Travel: Purwokerto

Purwokerto is a relatively small but bustling city located in the Central Java province, Indonesia. It is located in the western part of the province, nestled in an isolated valley between Salak Mountain Ranges and the Southern Mountain Ranges. It is also a major transportation hub in Java, connecting other major cities in Java, such as Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, and Cirebon

Understand 
Purwokerto is a city of around 300,000 inhabitants. Commonly referred as a cross-road between Jakarta and Yogyakarta. The city is on the foothill of Gunung Slamet volcano, the highest volcano in Central Java. Purwokerto is also the main entrance to climb Gunung Slamet. Many of Indonesian famous people originated from Purwokerto, namely Jendral Sudirman, Jendral Gatot Subroto, Soepardjo Roestam etc. Most of those heroic people are honoured as a street name all over Indonesia.

 Get In

By plane

Military airport in Wirasaba, Purbalingga is only a half hour from Purwokerto. Recently, Susi Air, an Indonesian airline company that provides small commercial planes, serves Wirasaba to Halim Perdanakusuma (HPK) in Jakarta.
The second way, from capital city of Jakarta through Soekarno Hatta Airport, you can pass Adi Sucipto Airport (Yogyakarta), Adi Sumarmo Airport (Solo), Tunggul Wulung Airstrip (Cilacap) and Ahmad Yani International Airport (Semarang) and then go through road way.

By bus

The bus station is Terminal Bus Purwokerto on 10 hectares area, clean, safe and comfortable. Located 4 km to the south of the town center. There are regular services throughout the island, including Jakarta (9 hours) with customer recommended Sinar Jaya bus, Yogyakarta (4 to 5.5 hours) with Raharja and Efisiensi bus, Semarang (6 hours) with Nusantara bus and Bandung (6 to 8 hours) with Budiman and Goodwill bus. The terminal has 24 hour service.

By train

Trains to Jakarta take between 4 to 9 hours from the main Purwokerto station depend on train class. The Argo-class trains (Argo Lawu and Argo Dwipangga) are the best, most comfortable, and fastest. Taksaka is almost as good. These train also cater for Yogyakarta destination. You may check complete list of train schedule and cost at [1].

 

 Go Around
Purwokerto is a relatively small city, travelling around town should not be too expensive.

By trishaw

Traditional three-wheeled pedal-powered carts known as becak can be found in most part of Purwokerto. Haggle furiously.

By angkot

Although Purwokerto is relatively a small city, travelling around town can be more faster and easier by angkot (a van that carries passengers, very common in Indonesia). Always have direct routes but sometimes can be very crowded. Costs Rp 4000 per person.
info for Angkot route in Purwokerto [2]

By taxi

• Kobata Taxi, Jalan Stadion Mini IV Blok B no. 42, ☎ (0281) 642440/(0281) 642441.

• Satria Taxi, Jalan Pemuda, ☎ (0281) 7668400.   

See
Purwokerto has many beautiful buildings and monuments.

• Purwokerto Fly-over, Jalan Pemuda (in front of the Purwokerto Railway Station). Built in 1967 and also known by the locals as "Gili Tumpang", Purwokerto Fly-over is a well-known landmark and worth some nice photos.
• Purwokerto Railway Station, Jalan Stasiun no. 1 (right in the end of the street), ☎ 0282637037, [3]. The largest and busiest railway station in the region. It is also a major railway transportation hub that connects other major cities in Java.
  
• Bank BRI Museum, Jalan Jenderal Sudirman no. 55 (across the Bank BRI Branch Office), ☎ (0293) 310230, [4]. One of the most famous museum in town. Dedicated for R.A. Wiriatmaja, the pioneer of the Indonesian banking system. Displays a lot of money and coins collection from the Dutch colonization era until present times. Also worth plenty of photos.
  
• Pendopo Si Panji, Jalan Kabupaten no. 1 (in front of the Alun-Alun (city square)), [5]. The most important and famous historical building in town. Present times, it stands as the government office and tourist attraction.
• Alun-Alun Purwokerto, Jalan Jenderal Sudirman (in front of the Pendopo Si Panji). A wide open-air city square in town. Also a place where the locals meet and gather together with their families, friends, and relations. A lot of restaurants, shops, and prominent historical buildings surrounded this square.
  
