What to do in Surakarta

Activities, attractions and tours

Aerial view landmark of surakarta, urban city of Surakarta in the morning. Selamet riyadi street : Surakarta Indonesia  June 16 2020
Aerial view landmark of surakarta, urban city of Surakarta in the morning. Selamet riyadi street : Surakarta Indonesia  June 16 2020
Aerial view of rows of indigo-dyed fabric drying under the sun, creating a vibrant gradient from deep blues to soft whites, Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia.
Aerial view of vibrant textiles laid out in neat rows, creating a colorful patchwork against the earth, as workers tend to the drying fabrics, Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia.
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

Surakarta Tourist Attractions & Activities

Never one to shy away from unique ways to get inspired and have an enlightening experience, you're prepared to check out new territory like the expert traveller you are. It's not difficult to fill an itinerary, because Expedia Australia makes it simple to book loads of things to do. Reserve your activities now, and the only thing you'll have left to do is pack your trunk and prepare to have fun!

  • Book your favourite day trip on Expedia Australia at a great value, and you'll still have enough cash for a fancy hotel or decadent meal while you're visiting. The activities in Surakarta are not only among the best, but they won't bust your budget. We have 6 things to do here, and you can reserve them starting at just AU$85.
  • Surakarta is popular among travellers suchlike yourself. In fact, a good percentage of travellers give the city's hotels exemplary reviews and have been visiting to check out local hot spots and find the top activities. The top things to do can get the attention of even seasoned globetrotters, and that includes savvy visitors like you. Our list includes a wide array of history and excitement. From food and wine tours to exploring mother nature, there are loads of things to do to choose from when you review the finest tours and excursions here at Expedia Australia.

You'll want a game plan to best get the feel for Surakarta, particularly when you wish to include plentyof local cuisine and entertainment. And it's clear that you're someone who likes to get out and about you're excited to get out and have an adventure. You're excited to sign up for the top activities around, and an afternoon walk through charming neighbourhoods is always time well spent. Our activities are the ideal way to organise your getaway. Book professional city tours on Expedia Australia, and you may find all that you are seeking and more.


  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.

What to do in Surakarta


Discover the most popular places to visit in Surakarta

Explore areas of Surakarta

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

Solo City Centre

You'll enjoy the museums and zoo in Solo City Centre. You might want to make time for a stop at Solo Paragon Lifestyle Mall or Keprabon Park.

Solo City Centre
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

Banjarsari

4/5(2 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Banjarsari, Solo Paragon Lifestyle Mall and Balekambang City Park are top sights worth seeing.

Banjarsari

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Frequently asked questions

Is Surakarta worth visiting?
Famous for its history and culture, discovering cool things to do in Surakarta is easy. Make sure to add Mangkunegaran Palace to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Surakarta?
Mangkunegaran Palace and The Heritage Palace are two great places to kick-start your adventures. Remember to check out the dining and shopping options in Surakarta while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Surakarta?
The top tourist attraction in Surakarta is Mangkunegaran Palace, so don't forget to include it on your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Surakarta?
You can easily tick off top attractions like Mangkunegaran Palace, The Heritage Palace and De' Tjolomadoe with a three-day getaway in Surakarta. On average, many travellers book two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stay a while longer and check out Salatiga.
Is Surakarta a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and leading sights within walking distance of the city centre, Surakarta is a good destination to explore on foot. Enjoy wandering between Mangkunegaran Palace and Sriwedari Amusement Park. Then take a stroll through Solo City Centre, located 2 kilometres from the centre, and Banjarsari, which is about 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Surakarta with kids?
Planning what to do in Surakarta with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're getting away with teenagers or toddlers, there's no shortage of family-friendly sights and activities to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Surakarta for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or thrill seeker, there's lots of things to do in Surakarta for adults including Danar Hadi.
Are there free things to do in Surakarta?
From visiting parks to wandering around hip neighbourhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Surakarta. If you need inspiration, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Balekambang City Park is a great spot for anyone looking to save on their sightseeing activities.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia