VOC Fort in Jepara Regency, Central Java Province
Some tourists perhaps overlook the historical potential in Jepara Regency. It is because they are attracted mostly by the stunning natural attractions like beaches and waterfalls. In this case, they must visit VOC Fort sometimes! It offers both an astonishing construction and history, after all. The location is in Ujungbatu Village and it was once used by the Dutch as one of their bases during the colonial era. Another name is Jepara XVI Fort or Lodji Gunung and it is located on a hill! No wonder, tourists can also enjoy sightseeing while spending a good time in that area.
The Nuance
As mentioned before, VOC Fort resides on a hill and it is located 85 meters above the sea level. The good part is the fort is close to a famous ancient tomb complex, where both Dutch and Chinese were buried. In that area, tourists may find Giri Dharma Garden Tomb of Heroes. The next feature is the presence of a majestic gate with the sign Fort Japara XVI on it. In terms of nuance, the fort looks old but well-maintained. Many types of trees and plants grow in that location, creating a shady and soothing atmosphere. Here is the good news. There is no entrance fee!
Exploring VOC Fort
The first thing that tourists may notice when arriving at VOC Fort is indeed the gate. At a glance, it looks like France’s Triumph De Arch. Visitors are likely to take photos in front of it due to the majestic and unique design, for sure. Aside from photography, people visit the fort in order to enjoy the panorama. It is because tourists can see clearly the view of the sea clearly from that area. They must visit the site during a good weather though.
The next common reason for visiting VOC Fort is to learn the history. The help of a tour guide would be so dependable in this case. It is said the fort was built in the 17th century during the reign of the Dutch. The construction was under the name of Jepara Regency, which was under the Dutch’s administration. Actually, there are more stories related to the fort. Tourists need to hire a reliable local guide to get thorough information about it.
What is more? If tourists reach the south part of the fort, they may find 3 local houses and 2 ancient tombs! According to villagers, those tombs belong to the Arabians. In the east part of the fort, there is the famous Giri Dharma Tomb too. Thus, tourists should explore the site thoroughly in order to get the best experience during the visit later.
Nearby Attractions
- Jepara Square
- Taman Kepiting Amusement Park
- RA Kartini Museum
- Kalinyamat Park
How to Get There
From Semarang City in Indonesia, it takes about 2 hours and 6 minutes to get to Jepara Regency. The distance is 78.1 km, but the trip becomes faster if tourists take Kudus – Semarang Street. From Jepara, their next destination is Ujungbatu Village where the fort is located and the best route to take is Shima Street. Have no worries. The trip only takes around 7 minutes, as the distance is 3.1 km.
Where to Stay
- Puri Saripan Inn
- Seaside Villa
- Nusantara Hotel
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