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Old Banten (Banten Lama)

4.4
·1k reviews·, Indonesia

Explore the historical heart of the Banten Sultanate, from its ancient mosque to palace ruins and an informative museum.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Avoid weekend closures & heat

CrowdLow
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koleksi museum

Old Banten (Banten Lama)

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Avoid weekend closures & heat

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the historical heart of the Banten Sultanate, from its ancient mosque to palace ruins and an informative museum.

4.4
(1k reviews)

"A must-visit for history lovers, but check museum hours and prepare for the heat!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Museum Hours First

Museum often closed weekends/holidays. Plan for weekdays to enter! :calendar:

💧 Stay Hydrated

Coastal heat can be intense. Bring water and wear sun protection. :droplet:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Surosowan Palace Ruins

Surosowan Palace Ruins

Old Banten

Explore the remnants of the once-grand palace, a testament to the Banten Kingdom's power. Imagine its former glory amidst the ruins.

Reddit
Great Mosque of Banten

Great Mosque of Banten

Old Banten

Discover the province's oldest mosque, a significant historical and religious landmark. Admire its unique architecture and towering minaret.

Reddit
Banten Kingdom Museum

Banten Kingdom Museum

Old Banten

Gain insights into the region's rich history. Though small, it offers valuable knowledge panels about the Banten Kingdom.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Weekend Museum Closure Alert

The museum at Old Banten is often closed on weekends and holidays. Plan your visit for a weekday to ensure you can explore the exhibits. Check official hours beforehand to avoid disappointment and make the most of your historical exploration. Reddit

Beat the Coastal Heat

Old Banten is located in a coastal area, meaning it can get quite hot. Visit during cooler parts of the day, especially if you plan to explore the outdoor historical sites. Consider bringing water and sun protection. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Avoid weekend closures & heat
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Cooler temperatures
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎯 Check Museum Hours First

Museum often closed weekends/holidays. Plan for weekdays to enter! Reddit :calendar:

💧 Stay Hydrated

Coastal heat can be intense. Bring water and wear sun protection. Reddit :droplet:

🤝 Ask Staff for Palace Access

Surosowan Palace gates are locked; staff can guide you. Reddit :information_desk:

🗑️ Bring Your Own Trash Bag

Limited trash bins available. Help keep the historical site clean. Reddit :wastebasket:

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Museum Hours First

Museum often closed weekends/holidays. Plan for weekdays to enter! Reddit :calendar:

💧 Stay Hydrated

Coastal heat can be intense. Bring water and wear sun protection. Reddit :droplet:

🤝 Ask Staff for Palace Access

Surosowan Palace gates are locked; staff can guide you. Reddit :information_desk:

🗑️ Bring Your Own Trash Bag

Limited trash bins available. Help keep the historical site clean. Reddit :wastebasket:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Old Banten a historically significant site, particularly the Great Mosque and museum, offering insights into the Banten Kingdom. However, the museum's weekend closure and lack of amenities like sufficient trash bins are common drawbacks. The heat and potential crowds also impact the experience for some. Reddit

"We want to visiting museum at the weekend, unfortunetally the museum is closed, so pity because many people can't enter the museum at the holiday. We only can see the outside of the museum."

Harry Sofian

"the museum is free entrance, has air con. basically only has two rooms so not much to see, but you can still read a lot of knowledge panels though. you can also ask staffs on how to get into surosowan palace since the gates are locked."

Fachri Reza

"Maybe this is the eldest mosque in Banten Province, this mosque and the tower is only remaining from Banten Kingdom.

Bad management on queueing. No security for controlling the crowds. Lack of trash can/bin.

But overall its good place to know and learn history, also jiarah (remembering and pray in the sacred tomb) tradition."

Saiful Zulmuharam

What People Like

Historical significance
Great Mosque architecture
Educational museum panels

What People Dislike

Weekend museum closure
Lack of trash bins
Coastal heat

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Old Banten (Banten Lama) is accessible by car or public transport from Serang. Many visitors opt for ride-sharing services or local taxis. If coming from Jakarta, you can take a bus to Serang and then a local angkot (minibus) to Banten Lama. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available for visitors, though it can get busy during peak times. It's advisable to arrive early if you're driving. Reddit

Exploring Old Banten is best done on foot to truly appreciate the historical sites. Consider wearing comfortable shoes as you'll be walking around the ruins and mosque complex. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Great Mosque of Banten and the general historical area is typically free. However, the museum has free entrance as well, but it's crucial to check current policies as they can change. Reddit

The historical sites like the mosque are generally accessible, but the museum has specific operating hours. It's widely reported that the museum is closed on weekends and holidays, so plan your visit for a weekday. Reddit

Unfortunately, reviews indicate the museum at Old Banten is often closed on weekends and public holidays. It's best to visit during a weekday to ensure you can access the exhibits. Reddit

