Cilacap, a Must-Visit City

Though the journey was unplanned this time, we kept in mind the trip would be great as others. Actually, this journey was due to a family matter from my husband side.

We decided to go by train. Purwojaya serves two schedules a day; at 6.45 am from Gambir station and 6.30 pm from Kota Station (Cilacap)

Day 1, Tuesday morning, the train left the Gambir station at 6.50 an, five minutes past to the schedule of departure. As scheduled, the train would reach Kota Station, Cilacap at 1.30 pm. There are two classes of passenger; Executive priced at Rp.150,000,- and Business priced at Rp. 80,000,- . From Gambir, Purwojaya stopped at Jatinegara station, picked up some passengers then moving on consecutively. The executive cabin was more less comfortable, with a pillow each seat, and air conditioning ran well. We also deserved a breakfast.

Along the way, my eyes were pampered by amazing view; green paddy field, dense hills, rivers with dense flowing waters, bright blue sky and white clouds formed some formation looked comfortable to sleep onJ Even, I couldn’t blink my eyes. It was such an outrageous view to ignore. I was thrilled finding this scene, that Indonesia remains green somehow.

We finally arrived at Cilacap at 1.20 pm. Two thumbs up for PT KAI!!!. The trip was good and most of thing was punctual,lrrival even ten minutes earlier, Big Great! At station, a friend had waited us to drive away everywhere in Cilacap…[A bunch of thanks, Mas]

As we left the station and proceeded to the City’s main street, I had already set my heart to this city. Couldn’t stop I be dazzled. Why? Because, hardly I found some rubbish on the street, yet no garbage boxes were provided. Where all they were gone? The city is so clean, neat, with smooth asphalt everywhere. Moreover, from I seen, the user of vehicles had good manner on street. Even, it could be counted how many cars they were in the city and the Angkot as well. For the motor biker, they were all helmed. For others, bicycling was another mean of transportations. Having half an hour tried finding a hotel; we chose to stay at Wisma Griya Patra, owned by Pertamina at last. Clean hotel, very good bathroom with low price. Excellent!

At night, we had dinner at one of Seafood warungs at Teluk Penyu. They tasted so fresh.

Cilacap is 225,360.840 acre wide; make it the largest Kabupaten city in Central Java Province. The local citizens earn their living by working at Pertamina [it has Refinery process there], at governance institution, and also as fisherman. Cilacap is also well know for its Nusakambangan Prison.

Day2, Had some breakfast, we decided to go around the city and also the weather was so supportive; it was windy, with bit sunshine. Fortunately, we were borrowed a motorcycle of our friend. Our first aim was taking a picture before some enormous ‘tubes’ of Pertamina. Actually, it was my optionJ

Then, we went on to Teluk Penyu. This coast is a port to Nusakambangan Island. The island is open merely on weekend. Indeed, I had no interest to cross it. However, from distance, the island looked great, with dense green trees along the coast.

Our last spot, was Kabupaten office, or so-called Alun-Alun. Before entering, we were welcomed by large green yard with almost 10 Beringin trees on right and left side. The Great Mosque of the city was on the right side. That was all. The city was done to be treasured:)

Another information, there was only one mid level mall throughout the city. If they need particular things or business, occasionally, the visit another city nearby, like Purwokerto or Jogjakarta. So far, I could say, Cilacap is good for home. Oh ya, as we drive away to the suburb, all we could see were the tidy arrangement of houses with flower pots on right and left sides; and the asphalt went to the suburb’s road as well. Jakarta is big zero comparing this tidiness.

On Wednesday afternoon, at 6.30 pm, Purwojaya left Kota Station, Cilacap, towards Gambir Station, Jakarta. The arrival was scheduled at 1.30 am. We all slept during the way. So tired, so sleepy. Finally, we reached Jakarta, at 2 am, stretched an hour from the schedule. Apology is accepted :)

After all, the journey to Cilacap was the most enjoyable moment, from departure, until the arrival back to Jakarta.