A prominent destination in Central Java, most people tend to refer to the Indonesian city of Surakarta as simply Solo. Together with nearby Yogyakarta, Solo was once part of the former Mataram kingdom and has grown into a busy and sizeable city, with wide streets, vibrant local markets, a very apparent Javanese cultural heritage and dramatic views of the region's famous active volcano, Mount Merapi.
Tourism is definitely on the up in Solo and tourists will find that the locals really are extremely friendly and welcoming. The city is now a notable textile centre, specialising in wax-dyed 'batik' fabric, although is also known for its performing arts and related academies. Tourist information in Solo is available at the tourist office on the bustling Jalan Slamet Riyadi, while further desks stand within the bus and railway stations.
Yogyakarta (pronounced as 'Jog-jah-karta') embodies everything good about the island and the local here actually speak Javanese at its most pure. Yogyakarta has managed to retain many of its local customs and traditions, amidst the strong modern influences that are beginning to creep into this conservative city, and is still actually ruled by a Indonesian sultan.
The potency and appeal of Yogyakarta has ensured that this city remains one of Java's most visited and popular, particularly since it is so close to the famous Borobudur and Prambanan temples. There are lots of hotels and homestays available around the city, many of which line the centrally located thoroughfare of the Jalan Malioboro, which conveniently is where the Yogyakarta Tourist Information Centre is to be found, although tourism counters are also based at Adisucipto International Airport and at the Tugu train Station.
Enjoying a fairly central setting on the island of Java, Borobudur is especially close toYogyakarta and Solo (Surakarta), and lies directly to the south of Semarang. Borobudur itself is a small and very busy village, with a thriving tourist industry.
Each year, literally thousands of visitors come here to marvel at the magnificent Mahayana Buddhist Monument that is the Borobudur Temple. Magelang and Yogyakarta are the closest cities to the temple and are really just a short drive away.
