Flowing dresses in bold colours interwoven with white, batik is a symbol of tropical Asian culture similar to that of the region’s famous sun-kissed sands and turquoise-blue waters. Known for its bright colours, batik is an ancient textile craft that continues to make a bold fashion statement even today. Although batik can be found in most tropical Asian islands, nowhere is it more celebrated that in the Indonesian island of Bali where a special museum has been built to celebrate this unique craft.
Batik is a proud tradition in the Central Bali city of Surakarta or Solo where the craft grew from a home-based industry to a large scale production. Batik Danar Hadi has its roots in the city where in 1967 Haji Santosa Doella and his wife established their batik business. Determined to preserve the proud tradition of batik making, Doella opened the now famous, Museum Batik Danar Hadi in Alila Solo which houses a wide range of Indonesian batiks dating from 1840s to 1920s. Museum Batik Danar Hadi is conveniently situated near many of the finest Solo hotels, so a visit to the Museum is highly recommended.
Housed in a majestic 19th century building of Java-European design in the House of Danar Hadi complex, Batik Danar Hadi Museum showcases 10,000 rare batik pieces including 1500 pieces that date to the 19th century from across Indonesia. Open daily from 9 a.m to 4.30 p.m, the craft’s Dutch influence is evident in the Snow White and Red Riding Hood batik pieces that depict the popular fairy tales. With exhibits rotating every 6 months, the Museum is the ideal place to glimpse Indonesia’s batik-making tradition with visitors even encouraged to watch the artisans at work in the Museum’s workshop. Finally, end your tour of the Museum at the Souvenir shop where beautiful batik items and clothing can be purchased to take home the ideal tribute to a memorable tropical Javanese holiday!
Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+
