Following the footsteps of my friends who came to Solo (Surakarta), Indonesia more than a year ago, I decided to stay at the same place they lodged there, Cakra Homestay which came well recommended. I took an ojek (a motorcycle taxi) from the train station to take me to Cakra Homestay. It wasn’t hard to find on a quiet block in the neighborhood When the doors opened, I admired the 200-year old home brimming with Indonesian style and architecture.
A Home of Javanese Culture
I was warmly welcomed by the staff there even if I was a walk-in guest. I thought the whole area was big with nice manicured gardens, beautiful Javanese architecture from the woodwork, roofs and hallway lamps. There’s a central tower where one can climb and enjoy a high vantage view of the neighborhood and admire the age-old characters of the ceilings found at the homestay. Sitting and reading area can also be enjoyed.
Bare Rooms
All is not good news though. While I liked the gardens and exterior architecture, the room I got was bare and dull. It was spacious but lacks any character aside from the bed and en-suite mandi (bathroom). They could have spruce it up a bit with a little decor but there was none. Only one set of electric outlet was working inside the room. Also the prices have certainly gone up. From Lonely Planet’s listing of IDR 75,000 for the same room, it has gone double to IDR 150,000 which I thought was quite expensive already by my own. The price includes breakfast but it was very poor with a couple of toasted bread with jam and butter and tea.
Gamelan Rehearsals
It was still a good decision to stay for a night there though. The staffs were very enthusiastic about Javanese Culture that they would be happy to share their thoughts and ideas with you. And in the evening, they would have gamelan rehearsals at the music room. I sat down with them one evening even if I was sleepy from a day’s walk just to hear them ensemble play. Once the progression of instruments starts, the haunting vocals would soar through the music and capture the listener to its almost hypnotic pull. It was wonderful and eerie at the same time. A song would last for 5-10 minutes but its mesmerizing quality lingered even in my dreams that night.
If there was any good reason to check-in at Cakra Homestay, it’s immersing into the word of Javanese Culture.
Oh i miss that trip and my companions! I am amazed at your Javanese terms, i didn’t even learn the term ‘ojek’. Now i remember the pool and a lot more instruments at the area beside it. The most i miss there is the old lady masseuse, equivalent to our ‘hilot’. She tried speaking many times, but i can’t understand. She was the best hilot i experienced and the scent of the oil is excellent!
Sayang! I should have tried that hilot Nids!
Happy christmas ferds….
well i think you’re paying for the cultural benefit as well as the reputation of the said establishments. often when the establishment gets a mention in a reputable publication, the price goes up. how much is that in $?
Thanks for the greetings! Merry christmas as well. True, when they are written on LP I noticed they get a price hike. It’s about US$ 15-16
How did you go to Solo? Did you go by land? If yes, how much is the fare?
By Train! Please refer to my previous post on Transit
weee .. i would love to see this with my own eyes . I wonder when i will be able to escape the borders of the Philippines in traveling Asia…
I went to Bali this year but I have never been to Java… I would love to go someday. That is an amazing home stay! And with gamelan rehearsals too?! Wow that’s cool.
You have a wonderful blog.. I noticed you like Nature. Have you ever been to Taal Volcano? It’s a magnificent sight to see. If you haven’t gone yet, may I suggest you make a trip to Taal, Batangas Heritage Town and include it in your blog? It is a cornerstone of Filipino history & culture! Check out: taal.ph
Thank you, Mabuhay!
Thanks for the visit Dan! I’ve featured Taal here several times already
Welcome to Indonesia, Ferdz. Try Bali, you will see why this island is called as the last paradise. And once you come to Bali, you will want to come over again n again. There are more than a lot of places to venture there. Spare 2 weeks or more to experience this paradise on earth
Many thanks Satria! I’m hoping to visit Indonesia again in the near future