2008 Solo: 04 The Royal City of Surakarta...

“I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying...” - Oscar Wilde

(Wayang kulit)

Day 04: Saturday, May 31, 2008
Route: Jogjakarta - Solo
Hotel: Hotel Riyadi Palace

Our last morning in Jogjakarta began quietly. After breakfast, we packed our bags and checked out of Hotel Mutiara, ready to continue our journey eastward to Solo, officially known as Surakarta - a city often described as Jogjakarta’s twin in culture and royal tradition.

As our bus rolled through the streets, we passed by Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia’s oldest and most prestigious university. The campus, with its leafy avenues and proud academic halls, seemed to embody the intellect and modern spirit of the nation. A short while later, the outline of the Prambanan Temple complex appeared on the horizon - another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most magnificent Hindu temples in Southeast Asia.

(The Prambanan Temple, the 9th century Hindu Temple)

 
Even from afar, Prambanan’s tall, pointed spires were breathtaking. Dedicated to the Trimurti - Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva the Destroyer - its architecture felt both powerful and poetic. As I gazed up at the towering central shrine, I thought of how faith and artistry have always intertwined so beautifully in Java’s landscape.

 

(The temple is under major renovation)

From there, the drive toward Solo revealed a different rhythm of life - calmer, more traditional, yet just as captivating. We stopped at Busana Muslim and a few local shops to browse through colourful fabrics, batik, and local delicacies. The group’s energy was infectious; every stop seemed to end with laughter and shopping bags filled with souvenirs.

(A local scene - horse carriage on the street)

(Pusat Oleh-oleh for snacks souvenirs)

(Karita Muslim Square - the ladies favorite)

By afternoon, we checked into Hotel Riyadi Palace, an elegant old hotel that seemed to hold echoes of royal stories within its walls. Later, we took a trishaw ride to Solo Mall, enjoying the easy pace of the ride through the streets as evening lights began to glow.

(Riyadi Palace Hotel, Solo)

(A comfortable cozy room)

(A trishaw ride to Solo Mall)

Dinner at the hotel restaurant was simple yet satisfying, followed by a session of traditional body massage - something of a ritual for us by now. The skilled hands of the masseuse worked away the day’s fatigue, leaving us refreshed and relaxed. That night, I slept deeply - the kind of rest that only comes after a day filled with discovery and contentment.