Holiday Ayo - The Portuguese fort or Benteng Portugis is located in Banyumanis Village, Jepara Regency, Central Java. Currently, Benteng Portugis is one of the mainstay tourist destinations in Jepara which is managed by the government. Its trademark is a giant ivory yellow gate with towering pillars.

Benteng Portugis is a relic of the Mataram Kingdom during the reign of Sultan Agung in 1632. At that time, Mataram made a cooperation agreement with the Portuguese.

The construction of this fort is the result of the agreement. The goal, as a center of defense from the Dutch (VOC) as well as guarding shipping lanes.

If you visit here for the first time, visitors may think that the large gate that is the entrance is the fort in question. However, the actual fortress was on top of a hill. This hill juts into the sea and is flanked by two bays. The ruins that remain and can be seen today are a fence made of solid stone.

To get to these ruins, visitors must climb a series of stairs to the top of the hill. In the northern part there is a stone wall with holes that are thought to be places for placing cannons towards the sea.

This Portuguese fort is located on a hill overlooking the Karimunjawa Strait for easy reconnaissance. At the foot of the hill, lies a beach with black sand. This beach is also known as Benteng Portugis Beach.

This beach is mostly decorated by blackish rocks jutting into the sea. Because the depths of the sea are quite dangerous, swimming is prohibited. However, tourists are allowed to walk on the rocks and on the walls along the coast. For fans of sport fishing, this area can also be a fun fishing spot.

Around the coast, there is a stretch of grass and a gazebo that can be used as a place to rest. Sometimes there are visitors who deliberately lay out mats and picnic here. Of course it will be fun to have a picnic with loved ones while listening to the waves and enjoying the sea breeze.

Another sight that can be seen from around the fort is the existence of Mandalika Island. This small island is only about 2 kilometers from Donorejo Village. Local fishermen usually fish in Karimunjawa, including around this Mandalika Island.

Tourists also have the opportunity to visit this island by boat. The rates vary, according to the results of negotiations with fishermen who own the boat. This island has clear sea water but is full of steep rocks, so it is not suitable for swimming.

Benteng Portugis Entrance Ticket

This tourist attraction can be visited for free on weekdays. However, visitors are charged a fee if they visit on weekends and national holidays, which is IDR 10,000.

This fort is located in Jepara, more precisely on Benteng Portuguese Street – Tayu Kilometer 48, Banyumanis, Donorejo, Jepara Regency, Central Java. The location is easier to access using private vehicles because there is no public transportation that passes.

The condition of the access road is smooth, but there are some parts that are damaged and have holes when approaching tourist sites.