  Buy

Traditional Market

The biggest traditional market is Pasar Wage. There are also several small traditional markets, such as Pasar Manis and Pasar Pon.

Boutique and Distro

There are a number of boutique and distro along the HR Bunyamin Street, in the northern part of the city. Mostly visited by the youths and college students.

Shopping Mall

• Moro Mall, Jalan Perintis Kemerdekaan no. 7 (Right in the commercial core in town, just a walk distance from Tamara Plaza and Rita Pasaraya Isola). 9.00 AM - 21.00 PM. The most visited and most famous shopping mall by the locals. Today, it's still on renovation and expansion phase.
  
• Tamara Plaza, Jalan Jenderal Sudirman no. 447 (Right in the downtown, just a walk distance from Moro Mall and Rita Pasaraya Isola), ☎ (0281) 638176 or (0281) 638177 (srpurwokerto@sriratu.com, fax: (0281) 638216). Also known as the 'Sri Ratu'. The anchor tenants of this mall are Handphone Center, Gramedia Book Store, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Sri Ratu Department Store.
  
• Rita Pasaraya Isola, Jalan Jenderal Sudirman no. 558 (Located in the downtown, just a walk distance to Tamara Plaza and Moro Mall). One of the newest department store in town.
• Rita Pasaraya Kebon Dalem, Jalan Jenderal Suprapto no. 58 (Right in the downtown, across of Kebon Dalem commercial block). One of the oldest department store in town. 
• Matahari Department Store, Jalan Jenderal Suprapto Kebondalem (Right in the Kebondalem commercial block's core), ☎ (0281) 636534 (fax: (0281) 636533), [15]. One of the Indonesia's finest and most famous department store chains in town. 
• Cherry Fresh Fruit Market, Jalan Jend. Sudirman no. 437 (Located right in the town center, 3 km head to the east from Moro Mall), ☎ (0281) 7920500. 9.00 AM - 21.00 PM. The largest and most complete fresh fruit store in town. The Happy Family Karaoke is on the 2nd floor.
  
• P&D Aroma, Jalan Jend. Sudirman no. 217 (Located right in the downtown, walking distance from Tamara Plaza and Moro Mall, right next to the central post office.), ☎ 637755. One of the oldest (est. 1978) and well known supermarket in town. Also famous for its local snacks (keleman) and burger/ hotdog. Opens everyday from 8 in the morning till 9 at night.

Handicrafts

There are plenty of handicrafts and souvenirs stands in the nearby Baturaden, a cool resort-town 14 km to the north.

Local snacks

• Gethuk Goreng in the nearby, Sokaraja. There are plenty of local snack stores sell getuk goreng under different kinds of names. It made from cassava and a lot of Javanese sugar. Other foods to be had include nopia, mino (small nopia) kripik, and also mendoan.

• Mendoan can be bought in stores along Jalan Sawangan, such as Mirasa, Echo21, etc. You can buy it raw (with separated ingredients) and fry it at home.
   
  Eat
  The following dishes should be on every traveller's agenda:
  
• Gudeg, a curry of jackfruit, chicken and egg served with rice, and is the most famous local dish. The most famous gudeg seller is in front of Pasar Manis, Jalan Gatot Subroto.
• Mendoan is local food in Purwokerto, from a very slim Tempe (food from a fermented soy bean, very famous food in Java) and covered by dough of wheat flour. Although many places selling Mendoan, the best Mendoan only served in the village. Even though Mendoan sold at city is considerable tasty.
• Sate Kambing Sate Kambing in Purwokerto Area (Banyumas, Sokaraja, Purbalingga) is also famous for very tender young Goat. One of the best is Sate Tiga Saudara.

