2 hours from Yogyakarta: 24 Things to do in Solo where you can find natural wonders, good batik and local food!

Versi Bahasa Indonesia: 34 Tempat wisata asyik di Solo yang seru, keren dan tak terlupakan

Written by Beverley Lennon
Co-written by Nadia Crowe
Edited by Beverley Lennon

Yogyakarta has gained lots of attention from fellow travellers and history buffs lately. If you’re on the lookout for more of Central Java’s spectacular and diverse cultural heritage and scenery, you will definitely want to visit Solo (also known as Surakarta), a small city near Jogja!

From Yogyakarta, hit the roads for a short 2-hour drive to get to its lesser-known neighbour, Solo!

Although Solo is locally known as the capital of batik, it has a lot more to offer. Not only is it a paradise for nature lovers, it’s also a haven for those who are always hunting for local delicacies!

Here’s our list of unique things to do for when you explore Solo for the first time – you might even want to stay for the weekend!

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12 Hidden natural attractions in Magelang with spectacular views of mountains, valleys, rainforests and waterfalls!

Discover natural wonders

Spectacular natural attractions to explore!

1. Explore a hidden waterfall surrounded by greenery: Jumog Waterfall

Want to catch spectacular waterfalls pouring down a cliff and winding into gentle rivers? You can do just that at Jumog Waterfall, where its waters come from Mount Lawu!

Seated amongst lush greenery all around, fresh water pours down from a 30-metre-tall drop and visitors can easily access the falls any time of year. We recommend dropping by early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere (some visitors even come here to meditate!).

While you can hop from rock to rock to get closer to the falls, you can also enjoy its view from the bridge, or simply jump in for a refreshing morning swim.

The sight of the wondrous waterfalls making its way through the moss and rocks will make you feel as though you’re in a mystical fairy world!

2. Have a splashing good time in a natural canyon: Grojogan Selondo

Grojogan Selondo is a small waterfall emerging from rock formations, perfectly carved to form two small ponds at the bottom. It is certainly quite a sight to behold and definitely something you would want to add to your itinerary!

While it’s located near the famous Selondo bridge, few tourists know of this amazing natural attraction.

Besides being a good place to escape the city heat, this is also where you can enjoy a relaxing day out since it doesn’t require too much effort to get here.

You can opt to bring along a set of floaties to enjoy some time in the freshwater ponds. We wouldn’t recommend jumping off the rocks – it might be dangerous as the depth of the water fluctuates seasonally.

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3. A refreshing escape from the Indonesian heat: Jurang Sundo Waterfall

There’s nothing better than stumbling across a beautiful waterfall, especially in a country as hot as Indonesia! Stepping into the gushing cool waters provides almost ultimate relief, and what’s even better is they look absolutely gorgeous!

Jurang Sundo is one of the many waterfalls around Solo, but it’s one that’s extremely unique. It’s actually got a man-made structure whereby on one side, the water gushes down into a normal river, and into a fish pond on the other! You be the one to judge whether you dare swim with them!

4. Go on an exciting river tubing adventure!: Wisata Mata Air Cokro Umbul Ingas

Whenever you see the word ‘umbul’, know that you’ll be met with some absolutely majestic springs! Especially at Umbul Cokro, where you can go on multiple different adventures. Spend your time there snorkelling and looking at the underwater surroundings, don’t worry there are no fish here to tickle your feet.

If you’re looking for something a little more exhilarating you can tube down their river, where you’ll experience some rapids, but also some moments where you’ll be sailing smoothly and serenely! Definitely don’t want to miss out on this.

5. Catch the glorious sunset amidst mountains and paddy fields: Batu Seribu (Gunung Sepikul)

Admire twin rock formations atop a hill and watch the sun go down a carpet of expansive paddy fields.

The surroundings have been kept in its natural state with no buildings in the vicinity so you can enjoy a completely unobstructed view of Mount Merbabu, an experience that gets twice as magical during sunset.

