| Surakarta | ||
 | ||
Coat of arms  | ||
| State | Indonesia | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Central Java | |
| Surface | 46 km² km² | |
| Inhabitants | 499.337 (2010 census) | |
| Name inhabitants | Solonesi | |
| Prefix tel | 62 271 | |
| Time zone | UTC 7 | |
Position
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| Institutional website | ||
Surakarta (often called Only or also Room), is a city in the central region of Java, Indonesia.
To know
Like the not distant Yogyakarta, Surakarta was the capital of the powerful kingdom of Mataram, which broke in two in 1755 due to disputes over the policy adopted by the sunan (sultan) of the time judged to be too condescending towards the Dutch occupiers. Both cities make a good base for excursions to the temples of Borobudur is Prambanan.
How to orient yourself
Surakarta: full screen map.The main street in the center is the Jl. Slamet Riyadi (city walk) with an east-west trend. From 6 to 9 in the morning of every Sunday the road is closed to traffic to allow citizens various sports and recreational activities. Along its route there are several hotels, restaurants, markets, shopping centers as well as a trio of major tourist attractions (Batik Danar Hadi Museum, Sriwedari Park and Radya Pustaka Museum). Near its eastern end stands the old Dutch fort Vastenburg and the alun-alun utara, the central square overlooked by the former palace (Keraton Kasunanan).
How to get
By plane
- 1 Adisumarmo International Airport. The airport of the city of Solo is served by a single international flight to / from Kuala Lumpur of the AirAsia while most of the domestic flights are operated by low costLion Air which has managed to defeat the competition of the same national airline, the Garuda Indonesia.
How to get around
In the center you can move with relative ease given its small size. Residents resort to a range of public and private transportation, from bicycles and ojek (motorcycle taxis whose drivers adopt a rather reckless driving) to the few buses of the BST, the company that manages the city's public transport. With a little luck, you can still find some old horse-drawn carriages with which to take a tour of the center.
By public transport
The company Batik Solo Trans (BST) operates a few lines of air-conditioned buses that operate on long routes. Line 1 goes from the airport to the center via Slamet Riyad boulevard while Line 2 ends at the Balapan train station. In addition to these you will see several around the city angkots (minibuses) which however do not operate on pre-established routes such as those of the BTS
By taxi
Taxis are cheap except that drivers have the habit of asking foreigners for exaggerated prices so it is a good idea to agree on the price in advance even if you notice the presence on board of the taximeter (it will not be put into operation). You can book them through reception of your hotel also for a whole day and for excursions outside the city. If you stop them on the street you will have to pay some extras such as Rp 37,500 in the case of traffic jams. If you call them on the phone instead you will pay an extra Rp 25,000. Prices are indicative as they are subject to frequent fuel increases. There are taxi ranks as well as at the airport, at the various railway stations. Below is a list of the main taxi companies with their telephone numbers:
- Kosti Solo, ☎ 62 271 856300.
- Sentral only, ☎ 62 271 728728.
- Bengawan, ☎ 62 271 734666.
- Gelora, ☎ 62 271 7004999.
- Sakura, ☎ 62 271 644194.
- Angkasa, 62 271 781315.
- Mahkota Ratu, 62 271 655666.
- Aravia, Jl Kratonan, ☎ 62 271 636468.
Alternatives to taxis are the ojek mentioned above and not recommended for safety reasons and i Becak (pronounced bèciak), the pedal tricycle, Indonesian version of the most famous Indian rickshaw that locals (especially the elderly) use for short-haul travel. As they are very popular with tourists, they tend to be very expensive. Also in this case it is necessary to agree on the price in advance but, even if the agreement seems to be reached, it is very likely that the driver will insist at the end of the journey for a greater sum. You will only be saved if you speak Indonesian well.
By car
To rent a car, an international driving permit is required in addition to the national driving license. However, the local custom is to rent a car with a driver. You can book it through your hotel or one of the following agencies:
- Citra Persada, Jl Pagelaran 69-B, ☎ 62 271 780433.
- Riz, Jl Dr Rajiman 354, ☎ 62 271 742926.
- Only, Jl Yosodipuro 38, ☎ 62 271 7076610.
- Yan, Jl Sriwijaya 11, ☎ 62 271 717541.
What see
Events and parties
The city of Surakarta hosts several annual events and festivals. Below is a list of the main ones:
- Sekaten and Grebeg Mulud.
January. An annual event with variable dates that takes place every Rabbi 'al-awwal, a month of the Islamic calendar which roughly corresponds to our January. The event lasts a week and commemorates the birth of the Prophet Mohammed. It takes place in the north court (alun-alun lor) of the royal palace (Kraton Kasunanan). - Great Sale only. February. A festival which various shopping centers adhere to, shown below.