• Soto Purwokerto

Budget

• BAKSO MALANG - RAJA BASOKA (Rajanya Bakso Bakar), Jl. Dr. Suharso (in front of GOR Satria Purwokerto, walking distance from Hotel ASTON), ☎ 085719978822, [16]. approx 9am to 7 pm. Bakso or meat ball is the most famous traditional food in Indonesia. and Malang city has their own specialty taste. "Bakso Malang" Raja Basoka bring the authenticated taste to Purwokerto city. they also has chicken noodle "Cwie Mie Malang" as their special menu.
• Soto Ani, Gen. Sudirman (east from Alun-alun, across Gaya Baru Optik.located in small street behind building). approx 5 to 9 pm. 7k (at sept 09).
• Rumah Makan Cahaya Mas, one of the best chinese food restaurants in town. Moslem must think twice here.
• RM Endut, Jalan Wahid Hasyim no. 118 (just a walk distance to Jalan Overste Isdiman, one of the major and well-known roads in town.), ☎ (0281) 7647345. Famous for Hainan Chicken Rice and Nasi Campur.
• Serabi Jalan Bank, available early in the morning is a local favourite. The queue is sometimes very long especially during holiday season.
• Soto Jalan Bank, Jalan RA Wiriatmaja (also known as Jalan Bank) (just a walk distance to the north from Bank BRI Museum), ☎ (0281) 693353. One of the most famous typical dishes destination in town. Strategically located, cheap and recommendable. Soto Ayam IDR 7500, Ati IDR 7500.
• Soto Sungeb, Jalan RA Wiriatmaja no. 23 A (head to a small lane across the Soto Jalan Bank). The truly pioneer for the Soto Purwokerto. Tasty and easy-on-the-wallet.
• Soto Ani, Jalan Jenderal Sudirman (head to a small lane, across the road from Gaya Baru Optic). 16.30 PM - 22.30 PM. A well-known typical foods option in town.
• Soto Sokaraja, available in Sokaraja, located 4 km east of Purwokerto. Many of Soto Sokaraja in here, consider one of the best is Soto Kecik. The place not so good but very famous. Another famous one (some people consider this soto is better) is Soto Sutri.
• Mie Kelinci III available in HR.Benyamin 2 KM from Limas Agung.
• Kentucky Fried Chicken, Jalan Jend. Sudirman no. 447, Ground Floor Tamara Plaza (right in the downtown), ☎ (0281) 641759, [17]. The best and the most famous fried chicken joint chains in town.
• California Fried Chicken, Jalan Perintis Kemerdekaan, Moro Mall (right in the downtown). Another famous Indonesian fast food chains in Purwokerto.
• Bunto's Chicken, Jalan Jend. Sudirman no. 286 (across the Alun-Alun). One of the most famous local fast food chains in Purwokerto. Rita's owned.
• Bakso Pekih, Jalan Pekih (just a walk distance from the Alun-Alun and Grand Mosque). 9.00 AM - 18.00 PM. One of the most famous meatball place in town. Easy on the wallet.
• Pratista Harsa, Jalan Pereng (just a walk distance from the Alun-Alun and Grand Mosque). A food court in the downtown, with very wide varieties of local dishes. Easy on wallet and recommended for the culinary lovers. 

Midrange

• Siomay Kuah Segar, Jalan Prof Dr Suharso (across the GOR Satria's entrance point). A simple and modern restaurant that offers wide varieties of siomay and Japanese dishes, like Okonomiyaki, Yakimesi, Takoyaki, Ramen, and Steam Boat. Plus, also one of the best Japanese option in town.
• Paparon's Pizza, Jalan Jenderal Sudirman, Kompleks Pertokoan Stasiun Timur (In the city center, right in the intersection between Jalan Merdeka and Jalan Jenderal Sudirman), ☎ (0281) 634747, [18]. The most well-known pizza restaurant in town.
• Ayam Penyet Suroboyo, Jalan Prof Dr Suharso (A few meters to the GOR Satria, across Iga Bakar Mas Giri), ☎ (0281) 625631. 9.00 AM - 22.00 PM. The best place to try the 'Ayam Penyet' in town. Tasty dishes and easy-on-the-wallet.
• Warung Leko, Jalan Prof. Dr. Suharso (A few meters to the GOR Satria). One of the most famous midrange restaurant chain in town. Delicious and valuable price.
• Iga Bakar Mas Giri, Jalan Prof. Dr. Suharso no. 8 (Just a walk distance to the GOR Satria, across Ayam Penyet Suroboyo). One of the most famous and most visited restaurant in town. Best try for Iga Bakar, tasty and affordable.
• Pecel Lele Lela, Jalan Prof. Dr. Suharso (Just a walk distance to the GOR Satria). The best 'Lele' option in town, with wide varieties of pecel lele dishes
• Brasil Ice Cream and Coffee, Jalan Letjen. Suprapto no. 25 (Located in the bustling commercial district of Kebon Dalem, close to a number of fabulous department stores), ☎ (0281) 636896 (fax: (021) 6293831 - (021) 6288612). The most well-known ice cream and coffee place in town. Also offers wide varieties of Indonesian cuisines and desserts.
• Rumah Makan Kalibogor, Jalan Yos Sudarso no. 34 (Located in the gateway road from Jakarta or Tegal, approximately 5 minutes drive from the city square). An old midrange restaurant in town. Best try for Ayam Goreng, delicious and affordable.
• Sae Niki, Jalan Masjid no. 8 (Just a walk distance north from the city square or Alun-Alun). The best Ayam Kampung Goreng option in town. Tasty and affordable.
• Obonk Steak, Jalan HR Bunyamin, Purwokerto City Walk (Across the Jenderal Sudirman University). Strategically located. Also one of the best steakhouse in town.
• Angkringan Tahu Kupat Pa'buaran, Jalan HR Bunyamin (North of Jenderal Sudirman University and Banyumas TV office), ☎ (0281) 627799. A cafe-style restaurant that offers the beautiful view of rice fields in its surroundings. Also one of the best place to hangout in town.
• Cibiuk, Jalan HR Bunyamin (North of Jenderal Sudirman University, across the F2 Entertainment Center). One of the Sundanese option in town. Famous for its spicy sambal cibiuk.
• Phuket, Jalan HR Bunyamin no. 107 (A few meters north of the Jenderal Sudirman University), ☎ (0281) 634505. A newly-built Thai restaurant in town.

