Things to do in and around Surakarta
Surakarta, Central Java, is perfect for culture-themed and family vacations. Visitors can explore educational attractions, vibrant shopping areas, and bustling shopping centers. For those looking to unwind, the city also offers various spa options to relax and rejuvenate. With its rich cultural heritage and modern amenities, Surakarta promises an enriching experience for all travelers.
Shopping
In Surakarta, you can enjoy shopping at Solo Paragon Lifestyle Mall, which offers a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly options. For a more local experience, visit the bustling Klewer Market. If you're up for a drive, check out Solo Square for additional shopping and dining experiences.
Recreation
The Ramayana Ballet, located 41.8km from Surakarta, offers a captivating blend of romance and culture through enchanting dance performances. Meanwhile, the Merapi Golf Course, also 41.8km away, invites you to enjoy outdoor sports amidst stunning landscapes, perfect for golf enthusiasts seeking relaxation and recreation.
Adventure
At Nakamura Klinik in Surakarta, immerse yourself in outdoor adventures surrounded by lush greenery. For water fun, head to Jogja Bay, a vibrant waterpark 48.3km from Surakarta, where you can enjoy thrilling rides and family-friendly entertainment in a lively atmosphere.
Nightlife
Explore the vibrant nightlife at The Legend Bar, where you can sip on creative cocktails while enjoying live performances. For a laid-back vibe, visit Cafe Taman, offering a cozy atmosphere with local music and delicious snacks. Experience Surakarta's lively spirit and friendly locals in these popular spots.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.
![At the museum no photos are allowed which is really unfortunate as it was well worth the visit and the guided tour is definitely not to be missed. In the museum there are even Batik made from the Dutch era which depicts stories like Little Red Riding Hood and Snow White!
I enjoyed the tour v much and at the end of the tour we were brought to this room where the artisan were working on hand drawn batik.
Below is an excerpt from Wikipedia for anyone interested in learning more about the process of batik making.
Firstly, a cloth is washed, soaked and beaten with a large mallet. Patterns are drawn with pencil and later redrawn using hot wax, usually made from a mixture of paraffin or bees wax, sometimes mixed with plant resins, which functions as a dye-resist. The wax can be applied with a variety of tools. A pen-like instrument called a canting (IPA: [tʃantiŋ], sometimes spelled with old Dutch orthography tjanting) is the most common. A canting is made from a small copper reservoir with a spout on a wooden handle. The reservoir holds the resist which flows through the spout, creating dots and lines as it moves. For larger patterns, a stiff brush may be used. Alternatively, a copper block stamp called a cap (IPA: [tʃap]; old spelling tjap) is used to cover large areas more efficiently.
After the cloth is dry, the resist is removed by scraping or boiling the cloth. The areas treated with resist keep their original color; when the resist is removed the contrast between the dyed and undyed areas forms the pattern. This process is repeated as many times as the number of colors desired.
The most traditional type of batik, called batik tulis (written batik), is drawn using only the canting. The cloth need to be drawn on both sides and dipped in a dye bath three to four times. The whole process may take up to a year; it yields considerably finer patterns than stamped batik.
Source: Wikipedia](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6224808/26fd1460-c65a-4c1a-9444-7a893e883ac9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1200&h=500&q=medium)
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