A notable destination in Central Java, the majority of individuals, tend to refer to the black city of Surakarta as merely Solo. Along with nearby Yogyakarta, Solo was once part of the prior Mataram kingdom. It has become a hectic and sizable town, with wide streets, vibrant local markets, a very apparent Javanese cultural heritage and dramatic perspectives of the region’s famous active volcano, Mount Merapi.
Tourism is on the up in Solo, and vacationers will find that the locals are amicable and welcoming. The town is currently a notable textile centre, leading to wax-dyed ‘batik’ fabric. However, it is also famous for its performing arts and associated academies. Tourist information in Solo can be obtained in the tourist office on the bustling Jalan Slamet Riyadi, whereas further desks stand inside the bus and railway stations.
SOLO TOURIST INORMATION AND TOURISM: TOP SIGHTS
Many tourists choose to have a guided tour of the town when they first arrive at Solo, which includes a number of unique excursions and is usually bookable through many hotels. If you’re staying in Solo as part of a family vacation, then the Sriwedari Amusement Park is very likely to feature on an itinerary of things to do. This popular theme park has quick rides, sideshow stalls, Indonesiawayang’ puppetry and assorted entertainment. The Jurug Zoo (Taru Jurug Animal Park) can also be worth exploring in case you have children with you, or fancy riding a camel
Even the Jalan Slamet Riyadi functions as a significant and active central thoroughfare in Solo also is now lined with hotels, restaurants and places to see. Lots of the city’s most prominent landmarks are usually situated nearby, like the magnificent 18th-century palace around the Jalan Sasonomulyo, that goes by the name of this Kraton Surakarta (Kraton Kasunanan) and is quite a sight to behold. Tourists searching for the most striking buildings in Solo might like to check out the Puri Mangkunegaran palace pavilion, the Great Mosque of Surakarta (Masjid Agung), and the Sahasra Adhi Pura Temple. More Info about Solo Landmarks and Monuments.
Providing visitors with information concerning the town’s heritage, the museums of Solo are very sensible and often modestly varied. The Batik Danar Hadi is a fantastic place to come and learn more about Solo’s conventional hand-waxing and dying processes, used to create elaborately decorated fabrics for literally centuries, many which are still sold now at the town’s massive cloths market, which remains the largest of its type on Java. For valuable imperial treasures and heirlooms, the Sasono Sewoko Museum inside the Kraton is a very intriguing cultural attraction, although the Radya Pustaka Museum is very different and contrasts in traditional antiquities and objects, like then ‘gamelan’ musical instruments, made from bamboo. More Info about Solo Museums and Solo Art Galleries.
There is a lot to explore over Central Java, and Solo enjoys a convenient setting for some excellent trips. Tourists holidaying in Solo will have the ability to take day trips to the spectacular temples of Borobudur (Buddhist) and Prambanan (Hindu), climb to the very top of Mount Lawu (Gunung Lawu) at Candi Ceto and sightsee from the neighbouring cities of Semarang and Yogyakarta. Also close by is the elaborate royal burial hill of Mangadeg, the archaeological site at Sangiran, the sleepy town of Sarangan, and the hill resort of Tawangmangu.
FAST FACTS AND ORIENTATION ABOUT SOLO
Country: Indonesia / Island of Java
Location: Central Java (east), near Yogyakarta
Reputation: city
Place: approximately 17 square km / 44 square kilometres
Population: approximately 600,000
Language: Indonesian
Money: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Country dialling code: +62
Telephone area code: 0271
Typical daily Solo January temperature: 30°C / 86°F
Average daily Solo July fever: 31°C / 88°F
Planning to visit Solo soon? Find out more about Labuan Bajo and Indonesia by visiting Wonderful Indonesia.
