There is no denying that Bali has been perceived as the most popular tourist destination of Indonesia for many years. Nowadays this thriving island seems to be even one of the most important tourist destinations in Asia. This position will be probably even stronger owing to the latest TripAdvisor award (2016) for Bali as the most popular island in Asia. The significance of Bali is mainly caused by its unique culture based on Balinese Hinduism. However, despite its amazing religious ceremonies, colorful clothing of the inhabitants as well as original architecture Bali is primarily famous owing to the natural environment, white-sand beaches, national parks full of wild animals, water sports as well as exceptional landscapes of never-ending rice fields and the highest mountain of the island – Mount Agung.

Despite its huge popularity Bali is still a great option for budget travellers as well as those looking for a wide range of attractions. There is no doubting the Balinese offer is a great deal for both families with children and single tourists. It seems certain that everybody can find something exceptional among attractions such as surfing, snorkeling, hiking or just observing local tradition, Hindu ceremonies and customs in countless villages located in the heart of this beautiful island.

Candi Borobudur is the biggest Buddhist temple in the world, which was constructed in the 9th century by Syailendra Dynasty. Its architecture and three main levels of the temple reflect Buddhist cosmology: Kamadhatu, the phenomenal world, the world of desire; Rupadhatu, the transitional sphere where human beings are released from their corporeal form and worldly concerns; and Arupadhatu, the sphere of Gods, the sphere of perfection and enlightenment. Thousands reliefs depict mysterious and majestic atmosphere of Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death, as well as Buddha’s way to achieve Nirvana.

Surrounded by volcanoes and stunning landscape of ever-green rice fields Borobudur temple is certainly a must-see for everybody visiting Java island. There is no doubt that Borobudur’s beauty and magnificence can work on visitors’ imagination about the power and development of ancient Javanese civilisations. Consequently exploring Borobudur temple can be not only a travelling experience but also a chance to understand the spirituality of ancient Javanese people. An important advantage of the temple is its location. The temple is located in the heart of the island, a stone’s throw from two the most important Javanese cities: Yogyakarta and Surakarta (Solo).

Mount Bromo is a part of the huge volcanic complex, which is known as Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park located in the area of three Javanese cities: Probolinggo, Malang and Pasuruan. The mountain is especially famous among local and foreign tourists because of its amazing landscape as well as stunning sunrises. However, to experience the beauty of this wonderful place it is neccessary to start hiking before dawn. There is no denying that the best spot to watch the sunrise in Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park is Penanjakan. The mysterious atmosphere of this amazing place is even stronger because of the religious significance of the volcanic complex for Tengger tribe, which still follows ancient Hindu ceremonies in various spots located in the National Park including Pura Poten temple. 

Once a year the people of Tengger tribe hold Yadna Kasada ceremony every 14th night of Kasada month (full moon). During the ceremony, Tengger people gather at the peak of Mount Bromo carrying various offerings for the Supreme God Sang Hyang Widi and pray together for peace and wealth in their life. Certainly the landscape of vast caldera as well as spirituality of this unique place will provide you one of the most unforgettable experience in your life.

Have you ever had a dream about holidays in a tropical paradise? No people, no infrastructure, just you, an emerald sea, an equatorial evergreen forest and never-ending beaches. This is what you can find in the Karimunjawa archipelago, 27 islands located in the north of Java. Most of them compose the Karimunjawa National Park. These islands are especially famous among water sports lovers because of a diverse offer including snorkeling, diving and much more. But don’t judge a book by its cover! If you expect a developed resort in a paradise you will be surely surprised. The infrastructure of the archipelago is extremely limited and it is necessary to emphasize that a trip to these islands can be a bit tricky, especially in the rainy season. Actually the only way to get there are ferries from Jepara, other option are private air charters from Semarang.

Explore Solo Community offers adventurous packages to explore the beauty of Karimunjawa islands. Don’t waste your time for thinking; just join us exploring the exotic Karimunjawa islands.

Ijen is an active volcano situated between three regencies in East Java: Banyuwangi, Situbondo and Bondowoso. Ijen crater is a popular destination for a night hike in order to experience a phenomenon of mysterious blue fire. Apart from wonderful landscapes, emerald lake and stunning mountains located around Ijen tourists are usually impressed by an opportunity to see a traditional way of sulphur exploitation. Every day dozens of sulphur miners pass the way to Ijen crater while carrying extremely heavy loads of sulphur stones. Difficulties in their daily-life concern not only harsh climate of Ijen Plateau and the burden of their job. Most of them work in danger of toxic fumes emanating directly from the crater.