Sunrise is equally gorgeous, as the sun slowly pierces through the clouds, breaking through the cool morning mist.

Aside from the relaxing nature, this is also a vantage spot where you can catch sight of the nearby villages. A striking contrast from the hustle and bustle in Jogja, it’s almost difficult to imagine the charming, tranquil lanes of Solo just 2 hours away from the city.

6. Stroll through flower fields, pretend to be Aladdin and ride a bicycle in the air:  Tenggir Park

Tenggir Park is practically a playground for those who can’t stop snapping away on their cameras! In fact, it is known as a wisata selfie (selfie tourism) destination where you can take photos with Instagram-worthy photo props and have beautiful scenery as backdrops – a feast for your eyes too!

Be it standing in a field of colourful blooms, riding (and gliding) your way into the forest with an elevated bike, or flying through a flying carpet like Aladdin, your photos will make for some really special keepsakes for your trip!

Don’t miss the spectacular views from atop the viewpoints while you’re here – Tenggir Park is a fun destination to explore with friends and family.

P.S. We heard that there’s a secret waterfall nearby too! Do let us know if you manage to find it.

7. Go high above sea level for a spectacular view: Bukit Gancik

Right at the top of Bukit Gancik, you’ll get to enjoy endless views of the majestic Mount Merapi guarding from afar. You can even enjoy lovely unobstructed views of the surrounding exotic plantations from several platforms.

Located on the slope of Mount Merbabu, Bukit Gancik can be reached via an easy hike, so it’s perfect for families with kids and elderly!

Do come early to catch the sunrise at the peak!

8. Go on an underwater treasure hunt: Umbul Ponggok Klaten

Here’s your chance to witness a magnificent array of flamboyant fish without having to dive deep down into the ocean! Right in the middle of the city, you will find this famous water park filled with numerous colourful fishes and other unusual items that you can discover underwater.

Though it welcomes crowds of visitors, the waters are surprisingly clear and kept in its natural state with rocks lining its bottom.

And beneath the waters lies a whole new underwater world with unique photo props such as scooters, television sets, bicycles, laptops, and many more! (Psst: Underwater cameras are available for rent as well).

If you are craving for a snorkelling fun time while in Solo, this is definitely a great option! We would recommend bringing along your own snorkelling set for hygiene reasons.

With the giant floats and waterslides, Umbul Ponggok is also great for families with kids! We have to admit…even as adults, we are huge fans of the water playground too!

If you are keen for some adventure, you can opt for their diving class packages too!

9. Lounge in a private natural plunge pool in the forest: Kedung Lumbung

If you’re up for an adventure, head to Kedung Lumbung, where you can swim and relax in a private rock pool amidst the surrounding nature. Getting there may require some effort due to the slippery rock path, but the amazing view and experience will definitely be rejuvenating!

Lounging in the natural plunge pool is a soothing experience, but do bear in mind that the water can get quite deep so we only recommend adept swimmers to get in (children are also advised to stay away!).

To truly immerse yourself in the serenity and natural beauty of Kedung Lumbung, you might want to come early in the morning to enjoy clearer waters and avoid the crowds!

Also known as the Wonogiri Grand Canyon, opting to enjoy the natural scenery from the rocks instead of the pool can be equally refreshing, where the natural plunge pool sits like a gem within the vegetation.

A great alternative to crowded beach bars and hotel pools, nature lovers will love this wondrous attraction that will leave you feeling refreshed!

10. Venture through the mountains to discover a hidden lake: Telaga Claket

What’s not to love about venturing to a hidden gem that few tourists know about? Mostly visited by the locals, we believe that the beautiful, tranquil lake hidden between mountains at Telaga Claket deserves more attention.

Situated in a remote location, this charming lake is pretty much under the radar of most travellers.

If you’re looking for an adventure, you can opt to rent a bamboo boat to explore the lake. Crossing over to the other side will lead you to Bukit Widodari, where you can enjoy a small hike and marvel at more scenic views!

