At Pasar Jamu Nguter, the trade in jamu from various parts of Indonesia and traditional drinks take center stage. Craftsmanship, historical sites and nature experiences also lend different dimensions to a trip through Sukoharjo. If you are looking for accommodation, these themes can help you plan your trip around the things that interest you most.
Jamu, markets and regional cuisine
Pasar Jamu Nguter is a center of the jamu trade and is considered the largest jamu market in Southeast Asia. Closely connected to this theme is Kafe Jamu Nguter: a description dated May 27, 2025, called it Indonesia’s first jamu café. Various traditional jamu drinks are sold there. The market and café give jamu two distinct roles in Sukoharjo: as a commodity and as a drink visitors can discover.
Regional specialties also offer a distinct way to experience the food culture. Gempol Pleret is a refreshing drink typical of Sukoharjo. Rice-flour-based gempol is combined with coconut, sugar and coconut milk, then served with pandan-flavored syrup. Jenang Krasikan is another specialty made from sticky rice, coconut, milk and sugar. These two foods can be distinguished by their ingredients: one is a drink with pandan syrup, while the other is a sticky-rice-based sweet.
Rattan and gamelan: craftsmanship in Sukoharjo
In Trangsan, Mebel Rotan is a center for rattan furniture production. Production ranges from 100 to 1,000 pieces per month, and the furniture is intended for domestic sales. At Desa Wisata Rotan Trangsan, visitors can observe rattan production from the first stage to the last. The site therefore offers insight not only into finished furniture, but also into the process of making it.
Another focus of craftsmanship is Desa Wirun, a cultural tourism village. The gamelan products made there are sold in international markets. Visitors can also watch raw materials being turned into musical instruments. Unlike Trangsan, the focus here is on making musical instruments rather than rattan furniture. Tari Mundong (Jamu Gendong), a traditional dance from Sukoharjo, tells the story of jamu sellers and farmers and adds a performing tradition to this picture of local culture.
Cultural heritage around Kartasura
Petilasan Keraton Pajang is a cultural site associated with Joko Tingkir, Sultan Hadiwijaya and the founding of the Pajang Kingdom. Keraton Kartasura is a separate site: it is located in Desa Ngadirejo, Kecamatan Sukoharjo, Central Java. Only a few ruins of the complex remain today, and tourists can visit them.
Rasamadu Heritage, a cultural tourism destination with an exhibition area for classic cars, is also located in Kartasura. Padel is also among the activities offered there. The combination of cultural heritage, classic cars and padel offers a different focus from the historical ruins of Keraton Kartasura. When planning your trip, you can decide whether you are more interested in historical sites, exhibitions or a sports activity.
Nature, views and outdoor activities
Batu Seribu is a natural attraction in Desa Gentan, Sukoharjo. Its listed facilities include a children’s playground, a stage, an area for outdoor activities, a campsite and a viewpoint. Batu Seribu also has three swimming pools filled with clear water from a natural spring. Gunung Sepikul in Desa Tiyaran offers a different landscape: from there, you can see Gunung Lawu to the east and Gunung Merapi-Merbabu to the west.
Desa Wisata Mulur Tirta Amerta, in turn, offers several ways to explore the area: on foot, by bicycle or in an andong. Visitors can also take part in educational agricultural activities there. The offerings are clearly distinct: Mulur features several modes of transport and agricultural activities, while Batu Seribu focuses on its pools and facilities.
Markets and food in Mulur
The traditional market at Desa Wisata Mulur Tirta Amerta offers market snacks, handicrafts and fresh vegetables. Regional dishes are also served in areas beside rice fields and along the riverbank. The market and food are another distinct part of a visit to Mulur: alongside agricultural activities, you can also discover local products and dishes.
Whether you are drawn by the jamu trade, craft production, cultural heritage or nature, Sukoharjo offers specific themes to help guide your travel plans. When choosing accommodation, it makes sense to first decide what you want to focus on, then find suitable hotels for your stay.
Discover more destinations: Kartosuro, Sukoharjo, Magelang, Semarang, Blora, Boyolali, Batang, Pemalang
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