Purwokerto

Understand

Purwokerto is a town of around 230,000 inhabitants (2020 census) and the capital of Banyumas Regency. It lies between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, making it a famous and bustling transit town in southwestern Central Java. Some famous Indonesians originated from Purwokerto, such as Jenderal Gatot Subroto. These people are honoured in street names all over Indonesia. The town is at the base of the Mount Slamet, the second highest volcano in Central Java. Purwokerto is a popular gateway to climb it, since the summit crater is about 18 km (11 mi) from the town centre. The rivers that flow down its slopes into the town provides some welcome greenery in the industrial drabness and hectic bustle.

Getting there

By train

1 Purwokerto Train Station (Stasiun Kereta Api Purwokerto), Jl Stasiun, Kober, Purwokerto Barat. Stop ID: PWT. Trains from Jakarta take 4 to 9 hours, depending on train class, arriving at the main Purwokerto station. Argo-class trains (Argo Lawu and Argo Dwipangga) are the best of the lot: they are the most comfortable and quickest. Taksaka also has the same services as Argo. These trains also cater for those travelling to Yogyakarta. Joglosemarkerto is an agglomeration train that serves the Purwokerto-Yogyakarta-Solo route via the southern line and thePurwokerto-Semarang route via the northern line with very cheap prices for both its economy and executive class. (updated Nov 2017)

By plane 2 Bandar Udara Jenderal Besar Soedirman (General Soedirman Airport, PWL IATA), Area Sawah, Wirasaba, Bukateja, Purbalingga Regency. It is the nearest airport with scheduled timetable. It is 20 km from the town centre, and serves 2 flights from Jakarta Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport HLP IATA and Surabaya Juanda International Airport SUB IATA with an approximate 1 hour flight. Citilink is the only airline that serves these flights as of Nov 2021. The rates of each route are: HLP-PWL: Rp 509,500-556,800; SUB-PWL: Rp 569,100-585,700. (updated Nov 2021)

By bus 3 Purwokerto Bus Terminal (Terminal Bus Purwokerto, Terminal Bus Bulupitu), ☏ +61 822 2661-1616. 4 km (2.5 mi) south of the town centre. There are regular services from across Java, including Jakarta (9 hours), Yogyakarta (4-5½ hours), Semarang (6 hours) and Bandung (6-8 hours). (updated Nov 2017)

Getting around

Purwokerto is a relatively small town, so travelling around town should not be too expensive. You can jog around town in approximately 40 minutes.

By angkot Although Purwokerto is a small town, instead of walking in the heat and high humidity, travelling around town can be faster and easier by angkot (battered minibuses - derived from the words angkutan kota, or city transport). These have fixed routes but pick up and drop off anywhere along that route; sometimes they can be very crowded, but it's a great way to meet the locals. There is a certain etiquette to be observed, though. Costs Rp2,500 per passenger, paid when you alight.

By online taxi / mototaxi Gojek and Grab online taxis are ubiquitous in this town and highly recommended if you are in a rush to other places.

By public bus There are 2 public bus services in operation.

TransJateng is a BRT service operated by provincial government that serves mainly Purwokerto-Purbalingga (eastbound route). Operational hour starts from 05:15 to 18:00. The bus stops at the designated, high-level platform bus shelter. Rp4,000 per person, flat rate. Trans Banyumas is a bus service under the supervision of Ministry of Transportation. There are three operational routes: Pasar Pon-Ajibarang (westbound route. Operational hour starts from 05:15 with last departure from terminal at 19:45), Baturraden-Notog (north-south route. Operational hour starts from 04:45 with last departure from terminal at 18:00), and Bulupitu-Kebondalem (loop route. Operational hour starts from 05:00 with last departure from terminal at 19:20). The bus stops at the bus stop sign, some of them are integrated to TransJateng bus stops. Rp3,900 per person, flat rate. Unlike Transjakarta in Jakarta (and just like the majority of BRT creepers in many Indonesian cities), they don't have a designated lane that separates their lane from regular traffic and has very low timetable. You may want to use these bus service if you're not in a hurry and really want to enjoy this town with its AC-equipped buses. Both BRT providers have their own app with bus tracker.

By trishaw Traditional three-wheeled pedal-powered rickshaws known as becak can be found in most parts of Purwokerto. Haggle furiously.

See

Purwokerto is simply a major transit town, not a tourist town. Even so, it still has many destinations to be seen or visited. It has a lot of beautiful monuments on some of its roundabouts and a few well-preserved Dutch colonial buildings.

