Indonesia, the Heaven on Earth VIII: Central Java

MAGELANG – Central Java is one of Indonesia province awarded with so many privileges. It has charming landscapes and lots of interesting places and attractions. Well, for those of you who are planning to have a trip or tour to this beautiful area in the near future, these are some recommended historical places you could visit.

1. Mendut Temple

Located in Magelang, Central Java this temple usually came in a pack with Borobudur Temple.  Its one of the oldest Buddhist temple in Central Java other than Pawon and Borobudur Temple. It has 24,6 meter height with a beautiful relief surrounding the temple that tells the story of ancient time.

2. Masjid Agung Demak (Demak Mosque)

This mosque was claimed to be the oldest mosque in the country. It is about 500 year old. Although it has had a number of renovations, it is thought to be largely in its original form. It is a classic example of a traditional Javanese mosque. You could picture the traditional architecture by looking closer to this mosque.

3. Lawang Sewu

Lawang Sewu name taken from the local language which means thousand doors.  It was built on the colonial time. It was used by the Dutch as one of their office the Nederlands-Indische Spoorweg Maatschappij (NIS). This place has also turned into a jail during that time. As for now, the local community tends to go to this place to find out about the local history and sometimes for pre-wedding photo-shoot and more.

4. Kota Lama (Old City) Semarang 

Kota lama is an area which the colonial government used to serve as a commercial center in the past. Here, you can find Dutch heritage buildings, such as Blenduk Church, Tawang Railway Station, Mberok Bridge, Praoe Lajar Cigarette Factory and many others.

You could enjoy the beauty of a grand and luxurious old building, all of which still stand firm with their own pride. FYI, the Old City of Semarang is also nicknamed as The Little Netherlands, because the concept and governance of the place is very similar to one corner of the city in the Netherlands.

5. Surakarta Hadiningrat Royal Palace Solo

Keraton Kasunanan Surakarta Hadiningrat (Surakarta Hadiningrat Royal Palace) was built in 1744 by Susuhan Pakubuwono II (Sunan PB II). It has an area of around 54 acres and also a large collection of statues, weapon and royal heirlooms.

One of the most attractive buildings in the Kasunanan Palace is the Sanggabuwana Tower. This 30-meter-high tower has main function to spy on the Dutch during the colonial period.

 6. Ngarsopuro Night Market

Located at Jalan Diponegoro Surakarta this night market dominated by the local community. All the thing offered in this night market must to be something that has to do with Solo and its culture. This night market opens daily at 4 pm till night time. If you would like to find out about Solo and its culinary, this place is a perfect place you should try to visit.

7. Menara Kudus Mosque

This mosque was built in 1549, it makes the mosque as one of the oldest mosques in Indonesia. It preserves pre-Islamic architectural forms such as old Javanese split doorways, ancient Hindu-Buddhist influenced Majapahit -style red brickwork, and a three-tired pyramidal roof.

All these places make Central Java such a wonderful and perfect place to visit for those historians or anyone who would to admire the beauty of ancient time. So, what are you waiting for? pack your and get a ticket to this hidden paradise. (*)

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