Solo

Solo is the shortened name for Surakarta and is a key city in Central Java, Indonesia. It lies 100 km south of Semarang. With its twin city Yogyakarta, the two towns make up the Mataram Kingdom which was split in 1755. As such, Solo looks much like Yogya. But as Solo is not a provincial capital, it has managed to conserve a lot of its Javanese character.
Today, the city enjoys a bustling economy and is a centre for the arts and education. It is an excellent place to view traditional batik making and performances, too. However, Solo is not a place that shuns modernity. In fact, it boasts a range of tourist facilities and shopping areas that many visitors will surely find convenient.
Travellers to the city will do well to visit the stunning, grand palaces of Kasunanan and Puro Mangkunegaran, as well as the Sriwedari Park, which features puppet shows, a food court, and children's playground. Do visit the Museum Batik Danar Hadi for a look at a vast collection of Batik.