Batik, a technique of dyeing to create unique patterns on cloth, is a tradition that is practiced in a number of Asian countries. While Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh are known for their own unique styles, Indonesian batiks are perhaps the best known in the world and as such has been designated a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. The fact that the word ‘batik’ has its origins in Javanese, a language spoken by locals in the Indonesian island of Java is a testament to this fact. Therefore, a visit to Indonesia is scarcely complete without learning about Indonesian batiks and its production, and for those residing in a Solo hotel in Surakarta, such knowledge can be gained by visiting the House of Danar Hadi, a batik museum, or Kampoeng Batik Laweyan, a batik village.
The House of Danar Hadi, also known as the Museum Batik Dana Hadi, is an attraction located a mere 10 minutes from resorts such as Alila Solo and other attractions such as the Radya Pustaka Museum, one of the oldest museums in the country. This Batik Museum considers itself to be one of the best batik museums in the world, and provides a comprehensive account of how batik is made and the history of its evolution.
The House of Danar Hadi also boasts of a vast collection of textiles which includes items from nearby countries such as China, in addition to items from Indonesia itself. In total, the museum hosts around 10, 000 items and the Museum tour (given in English) recounts the history of most of the items on display. To provide a greater insight into the batik making process, the Museum is also equipped with a workshop where visitors can observe the process. Those who wish to procure a memento to mark the occasion can also purchase a souvenir from the in-house souvenir shop.
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.