Surakarta Travel Guide

Discover the top attractions, hiking and biking routes, best food and drink, where to stay, and travel tips for Surakarta, Indonesia.


Introduction to Surakarta

Surakarta, also known as Solo, is a charming and historic city located in Central Java, Indonesia. The city is famous for its rich cultural heritage and traditions that are still preserved to this day. From visiting museums and historic palaces to exploring natural attractions, Surakarta has much to offer for travelers looking for an authentic Indonesian experience.

List of Places to Visit in Surakarta

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Surakarta is home to many cultural and historical sites that are worth visiting. Here are some of the top attractions:

  • Kasunanan Palace: One of the stunning palaces listing in Surakarta. It is the residence of the royal family of Surakarta and contains many valuable collections and relics from the past.

  • Radya Pustaka Museum: This Museum is home to a vast collection of manuscripts, books, puppets, and other traditional artifacts, showcasing the historical and cultural significance of Surakarta.

  • Museum Danar Hadi: exhibiting a massive collection of handcrafted traditional batik art from Surakarta and other Indonesian regions, this museum is a must-visit for those interested in learning about local batik culture.

Natural Attractions of Surakarta: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Surakarta also offers plenty of outdoor adventures and scenic views for nature lovers. Here are some of the top natural attractions to consider:

  • Sangiran Early Man Site: Located around 15km away from the city center, this UNESCO World Heritage site features ancient fossils, human remains and other archeological findings.

  • Lawu Mountain: Perfect for hiking, Lawu Mountain is an active volcano located in the southeast of Surakarta, providing stunning natural scenery along the way.

  • Tawangmangu Waterfall: located in the Karanganyar region, this waterfall is accessible by motorbike and is a hidden paradise, perfect for a refreshing afternoon.

Hiking/Biking Routes in Surakarta

Surakarta is surrounded by lush forests and green hills, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities like hiking and biking. Here are some of the best routes to consider:

  • Solo - Sukuh temple - Cetho temple: This loop will take you through rural areas, along with terraced rice fields, and two awe-inspiring ancient temples, Sukuh and Cetho.

  • Kleco – Kemusu - Tawangmangu: This loop will take you along stunning scenic views, including rolling hills, refreshing waterfalls, and natural springs.

Best Things to Do in Surakarta: Activities and Tours

While Surakarta is packed with cultural and natural attractions, here are some of the best things to do during your visit:

  • Take a batik class: batik is the traditional art of Indonesia, and it’s still preserved in Surakarta today. Joining a batik class in a local workshop is a perfect way to learn this art form.

  • Join a gamelan music class: gamelan is a traditional Javanese music form, and it’s an integral part of Surakarta’s culture. Taking a gamelan class is a great opportunity to experience this unique musical style.

  • Visit Pasar Triwindu: This traditional market is a treasure trove of antiques, artwork, and other valuable artifacts that reflect the rich history and culture of Surakarta.

Week-Long Itinerary for Surakarta

Planning a week-long trip to Surakarta? Here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of your time:

Day 1: Visit Kasunanan Palace, Mangkunegaran Palace, and Radya Pustaka Museum. Day 2: Hike to Lawu Mountain, explore the forest and catch sunset from the top of the mountain. Day 3: Visit Tawangmangu Waterfall, Kemusu hill, and Kleco village, where you can take part in batik class. Day 4: Take a day trip to Dieng Plateau and explore Hindu Temples and Crater Lake. Day 5: Explore Pasar Triwindu, try local delicacies and shop for traditional Souvenirs. Day 6: Join gamelan music class, learn to play some traditional instruments and listen to gamelan group performance at night. Day 7: Visit Sangiran Early Man Site and stop over at Grojogan Sewu waterfall, and end the tour with some night street food at the city’s central market.