Museums 1 BRI Museum (Museum Bank Rakyat Indonesia), Jl. Jend. Soedirman No.57, Kedungwuluh, ☏ +62 281635098. 09:00-14:00. A museum dedicated to R.A. Wiriatmaja, who pioneered the Indonesian banking system and was the founder of BRI (Bank Rakyat Indonesia). Free. (updated Nov 2021) 2 General Soedirman Monument and Museum (Museum Panglima Besar TNI Jenderal Sudirman), Jl. Patimura No.240a, Pasir Kidul, West Purwokerto 53136. 08:00-16:25. A monument and museum dedicated to Indonesian National Hero, Jenderal Besar Soedirman. Rp3,000 per person. (updated Nov 2021)

Landmarks 3 General Soedirman Underpass (Underpass Jenderal Sudirman Purwokerto). Finished in 2019, it is a beautifully-decorated underpass to separate the traffic from the rail tracks. Dedicated to General Soedirman. (updated Nov 2021) 4 Gada Rujak Polo Monument (Tugu Gada Rujak Polo). Finished in 2020, it is a monument on a roundabout just before the underpass. It has a dancing fountain. (updated Nov 2021) 5 Adipura Monument (Tugu Adipura). A monument with fountain dedicated as a trophy for Purwokerto that won an Adipura Award (an award for city cleanliness.) (updated Nov 2021) 6 General Gatot Subroto Monument (Monumen Jenderal Gatot Subroto). A monument that is dedicated to Indonesian National Hero Jenderal Gatot Subroto. (updated Nov 2021) 7 "Pembangunan" Monument (Tugu Pembangunan) (Near Bank Indonesia). A monument about development and Pancasila. (updated Nov 2021)

Parks Purwokerto also has many parks that are basically local hotspots for hangout, jogging, cycling, or even just to stroll around to enjoy its scene. You can also buy foods and snacks and have a picnic in the evening (specifically in its town square).

8 Purwokerto Town Square (Alun-alun Purwokerto), JL. Jend. Sudirman, Sokanegara, East Purwokerto 53115. 24-hours. This town square is the most popular local hotspots with many activities at night. You may enjoy some culinary in here that are sold by local vendors and have a picnic on its grassy field. Free. (updated Nov 2021) 9 Andhang Pangrenan Park (Taman Andhang Pangrenan), Jalan Gerilya Purwokerto Selatan, Karangklesem, South Purwokerto 53142. 08:00-22:00 price=Adult Rp 5,000, child Rp 2,500. This park has playground for kids and also a stage for events. (updated Nov 2021) 10 Balai Kemambang Park (Taman Balai Kemambang), Jl. Karang K

Do

Sport centre: 1 Satria Sport Complex (GOR Satria), Jl. Prof. Dr. Suharso, Purwokerto Lor, East Purwokerto 53121. 07:00-18:00. This is the largest sport complex in town. Contains a football stadium, tennis courts, reflection park, and a few other venues. Usually locals visit in the morning, especially on Sunday when there is an event called sunday morning (sunmor) Free. (updated Nov 2021). You can also visit 2 Soesilo Soedarman Sport Complex (GOR Soesilo Soedarman (GOR Soesoe/GOR UNSOED)), Jl. DR. Soeparno, Grendeng, North Purwokerto 53122. 06:00-09:00, 16:00-18:00. which has better jogging track and a daily football match played by local football teams. M-F Rp 2,000; Sa Su Rp 3,000. (updated Nov 2021) Golf: 3 Wijayakusuma Golf Course (Padang Golf Wijayakusuma), Jalan Profesor Doktor Bunyamin No.10, Bancarkembar, North Purwokerto 53121 (behind Wijayakusuma Military Hospital), ☏ +62 281634597. The only golf course in Purwokerto. It's relatively small but very affordable. (updated Nov 2021) Karaoke: One of the most popular entertainment programs in town. Plenty of well-known chains throughout the city, such as 4 Inul Vizta Karaoke, Jl. Jend. Soedirman No.840, Purwokerto Kidul, East Purwokerto 53147 (Near Pasar Wage), ☏ +62 281621555. 11:00-02:00. (updated Nov 2021) and 5 Happy Puppy, Ruko Satria Plaza Blok AB-7/8, Jl. Jend. Soedirman, Purwokerto Lor, East Purwokerto 53114 (Inside Satria Plaza), ☏ +62 281625272. 10:00-01:00. (updated Nov 2021) Coffee house: If you want to hangout with your friends, are a workaholic, or just simply want to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, there are a lot of coffee houses in Purwokerto.

