SURROUNDINGS

BOYOLALI

This regency is located in the middle of Yogyakarta, Solo and Semarang, east of Merapi and Merbabu Mountains. The city of Boyolali is located 55 Km northeast of Yogya, 27 km northwest of Solo and 75 km south of Semarang.Boyolali regency is proud to have the Adisumarmo - Solo International Airport in its territory, the newly Haj dormitory in the village of Donohudan is also situated in this regency. This fertile regency has been known since a longtime as a potential supplier of fresh milk to the biggest canned milk manufacturers in the country.

SeloThis cool green place located 20 Km westward of the city, on the north slope of Merapi and the south slope of Merbabu is a check point for Merapi and Merbabu climbers. There are nice inns and hotels in Selo for accommodation. This place was a famous holiday resort of Surakarta Royal Families.

PenggingLocated 10 km west of Solo Airport in the district of Banyudono. There are several springs here, the one called Umbul Pengging has been built as a recreational park.
Umbul Sungsang

The graveyard of Yosodipuro, one of the famous poets of Karaton Surakarta which attracts some pilgrims is also in this village. The spring nearby the mosque of the graveyard is considered of having holy water.Pengging is also a place with magical value. Some believe it was the site of Ki Ageng Pengging or Adipati/Viceroy Handayaningrat at the end period of Majapahit Kingdom. He was the grand father of Sultan Hadiwijoyo of Pajang Kingdom. Thus all the kings/ rulers of Mataram, Yogya and Solo palaces are direct descendants of Pengging.

Kedung Ombo DamThis gigantic dam in Kemusu district is potential for rice irrigation, at the sametime serves as tourist attraction.

Cengklik DamLocated 3 km west of Solo Airport. It is being prepared for recreational site.
Umbul TlatarIt is the spring of Tlatar, located north of Boyolali City. There is a swimming pool and fishing ponds.

Copper Craft Center in Tumang CepogoThe villagers who live in this mountainous place, located between Boyolali and Magelang are born craftsmen of several copper products such as flowerpots, lampshade, relief, etc.

Export ProductsTextile and Kenanga oil of Boyolali have a good domestic and foreign market.
Important AddressThe office of the Regent (Bupati) of Boyolali is at 48, Jl. Merbabu, Boyolali.

