Old Banten, Historical region in Serang, Indonesia.
Old Banten is an archaeological site in the Serang region that spreads across about 10 square kilometers and contains palace ruins, religious buildings, and ancient fortifications near the Sunda Strait. You will find the remains of different periods here, including substantial stone structures that speak to the former power of this place.
The Banten Sultanate established its capital here in 1527 and developed it into a major trading port in Southeast Asia. The marketplaces attracted merchants from Europe and Asia, making the place an important hub for exchange over centuries.
The Great Mosque of Banten shows a blend of Indonesian and Chinese design elements that visitors notice right away. The five-tiered roof and traditional prayer spaces reflect how different communities came together in this place.
You can reach Old Banten via the Jakarta-Merak toll road, with the drive from Jakarta taking about two hours by car. The best time to visit is during the dry season, when the paths are easier to walk and the archaeological structures are more visible.
The Tasikardi Lake system was built during the sultanate period with advanced water filtration methods, using layers of sand to clean the water. This underground infrastructure shows the technical skill of earlier inhabitants and still functions partly today.
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