cirebon cultural tourism 
Balong Tuk Pangeran Mancur Jaya is a historical and sacred site believed to
date back to the spread of Islam in Cirebon. According to oral tradition, this site
is closely associated with Pangeran Mancur Jaya, an important gure from the
Cirebon Sultanate who played a role in searching for a water source during a
severe drought. In his mission, he discovered a wooden log that was a relic of
Prince Cakrabuana, the son of King Siliwangi. When the log was struck into the
ground, water gushed forth from the earth, forming a pond that is still
considered sacred to this day.
The location of Tuk Kramat Pangeran Mancur Jaya is in Kertawinangun Village,
Kedawung District, Cirebon Regency. It is easily accessible from the center of
Cirebon City.
RELIGIOUS TOURISM POTENTIAL OF BALONG TUK
The center of attention at this site is an old tree trunk called Buyut Kayu
Perbatang. This tree is believed to be hundreds of years old and has high sacred
value. It is said that this tree was the place where Prince Cakrabuana—the son
of Prabu Siliwangi and the founder of the Cirebon Sultanate—meditated. The
presence of this tree reinforces the religious signi cance of Balong Tuk, making
it the central point in the annual religious rituals performed by the community.
One of the most anticipated traditions is the “Muludan Tuk” ritual held on the
19th of Rabiulawal. This procession involves seven men traditionally selected
to descend to the bottom of the pond and retrieve the Buyut Kayu Perbatang.
The wood is then washed with ower water and incense, wrapped in cloth, and
placed in a special location for a day before being returned to the pond that
night. The ritual is conducted with solemnity, rich in symbolism, and
accompanied by the recitation of prayers by the muazin.
Beyond its religious signi cance, Muludan Tuk also serves as a platform for
preserving local culture. During the celebrations, the community presents
various traditional art performances such as mask dance, sintren, debus, and
snake shows. Additionally, a night market is held around the site, adding to the festive atmosphere and attracting a outside the region board audience, including tourists from
With its strong historical background, sacred religious rituals, and signi cant
cultural tourism potential, Balong Tuk Pangeran Mancur Jaya deserves to be recognized as an icon of Cirebon’s spiritual heritage a religious tourism destination in Cirebon She can be developed into a religious tourism destination in Cirebon.
by Rio Pebriyan Saputra