Kebomas: Giri Kedaton and the Tomb of Putri Cempo

Travelers who choose Kebomas as a destination and are interested in history and religious culture will find two distinct points of interest: Giri Kedaton and the Tomb of Putri Cempo. Giri Kedaton is associated with Sunan Giri and a historical tradition of rulership, while the Tomb of Putri Cempo stands out for the architecture and colors of its tomb pavilion. Together, these places offer a concrete glimpse into different cultural themes in the Kebomas district.

Giri Kedaton: History and Tradition

Giri Kedaton is located in Kelurahan Sidomukti in the Kebomas district, on the summit of a hill; the climb up is relatively steep. Sunan Giri founded the site around 1487. According to traditional historical accounts, Giri Kedaton was the palace or center of government during the Giri I period associated with Sunan Giri. His descendants continued this rule. Sunan Giri is also known as Raden Paku and Raden Ainul Yaqin.

The building now known as Giri Kedaton was originally a pesantren, where Sunan Giri taught Islam to his students. Visible remains include a stone seat, a basin for ritual ablutions before prayer, and old enclosure walls. There is also the tomb of Raden Supeno, one of Sunan Giri’s sons, who died in his youth. At this historic site, accounts of the Giri I period sit alongside visible remains and the memory of a member of Sunan Giri’s family.

The Tomb of Putri Cempo

Another cultural point of interest lies in Gunungsari, Kelurahan Sidomoro, in the Kebomas district: the Tomb of Putri Cempo is a religious attraction. Its tomb pavilion stands out, with architecture typical of Champa (Cambodia). Decorations and vivid colors define its appearance. While Giri Kedaton can be understood through its historical tradition and the remains described above, the pavilion’s design is the main tangible point of reference at the Tomb of Putri Cempo. The two places therefore appeal to different interests: historical accounts and material remains on the one hand, and religious architecture and its colorful design on the other.

More themes in the wider Gresik destination

Beyond Kebomas, the wider Gresik destination encompasses other cultural, culinary, and landscape themes. The Sunan Giri Museum in Gresik displays collections from prehistoric, classical, and colonial times; its exhibits include artifacts and paintings. A visit to the museum offers a distinct way to explore different historical periods and exhibits.

The Pasar Bandeng Gresik tradition offers a different kind of cultural experience. It takes place in the Pasar Gresik area, in the Gresik district of Gresik regency, on the nights of the 27th through the 29th day of Ramadan. People look for large milkfish, known as bandeng kawak, which are usually served as a traditional festive dish for Eid. Unlike the historic sites in Kebomas, this tradition is tied to a specific period of Ramadan.

Landscapes and local knowledge of products are also among the themes of the wider Gresik destination. Desa Wisata Dalegan offers coastal scenery, including a beach, as well as mangroves along a river. Kampung Legen in Dusun Shoberoh offers educational activities about tapping legen and processing it into brown sugar or Nata de Legen. Gresik thus brings together different themes: historical collections, a Ramadan tradition, coastal and river landscapes, and instruction in local processing methods.

For the wider travel overview: Gresik.