You can also stay here for a meal as there are local stalls with freshly cooked traditional delicacies such as chicken noodles and meatballs.

Learn about the unique culture

Walk through history, temples and more!

11. A European castle stands majestically on the land of Java: The Heritage Palace Solo

Maybe you didn’t expect to see a little slice of Europe this far south, especially in Solo – a city so synonymous with Javanese tradition. But you’re in luck, because it’s here!

You’ll find various areas inside the palace to visit, as well as an incredible outdoor facade. Some of these include the 3D Trick Art Museum, the Transportation Museum, the Industrial Museum, Garden Retro Paradise, Kids Town, and of course, you can’t miss the Food Street where you can fill your stomach after exploring each place!

12. As majestic as the gates of heaven in Bali, without the crowds: Candi Cetho

Everyone’s seen a photo of Pura Lempuyang in Bali, well the majestic gates of heaven exist in Solo too! Candi Cetho is a beautiful temple about an hour away from central Surakarta, but it’s definitely worth the drive.

You won’t be met with any lines (like the ones you’ll see in Bali), and you’ll be able to truly admire the structures without feeling overcrowded or pressured to take your photo! Candi Cetho is truly a sight to behold, with multiple structures parallel to each other to give off the most wonderful illusion that you truly are being led to heaven.

13. A mystical resemblance to the Mayan Chichen Itza!: Candi Sukuh

Have you ever heard of Chichen Itza, an ancient Mayan pyramid located in Mexico? Well you’re in luck, Candi Sukuh is the Indonesian version and they look strikingly similar. Having a slightly more unique theme than other Candis (temples), Sukuh represents life before birth and sexual education, so you’ll see several aspects of the structure relating to these.

Sukuh was one of the last temples to be built before most of Java was converted to Islam, so take your time here soaking in the history and importance of it all. Marvel at how amazing 15th century architecture is, and wonder about the talents required to build such a monument!

14. Learn the history and culture of batik: Museum Batik Danar Hadi

Have you ever wondered how batik is made? Before we visited Danar Hadi, we never imagined that a single batik piece could require years of hard work, dedication, passion and creativity.

Every visiting group will get a guide, who will bring you through the exhibits and explain to you the entire batik-making process, from applying the wax, to the dyeing process – you have to trace your design, apply the dye to areas untouched by the wax, then remove the waxed areas and apply wax to the dyed areas. After which, you can apply the dye to the areas where the wax is removed, and the previously dyed areas would not be affected as they would be covered by the dye.

A complicated piece can take up to months or even years to complete! Hats off to these dedicated batik-makers. The tour lasted for more than an hour, so make sure you schedule enough time!

Showcasing batik from different regions (especially in Yogyakarta and Solo) and era that are significant to local Indonesian culture and history, the museum aims at preserving local batik culture. The museum also features their own batik-making compound which you can visit to learn about batik-making with the locals!

Don’t miss the on-site shop too – there’s an extensive collection of batik pieces and we were surprised to find affordable pieces! Danar Hadi also has branch stores in Yogyakarta, Bali, Jakarta and other major cities in Indonesia.

*Note: You are not allowed to take photographs in the museum. We had a media permit so if you are visiting for media purposes, you can request for one.

15. Journey back in time with some antique shopping: Pasar Triwindu

Just like Yogyakarta, Solo is also known for its historical and cultural richness. This is often portrayed in its architectural buildings, food, and traditional performances, and even more so at its traditional market.

If you are an antique lover, you will love Pasar Triwindu! This market offers everything from retro suitcases to classic oil paintings, old bathtubs and lamps to sculptures from the 19th Century. With the range here, you are bound to find a little something to bring home.

Aside from big items like furniture and decor, you will also find small vintage accessories like hats and glasses!

It took us a full hour to navigate through the densely-packed market as the two-storey market was packed full of treasures!

Check out Instagrammable eateries!

Unique cafes to chill at.

