Weird & Unusual Attractions in Surakarta, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia
1. Candi Sewu (Thousand Temples)
A sprawling temple complex dating back to the 8th century, with over a thousand individual temples. It's unusual due to its vast size and unique architectural style.
- Historical Significance: Offers insights into ancient Buddhist and Hindu cultures
- Architectural Style: Features a distinct blend of Sailendra and Kala architecture
- Size: Covers an area of approximately 25 square kilometers
2. Pasar Gede (Gede Market)
A bustling traditional market selling everything from food to textiles. It stands out due to its vibrant atmosphere and unique local products.
- Local Products: Offers a wide variety of traditional batik, puppets, and other handicrafts
- Culinary Delights: Provides an opportunity to sample local delicacies like gudeg and sate klaten
- Atmosphere: Experience the energy and bustle of a traditional Indonesian market
3. Pura Mangkunegaran
A beautiful royal compound that serves as the residence of the Mangkunegara dynasty. Its unique blend of Javanese and European architecture sets it apart.
- Architectural Style: Combines traditional Javanese and colonial Dutch elements
- Royal Residence: Provides a glimpse into the life of a modern Indonesian royal family
- Art & Culture: Houses an impressive collection of traditional art and cultural artifacts
4. Goa Pawisaran (Pawi's Cave)
An ancient cave said to have been used as a hiding place by the legendary warrior Pangembahan Pami. Its unique historical connection makes it intriguing.
- Legendary Connection: Associated with the story of the hero Pangembahan Pami
- Natural Beauty: Features beautiful stalactites and stalagmites
- Historical Significance: Provides a unique glimpse into ancient Javanese history
5. Pasar Beringharjo
A large traditional market offering everything from food to handicrafts. It stands out due to its iconic six-story structure and bustling atmosphere.
- Architectural Style: Features a unique six-story structure with a traditional Javanese roof
- Local Products: Offers a wide variety of traditional batik, puppets, and other handicrafts
- Atmosphere: Experience the energy and bustle of a traditional Indonesian market
6. Kraton Kasunanan
The main royal palace of Surakarta. It stands out due to its grandeur and unique blend of Javanese and European architecture.
- Architectural Style: Combines traditional Javanese and colonial Dutch elements
- Royal Residence: Provides a glimpse into the life of a modern Indonesian royal family
- Art & Culture: Houses an impressive collection of traditional art and cultural artifacts
7. Pasar Besar (Big Market)
A large market selling a variety of goods, including food, textiles, and electronics. It stands out due to its size and diversity.
- Size: Covers an area of approximately 10 hectares
- Diversity: Offers a wide variety of goods, from traditional batik to modern electronics
- Atmosphere: Experience the energy and bustle of a traditional Indonesian market
8. Museum Sonobudoyo
A museum housing an extensive collection of artifacts from various periods and cultures. It stands out due to its unique collection and interactive exhibits.
- Collection: Includes artifacts from prehistoric times to modern periods
- Interactive Exhibits: Allows visitors to interact with exhibits and learn in a hands-on way
- Cultural Diversity: Showcases the cultural richness of Indonesia and Southeast Asia
9. Taman Saron (Saron Park)
A beautiful park featuring a large traditional pond with water lilies. It stands out due to its tranquility and natural beauty.
- Natural Beauty: Features a large traditional pond with beautiful water lilies
- Tranquility: Offers a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the city
- Local Culture: Showcases traditional Javanese architecture and sculptures
10. Taman Ria Kebumen
A wildlife reserve housing a variety of Indonesian animals. It stands out due to its focus on conservation and education.
- Conservation: Works towards the preservation of endangered species
- Education: Provides educational programs about Indonesian wildlife
- Diversity: Includes a variety of Indonesian animals, from orangutans to Javanese lizards
11. Candi Suwarna (Golden Temple)
A beautiful temple featuring intricate gold-plated carvings. It stands out due to its grandeur and unique architectural style.
- Architectural Style: Features a distinct blend of Sailendra and Kala architecture
- Gold-Plated Carvings: Showcases intricate gold-plated carvings on the temple walls
- Historical Significance: Offers insights into ancient Buddhist and Hindu cultures
12. Gedhong Siregar
A traditional Javanese house turned museum. It stands out due to its unique architectural style and insight into traditional Javanese life.
- Architectural Style: Features a traditional Javanese design with a distinctive curved roof
- Cultural Insight: Provides an insight into traditional Javanese life and culture
- Art & Artifacts: Showcases traditional Javanese art and artifacts
13. Pasar Ngemplak
A small market selling traditional batik and other handicrafts. It stands out due to its focus on traditional craftsmanship.
- Local Products: Offers high-quality traditional batik and other handicrafts
- Traditional Craftsmanship: Showcases the skills of local artisans
- Cultural Insight: Provides an insight into traditional Javanese culture and craftsmanship
14. Taman Sari Water Castle
A beautiful water castle built by the Sultan of Yogyakarta. It stands out due to its unique blend of waterways, gardens, and defensive structures.
- Architectural Style: Combines waterways, gardens, and defensive structures
- Historical Significance: Offers insights into the royal lifestyle of the Sultan of Yogyakarta
- Natural Beauty: Features beautiful gardens and waterways
15. Candi Prambanan
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a complex of nine Hindu temples. It stands out due to its grandeur and unique architectural style.
- Historical Significance: Offers insights into ancient Hindu cultures
- Architectural Style: Features a distinct blend of Sailendra and Kala architecture
- Size: Covers an area of approximately 13 hectares