Jati is visited by pilgrims from all aver Java, Malaysia, Brunei and even further. It is one of the holiest places in Java and well worth a visit. Situtated on a hill the complex has nine levels or sections, each one more exclusive than the one below. The top section, the inner sanctum, where Gunung Jati lies, can only be visited by members of the royal families.

... The perfectly shaped volcanic cone of Mt. Ciremai makes an important and startlingly beautiful backdrop to Cirebon from almost every direction. Those intrepid enough to want to conquer her should start their trip from the park at Linggarjati in the evening and be prepared for a hard night of walking. Otherwise start in the day and camp at the peak overnight to witness the sunrise. The path is said to be quite scenic, with plenty of bird life along the way. A guide is recommended.

... are home to a number of small villages and interesting places to visit not far from Cirebon. View hotels make a very pleasant, if not luxurious base for a day or two, while exploring the area. Panoramic view, fresh-water swimming pool and a usable tennis court make for a relaxing sojourn, while the cooler air of the highlands makes a welcome change.

... Although much smaller than Cirebon and also this nearby town has few, if any hotels, it has a big market and is a pleasant, quiet town to spend an hour or two. Dokkar (horse-drawn-cart) tinkle along the streets of this very normal mountain town. Just to visit a town that is not a tourist attraction makes a refreshing change a pace.

... On the foothills around Kuningan, several sites have been discovered, containing remnants of an ancient megalithic civilization from the Bronze Age. Stone sarcophagi, menahir (single upright stone monoliths) coffins, axes, and other implements left in situ have remained, undisturb by humans. The site of Cipari is about 650 meters above sea level, believed to have been a center of worship and burial and a settlement existing around the beginning of the Bronze Age. It is now developed into a recreation park, leaving the ancient relics undisturbed, although it is a little difficult for lay persons to distinguish the ancient megaliths from modern decorations. It is in Cirebon region the first archeological park in Indonesia.

... Also on the foothills of Mt. Ciremai, this small town is famous for its crystal springs containing sacred white carp, that are claimed by some to be 1,000 years old, although this is an exaggeration. The carp are a popular tourist attraction which, fed by thousands of eager tourist grow to a length of one meter or more. Cigugur is also the site of a colorful annual ceremony knwn as Seren Taun - held on the 22nd day of Zulhijjah or 12 days after Idul Adha.

... Located in a pleasant small valley, 12 kilometers from Kuningan, Sangkanhurip's hotels are small and friendly. A popular local travel and tourist attraction, the hot mineral baths provide relief from a variety of ailments. Although the accommodations are all quite pleasant, it is probably more comfortable to stay at larger hotel. Drive or walk to the hot springs when taking a bath.