Candi Sukuh

Whilst not as popular as Candi Borobudur or Candi Prambanan, Candi Sukuh is known as one of the most interesting ancient temples in South-East Asia. Featuring numerous erotic ornaments, the whole construction of the temple is similar to the pyramid built by the Mayan in Central America.

So infamous Candi Sukuh is, even those living in Solo or Jogja, nearest townships to the site, may not know where it is. Located in quite a remote area on the slope of Mount Lawu about 1,000 meters above the sea level, you are advised to get yourself a four-wheel-drive vehicle with more than 2.0 liters of diesel engine. If you are taking public transport, the journey is even more challenging. From Solo, take a bus to Tawangmangu at Tirtonadi Bus Terminal. Stop at Karang Pandan, a half way before the final destination. Then continue your journey with a small minivan toward Kemuning where you will have to further by hiring an “ojek”, motorbike taxi. Continue reading

Solo Batik Carnival

Solo Batik Carnival is an annual event exposing batik as the main material in creating presented costumes. Solo, once in the past the capital of Surakarta Hadiningrat empire, is one of the most important roots from where the culture of batik starts. As on of an important cultural heritage passed along generations for centuries, batik is among a few cultural heritage which remains well preserved until now.

In effort to maintain or even improve popularity of batik both nationwide as well as worldwide, Solo Batik Carnival is conducted every year since 2008. The latest event was organized by Solo Center Point Foundation in collaboration with the city government of Surakarta, the official name of Solo. Continue reading

Pasar Klewer

Known as the largest batik market in Indonesia, Pasar Klewer is not to be missed out in your Solo tour itinerary, especially those addicted to shopping. Wide range of batik products are available here at Pasar Klewer, from cotton stamp batik priced at only a few bucks to hand painted silk batik priced more than a grand.

The history noted that during the colonial age, Pasar Klewer is a train stopover station. Crowd of passengers attracted merchants to offer various goods, the area surrounding the train station then grew into a marketplace known Pasar Slompretan. The name “slompratan” – in Javanese mean trumpet – comes from the train horn which to people ears sounded like trumpet. Continue reading