Purwokerto: Central Java

Purwokerto is located in Central Java and is the main traffic junction in the south-west corner of the island. It’s an absolutely beautiful city and by that I mean very clean!. The city is bisected by a river called the Kali Kranji. However, despite being a well organised city, there really isn’t much to see. It is out of town where the gems of the area are.

Purwokerto is renowned for its food like keripik, mendoan and ranjem. Another Purwokerto delicacy is soto and the best place to obtain this delicacy is in the east of the town in Sokaraja. Then there is Gethuk Goreng, a dish made from cassava and a lot of javanese sugar.

Probably the most interesting of all places in the area would have to be Baturaden, located 15 kilometres north of Purwokerto. Baturaden is renowned for local tourism and is nestled at the foot of Gunung Slamet. It’s an excellent place for trekking and camping but the hotsdprings are the drawcard here. There are two natural hotspring in Baturaden called Pancuran Telu and Pancuran Pitu. At the Baturaden Nature Resort, many vacationers enjoy massage therapy, in groups or individually, in the open air amid scenic and cool natural surroundings.

You can get a dry rub, or if you prefer a massage with oils or sulphur water. The sulphur water is not provided by the masseurs, but is taken from the hot water springs around the hilly resort. After the massage you can take a warm bath or immerse yourself in the warm water gushing from the springs. Your delightful and invigorating massage will set you back roughly Rp 50,000, but for the locals it is only around Rp20,000.

There are some hotels, villas and budget hotels in Baturaden and it will depend on your budget where you want to stay, but, I suggest you splash out and do the whole comfort thing!. If you prefer and are feeling adventurous then stay at the large camping ground.

You can hike and climb Gunung Slamet but for your own safety I suggest you contact a local guide.