16. Step into a magical glasshouse!: Grandis Barn

Solo is not lacking in Instagrammable cafes at all! Though maybe not as plentiful as central Jogja, it definitely proves itself with the likes of Grandis Barn. An adorably chic glass barn provides the setting for a wonderful meal, the ambience is chilled and its stunning gardens that surround the barn are easily viewable from inside.

Greenery everywhere, and rows of trees on either side make this place feel like it should belong in a fairytale! Keeping their menu small, but serving both local and western food, you shouldn’t have a hard time finding what you want to eat here. Some local food lovers recommend the Green Sambal Spare Ribs, whereas those with a Westernized taste buds seem to enjoy a classic Barn Fried Chicken!

17. This is where you can catch a stunning sunset!: Cerita Kita Cafe

Do you feel like dining with a view? Do you feel like you’re craving a spectacular sunset? Well, there’s no better place to find it than Cerita Kita Cafe. Located slightly higher up in the mountains, where things get a little cooler (so bring a jacket!) you’ll find yourself with the perfect vantage point to view the sky changing colours.

Take your delicious food (we’ve heard the Chicken Cordon Bleu is fab) upstairs where you have the best view, or down in one of their sunken water lounges. Whatever it is, you’ll have the most peaceful time staring at the majestic mountain behind you!

Dine on local delicacies

Legendary food you should not miss!

18. A meal that even the president approves of!: Warung Soto Gading 1

You don’t even need to be an expert foodie to taste the freshness of the food served at Warung Soto Gading 1. Rather than getting it from any old supermarket, here they use only chickens native to Solo, fresh from the market. And thanks to the freshest ingredients, the soup is much more tasteful and savoury. Differing from the typical soto, at Warung Soto Gading 1, they use a clear thick sauce rather than a tasteless clear broth, all of which makes the delicacy stand out even more so!

We’ve heard whispers about several of Indonesia’s presidents who have also stopped by this little warung, so you know that they serve nothing but the best, it’s surely legendary!

19. Visit a local eatery with authentic Solo dishes and decor: Warung Selat Mbak Lies

Solo is also known as a hub for its local gastronomical delights, and Warung Selat Mbak Lies is the perfect place to get a taste of it! This local eatery, rich in history, offers an authentic eating experience with its antique decor and traditional Solo dishes.

We dropped in at lunchtime and it was packed to the brim so do try to avoid their peak periods or you may make a wasted trip!

The “Selat Solo” is a definite must-try here! A traditional salad in Solo, this dish is made from potatoes, eggs, carrots, pickles and onions, served with their special sauce. Not only was it tasty, but gulping down the soup-like sauce like how the locals did was a unique dining experience too!

We also tried their macaroni, topped with a light sauce and served at room temperature, but it was rather bland, and didn’t stand out amongst the other dishes.

Your might find some local sweets (and we mean really sweet!) and crackers at your table that you could have as appetizers or dessert (you can pay for everything altogether later).

We personally felt that the ambience at the eatery was very special, as though we had stepped back in time as we sat in the unique decorated space with waiters bustling around in traditional clothes.

20. Shop for some sweet traditional pancakes: Serabi Notosuman

If you’re looking for a unique food souvenir to bring home, this has to be it. We had heard that a stop at Serabi Notosuman was compulsory while visiting Solo.

The legendary shop sells traditional pancakes filled with either coconut or chocolate. Since it comes in a box of 10 pancakes, we opted for half of both flavours and secretly wished we ordered more! These little pancakes are pure goodness – they are moist on the inside and were served warm!

They also have a branch in Yogyakarta, so if you are departing from there, we recommend you to buy from the Yogyakarta branch instead to ensure freshness! We managed to order a few boxes right before leaving.

Tip: Do drop by the shop one day prior to your departure to place your order, because it can be sold out very quickly!

