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Eight must-visit destinations in Boyolali
Situated in the foothills of Mount Merapi and Mount Merbabu, Central Java's Boyolali regency offers diverse destinations for its visitors.
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Bukit Gancik, or Gancik hill, is a choice spot for viewing Central Java's mountains from its 1,850-meter height in Selo district, Boyolali regency. (JP/Ganug Nugroho Adi)
T
he Central Java regency of Boyolal has been the recent talk of news outlets and social media following an ill-received joke from a presidential candidate, who was in town to open a local campaign office.
Regardless, the regency is famous for its scenic views of Mount Merapi and Mount Merbabu from its geographical location close to Surakarta, and offers diverse attractions, both natural and manmade.
Here are the eight must-visit spots in Boyolali listed in kompas.com:
1. Bukit Gancik
Perched at an altitude of 1,850 meters above sea level, Bukit Gancik – or Gancik hill – is the place to feast one's eyes on a panoramic view of mounts Merapi, Merbabu and Lawu. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the mountains on clear days and take pictures for a minimal entrance fee of Rp 5,000 (33 US cents).
2. Tlatar Water Park
An ecotourism destination that features natural springs that bubble up from layers of volcanic rock, Tlatar Water Park is a favorite site for swimming, bathing and even farming. Young visitors are encouraged to take part in outdoor educational activities such as planting rice and plowing paddy fields.
3. Kidul Town Square
Boyolali’s Kidul Town Square stands out because of its giant cow statue, which is a popular selfie spot among visitors. An array of culinary treats is also available from the street vendors the line the square.
Read also: A journey into the mountains for a cup of coffee
4. Mount Merapi
One of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, Mount Merapi is also a famous hiking destination. Hikers can start their climb from the New Selo post in Selo subdistrict.
5. Mount Merbabu
Selo is also a starting point for hiking up Mount Merbabu, widely considered one of Java’s most beautiful mountains. Mt. Merbabu is known for its wide savanna near its peak.
6. Umbul Tirtomulyo
A public bath inherited from the Kasunanan Royal Palace of Surakarta, Umbul Tirtomulyo is located in Kemasan village, right in front of the Kesawit subdistrict office.
Umbul Tirtomulyo resembles Yogyakarta's Tamansari royal bathing pool, but has a simpler structure.
7. Indrokilo Botanical Garden
Spanning 8.9 hectares, Indrokilo features thematic sections including a labyrinth, a greenhouse and a nursery.
The garden was built as a conservation center for low-altitude plants indigenous to the East Java rainforest and as a local recreation spot. Although it is still under construction, the Indrokilo is already open to the public.
8. Lawang Temple
Lawang Temple is a Hindu temple located in the hamlet of Dangean in Gedangan subdistrict, Cegopo district.
This temple is thought to have been built in 750-800 A.D. (iru/mut)
