JOMBANG, EAST JAVA – Jombang Regency, widely known as a "Religious Town," has emerged as one of East Java's promising tourist destinations. Located strategically between Malang's nature tourism area in the southeast, Pacet–Trawas–Tretes in the east, and the Majapahit historical sites in Trowulan, Jombang offers visitors a mix of natural wonders, historical heritage, and spiritual journeys.
General Tourism Attractions
The regency provides several family-friendly recreation spots. Tirta Wisata, situated on the Jombang–Surabaya road, is equipped with fishing ponds, swimming pools, and tennis courts, and often serves as a venue for concerts by local and national artists. In the city center, Pujasera Kebonrojo offers culinary delights and traditional food vendors, making it a popular choice during holidays.
Near Tirta Wisata stands the Battle Plane Monument, a gift from the Indonesian Marine Military squadron, which enriches the regency's cultural landmarks. Meanwhile, the Aloon-Aloon (Town Square) is the social heart of Jombang. With its spacious park and mosque towers, the square attracts crowds every Sunday for sports, jogging, and community activities. It also hosts exhibitions, music shows, and cultural festivals throughout the year.
Historical Tourism Heritage
Jombang is closely tied to the legacy of the Majapahit Kingdom. Sendang Made, located in Kudu District, is believed to have been the meditation site of King Airlangga. The area also contains several smaller pools, including Sendang Payung and Sendang Drajat, which add historical significance.
Another important site is Arimbi Temple in Wonosalam District. Serving as the southern gateway of Majapahit, the temple stands along the Mojoagung–Wonosalam route, making it an accessible and strategic historical attraction.
Natural Wonders
For nature enthusiasts, Jombang provides a range of scenic escapes. Sumber Boto, with its cool environment and warm swimming pool, is a favorite among local visitors. Panglungan Tourism, located in Wonosalam, is a horticultural and agro-tourism area featuring plantations of cocoa, clove, melinjo, and coffee.
The regency is also home to the stunning Tretes Waterfall, which towers at 158 meters and sits 1,250 meters above sea level in Galengdowo Village. Other natural attractions include Sigolo-Golo Cave and Kedung Cinet, which are known for adventurous landscapes, clear river waters, and suspension bridges. Families seeking picnic spots often visit Plabuhan Dam and Jambe Dam, both of which provide serene surroundings.
Religious Tourism Legacy
Jombang's identity as a religious center is reflected in its many Islamic boarding schools, including Tebuireng, Bahrul Ulum Tambak Beras, Denanyar, and Darul Ulum Peterongan. The regency is also the resting place of two national heroes: K.H. Hasyim Asy'ari, founder of Nahdlatul Ulama, and his son K.H. Wahid Hasyim, Indonesia's first Minister of Religious Affairs. Their graves in Tebuireng continue to attract pilgrims from across the nation.
Beyond Islamic sites, Jombang also highlights religious diversity. Hong San Kiong Temple in Gudo serves not only as a place of worship but also as a traditional medical center, with cultural performances during Chinese New Year. Meanwhile, Mojowarno Church, the oldest Protestant church in East Indonesia, remains an important Christian landmark, celebrated annually with cultural ceremonies such as Kebetan and Unduh-Unduh.
A Destination for All
With its blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and spiritual depth, Jombang Regency stands as a unique tourism destination in East Java. Whether visiting waterfalls, exploring Majapahit sites, enjoying culinary hubs, or making religious pilgrimages, travelers will find Jombang to be a place where history, nature, and faith converge.
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