INDONESIA - Solo

Sukarta or better known as Solo is a city in Central Java. Located just 30 minutes drive from the better known Yogyakarta, Solo has preserved much of its Javanese character which means that Solo is less touristy than Yogyakarta.


Arrived at Solo’s Adisumarmo International Airport (SOC) by AirAsia Airline and proceeded to the city for my check in at the Novotel Solo Hotel. 


Walk around the hotel for a bit.


The Novotel in Solo sure does have a beautiful decor.


Before I went to Sri Lanka in 2011, I had a short holiday here at Indonesia in the same year.


So why did I chose Solo as my destination? Well, I managed to purchase a really good deal through AirAsia’s website for less than USD 20 for a return ticket. 


Time for lunch! Just nearby Novotel Solo is the Sari Bundo restaurant.


The food was okay but hey….it's cheap and I got to eat with the comfort of air-condition.


After lunch I explore the places nearby the hotel.



I can’t remember what building it is, but it sure looks outstanding.




Just opposite of the hotel is Sriwedari Park.


Taman Sriwedari or Sriwedari Park is a recreational park with gardens, theaters and restaurants. 


Also known as the King’s Garden, the Sriwedari Park was originally created to serve as a resort for the royal family.


The main attraction here is the theater with its nightly cultural shows and traditional shadow puppetry (wayang kulit) performances. 


The walls surrounding Sriwedari Park. 


Lesmana…hmmm, don’t know how is that.


Local children playing football at the streets.


Venturing into the city of Solo.


ZZzzzzz….a tricycle driver having his afternoon nap. There a lots of tricycle (becak) roaming the streets of Solo picking up passengers.








I’m right now at the Windujenar Market.


Formerly known as the Triwindu Market, Windujenar is a popular antique market. 


Claimed to sell heirlooms of Surakarta palace, but you wouldn’t know if you’re getting the real deal or just counterfeits.


If you’re looking for antiques, Pasar Windujenar is the place to be.


The Mangkunegaran Palace (Puro Mangkunegaran) was built by Mangkunegaran I in 1757.


Too bad it was closed during my visit.


I guess I just have to peek the inside from the entrance gate.


‘Pasar Singosaren’ is a big shopping mall in the heart of the city.


Hmm….nothing to see much at the city.


Passed by Masjid Raya Fatimah on the way back to to the hotel.


Streets of Solo.


Arrived at the hotel for a drink and rested for a while planning where to go next.


A map of ‘Le Vignoble De Bordeaux’ at the hotel lounge. The map show the subdivision of Bordeaux vineyards that produces wines which are among the most famous and most expensive in the world.


While taking pictures at the hotel, I was approached by a man offering his services to bring us to a nearby attraction. At that time I didn’t think about the possibility that he might be a syndicate to kidnap us. Well anyway, we negotiated the price and off we go.  


After about an hour drive including driving up the steep slopes of Lawu Mountain we arrived at our destination. Lawu Mountain or Gunung Lawu is a dormant volcano with an elevation of 3,265m.


Located at the slopes of Lawu Mountain is Candi Sukuh or Sukuh Temple.


The guide explaining the facts of Sukuh Temple.


Before coming to Solo, I have not heard Sukuh Temple. It seems even many of the Indonesians do not even know of the existence of this temple.


I really didn’t expect what to see actually.


Sukuh Temple is located on the Western slopes of Mount Lawu, more than a thousand metres above sea level.


What is there inside there? Those who are offended by erotic ornaments, please do not read further.



It is a sculpture of Lingga and Yoni or should I say a penis and a vagina.


Sukuh Temple is actually an erotic temple.


The unique thing about this temple is that it is shaped like the Mayan Pyramids. Its like I’m in Mexico.


The Hindu Temple was built during the 15th century, just years before the collapse of Majapahit Empire.


With the collapse of the Empire, it also ended the period of Hinduism is Java.


A woman’s womb with two men inside them. One symbolising good and the other evil.


My beau there with the headless Gupala statue holding his ‘weapon’.


Wonder why two different tribes in two different continents build buildings with almost the same architecture.



Going up the steps of Sukuh Temple to have a look.


Because of its location, hidden on the slopes of Mount Lawu, the temple is less known to visitors. Most probably because of its erotic sculptures, authorities are not willing to publicize this place as it goes against Islam values. However, the locals from Solo often come here for day trips.


View from the top of Sukuh Temple.


It was getting kind of dark.


My beau still up the temple taking pictures.


A mini Chichen Itza of the Mayan Pyramid.


Sukuh Temple is a beautiful ancient structure of the last temple built in Java and its worth a visit. Unless of course its not advisable to bring children along. You don’t want them asking you what is that while pointing to an erotic sculpture.


Gosh…it's getting darker. It's best we leave.


Nope…one more site to see. Located higher up the mountain is Cheto Temple.


Haha…what does this looks like?


The stone ruin terraces.


It was a bit scary here as it was pitch black and cold.


Cheto Temple is a place to worship the Siva God and the penis you see here is the symbol of Siva.


I was told by the guide that the two bulges from the sides of the penis heightens a woman’s pleasure because of the pain. Completely absurd!


It seems that local people still comes here to pray. By touching the statue, men will be ensured of satisfying their partner while, women will be ensured of fertility.
 

The high gate is like the temple gates in Bali. Time to leave.


Dinner time.


“So what is the traditional food of Solo”? I asked the guide. “Nasi Liwet”.


A visit to Solo is not complete without trying Nasi Liwet.


I ate the rice at the comfort of my hotel room and it was rich in coconut milk, giving it a sweet taste. I prefer spicy food though.


Next morning I had the buffet breakfast at the hotel and checked out for my onward journey to Prambanan. I highly recommend Novotel Solo. Nice rooms, beautiful decor and the breakfast was very good. Two thumbs up!

While in Solo, you most definitely must get a Batik (Indonesia’s national fabric). Solo is one the main centres of production for Batik and it is cheap if you purchase it in Solo. Me and my beau bought a few before leaving Solo.


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