Teach English in Cirebon and enjoy living and working in a small port city on the north coast of Java. The city has the look and feel of a small town and unlike many Indonesian cities, does not suffer from traffic jams.
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Batik City
Cirebon has a storied history as an international port, shipping spices and artifacts to destinations all around the world. Today there are four Keratons (palaces) in Cirebon which can be traced back to the 16th century when the sultanate split into four royal houses.
Cirebon prides itself on preserving a unique culture and language, stemming from these royal houses. There is a Batik area in Trusmi where reasonably priced batik garments can be found. Cirebon’s location and transport routes make Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta and Semarang all viable options for weekend trips. There are a number of five-star hotels within the city that allow non-residents to buy a membership to use their gyms and swimming pools.
Small size – Cirebon is comparatively one of the smaller cities in Indonesia. Its small size lends an air of being “off the beaten path” to the city. Yes, malls and modern conveniences are readily available, but this is not Jakarta.
Local delicacies – Mie Koclok – chicken noodle soup made from coconut milk Nasi Lengko – rice mixed with bean sprouts, fried tofu, and fried tempeh, topped with peanut sauce and soy sauce
Keraton Kasepuhan – Built in 1447, this is the oldest palace in Cirebon. The buildings inside the complex all feature a unique mix of architectural influences from Javanese, Sundanese, Chinese, Islamic and Dutch styles. The Sultan still lives in the palace and the royal family is held in high regard, though they enjoy little political power.
Gua Sunyaragi – Built in the 18th century as a water palace for the sultan of Cirebon to relax with his harem, this string of interconnected caverns is a big draw for tourists. Spots for selfies abound, but watch your step! The construction materials included sharp corals from the nearby Java Sea.