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Town in Java
Photo: François Valentijn, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Banten, also known as Banten Lama (Old Banten) is a town in the province of Banten, in the Western Java region of Indonesia. Banten used to be the capital of the powerful Banten sultanate, that had control over trade in parts of Western Java and Sumatra in the 16th to 18th century.
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Keraton Surosowan
Located in the once-prosperous kingdom of Banten, this royal palace was designed by a Muslim Dutchman Hendrick Lucas Cardeel and completed during the reign of the first sultan. Surrounded by a high brick wall, it served as a glorious residence from 1526 to 1808 and was equipped with an aqueduct connected to a reservoir. A major excavation in 1984 divulged the greatness of this exuberant palace. Foundations of some pavilions, a bathing area in the south wing, and two filtration tanks are some of the structures awaiting the keen explorer.
Masjid Agung Banten
16th century mosque, one of the few surviving buildings of the old Banten town. The minaret tower was built in 1632.
Museum Situs Kepurbakalaan Banten Lama
Museum on the history of the town and the sultanate of Bandung, as well as Southeast Asian ceramics.
Buddhist monastery, and one of the oldest Chinese temples in Indonesia.
Benteng Speelwijk
Dutch fort built in 1682. The square-shaped fort is in good shape. Outside of the fort there is a Dutch cemetery.
Sprawling stone remains of a stately palace built in 1815.
Do fishing and mangrove trekking.
A juice bar serves fruit juices and es kelapa muda.
Buy fresh fish.
By train
Banten is served by Karangantu railway station.
By bus
There is also an angkot (minibus) route from the city of Serang to Banten. To ask for directions, mention specifically Banten Lama (Old Banten).
Most of the sights in Banten, as well as the railway station, are within walking distance of each other. Another option is to hire an ojek (motorcycle taxi). The neighborhood is poor and in parts resembles a shanty town.
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Jakarta · International · CGK
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