Ijen Plataeu is also famous because of its huge coffee plantations. Owing to its climate you will experience a unique taste of local coffee beans, which are famous all over the country. Certainly its taste is even better if you just look around and see amazing montainous landscape, fresh air and ever-green fields of coffee plantations.

Lombok Island is a part of West Nusa Tenggara province located on the border between western and eastern provinces of Indonesia. The island can provide amazing experiences with its beaches, mountains and maritime life. Every year thousands of tourists from Indonesia as well as other countries are enchanted by beauty of the crystal water, colourful coral reefs and the landscape dominated by one of the highest volcanoes of Indonesia, Mount Rinjani. Lombok is also a great location to start a trip to Gili islands. Undoubtedly a wide range of tourist attractions and services available on the island, such as snorkeling, diving and hiking, will be one of most unforgettable moments of your life.

On of the best spots to experience the beauty of Lombok’s mountains is Malimbu hill, which offers an amazing view on Lombok coastal line, Mount Rinjani and the three Gili islands; Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno. The magnificence of Mount Rinjani’s slope can be explored from the places such as Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfall in Senaru village, which is also the gate to the Mount Rinjani National Park. If you decide to explore ever-green forests of Lombok you will have a chance to meet some of Lombok’s inhabitants such as long-tailed macaques playing together in green forests of the island.

Mount Merapi (2,930 m), the most active volcano in Indonesia, is located in the border between two Javanese provinces: Yogyakarta and Central Java. While hiking you will have a chance to experience the activity of this beautiful mountain and the moon landscape of the area called Pasar Bubrak.  It is worth emphasising that last big eruption happened in October 2010 and it reshaped the volcano’s caldera.

The mountain is located only 28 km in the north of Yogyakarta city, furthermore, its slope is inhabited by thousands of people scattered in numerous villages, sthe highest of them are located  about 1,700 m above sea level. Life, tradition and culture of local people is strictly connected with myths related to the mountain. For these people the mountain is both a blessing, which improves soil fertility for farming, and a threat with its disastrous eruptions. The most common place to start hiking is Selo village, which is located between Mount Merapi and Merbabu at Boyolali municipality. The stunning landscape of Mount Merbabu will surely pay back all efforts to reach this magnificent volcano.

Solo, which is also known as Surakarta, is undoubtedly one of the most important cities in Javanese history, therefore the city is today perceived as the cultural capital of Central Java. The significance of Surakarta is based on traditional Javanese culture preserved in all aspects of local community’s life. Among the most important tourist spots in the city you can find Keraton Surakarta–the palace of Sultans of Surakarta from Kasunanan family, numerous traditional markets such as Pasar Gede, antiques market Triwndhu, museums and factories of traditional batik clothes. In places such as fort Vastenburg or Teman Budaya Jawa Tengah tourists can experience real Javanese culture e.g. gamelan music, traditional dances, Wayang and much more.

There is no doubt that in Solo area it is easy to find unique places, among the most significant tourist attractions it is worth emphasising Sangiran, which is an archaeological excavation site and museum famous of a vast collection of human fossils. However for most of Javanese living in Solo the most popular tourist destination is Tawangmangu, the town located on the slope of Mount Lawu. Tawangmangu is a great option for travellers looking for both wonderful Indonesian nature and unique local culture. In Tawangmangu you will find ancient temples, evergreen tea plantations and amazing waterfalls.

ABOUT US

The history of ExploreSolo.com begins in 2010 in Surakarta (Indonesia), the city which is perceived as the cultural capital of Central Java. The significance of Surakarta is based on traditional Javanese culture preserved in all aspects of local community’s life. Having a deep understanding of unique values of Javanese culture as well as its heritage we would like to offer you something more than just a tour. Our goal is to extend your knowledge by a travel and experience, provide you as much information as possible and show you authentic Indonesia with its miracles of nature, culture, life of common people, and much more. 

We offer both tours and packages, however we will be glad to help you organise a tailor-made tour. Furthermore, we can help you arrange a guide in most of destinations as well as rent a car or motorbike. It is worth emphasising that the advantages of travelling with us are based on our experience with both foreign and domestic customers, our international staff as well as our love and attitude to travels. Do not hesitate and be the part of ExploreSolo.com family! An adventure is waiting for you!