Buy

Traditional markets Purwokerto has many ranges of traditional markets.

1 Pasar Wage, Jl. Vihara, Purwokerto Wetan, East Purwokerto 53111. The biggest and bustling traditional market in Purwokerto (updated Nov 2021) 2 Pasar Manis, Jl. Jend. Gatot Subroto No.73, Kedungwuluh, West Purwokerto 53131. 05:00-18:00 PM. This market sells a range of traditional snacks. (updated Nov 2021) 3 Pasar Pon, Jl. Ps. Pon Utara, Bantarsoka, West Purwokerto 53133. 04:00–21:00. (updated Nov 2021) 4 Pasar Glempang, Jl. Profesor DR. HR Boenyamin, Bancarkembar, North Purwokerto 53121. 06:00-12:00. (updated Nov 2021) 5 Pasar Karanglewas (Pasar Kliwon), Jl. Patimura, Pasir Kidul, West Purwokerto 53161. 05:00-15:00. (updated Nov 2021) 6 Pasar Mersi, Jl. Balai Kambang No.397, Mersi, East Purwokerto 53133. 05:00-11:00. (updated Nov 2021)

Boutiques There are a number of boutiques along Jl. Dr. Bunyamin, in the northern part of the town. They're popular with youths and college students.

Shopping malls

7 Rita Supermall Purwokerto, Jl. Jend. Soedirman No.296, Sokanegara, East. Purwokerto 53116 (across Purwokerto Town Square), ☏ +62 281632006. 10:00-21:00. The only modern shopping mall in Barlingmascakeb agglomeration region. It attracts many local visitors from neighboring regencies and always packed every end of the months and holidays. You may find everything in here. (updated Nov 2021) 8 Moro Mall Purwokerto, Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan No. 7, Purwokerto Kulon, South Purwokerto 53141, ☏ +62 281625100. 10:00-21:00. another so-called "shopping mall" that has a large supermarket with cheaper prices. (updated Nov 2021) 9 Living Plaza Purwokerto, Jl. Jend. Soedirman No.447, Sokanegara, East Purwokerto 53116, ☏ +62 2817773736. 10:00-21:00. Contains ACE Hardwares and Informa Furnitures stores. There is also Chatime and KFC inside. (updated Nov 2021)

Handicrafts There are plenty of handicraft and souvenir stands in nearby Baturaden, a cool resort town just 14 km (8.7 mi) to the north.

Eat

Purwokerto is the heart of culinary destinations of Banyumas Regency, so don't miss any chances to explore more restaurants beyond the lists and indulge on every dish that's served in this town. The following dishes should be on every traveler's agenda:

Gudeg, a curry of jackfruit, chicken and egg served with rice. The most famous local dish. The most famous seller is in front of Pasar Manis, Jl Gatot Subroto. Mendoan is made from very thin tempe (fermented soy bean cake), battered and fried. The best mendoan is only found in the village, even though city mendoan is quite tasty. Mendoan can be bought on Jl. Sawangan, in outlets including Mirasa and Echo21. You can buy it raw (with separate ingredients) and fry it at home. Sate Kambing Sate kambing in the Purwokerto area (Banyumas, Sokaraja, Purbalingga) is also famous for very tender young goat. One of the best is Sate Tiga Saudara. Soto Sokaraja, or locally called Sroto, a soup which originated from neighboring town Sokaraja, is very popular here. There are many local restaurants that serve this dish. Gethuk Goreng is a fried variant of gethuk, traditional snacks made from cassava. It's as omnipresent as mendoan (specifically in Sokaraja).

