Cirebon is an ancient city in the province of West Java. In this city, history has long developed, as have all the dynamics of social change and its natural environment. All developments that have occurred in Cirebon have immediately created many objects that are worthy of being preserved, not only because it has high tourism potential but also because of its historical value that should not be forgotten.

As a form of preserving historical objects, the community and the relevant government need to continue to carry out cultural cooperation through various methods. Such as dance performances, holding cultural festivals, restoring tourist attractions, and establishing museums. These four elements seem to continue to take place in Cirebon well, giving the impression that all the people who live in the city still love their ancestors and culture.

To understand the historical developments that have occurred in Cirebon, people from outside can visit various tourist attractions in Cirebon. Here are some tourist attractions that must be visited in Cirebon.

1. Keraton Kasepuhan

Keraton Kasepuhan is located in the Kasepuhan sub-district, Lemahwungkuk, Cirebon. This building was known in ancient times as Keraton Pakungwati and was once the center of government of the Cirebon Sultanate.

This historic building complex consists of two parts, namely Dalem Agung Pakungwati which was founded in 1430 AD by Prince Cakrabuana, and the Keraton Pakungwati complex or what is now known as Keraton Kasepuhan which was founded by Prince Mas Zainul Arifin in 1529 AD.

The buildings in the Keraton Kasepuhan complex have distinctive characteristics that can generally be found in various buildings in Cirebon. The architecture is the result of the acculturation process of European, Chinese, Javanese and Hindu cultures. This can be seen from the walls which are decorated with various European and Chinese patterned pottery plates, the joglo building which is very thick with the characteristics of the Java region and the fence wall surrounding the complex and the entrance which resembles a temple building.

By entering the Keraton Kasepuhan complex by paying a ticket of twenty thousand rupiahs, visitors are transported to the era of the 15th century AD. Plus a little knowledge through historical objects wrapped in glass boxes in the museum section. The abdi dalem are also willing to tell a little historical story about the palace complete with its magical elements.

2. Sunyaragi Cave

Sunyaragi Cave is a heritage site of the Kasepuhan Cirebon Palace located on the side of the Brigjen Darsono bypass road, Kesambi, Cirebon. This site stands on an area of ​​15 hectares. From the outside and the parking area, the cave building is not visible at all, making it look rather mysterious. Even so, several shops with distinctive buildings equipped with dark green wooden frames that have been abandoned will welcome the arrival of tourists who come to visit. Each visitor is charged a fee of 15,000 Rupiah per person to be able to enjoy the view of the site.

There are two versions believed by the community regarding the history of the construction of Sunyaragi Cave, namely based on oral stories passed down from generation to generation by the Cirebon nobles which were later referred to as the Carub Kanda version and the Caruban Nagari version which is based on the Purwaka Caruban Nagari book written by Prince Kararangen or Prince Arya Carbon who was the great-grandson of Sunan Gunung Jati in 1720 which states that Sunyarangi Cave was built in 1703 AD by Prince Kararangen.

The buildings at the Sunyarangi Cave site combine many variations of several different decorative elements. Starting from classical Indonesian or Hindu, Chinese or ancient Chinese style, Middle Eastern or Islamic style, and European style.

The cave building which is a mound of coral rocks glued to ancient bricks looks so unique. The color and authenticity of its original form can still be seen clearly. The corridors lead in various directions making it like a maze box.

3. Setu Patok Lake

Setu Patok Lake is located in Mundu District, Cirebon Regency, West Java Province. Initially, this lake had an area of ​​around 20,000 square hectares. However, along with the development of the era, settlements around the lake also developed, accompanied by various changes that occurred in the lake area until the area of ​​the lake today has shrunk with the remaining area of ​​1,900 square hectares.

The history of Setu Patok Lake began in the 17th century AD when it was formed by the Sultan of Cirebon. The Sultan ordered development in the area to irrigate the rice fields surrounding the lake. This dam was built by local workers using traditional methods and materials such as stone and bamboo.

In the 19th century AD, the Dutch colonial government took over the area and made improvements to the sediment and surrounding landscape. They also introduced new plants such as coffee and rubber that thrive in the soil around the lake.

Setu Patok Lake is now a beautiful and peaceful place that attracts local tourists. The lake is surrounded by beautiful rice fields and green hills, making it a perfect place for nature lovers. Not only that, now many non-permanent stalls have been established that provide shelter while enjoying the vast scenery of the natural atmosphere accompanied by a cup of coffee.

In addition, Lake Setu Patok is also an important source of livelihood for the local community. Local residents from both Karangdawa and Sinarancang villages use the lake area for plantations and rice fields. Residents call it the ghost rice field because it is dry in the dry season and flooded with water in the rainy season.

In addition to enjoying the beauty of the natural atmosphere and rice fields of Lake Setu Patok, tourists can also see a few historical traces in the form of a cave lake that in ancient times or precisely in the Japanese colonial era was used by the occupying army. The caves are located on the left side of the lake hidden among the trees and cliffs of the lake. Although the condition does not seem well maintained, it is enough to provide a sensation of the past to tourists.