Surakarta
Travel Guide
![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=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
Visit Surakarta
Where to stay in 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](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6224808/26fd1460-c65a-4c1a-9444-7a893e883ac9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
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.
Banjarsari
If you're spending some time in Banjarsari, Solo Paragon Lifestyle Mall and Balekambang City Park are top sights worth seeing.
Alila Solo, Java
By far the most beautiful hotel I've ever stayed in. Everything is thoughtfully arranged, spotlessly clean and athletically pleasing. The service is also excellent in every way.
Reviewed on 27 Dec 2025
Moxy Solo
It was a chic and clean hotel in the center of the city. The staff was very friendly.
Reviewed on 28 Dec 2024
The Royal Surakarta Heritage - Handwritten Collection
It’s our third times staying at Heritage for the last 6 years love the location, friendly staff and great breakfast. It’s good to know the hotel is practicing eco system. My disappointment was there is no hand towels and extra toilet paper(I have to request them). The bath M
Reviewed on 20 Dec 2025
ZG Home Solo
ZG Homestay Solo
Ulya Kabin Tawangmangu
Popular places to visit
Solo Paragon Lifestyle Mall
During your trip to Surakarta, you can enjoy retail therapy at Solo Paragon Lifestyle Mall. Experience the museums and musical theatre in this culturally rich area.
Universitas Sebelas Maret
Explore the campus of Universitas Sebelas Maret during your trip to Surakarta. Take in the musical theatre in this culturally rich area.
Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta
Explore the campus of Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta during your visit to Kartosuro.
Mangkunegaran Palace
Mangkunegaran Palace is just one of the places to see in Surakarta, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the museums and musical theatre in this culturally rich area.
Kraton Surakarta
You can learn about the history of Surakarta with a visit to Kraton Surakarta. Experience the museums and musical theatre in this culturally rich area.
Things to do
Solo Vintage Tour with Sukuh and Cetho Temple from Yogyakarta
Solo Palace Tour with Sukuh and Ceto Temple from Yogyakarta
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