Budget 1 Empal Kupat Bu Karsih, Glempang, Bancarkembar, North Purwokerto. 05:30-08:30. A traditional and legendary Purwokerto breakfast food, Empal kupat (updated Jul 2022) 2 Sahoun Ayam Pak Kartim, Jl. Kaliputih no. 18, East Purwokerto. 09:00-16:30. One of the Purwokerto specialty dishes, Sahoun ayam (updated Jul 2022) 3 Serabi Jalan Bank "Mbok Sur", Jl. RA Wiryaatmaja No.2 RT 1/4, Kedungwuluh, West Purwokerto 53131, ☏ +62 82135354500. 04:00-10:00. available early in the morning is a local favourite. The queue is sometimes very long, especially during holiday season. (updated Nov 2021) 4 Bakso "Sami Asih", Jl. Pramuka No.23, Purwokerto Kulon, South Purwokerto 53141, ☏ +62 85647846450. 11:00-21:00. (updated Nov 2021) 5 Bakso Pekih, Jl. Pekih, Sokanegara, East Purwokerto 53115, ☏ +62 281638509. 09:00-20:00. (updated Nov 2021) 6 Sae Niki, Jl. Merdeka No.18, Purwanegara, North Purwokerto 53116, ☏ +62 2816510170. 09:00-20:00. (updated Nov 2021) 7 Hangout Cafe & Restaurant, Jl. Profesor DR. HR Boenyamin, Purwokerto Lor, North Purwokerto 53121, ☏ +62 281622014. 10:00-22:00. (updated Nov 2021) 8 Choco Klik, Jl. Overste Isdiman No.11, Purwokerto Lor, East Purwokerto 53114, ☏ +62 281635100. 10:00-20:00. (updated Nov 2021) 9 Brasil Ice Cream, Jl. Jendral Suprapto No.25, Purwokerto Lor, East Purwokerto 53114, ☏ +62 281624035. 07:30-17:00. (updated Nov 2021) 10 Dapoer Pramban

Drink & nightlife

Like in any other Javanese highland interior towns (even though Purwokerto is relatively lower in altitude than Baturaden region), wedang is quite popular due to its warming effects and rich flavours.

Wedang Ronde is a hot ginger drink with gluten rice balls, peanuts, jelly. Wedang Uwuh in English literally means "junk drink", due to its messy herbs appearance left unfiltered in the drink. Despite its unfortunate name, this hot, ginger-based drink added with sappan wood, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemongrass, cardamom, and sugar/honey is very healthy and gives you warming effects. You may find this drink everywhere (especially in Baturaden region).

Coffee shops Just like many other cities in Indonesia, Purwokerto is experiencing a boom in coffee shops. Due to the high number of coffee shops in this town, it is highly recommended to explore by yourself beyond this list.

1 Kalih Coffee, Tea, and Spaces, Jl. Pungkuran No.4, Purwokerto, Sokanegara, Kec. Purwokerto Tim., Kabupaten Banyumas, Jawa Tengah 53115, ☏ +62 81227268611. 08:00-22:00. (updated Nov 2021) 2 Milos Coffee, Kebondalem, Purwokerto Lor, East Purwokerto 53114, ☏ +62 81292134714. 08:00-22:00. (updated Nov 2021) 3 Stue Coffee, Jl. Jatiwinangun No.26, Purwokerto Lor, East Purwokerto 53114. 09:00-21:00. (updated Nov 2021) 4 Loja De Cafe Bancarkembang, JL. H.R Bunyamin No.89, Bancarkembar, North Purwokerto 53121, ☏ +62 281631349. 09:00-00:00. (updated Nov 2021) 5 Praketa Coffee, Jl. H.R Boenyamin No.129, Grendeng, North Puewokerto 52212, ☏ +62 82323736321. 07:00-21:00. (updated Nov 2021) 6 Singgah Coffee & Book, Jl. Riyanto No.29, Sumampir, North Purwokerto 53125, ☏ +62 8156982525. 07:00-22:00. (updated Nov 2021) 7 Society Coffee House, Jl. Prof. Dr. Suharso Kelurahan No.9B, Arcawinangun, East Purwokerto 53113, ☏ +62 8112821168. 11:00-22:00. (updated Nov 2021)

