Sunyaragi – A Getaway Place for the Sultan – CIREBON, West Java

Entrance to the Cave

Around 3-4 weeks ago, on vacation to Cirebon, my friends and I went to Sunyaragi, amongst any other places that we visited there. Cirebon is part of West Java, takes around 3 hours by train from Jakarta. Sunyaragi is a culture reserve located in Kesambi area at the side of Jalan Brigjen Dharsono (Brigjen Dharsono Road). It was built around year 1703 as per written source/evidence. Sunya is from the word Sunyi or Silent, and Ragi is from Raga or Body, both words are Sanskrit. Sunyaragi is a place, a temple-look-alike, some part of it is a cave, for the royalties, Cirebon Sultan and the families, to meditate and rest. A getaway palace to relax ..

From outside, I didnt find the place to be interesting. When we got inside, I can see that a huge area which was well planned-constructed, cozy place, built with a natural air conditioning i.e. water and a well-thought air circulation. And it got our attention. It was said that a long time ago the place was surrounded by Danau Jati (Jati Lake) which is no longer exist replaced by road and housings. That’s why it was also known as Waterpark, with decorations such as stone-carved Elephant and Garuda and artificial waterfall where the sultan would seat behind it.

From the Inside

Inside Area

Artifical waterfall – dry out

Elephant

Garuda

Believed to be Admiral Zheng Ho Tomb

When we got out a bit from the site, there was a tomb where the guide said it was believed as Admiral Cheng Ho’s (Zheng He). A well known Hui Chinese mariner, explorer, diplomat, and fleet admiral,  a Chinese moslem, who sailed across Asia. The truth or not, we didn’t question about it. However, the history was told, that the Admiral visited Cirebon. Other history was also told that his body was buried at sea off the Malabar coast, near Calicut, Western India.

This place is less known to tourist, I would not know that there’s such place like this in Cirebon before. It is way less popular then Borobudur and Prambanan in Yogyakarta and Centre Java. However, it is worth to visit for those who loves ancient buildings.

NOTE:
History source: wikipedia and guide at site
Photos : private collection
Entrance fee: IDR 2000 per person (local)
Guide fee: IDR 15000-30000 (local)

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