Sunyaragi Cave (Gua Sunyaragi)

 Sunyaragi Cave is one of the cultural heritage, which located in Kesambi, Cirebon with the land area of 15 hectares. Based on its history, Sunyaragi Cave was built for meditation as well as the rest place of Sultan Cirebon and his family.

Sunyaragi Cave (Gua Sunyaragi)

Even though this place is called Sunyaragi Cave, it isn't really a cave. This is a man made building but it has a very unique construction. It was built in 1703 by one of the sultans of Cirebon as a water palace to relax with his harem. The locals say it is built from coral but I've yet to find out if that's true. In the 1800's the place was renovated by a Chinese architect and they say he was killed after so as not to reveal the secrets of the palace. Anyway, there are many stories surrounding this unusual building which I will translate and research some more. If your in Cirebon it's definitely worth taking an hour or so to look around this maze of man made madness.

Sunyaragi Cave is a great place to visit and explore, especially for you who loves and interest in explore a cultural heritage site. The reason why I visit this heritage site is because I really love to explore its unique, which combined the architecture of Indonesian ancient and western architecture. This place is worth to visit within 1 hour and the place is located in the side of the road by pass Brigadier Dharsono. Based on my experience, the best way to get there is by a taxi since the location of the cave is quite far from the city centre. This is located on the ring-road (by-pass). Easily reached by pedicab from the town centre. By car head North on the by-pass and you will see the building on you left before a set of traffic lights. Turn left at the lights and the car park is on the left as soon as you turn.

However, based on the perspective of my visit I found that this heritage site is looked not too 'well preserved' by the local government. I think this heritage site would bring a lot of notable experiences and become an important historical lessons for the tourists if there are also like a board full of explanations about the history, function, facts and site-map about the site.