- Imlek and Grebeg Sudiro Festival. February. It is the local version of the Chinese New Year celebrations. Grebeg is the name of the parade that accompanies models of mountains made of Chinese foods that will then be distributed to the participants of the event.
- Solo Carnival. February. Parades and floats on Slamet Riyadi avenue.
- Jenang Solo Festival (Ngarsopuro Avenue). February. The Jenang Solo Festival celebrates the birthplace of Surakarta. For the duration of the event, thousands of jenangs are distributed free of charge to the participants.
- Only 24 Jam Menari. April. It takes place in the spaces of the Indonesian Institute of Arts (Institut Seni Indonesia / ISI). Includes non-stop traditional dance (Empu and Keraton Nusantara) and modern dance shows plus photography exhibitions reserved for dance, culinary events and a market
- Keroncong Festival only. May. It takes place inside the Vastenburg fort.
- Only Batik Carnival. July. It takes place in the interior of the Vastenburg fort.
- Jazz Festival. September. It takes place at Balekambang park (Taman Balekambang).
- International Festival of Performing Arts (SIPA). September. It takes place in the interior of the Vastenburg fort.
- Kirab Malam Satu Suro. October. The events take place in the spaces of the former palace and in the Pura Mangkunegaran palace.
- International Festival of Sacred Arts. October. It takes place at the Radya Pustaka museum.
- International festival of Indonesian masks. October. It takes place in the interior of the Pura Mangkunegaran palace
- Rock in Solo. November.
January. An annual event with variable dates that takes place every Rabbi 'al-awwal, a month of the Islamic calendar which roughly corresponds to our January. The event lasts a week and commemorates the birth of the Prophet Mohammed. It takes place in the north court (alun-alun lor) of the royal palace (Kraton Kasunanan).What to do
Shopping
- 1 Pasar Klewer, Jalan Mayor Sunaryo No. 1, Kedung Lumbu. Mon-Sun 07: 00-17: 00. A traditional market for fabrics, mostly batik. You must know how to bargain.
- 2 Pusat Grosir Solo. Mon-Sun 09: 00-16: 00. A 5-storey shopping center that also sells wholesale clothing. Its gem are the fabrics and batik objects sold at affordable prices
- 3 Pasar Triwindu (Triwindu Market), Jl. Diponegoro, Ngarsopuro. Mon-Sun 09: 00-17: 00. Renowned antiques market. Prices are high and you need to know how to bargain as well as having an expert eye as many of the pieces on display are pure counterfeits.
- 4 Square only, Jl Slamet Riyadi 451, ☎ 62 271 765 1500. Mon-Sun 10: 00-22: 00.
- 5 Solo Grand Mall, Jalan Brigjen Slamet Riyadi No. 273, Penumping, ☎ 62 271 725 111. Mon-Sun 09: 00-21: 00.
- 6 Paragon Mall only, Jl Yosodipuro 133, ☎ 62 271 727306. Mon-Sun 10: 00-22: 00.
- 7 Hartono Lifestyle Mall, Jl Raya Solo Baru, ☎ 62 271 789 0999. Mon-Sun 10: 00-22: 00.
- 8 Center Point only, Jl. Brigjend Slamet Riyadi 373, Sondakan. A market for computers and electronic components
- Singosaren Plaza, Jl Gatot Subroto.
- 9 Luwes Gading, Jl Veteran 50.
- Ratu Luwes, Jl S. Parman.
- Sami Luwes, Jl. Honggowongso No. 2, Sriwedari, ☎ 62 271 718282. Mon-Sun 09: 00-21: 00.
- 10 Beteng Trade Center (BTC), Jl. Mayor Sunaryo, Kedung Lumbu (located just next to Pusat Grosir Solo), ☎ 62 271 643 300. Mon-Sun 09: 00-17: 00.
- 11 Pasar Windujenar (Pasar Triwindu). Another market for antiques and trinkets.
- 12 Pasar Ngarsopuro, Jl. Diponegoro & Jl Slamet Riyadi. Sat 18: 00-22: 45. A lively night market open only on Saturdays.
How to have fun
Where to eat
Where stay
High prices
- 1 [link not working]Lorin Solo Hotel, Jl. Adisucipto 47, ☎ 62 271 724500, fax: 62 271 724400, @[email protected].
US $ 90-1,000. A 5 star hotel. It features a spa. - 2 Alila Solo, Jalan Slamet Riyadi 562, ☎ 62 271 6770888. Double from 51 €. 5 star hotel.
- 3 [link not working]Baron Indah Hotel, Jl. Dr. Radjiman no. 392 Laweyan (Close to the "Solo Grand Mall"), ☎ 62 271 729071. Double from 25 €. 3 star hotel. It has 27 standard rooms plus another 10 in the luxury category. The price includes the transfer from / to the airport. The internet connection is free.
US $ 90-1,000. A 5 star hotel. It features a spa.
