Central Java Cultural, The Western Coast of Central Java

When you are on tour of Central Java, don't miss "Pantura Barat", the western part of Central Java's northern coast. Accessibility is from the Central Java provincial capital of Semarang traveling westward or from Cirebon to the east. The Pekalongan area covers the districts of Brebes, Tegal, Pekalongan and Batang.

BREBES
From Jakarta after leaving Cirebon and enroute to Brebes, 5 kms prior to arrival turn right to visit Malahayu, which is situated at Malahayu village, Banjarharjo sub district. Here visitors can enjoy fishing and boating on the lake as well as enjoying the beautiful panorama of its surroundings. Brebes is known for its culinary specialties such as salted duck eggs, which have a taste not found in other parts of Central Java. Brebes is shallot country as this is a vegetable grown in abundance available at very reasonable prices. Another specialty is tape ketan Brebes, fermented sticky rice wrapped in rose apple leaves, which gives it a specific aroma and taste.

TEGAL AND SLAWI
The next town to visit after Brebes is Tegal. Stop at the Alam Indah Beach in Tegal town and Purwahamba Beach, which is situated about 12 kms from the town eastward. The Purwahamba beach has a swimming pool, children's playground and restaurant.There are many attractions in the area and overnight stays are recommended in both Tegal and Slawi. Slawi is approximately 12 kms away from Tegal to the south, on the road to Purwokerto. Cacaban Dam, said to be the first such facility in Indonesia built in 1959, is an option to visit. It is situated about 10 kms east of Slawi. There is boating for pleasure or hiking around the dike. Kalibakung bathing place is another tourist spot and lies about 15 kms from Tegal on the road to Slawi-Kalibakung. The water source is a natural spring, Kubang Urang in the midst of the pine forest.Another point of interest is the hot water spring of Guci on the slope of Mount Slamet at the height of 1,050 meters about sea level. Guci is about 49 kms from Tegal on Slawi-Kalibakung-Bojong-Guci road. Swim in the pool or use a private bathroom. The water contains chemical substances such as zinc, sulfur and iodine, which are believed to be effective to cure skin disease.

PEMALANG
Pemalang is small town, approximately 35 kms east of Tegal. Widuri Beach offers swimming, boating, fishing and there is a tennis court, restaurant, etc. The beach is usually visited by local honeymooners, who believe the place, promises an everlasting marriage. Another attraction is Moga, which lies on a mountain range with beautiful scenery. The swimming pool is fed by water from a natural spring. It is about 41 kms south of Pemalang.

PEKALONGAN
Pekalongan is famous for its batik textiles with designs in a specific style. For fashion designers and batik collectors, Pekalongan is of special interest to observe the development of batik designs, either contemporary or traditional. Visit the Batik Museum on Majapahit Street, Pekalongan. Batik making centers are in Buaran and Wiradesa sub districts. As a coastal town, Pekalongan offers beach attractions, such as Slamaran and Pasir Kencana beaches. For those who are interested in mountain resorts, there is Linggosari. It is about 37 kms south of Pekalongan. Pine, rubber and clove trees cover the mountain. A recreational park has a children's playground, camp site, hotel, etc. A Balinese style temple with a sacred "lingga" stone is found in Yosorejo hamlet, Linggosari. The local inhabitants are mostly Hindu.

BATANG
Batang is actually a small town, which lies on the eastern outskirts of Pekalongan. There are number of tourist attractions to visit here. Including the Bandar swimming pool, fed by a natural water spring situated at Bandar, a mountain resort with a beautiful panorama. It is only 40 minutes drive from the town center of Batang. The tea plantation of Pagilaran, which lies about 40 kms south of Batang, is another option for tourists. The natural beauty of the mountain range and valley is a splendid sight or drop in at the Pagilaran tea factory to observe the processing of tea. Ujung Negoro beach 14 meters above sea level is rare and scarcely found along the north coast of Java. It lies about 14 kms away from Batang.For more information contact the Central Java Tourism Office at Madukuro Street Block BB/1d. Telephone (62-24) 7608570 or Fax: (62-24) 7608573