Solo

More about Solo

About Solo

Surakarta, or better known as Solo, is one of the cities located in Central Java Province. Known as the center of art and culture, Solo also has many interesting places to visit during holidays. In fact, several tourist attractions in Solo have become icons of tourism in Central Java. The name Surakarta itself symbolizes hope. The word "Sura" means courage, while the word "Karta" means prosperity. On the other hand, the word "Sala" or “Solo” comes from an Indian sacred tree named Sala Shorea Robusta tree. Geographically, Solo is directly bordered by Karanganyar Regency in the north and east, Sukoharjo Regency in the south, and Colomadu, Karanganyar, and Boyolali Regency in the west. Solo has a warm and humid tropical climate with annual rainfall reaching 2,200 millimeters per year. The average air temperature in Solo ranges from 28 °C to 30 °C. Lowlands with sandy soil dominate most of the area, making the soils in Solo very fertile and suitable for the cultivation of vegetables, tobacco, and sugar cane. In addition to Bengawan Solo, Solo also passed some other rivers and springs that originated from Mount Merapi. Now, Solo isn’t only known for its rich Javanese culture, but also its natural beauty, friendly people, and culinary delights. It’s no wonder that so many local and foreign tourists are interested in spending a vacation in Solo.

Top Things to Do in Solo

As one of the cities with abundant natural resources, Solo offers many interesting places to fill your vacation time. You can consider the following number of recommended tourist attractions in Solo here

The Heritage Palace

For those of you who like to take selfies, the Heritage Palace can be the right place for this. Before known as one of the hype tourist destinations in Solo, the Heritage Palace was recorded as a former sugar factory from the Dutch colonial era. Established in 1892, the building was later transformed into a modern tourist spot. In the museum yard, there are many antique car collections. Sukarno (the 1st president of Republic of Indonesia) once used one of them: a Dodge car made in 1948. Because of the European-style building shape, this place is perfect for taking selfies. Other rides you should visit are the 3D Trick Art Museum, Omah Kwalik, Garden Retro Paradise, and the Industrial Museum.

Royal Water Adventure

Royal Water Adventure is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Solo. This destination is perfect for a visit with a beloved family. There are several interesting rides that adults and children can try, such as the Flow Pool, Semi Olympic Pool, and Water Slide. An exclusive playground for children is also available with a cheerful atmosphere and colorful swimming pools.

De Tjolomadoe

De Tjolomadoe is an interesting place that once was a sugar factory founded in 1861, but stopped its operations about 20 years ago. In this museum, you’ll feel the vibrant atmosphere of the former factory with many archives and artifacts that come with their descriptions. For those of you who want to gain knowledge as well, you must visit De Tjolomadoe.

Surakarta Palace

If you’re interested in learning the history and culture of Solo, you can come to Keraton Surakarta. Susuhunan Pakubuwana II built the building in 1744 as a replacement for the Kartasura Palace, which got destroyed in 1743 due to the 1740 Batavia massacre. Sri Sunan's residence consists of some complexes, namely Siti Hinggil Lor and Kidul, Sri Manganti Lor and Kidul, Kedaton, Kemandungan Lor and Kidul, Kamagang, Sasana Sumewa, Alun-Alun Lor, and Alun-Alun Kidul. There are also collections of treasures, such as heirlooms, gamelan, and many objects given by the European king.

Sriwedari Park

Sriwedari Park is a tourist spot in Solo that has existed since the era of Pakubuwana X's ruling. This park is known as a center of culture and art alongside a recreation location for Blackjack Night. In 1948, this park also became the host location of the National Sports Week. Around the park, there’s the Wayang Orang Sriwedari building, which is still actively used for commencing shows. On the upper wall of this building, there’s a painting titled "Kresno Duto," which tells the epic Mahabharata.

Top Culinary in Solo

If you’ve satisfied exploring Solo, now is the time to fill your empty stomach with a variety of delicious foods below

Nasi Liwet

Nasi liwet is Solo's most famous culinary. This traditional food consists of savory rice supplemented by additional vegetables, jipang, eggs, chicken meat, eggs, and thick coconut milk (kumut). The meal is served on a banana leaf that can be bent or folded into a cone.

Selat Solo

Initially, this food was served to King Salman during a visit to Indonesia. This exceptional food from Solo is very delicious with the combination of sliced ​​beef, chicken eggs, carrot pieces, potatoes, and beans drenched in its rich stew. The word "selat" actually comes from the word “slaatje,” which means salad in Dutch, and not the Indonesian word “selat” (means “strait” in English).

Timlo

Timlo is a dish that contains chicken meat, fried sausages, liver gizzard, and boiled eggs. The sausages are made from shredded chicken and then wrapped in spring roll skin. After that, it'll be folded to resemble the shape of a martabak (a popular Indonesian street food that resembles—but thicker than American pancakes).

Where to Stay in Solo

If you want to spend a more extended vacation, there are a number of the best accommodations you can choose from, including

Best Western Premier Solo Baru

The hotel’s located on Jalan Ir. Soekarno, Nampan, Madegondo, Grogol, Solo, Central Java. Offering complete facilities and professional services, this four-star property is quite close to the Hartono Mall Solo shopping center and The Park Mall.

The Alana Solo Hotel & Convention Center

The Alana Solo Hotel & Convention Center is the right choice for those who crave comfortable accommodation and luxurious service. This four-star hotel is quite close to The Heritage Palace and Solo Square Mall shopping center. You can find this accommodation on Jalan Adisucipto, Colomadu, Karanganyar, Solo, Central Java.

Solo Paragon Hotels & Residences

Solo Paragon Hotel & Residences is the right choice for you who want easy access to everywhere. Located on Jalan Soetomo Surakarta, Laweyan, Solo, Central Java, this four-star property is close to the Solo Grand Mall shopping center and Solo Paragon Lifestyle Mall.

Do you want more choices of accommodation to suit your budget? You can use the Traveloka application to help you find cheap lodging near tourist attractions in Solo.