Solo, the Spirit of Java
Solo has proudly declared itself as the center of Javanese art and culture through its motto, The Spirit of Java. The city which officially named Surakarta is continuously reorganizing itself. Modern shopping centers were built without affecting traditional markets. The city has also successfully managed its sidewalk trader, a model for other cities throughout the country to follow.
GETTING THERE
The newly refurbished Adi Sumarmo has been upgraded into an international airport. In addition to domestic airliners like Garuda Indonesia, AirAsia, Sriwijaya Air, and Lion Air mostly originating from Jakarta, international flight from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur are also available. Those coming from Bali can take a flight to Yogyakarta and get into comfortable intercity train from its station just in front of the airport, for a 45-60 minutes trip to Solo.
WHAT TO SEE
One well maintained old area called Laweyan was built back in the end of the 19th century during the victory of batik business, the reason why the area was known as batik village until now. The evidence wealth built through batik industry is large mansions owned by batik producers and traders. Scanning its alley will bring you back to the growth of batik industry a long time ago.
Do not miss to see Balurwati. Located just outside the walls of the palace of Kasunanan Surakarta, the area is occupied by the prices and the royal aides. Here you will find traditional Javanese houses as well as various properties of the palace such as Dragorder, the security post, and Paseban Kadipaten, the guardian’s residence.
Pendawa Water World was recently built as a new holiday attraction for families. This water park comes with numerous facilities including waterbom, warm water swimming pool, and water curtain. The unique element of this theme park is the name of each facilities which was taken from puppet characters such as Kresna Wave Pool, Gatotkaca Bungee Tower, and Gatotkaca Drop Pool.
Jl. Cernara Raya Solo Baru. Tel. 0271 626955, www.pandawa-lima.com, entrance fee: Rp. 100,000.
WHERE TO STAY
The only five star hotel in Solo, Lor In, combines flexibility of Solonese culture and contemporary elements. Dark brown wood covers interior of its 112 rooms.
Jl. Adi Sucipto No. 47 Kra, Tel. 0271 724500, www.lor-in.com, rate starts from $48 nett per night.
The main strength of Novotel Solo is its strategic location in the center of the city, making city exploration more comfortable. Availability of play area and kid’s club makes this four star hotel popular as children friendly hotel.
Jl. Slamet Riyadi 272, Tel. 0271 724555, www.novotel.com, price started at $54++ per night.
Roemahkoe has 13 bedrooms each with spacious terrace overlooking charming garden. Guests can get authentic cultural experience here as it offers batik class, playing gamelan traditional musical instrument, and reading ancient Javanese manuscript called primbon.
Jl. Dr. Rajiman No. 501, Laweyan, Tel. 0271 714024, www.roemahkoe.info, price started at $41++ per night.
WHERE TO EAT
Selat Solo is actually beef steak modified to fit Javanese tongue which likes sweet. Boiled in broth are thinly sliced beef, beans, potatoes, carrot, egg, and mayonnaise. One of the best Selat Solo can be found at Warung Selat Mbak Lies. Despite of its location on a narrow alley, this stall is always packed with customers.
Jl. Serengan Gang II/42.
Soto Gading is fabulous, no wonder it continuously attract customers to fill up its chairs. Favorite dish here is soto campur. Those who want even more can add some options such as fried beef, bird eggs, potato cakes, and fried soybean cake. Other than soto, this simple stall also offers side dishes such as garang asem, Solonese sausage, and fish rice.
Jl. Brigjen Sudiarjo, Gading
Solo has an old bakery which successfully maintain its popularity to the recent days. The main offering of Toko Orion is Surabaya layer cake.
Jl. Urip Sumoharjo 80, Tel. 0271 645 214
WHERE TO SHOP
Pasar Klewer is the right place to buy the favorite gift from Solo, the batik. Located at the northern side of the city plaza at the opposite side of the grand mosque you can find various models and patterns of batik in a wide range of price, from the cheapest printed on cotton to the most expensive hand painted on silk. Traditional food can also be found here.
Those addicted to antiques will find Pasar Triwindu a paradise. Array of antique goods are on sale here, from old coins to Chinese porcelain from previous centuries. Do not misled with its humble entrance, just get in and you will be amazed. Be aware of fake antique though. You have to be very careful and selective.
If you are interested in batik but want to avoid the crowd of traditional market, Danar Hadi is the place to go. High quality material and craftsmanship and up to date models are guaranteed in a comfortable air-conditioned shop. You can also find accessories in batik motives such as keychain and hand fan. You can also visit Danar Hadi’s Museum of Batik which showcases ancient batik collection.
Jl. Slamet Riyadi No. 261, Tel. 0271 714326
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