21. Join locals for delicacies at the market: Pasar Gede (Es Dawet Telasih Bu Dermi, Lenjongan, Timlo Sastro)

What better way to immerse in traditional lifestyle than visiting the morning market like the locals?

Unlike many traditional wet markets (surprisingly it was not wet and it was clean), Pasar Gede is also a culinary galore!

So we went on a walking food tour by ourselves, and since we were keen for a sugar rush for breakfast, went down to the most recommended dessert stalls. Take note that in Java, the use of sugar is similar to the amount of oxygen we take in so everything they call “sweet” is overly sweet!

Sit down for a refreshing bowl of Es Dawet Telasih Bu Dermi – a dessert that makes the world a little more habitable! The woman at the stall throws in ice cubes with different sweet concoctions along with black sticky rice, chia seeds and other glutionuous items. They refer to it as a drink option but it pretty much looks like a dessert!

We also tried the oh-so-raved Lenjongan – a dessert dating back to the colonial era. It is served on a banana leaf with different kinds of sticky rice and other sweet items derived from cassava; all this topped with a generous amount of grated coconut.

Lastly, we settled for a non-sweet dish at Timlo Sastro – a bowl of comfort! Ask anyone about what to eat at Pasar Gede and this is where they will direct you to!

The savoury noodle-based dish is complemented with traditional Sosi Solo (which means “Solo Sausage”, made up of meat wrapped with omelette), chicken pieces and soy-infused boiled eggs! It tasted very homey, something like what mothers make when you are feeling ill – indeed very comforting!

Make the best of your stay!

Stunning hotels with a view and more.

22. Spend the night or drop by on a day pass!: Alila Solo

As one of the tallest buildings in Central Java, a whopping 28 stories, Alila Solo is hard to miss. A striking facade of different shades of grey greet you upon arrival, and you’ll adore the spatter of Javanese touches in and around the lobby and other corners of the hotel. Let yourself be charmed by the different batik wall art hanging around, and marvel at the traditional puppets you see too.

One of the most striking things about Alila Solo is its open air pool with a view (which you can also access on a day pass, by the way!). Laze about in the cool waters while staring out into the beautiful Solo city views before drying off and settling in for a delicious meal with a view at their rooftop restaurant, Agra. Perfect for a sunset, no?

23. Where the swimming pool has the most spectacular forest view!: Nava Hotel

Despite being slightly further out from the main city of Surakarta, choosing to stay at Nava Hotel is absolutely worth it. With a magnificent infinity pool overlooking the rolling forest hills of surrounding Solo, you’ll find yourself feeling at ultimate peace!

You could almost use this hotel as a mini escape from the bustling streets of Surakarta, a way to focus on spending quality time with your loved ones. Their comfortable rooms will ensure you rest well each night, so you can fully enjoy your day without feeling tired! Wake up to spectacular views as the sun rises, and go to sleep with the moon illuminating the gorgeous surroundings.

24. If you don’t have time to go visit the temples, there’s one inside the hotel!: Ramada Solo Suites by Wyndham

Ramada Solo Suites by Wyndham exudes luxury. Decorated with unique and antique touches, a beautiful blend of Javanese and European heritage comes to life in their hotel lobby. You’ll feel like you’ve arrived at a place you never want to leave!

The rooms are all decked out with a touch of gold and red, two colours which really emanate a higher class. Now coming to the friendly staff, they seem to be always attentive and will surely make you feel like a king living in a magnificent palace!

If you ask us, this hotel is not just a place to sleep, they also have a variety of facilities to make your holiday just that extra bit special – almost like a destination on its own. Just take a look at their large swimming pool, complete with a bridge crossing over it!

Plus, if you don’t have time to visit any of the wonderful Candis (temples) around Solo, you’ll find you’re blessed with a replica inside the hotel itself! Talk about a full cultural experience!

There’s nothing better than exploring somewhere new, whether you’re in Jogja for a while, or you can only spare a day, Solo is worth the two hour drive down!   Share this with your friends and start planning your next trip!

PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you! Tell us

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