WONOGIRI
Wonogiri is located on the limestone hills Gunung Sewu around 30 Km south of Solo. The success of 'Greening Program' by planting productive trees has made this hilly region looked green.
Selogiri MonumentSelogiri is a sub-district, which keeps several heirlooms of Puro Mangkunagaran in a seven meters high tower in the Village of Nglaroh.Click here for the related article !
Selogiri Monument
Padepokan Pak Bei Tani"The house of Father Farmer" is a renovated house where the second President lived as a youngster. It is in sub-district of Wuryantoro.
Padepokan Pak Bei Tani
The Gajah Mungkur DamThis Gigantic picturesque dam is located around 3 km from the town of Wonogiri. The water supply of the dam is from the river - Bengawan Solo, the longest river in Java.
Gajah Mungkur Dam
Its construction was in 1975 until 1981. The lake of the dam covers an area of 8.800 ha and has capacity to irrigate 23.600 ha of rice fields in the regencies of Klaten, Sukoharjo, Karanganyar and Sragen. It supplies the drinking water for Wonogiri and electrical turbine with capacity of 12,4 M.W.This is also a beautiful place for water recreation. There is a pier for boots to take people around the lake and also available facilities for water skiing, fishing and floating restaurant. The hand-gliding sport can be enjoyed here.
Dlepih KahyanganLocated 30 Km southeast of Wonogiri. It is a place for supernatural tourism. The story date back in the 16th century, when the young Sutowijoto meditated to acquire divine revelation to become King of Mataram. He was successful and crowned as the first ruler of Mataram Kingdom II.
Dlepih Kahyangan
Karang Gupito BeachThe beach is on the Indian Ocean where the labuhan (sea-offerings) is held yearly in the Javanese month of Suro. There is a big boulder locally called Watu Semar (stone of Semar).
Jamu - The Herbal MedicineThe people of Wonogiri consume a lot of jamu to keep their health. Many local women sell the jamu, roaming the streets. There is a big 'jamu' manufacturer in this small town.
Bus CompaniesDue to its non-fertile lands, many people of Wonogiri seek their fortune outside their region, in the big cities of Java, especially in Jakarta. As a result thereof, some local entrepreneurs have born as owners of bus companies and some of the buses are luxurious. The regency receives considerable income from their 'migrants'.
KARANG ANYAR
This regency is just east of the city of Solo, its capital is 14 km from Solo. In the eastern border stands the silent 3265 M Gunung Lawu, hiding a lot of mystical things.A big part of this region is a fertile cultivation land where the river Bengawan Solo passes through.
Gunung LawuThis Gunung or Mountain Lawu is already famous since the ancient time. Its previous name was Wukir Mahendra. Some believe the top of the mountain was the first site of kingdom on the island. The dwellers were gods descending from Kahyangan (heaven). The gods had seen an empty beautiful place with similar picturesque panorama and environment like in paradise.
The Top of Mount Lawu
The second significant things occurred during the declining period of Majapahit Kingdom when King Brawijaya V (the last king) made his last spiritual journey in this mountain. Accompanied by his most loyal servants, he returned to where he come from (MOKSA - pass away with the body also disappears). Several places in Lawu are considered sacred by the meditators, such as:
Temples of Sukuh and Ceto
Sendang (spring) Drajad; Cakrasurya and Cemoro Sewu, Sumur (well) Jalatunda.
Three spots on the top; Hargo Dalem, Hargo Dumilah and Hargo Dumiling.
Sukuh TempleThe Sukuh temple is located in the Village of Berjo, Sub-district of Argoyoso, in the slope of Gunung Lawu 35 Km east of Solo at a height about 910 m above sea level. The temple stretches from the east to the west with the main gate in the west. This kind of construction is common in prehistoric time, especially in the meghalitic era of pundan berundak (terrace grave). The temple consist of three terraces, the first terrace is the lowest level, followed by the second and the third above it. The terrace are connected with stairs to each other, each of it has an entrance gate.
Sukuh templeThe temple is believed to be constructed in the 15th century during the declining years of Majapahit Empire. The reliefs found beside the first gate are believed had mean (sengkalan) reads Gapura Buta Aban Wong and Gapura Buta Anahut Bubut, meaning the year of 1359 saka or 1437 ADThe remnants of Sukuh Temple consist of :
Reliefs describe the union of the symbolic male and female sex organs (fertility symbol). It can be found on the gate at the first terrace.
Reliefs describe the Sudhamala and Garuda Stories.
Reliefs describe the hand made iron (Pandai Besi) activities.
Human statues
Animal statues
The main temple is pyramidal
The temple was first discovered in 1815 in a very poor condition by Johnson, the resident of Surakarta, during the period of Raffles government. The first study in 1842 had done under the leadership of Dr. Van de Vlis, Hoepermans and was studied by Verbeek in 1889, and finally by Knebel in 1910. In 1917 there had been an effort to secure and rescue by the office of prehistoric sites of the Netherlands East Indian Government, Then in 1989 the restoration was resumed by the Restoration and Maintenance of Prehistoric and Historic Project in Central Java.The view surrounding the temple is alluring. The road to this temple with impressive grandeur is surfaced all the way. The structure and the mood of the Lawu Temples is different from other temples in Java, it is built like a Maya stepped pyramid, so it is worth seeing.
Ceto TempleFurther 500 M up the slope of Gunung Lawu, Candi Ceto with numerous terraces dates from the era of Sukuh. It is another 'erotic' temple of Java. On the ground laid a lingga decorated with a dragon, lizards, crab and anchor, behind it is a stone turtle.
