Brebes

Brebes is a regency in northwestern Central Java that covers seventeen districts from the coast in the north to the hills in the south. The area moves from flat lowlands near the sea to higher ground inland, with rivers running through much of the territory.

The name comes from the Mataram period and joins two Javanese words meaning fire and wet, referring to the water-rich character of the land. This naming has stayed in use through the centuries and continues to identify the administrative area today.

The local population maintains traditional performances including Sinok dance presentations, Banjarharjo ceremonies, and Kuda Lumping dance exhibitions throughout the districts.

Visitors reach the area by road from Semarang and can find several hotels in the region to stay overnight. It helps to know that the flat coastal zone in the north differs from the hillier parts to the south when planning how much time to spend traveling.

The region grows large amounts of shallots and produces salted duck eggs, which appear in local dishes like Sate Blengong and Peuyeum Ketan. Many travelers are surprised by how much these two products shape daily life and local cooking.

Location: Central Java

Capital city: Brebes

Elevation above the sea: 126 m

Shares border with: Tegal, Banyumas, Kuningan, Cirebon, Cilacap

Website: http://brebeskab.go.id

GPS coordinates: -7.05000,108.90000

Latest update: December 13, 2025 16:45