For the historical sites and the museum, advance booking is generally not required, especially since entry is often free. However, always check official sources for any updates on ticketing or access policies. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the Great Mosque of Banten, the remnants of Surosowan Palace, and the Banten Kingdom Museum. There are also tombs of sultans and historical figures for those interested in 'jiarah' traditions. Reddit

The museum is relatively small with only two rooms, but it offers valuable knowledge panels about the history of the Banten Kingdom. It's a good place to learn if you have limited time. Reddit

Crowds can be an issue, especially on weekends when the museum is closed, leading to disappointment for many. Reviews mention a lack of security for controlling crowds during busy periods. Reddit

Reviews suggest a lack of trash bins, so it's advisable to bring your own bag to dispose of waste responsibly. Restroom availability might be limited, so plan accordingly. Reddit

The gates to Surosowan Palace are often locked. You can ask museum staff for guidance on how to access it, though direct entry might not always be possible. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While Old Banten itself might have limited dining options, you can find local eateries and food stalls in the surrounding areas of Banten Lama, offering traditional Indonesian dishes. Reddit

Expect to find local Indonesian cuisine, often including seafood due to the coastal location, and various snacks. It's a good opportunity to try authentic regional flavors. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Great Mosque of Banten with its distinctive minaret is a prime photography spot. The ruins of Surosowan Palace also offer atmospheric shots, especially during golden hour. Reddit

Photography policies inside museums can vary. It's best to check for signage or ask the staff before taking pictures inside the Banten Kingdom Museum. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Visiting Old Banten with children can be an educational adventure. While the museum is small, the open spaces around the mosque and palace ruins offer room for kids to explore. Focus on the visual aspects: the grand mosque, the towering minaret, and imagining life in the old palace. Reddit

To make the trip more enjoyable for families, prioritize weekday visits to ensure museum access and pack plenty of water and snacks due to the heat and limited facilities. Explain the historical context in simple terms, turning the visit into a fun history lesson. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Enthusiasts

Old Banten is a must-visit for anyone interested in Indonesian history, particularly the Banten Sultanate. The Great Mosque of Banten and the Surosowan Palace ruins are key sites for understanding the region's past power and influence. Reddit

For a deeper dive, spend time with the knowledge panels in the Banten Kingdom Museum and consider engaging with the 'jiarah' tradition if you are respectful and understand its cultural significance. Visiting on a weekday is highly recommended to fully appreciate the exhibits without the weekend closure frustration. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Historical Significance of Old Banten

Old Banten, or Banten Lama, is a treasure trove of history, serving as the former capital of the Banten Sultanate. This era was a significant period in Indonesian history, marked by trade, religious influence, and political power. The remnants here, including the Great Mosque of Banten and the Surosowan Palace, are the last vestiges of this once-flourishing kingdom. Visiting Old Banten offers a tangible connection to the past, allowing you to walk through the same grounds where sultans once ruled and merchants traded. Reddit

The Great Mosque of Banten is particularly noteworthy as one of the oldest mosques in the province, showcasing unique architectural influences. Its towering minaret is an iconic landmark. Adjacent to it are the ruins of the Surosowan Palace, which, despite its current state, hints at the grandeur and strategic importance of the capital. The Banten Kingdom Museum, though modest, provides crucial context and knowledge panels for visitors seeking to understand the historical narrative of the region. Reddit

For those interested in cultural practices, Old Banten is also a site for 'jiarah,' a tradition of visiting sacred tombs for remembrance and prayer. This adds another layer to the visitor experience, highlighting the enduring spiritual significance of the place. Understanding these elements helps visitors appreciate Old Banten not just as ruins, but as a living testament to Indonesia's rich heritage. Reddit

Navigating Old Banten: Practicalities and Tips

When planning your visit to Old Banten, be aware of practical considerations that can significantly enhance your experience. A key piece of advice from visitors is to check the museum's operating hours meticulously, as it's frequently closed on weekends and holidays, which can lead to disappointment. Reddit This means weekdays are your best bet for a complete visit. The location is coastal, so expect hot and humid weather, making early mornings or late afternoons the most comfortable times to explore. Reddit

Comfort is paramount, so wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be traversing historical grounds. Staying hydrated is also crucial; bring plenty of water or be prepared to purchase it from local vendors. While the historical sites themselves are free to explore, the museum offers a small but informative glimpse into the past. Reddit Be prepared for potentially crowded conditions during peak times and a lack of readily available trash bins, so carrying a small bag for your refuse is a good idea to help maintain the cleanliness of this important heritage site. Reddit

For those keen on seeing the Surosowan Palace, remember that its gates are often locked. Don't hesitate to ask museum staff for assistance or information regarding access. This proactive approach can help you make the most of your exploration and uncover any hidden details or accessible areas. Reddit

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