Ceto templeOn the top of the temple, small shrines house a dewa/ god statue and a lingga. The villagers live in surrounding are Hindus, there is a Hindu Pura in the Village. it is worth to notice that Lawu Temples still have many questions that remain unreplied. Who were really the builders, what are the meaning of the reliefs and the statues?
TawangmanguA cool splendid hill resort also on the slope of Gunung Lawu, at a height of about 1400 M above sea level. The road from Solo via Karangpandan is a fine trip thru magnificent green terraced hills.
Tawangmangu Park
Tawangmangu has all kind of facilities, hotel, camping ground, forest tourism, etc. The climate is fresh and one can enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Grojogan Sewu
It is a 100 M high waterfall, the pool at the bottom has a very chilly water. In front of the gate to Grojogan Sewu, horses for rent are available to ride around Tawangmangu.
Grojogan Sewu/Sewu Fall
Astana MangadegLocated in Karangpandan, the main road from Solo to Tawangmangu, turn southward, it is about 5 Km - here stands the burial hill of Mangkunagaran court families, in their former territory.
Astana Giri BangunNearby the Mangadeg, there is another solemn and beautiful graveyard by the name of Giri Bangun meant for final resting-place for second President Bapak Suharto's family. The late Madame Tien Suharto is resting here.
Astana Giri Bangun
Economic DevelopmentKaranganyar is economically potential, some companies are export-oriented, dealing in various products. The tourism industry in the slope of Lawu is still promising.
Karanganyar Development CorporationTo further develop the economy, the Regional Administration of Karanganyar cooperating with a private company has established a Karanganyar Development Corporation.Click here to get the complete information of Karanganyar Development Corporation!
SRAGEN
The capital city of Sragen Regency is Sragen, located around 30 Km northeast of Solo. The eastern border of Sragen is East Java Province. The famous river, Bengawan Solo also flows through the fertile rice fields of this region.
SangiranIt is a village located 17 Km north of Solo, on the road to Purwodadi. It is an important place for Pithecanthropus Erectus, the pre-historic Java Man. The Pleistocene Museum keeps some skills of the erectus, fossils of plants and animals.Homo Soloensis (Pithecanthropus Erectus)
Sangiran and other places such as Wajak (near Tulungangung) and Trinil (near Ngawi) are significant places for human evolution/theory.It is interesting place for scientific tourism in the field of geology, anthropology and archeology. Many experts came to this site to do some research and study among other; Van Es (1939), Duyfyes (1936), Van Bemmelen (1937), Van Koeningswald (1938), Sartono (1960), Suradi (1962) and Otto Sudarmaji (1976).Van Koeningswald said that more than five different types of hominoid fossils have been found in Sangiran, it was incredible. There is no other place in the world like Sangiran. The Sangiran fossils are very various, they were earth as well as sea fossils. There was a possibility that island of Java was erected from the bottom of sea million years ago.Nowadays, the villagers of Sangiran are making souvenirs from stones such as statues, axes, eggs, rings, etc to promote tourism.
Gunung KemukusIt is a hill 25 Km north of Solo, on the top of the hill is said to be the grave of Pangeran (prince) Samodra and Dewi Ontrowulan. This site draws a lot of pilgrims wishing to get a fast fortune.
Village of ButuhThe graveyard of Ki Ageng Butuh located nearby Begawan Solo, northeast of Solo. Joko Tingkir or Sultan Hadiwijaya the King of Pajang was also buried here. This sacred site draws also a lot of pilgrims on certain days.
NgawutIn this vicinity there are Hot Springs in Ngawut.
EconomyThe town of Sragen is located on the road connecting Solo and East Java. The road is very potential for the smooth transportation of goods between the two areas. It is one of economic advantages for Sragen development. A modern plant producing chemical stuffs for textile industry has been erected on the main Solo – East Java Road.
KLATEN
The capital of Klaten Regency is located strategically between Yogyakarta and Solo. The vast majority of land in this region is fertile land for cultivation with a good irrigation system. This advantage give a great opportunity for Klaten to develop also economically.
Merak TempleThese four shrines have been discovered in 1924. Those remnant date back to Hindu Javanese period. In the site were found hundreds of stones under the shady trees. It is located 15 Km from Klaten, north of Gondang Baru sugar mill.
The Grave of Sunan TembayatThis site is around 10 km southwest of Klaten. For those who come from Yogya, turn right before the city of Klaten, it is about 4 Km from the main road. Sunan Tembayat was the one of the famous Wali (Islamic Saint) in Java, who had a close relation with Sunan Kalijaga.
The Grave of RonggowarsitoHe was a great poet of Karaton Surakarta, considered as the last poet of the Karaton.
Sugar MuseumThe Regency is famous with its products of sugar made from sugar cane. A sugar museum can be seen in east of Klaten, on the main road to Solo.
DelesIt is a holiday resort on the slope of Mount Merapi, 1.250 M above the sea level, 25 Km west of Klaten. There are bungalows cater to visitors.
Jimbong A holiday resort with parks and pools, with a children playground nearby the city.
Rowo JombarIt is another holiday resort with parks and pools, with a children playground, nearby the city.
JatinomLocated North of Klaten, where the Yoqowiyu traditional ceremony held yearly in the Javanese month of Sapar.
EconomyDespite its sugar industry and tobacco crops Klaten is also well known for its traditional textile manufacturing - the Lurik. The center of lurik is the village of Pedan. There are also some crafts centers of traditional products, making wayang, wooden furniture, etc.Recently a casting iron industry is also developing in this region.