Splurge

• Pringgading Restaurant, Jalan DI Panjaitan no. 217 (A few meters south Pasar Wage), ☎ (0281) 636372 (pringgading@pringsewuresto.co.id), [21]. A long-time well-known splurge restaurant in town. Plenty of wedding and events held here.

• Kabayan Restaurant, Jalan Jend. Sudirman no. 520 (right in the downtown, just a walk distance from Tamara Plaza, Rita Pasaraya, and Moro Mall), ☎ (0281) 636633, [22]. A well-known Sundanese restaurant in town. Featuring live music on Saturday and Sunday nights. Also contains a karaoke box. 

• Oemah Daun, Jalan KH Wahid Hasyim no. 101 & 103 (South of Andhang Pangrenan Park), ☎ (0281) 635169, [23]. 10.00 AM - 2.00 AM. One of the best venue in town. Modern and chic interior design, wide varieties of dishes, and a perfect place for meeting, wedding, and events. 

• Gubug Makan Mang Engking, Jalan HR Bunyamin (North of Jenderal Sudirman University), ☎ (0281) 630088, [24]. 14.00 AM - 22.00 PM. A luxury Sundanese restaurant, with a touch of garden restaurant with unique Sundanese's gubug design, beautiful ponds, and surrounded by the rice fields. 

• MP Steak and Pancake, Jalan MT Haryono (Just a walk distance to Pasar Wage), [25]. 11.00 AM - 23.00 PM. A unique Dutch-style restaurant. Best for steak and pancake.

• Asiatic Restaurant, Jalan HR Bunyamin no. 375 (North of Jenderal Sudirman University), [26]. 9.00 AM - 22.00 PM. A well-known luxury restaurant. Best for Ikan Bakar.

• Lumbung Coffee and Resto, Jalan HR Bunyamin, across the Pabuaran Gas Station (North of the Jenderal Sudirman University). 10.00 AM - 22.00 PM. A perfect coffee place in town. Offers wide varieties of coffee and latte, ice cream, and Balinese cuisine.

• Furama Restaurant, Jalan Dr Angka, Permata Hijau Shophouses (Close to the city's best hotels and entertainment center), [27]. 11.00 AM - 22.00 PM. One of the best splurge restaurant in town with wide varieties of Chinese and Cantonese dishes. 

• @lounge, Jalan HR Bunyamin, 2nd floor of Asiatic Restaurant (North of Jenderal Sudirman University), ☎ (0281) 643000, [28]. A newly-built lounge in a strategic place, best for pudding and cake.

• Meteor Cafe, Jalan Jend. Sudirman, Satria Plaza no. 1-2 (Right in the city center, just a walk distance to the business and shopping centers), ☎ (0281) 634234, [29]. 10.00 AM - 22.00 PM. One of the best place in town for hangout, offers Italian, Chinese, Japanese cuisines and snacks. 

+to be continued+