Food and Drink Scene of Surakarta

Surakarta is a food lover’s paradise, with a vast array of local dishes to try.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Timlo: A traditional dish made from rice, chicken, tomatoes, mushrooms, eggs, and other vegetables.
  • Gudeg: Green jackfruit curry served with rice- is Surakarta’s most iconic dish you must try!
  • Sate Buntel: A skewer of minced beef wrapped in beef fat and spices, cooked over wood charcoal.
  • Nasi Liwet: Coconut milk-based rice served with shredded chicken, sliced omelet, and sambal sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Bajigur: A warm beverage made from coconut milk, brown sugar, ginger, and pandan leaves.
  • Es Dawet: An iced beverage made with coconut milk, pandan-flavored rice flour jelly, palm sugar syrup, and shaved ice

Where to Stay in Surakarta: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Surakarta has a wide range of accommodation options available, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses:

  • Hotel Loji: A historical hotel located within the Mangkunegaran Palace area, with classic Javanese atmosphere
  • Syariah Hotel Solo: A great value hotel with fantastic location for access to many tourist attractions and eating places in the city center.
  • NIMI Hotel: Modern Four-star boutique hotel located in the heart of Surakarta’s business district.

What to Buy in Surakarta: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When shopping in Surakarta, some of the best souvenirs to bring home are batik fabrics, handmade pottery, and traditional puppets. The city is also known for its silverware craftmanship, which makes for excellent gifts.

Local Culture and Customs of Surakarta

Surakarta is a predominantly Muslim city, but Javanese cultural values also such respect, courtesy, and harmony are widely adopted by the locals. When visiting Surakarta, it’s best to dress modestly and be respectful of local customs and beliefs.

Best Time to Visit Surakarta

The best time to visit Surakarta is during the dry season from May to September when the weather is warm and pleasant. However, if you’d like to enjoy the most festive time of Surakarta city culture, plan your visit during the Solo Batik Carnival held every year July or August.

Do’s and Don’ts of Surakarta

Do:

  • Wear appropriate clothing that covers shoulders and knees when entering religious sites and shrines.
  • Try the local cuisine and enjoy local traditions and cultural sites
  • Learn some greetings in Javanese and Bahasa Indonesian.

Don’t:

  • Do not forget to remove shoes when entering mosques and temples.
  • Do not leave your trash behind when hiking at mountain and waterfall destinations.
  • Avoid haggling in markets and shops in Surakarta, prices are fixed, and bargaining is not usually accepted.

Safety and Health

Safety in Surakarta

Surakarta is considered a safe city for travelers. However, it is always best to take precautions like not flaunting your valuables in public and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.

Health in Surakarta

The tap water in Surakarta is not considered safe for drinking, so always drink bottled water. Serious medical conditions may require evacuation from Solo to larger hospital facilities in Jakarta.

Getting to Surakarta: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Surakarta

The city’s nearest airports are Adisumarmo International Airport (SOC) and Yogyakarta International Airport (JOG), both of which are within a two-hour driving distance from Surakarta.

Bus Stations Near Surakarta

Surakarta has two prominent bus stations, Tirtonadi and Solo Balapan. Both stations offer a range of bus routes across Indonesia.

Other Options

Taxis, motorbikes, and tricycles (locally known as Becak) are additional options for getting around Surakarta.

How to Get Around in Surakarta

Getting around Surakarta is relatively easy and affordable. You can use taxis, motorbikes, public buses, or becak to reach most of the city’s attractions. Using smartphone apps Grab and Gojek app are highly accessible in Surakarta.

Where to Go Next from Surakarta: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you want to explore other parts of Java, here are some nearby destinations and excursions you can consider:

  • Yogyakarta: Popular for its temples, palaces, art scene, and street food, this city is only two hours away by bus or train from Surakarta.
  • Mount Merbabu: For a more challenging climbing experience, visit the active Merbabu Volcano, located approximately two hours away.
  • Borobudur Temple: This UNESCO World Heritage site and the world’s largest Buddhist temple is located only 1.5 hours away from Surakarta.

Conclusion

Surakarta, the cultural capital of Central Java, is rich in history, tradition, and natural wonders. From exploring ancient palaces and museums to hiking through lush forests and sampling local delicacies, Surakarta offers a perfect blend of cultural and natural experiences. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventurous holiday, Surakarta is undoubtedly worth a visit.

''Mie ayam'' chicken noodle soup ''Mie ayam'' chicken noodle soup


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