The Remarkable Surakarta — The Heart of Central Java, Indonesia

Heri Supriyanto
6 min readApr 21, 2024

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What to do in Surakarta — The Heart of Central Java

Source: Phinemo.com[/caption]

Surakarta The Heart of Central Java is a part of the Islamic Mataram kingdom beside Yogyakarta

After the Islamic kingdom of Java fell, they separated to become two kingdoms namely Kasultanan Yogyakarta and Kasunanan Surakarta

so both cities are still in family connection

Surakarta the new tourist destination in Central Java

Nowadays Surakarta city become a new tourist destination in Central Java

It happened because the new mayor of the city Gibran Rakabuming Raka who is also the son of Indonesia’s president Joko Widodo made some new program

He made some new tourist spots in the city of Solo

and he also made the city of Solo or Surakarta become a MICE city ( Meeting, Incentive, Conference, Event, and Exhibition)

If you need information such as accommodation and transportation or anything related to your trip click here

Get to know Surakarta more closely

As we mentioned before, Surakarta, often referred to as Solo, is a city located in the heart of Central Java, Indonesia.

It is known for its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and traditional Javanese arts.

Surakarta is one of the two royal cities in Central Java, the other being Yogyakarta.

Here are some key aspects of Surakarta:

1. Cultural Heritage

Surakarta has a deep-rooted cultural heritage, with a strong emphasis on traditional Javanese culture.

The city is known for its batik textiles, Wayang Kulit (Puppet from leather ), gamelan music, and traditional dance forms.

2. Kraton Surakarta

The Kraton Surakarta, also known as the Surakarta Palace, is the seat of the Sunan, the reigning royal title in Surakarta.

The palace complex is a showcase of Javanese architecture and culture.

Visitors can explore the palace’s various pavilions, museums, and cultural displays.

3. Traditional Markets

The city boasts vibrant traditional markets, where you can find local crafts, textiles, and traditional Javanese goods.

Pasar Gede, also known as Pasar Klewer, is a well-known market in Surakarta.

4. Tourist Attractions

Surakarta offers several attractions for visitors, including the Mangkunegaran Palace, which is another royal palace in the city.

The Danar Hadi Batik Museum showcases a remarkable collection of batik textiles.

Taman Balekambang is a beautiful park where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors.

5. Culinary Delights

Solo is renowned for its culinary offerings.

The city’s street food and local dishes are a must-try.

Some popular dishes include Nasi Liwet (rice cooked with coconut milk and spices), Sate Buntel (grilled minced meat skewers), Serabi (a type of pancake), and Gudeg

6. Traditional Performances

Surakarta is a hub for traditional performances, including Wayang Kulit ( Puppet made of Leather ) and gamelan music.

These performances are an integral part of Javanese culture and often depict mythological stories.

7. Javanese Arts and Crafts

The city is known for its craftsmanship in various arts for souvenirs, including batik-making, silverwork, and traditional Javanese puppet-making.

8. Location

Surakarta’s central location in Java makes it a convenient base for exploring other attractions in Central Java, such as Borobudur and Prambanan temple.

Overall, Surakarta is a city that offers a rich blend of history, culture, and tradition.

It’s a place where visitors can immerse themselves in Javanese heritage and experience the unique aspects of this region in Indonesia.

If you need information such as accommodation and transportation or anything related to your trip click here

New tourism spot in Solo City

After being led by the new mayor, Gibran Raka Buming Raka, Solo City began to improve and build its image as a new tourist city in Central Java.

Some of those spots are

1. Solo Safari

Solo Safari is a revitalized zoo from the old zoo, the Jurug Zoo

With investment and renewal of animal tourism, this has become a new tourist attraction in the city of Solo

With a concept like a safari park in Africa so visitors can enjoy the atmosphere like in the African jungle

The location is on Jalan Ir. Sutami №109, Jebres District.

Solo Safari is suitable for visiting with family, especially children.

Regular ticket prices on weekdays (Monday-Friday) are IDR 30,000 for children and IDR 45,000 for adults.

Meanwhile, regular ticket prices on weekends (Saturday-Sunday) are IDR 45,000 for children and IDR 60,000 for adults. Solo Safari is open every day.

Solo Safari opening hours on weekdays from 08.30 to 16.30 WIB.

Meanwhile, the opening hours of Solo Safari on weekends are from 08.00 to 16.30 WIB.

2. Heritage palace

The Heritage Palace is a classic European-themed tourist attraction with various Instagramable photo spots.

The Heritage Palace building is a Sugar Factory (PG) Gembongan, a Dutch colonial legacy that was founded in 1899.

The location is on Permata Raya Dukuh Tegal Mulyo Street, Honggobayan, Pabelan, Kartasura District, Sukoharjo Regency

Built on an area of ​​2.2 hectares, The Heritage Palace is divided into indoor and outdoor areas.

In the indoor area, tourists can enjoy three-dimensional photo spot facilities,

The Transportation Museum which contains antique cars, and Omah Kwalik, which is a unique upside-down photo spot.

While in the outdoor area, you can take pictures in the garden against the backdrop of a classic European-style stately building.

The Heritage Palace entrance ticket is divided into two types. First, an outdoor ticket costs IDR 30,000 per person.

Second, an all-in ticket costs IDR 55,000 per person on weekdays and IDR 65,000 per person on weekends and holidays.

3. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

This mosque is a spiritual tourist destination for Muslims

As we know Islam is the religion of the majority of Indonesian people

This mosque is a gift from the United Arab Emirates

and is a replica of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, UAE

If you need information such as accommodation and transportation or anything related to your trip click here

4. Pracima Park

Pracima Park is a cultural center and forum, as well as a place to introduce Mangkunegaran Temple to the public.

One of the attractions of Pracima Tuin Park is the existence of a fine dining restaurant a la aristocrats.

The menu is typical food from Pura Mangkunegaran, a favorite of previous kings

5. Kauman Batik Village

One of the Solo batik centers which is famous for its art and beauty is the Kauman Batik Village.

Apart from traveling, you and your family can also learn how to make batik and shop for souvenirs for relatives at home

If you need information such as accommodation and transportation or anything related to your trip click here

Hotels and Hostels

There are many hotels and hostels scattered in Surakarta

You can choose hotels in Surakarta that suit your budget

If you need information such as accommodation and transportation or anything related to your trip click here

Public transport

Solo City also has well-integrated public transportation

You can go around the city by taking the Batik Solo Trans bus

or you can order transportation online

If you need information such as accommodation and transportation or anything related to your trip click here

From Yogyakarta to Solo

If you depart from the city of Yogyakarta you can use the KRL train at a cost of only IDR 8000 with a journey time of about 1 hour

If you need information such as accommodation and transportation or anything related to your trip click here

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Heri Supriyanto

I write about traveling especially Indonesian tourism, I am a blogger, traveler, and digital marketing enthusiast, I like personal-development and sex