Source: www.indonesia.travel

Have you ever heard of Solo before? Just like Yogyakarta, Solo was a Kingdom “ Sultanate” until Indonesia’s independence in 1945. But now, Solo has another government system that is different from Yogyakarta and remains a semi-monarchical area. Like Bali, the Royal Family in Solo is still admired and has figures to act for the local customs, cultures, as well as  religion in Solo.

Located in Central Java, Solo is a city known as a fast-growing business center. Solo has many excellent tourist attractions and places to see, just like its neighboring city Yogyakarta. When visiting Solo, make sure you visit the three leading tourist destinations below.

  • Lokananta Record Museum

If you come to Solo, you may tell from the first impression that Solo is a quiet city, not too crowded, and very homey. Especially when visiting the Lokananta Recording Museum. It is not just an old record studio, this place has an inherent soul and an old air surrounding the building. You will like you are in the past. When you enter the museum, you will see a bunch of LPs and cassettes collections. You may even hear the speech of the First President of Indonesia on Indonesia’s Independence Day in 1945 played inside the building.

Lokananta has a large collection of classic songs from all over Indonesia and old pop songs, including the keroncong music genre. This was developed in 1965 as a major and their music recording business, and are still doing the record-making to this day. If you are talented in singing, what about  trying out to do the recording here as well? who knows, it would be your turning point for you to become a real singer!

  • Pasar Gede

Pasar Gede is a large classic market built during the colonial period. Therefore the construction has a strong European design. Pasar Gede is located in the heart of the city. In this market, you will find many local food vendors selling several types of food, but not only food but they also sell fruits and vegetables. Truly an ideal location for you foodies.

While you are here do not forget to try out Dawet Ayu. Dawet Ayu is a traditional type of drink, different from the usual dawet that is marketed everywhere else. Dawet Ayu is served using light coconut milk and palm sugar in a small bowl or a mug. This type of drink is President Joko Widodo’s favorite drink while he was serving as Mayor of Solo.

  • Danar Hadi Batik Museum

Are you interested in batik? Yes, it is a Indonesian traditional technique of wax-resist dyeing that is applied on fabric or even the whole cloth. When batik is sewn or drawn onto the clothes, it will also become a unique garment and is usually worn on formal occasions like weddings or other formal gatherings. This museum is located in Slamet Riyadi Street 261 they have many types of batik from all over Indonesia. If you are looking to buy your first batik clothes, this is the ideal location for you to get them. Well, even better, you can even learn to make batik conventionally.

Before you plan a trip to Solo, be sure to read more about Solo and Indonesia by visiting Wonderful Indonesia.