Last but not least, Klaten since the old days is famous with its Ayam Panggang (baked-chicken), cooked in a special way with coconut meat - it is very delicious. It should be developed nation wide as the Yogya, ayam goreng.
SUKOHARJO
This regency is located south of Solo, in the south borders with Wonogiri and Yogya in the west with Boyolali and Klaten and in the east with Karanganyar.
The river Bengawan Solo passes through this fertile region with its proper irrigation system.
Some handicraft centers and various industry prosperously developing in this regency.
Pasanggrahan LangenharjoIt is located south of Solo as an cultural heritage of Surakarta palace dates back 1870. This site is used for recreation and meditation purposes.
Batu SeribuA tourist resort located at Gentan 14 km south of Sukoharjo, there are camping and playing ground with swimming pool. Its nice place for relaxing.
Waduk MulurIt's a dam 4 km south east of the town built in 1926.
The Grave of Kyai BalakLocated 6 km north east of Sukoharjo. This site draws a lot of pilgrims in certain days.
Karaton KartasuraIn the sub-district of Kartasura west of Solo. The ruins of this palace are still well preserved which attract a number of researches.
Real EstateAlong with the development of Surakarta a modern housing complex with adequate facilities has been built just south of the City Solo. There are sport ground, amusement center, schools and shopping complex.
Handicraft centers Some places a famous with its handicrafts such as the village Madegondo 6 km from Sukoharjo.The craftsman skillfully make fascinating partition combining the art of wooden carving and wayang (leather puppets) making.
GamelanProduced in the village of Wirun sub-district of Mojolaban, 5 km east of Solo. Gamelan is Javanese Traditional music instrument.
Both Sites are visited by travelers domestic as well as foreign, the product have been successfully exported to another countries such as Japan, USA, Europe, Australia, etc.
IndustryThis regency is also called "Textile City" due to existence of some big textile factories.Other well known products are food stuff, candies, medicine (traditional jamu and modern), wooden and ratan furniture glass art, agate, batik and garments, skin handicraft, printing industry, car body manufacturing, plastic wears, chemical products etc.
Economy This regency has a potential economic advantage which could be develop further. In this regard Sukoharjo with its good accommodation and communication is prepared to invite investors to take part in the economic development (click the business section for further information).