September is an ideal time for taking on the Javanese highlands
Most travellers make their way to the Indonesian city of Surakarta, aka Solo, for cultural experiences like temple-hopping, batik-making and sampling the rich local cuisine. But if you’re looking to break a sweat, the dry month of September is an ideal time for taking on the Javanese highlands, and Solo is a perfect springboard for treks up Mount Lawu, a volcano on the border of East and Central Java. Book a guided package (Jakarta-based outfitter Base Camp (basecampadventureindonesia.com) offers adventure tours across the country and beyond), plan for an overnight hike and you’ll be rewarded with an otherworldly view from the summit: a spectacular sunrise over a fluffy sea of clouds.