Sleep

Budget 1 FixOn Capsule Hotel, Jalan Profesor Doktor HR Boenyamin No.KM.19,4, Pabuaran, North Purwokerto 53124, ☏ +62 2817771577. Check-in: 13:00, check-out: 12:00. Single: Rp 103,000; Double: Rp 186,000. (updated Nov 2021) 2 Hotel Gunung Slamet, Jl. Overste Isdiman No.20, Purwokerto Lor, East Purwokerto 53114, ☏ +62 281626332. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Economy Twin (Non-AC): Rp 124,500; Economy Double (AC): Rp 141,100; Economy Triple (AC): Rp 157,700. (updated Nov 2021) 3 Roda Mas Hotel, Jl. Martadireja 1 No.871, Purwokerto Wetan, East Purwokerto 53113, ☏ +62 281637590. Check-in: 13:00, check-out: 12:00. Standart: Rp 130,000. (updated Nov 2021) 4 Teratai Mas Hotel, Jl. DI Panjaitan No.144, Purwokerto Kidul, South Purwokerto 53147, ☏ +62 281640787. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Economy Twin (Non-AC): Rp 140,000; Standart (AC): Rp 198,000. (updated Nov 2021) 5 Orlando Hotel, Jalan DI Panjaitan No.119, Purwokerto Kulon, South Purwokerto 53147. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Economy (Non-AC): Rp 150,600; Luxury (AC): Rp 210,800. (updated Nov 2021) 6 Hotel Besar (literally means "Big Hotel"), Jl. Jend. Soedirman No.732, Purwokerto Lor, East Purwokerto 53114. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Zenith (Non-AC): Rp 145,000; Zircon (AC): Rp175,000. (updated Nov 2021) 7 Hayden Inn, Jln.Gelora Indah I Gang Baseball No. 3 Purwokerto Lor, East Purwokerto 53114, ☏ +62 2816849668. Check-in: 14:00 PM, check-out: 12:00. Exotic (Room only): Rp 188,000. (updated Nov 2021) 8 Halona Guest House, Jl. Jend. Soedirman No.373, Purwanegara, Kec. Purwokerto 53116 (close to Rita Supermall and town square), [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Deluxe: Rp 190,000. (updated Nov 2021) 9 Privato Suite, Jl. Adipati Mersi No.72, Mersi, East Purwokerto 53112. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Deluxe: Rp 200,000. (updated Nov 2021)

Mid-range 10 Palapa Hotel, Jl. S. Parman No.283, Purwokerto Kulon, South Purwokerto 53141, ☏ +62 281-636693. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. On a tree-lined street, this laid-back hotel amid shops and eateries is 2 km from the Jenderal Besar Soedirman Mosque and 4 km from Stasiun Purwokerto. Superior: Rp 215,500; Deluxe: Rp 239,300; Family: Rp 325,700. (updated Nov 2021) 11 ARON Hotel Purwokerto (formerly Borobudur Hotel), Jalan Yosodarmo 32 (close to Rita Supermall and town square), ☏ +62 281 637747, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. Known for its 1970s exterior, ARON Hotel was renovated in its current state while preserving its 1970s style. Superior Twin Bed: Rp 235,000 per nigh

Go next

North Mount Slamet, a stratovolcano which is still active with recent volcanic activity in 2014. Travelers in Purwokerto will never miss a sight of this volcano since it's only about 15 km north of the town centre and is the highest mountain in Central Java, making it an ideal benchmark for the north direction. If any travelers are brave enough to climb it (since it's notoriosly known as one of the hardest mountain to climb in Java), you can visit Bambangan Base Camp in Purbalingga Regency or many other base camps as the starting point (there are at least 12 climbing routes). Baturaden is the most famous natural tourist area just north of Purwokerto. Thanks to its temperate climate and abundant amount of waterfalls, there are many villas and tourist attractions that travelers can visit. Lokawisata Baturaden is a nature preservation on a Mount Slamet slope with waterfalls & swimming pools, plus panoramic volcano views. Wana Wisata Baturraden is an ecotourism spot with campgrounds and out-bond facilities, and also serves as a gateway to Baturaden Botanical Garden. Natural tourist attractions in here include Curug Telu, Telaga Sunyi, Hutan Pinus, Curug Kembar, Pancuran Pitu, Curug Ceheng, and many other waterfalls.

East Purbalingga, home of the famous Owabong Waterpark, Sanggaluri Park, and Purbayasa River World. Banjarnegara, do rafting on Serayu River and go further to Dieng Plateau.

South East Sokaraja, a transit town, is famous for its soto and gethuk goreng. Tambak, on the border of Kebumen Regency, 1-hour travel by bus from Purwokerto Bus Terminal for Rp7,000. Offering its famous duck satay. Price Rp10,000. Kebumen. a regency famous for its beaches and natural limestone caves. Also for lanthing and satay ambal. There is Gombong town with its colonial and military tourism. There's also an ancient geological national geopark site, Karangsambung-Karangbolong. (updated Oct 2022)

South Cilacap on the south coast is a growing industrial city, with oil refinery, power station and cement factory. The adventurous can hop off to the south coast beaches of West Java by taking a boat through the Segara Anakan bay.