Solo (27-28 May 12)

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Short 1h train ride from Jogja's Tugu station to Solobapan in Solo, the so-called twin city to its more illustrious sibling. Solo was definitely smaller in scale, but still had its fair share of cultural and natural attractions. Stayed at the cheapest place yet, Mama's Homestay at Jalan Cakra at IDR60k, but completely basic -- no AC, hot water, attached bath or wifi!

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Photos

Museum Batik Danar Hadi
Interesting collection of 10,000 batik pieces within a beautiful house and compound

View on the way up Mt Lawu
It was a long 1.5h ojek (pillion on motorcycle taxi) ride from Solo up the steep Mt Lawu to get to the Sukuh and Cetho temples. Weaving in and out of the heavy Solo traffic, and meandering around blind corners on the slopes, the ride was not for the faint-hearted. Kids, don't tell your parents, they will get a heart attack!

Candi Sukuh
The whole point of the mad commute -- pretty 15th century Mayan-like temple 1500m above sea-level! Photo taken by a Russian couple who had driven to Solo from Denpasar in Bali! I remarked that was a long way to drive, and the man said, "Yes, especially with my first time experiencing right-hand drive" Yikes!

Candi Sukuh
Apparently "sukuh" means erotic and you can see why. The temple was adorned with multiple yoni-lingga (vagina-phallus) reliefs and statues.

Candi Cetho
Even prettier than Sukuh.