Planned to visit Solo, Indonesia. How far is Solo from Bandung and what's best in Solo?

With 7 days, how best to spend holidays in two cities , Bandung and Solo, Indonesia.

Unless you're really into sightseeing the ricefields and Indonesian country life, I recommend flying from Bandung to Solo. If you drive it can be a very beautiful view and a lovely experience, but pitstops may be rather difficult to find, especially if you're not familiar with the road you're taking. If that's what you prefer, take an Indonesian who's driven many times between Bandung and Solo, preferrably someone who knows people in the municipalities you would pass. On the other hand, flying from Jakarta to Solo is just about an hour.

Bandung and Solo are both known for great food. Get an experienced Indonesian to teach you about the street food culture (however, I don't advice eating "gerobak" food on the side of the road... you don't know what kind of water they use to watch the plates. Some "tenda" is alright, but I would still be mindful of the location and hygiene--not a "tenda" above a gutter, for example). Your guide should be able to show you goodies like dodol, geplak, or pisang molen to take home as souvenirs for your beloved nieces and nephews. (But if you live in Australia, sorry... can't bring food!)

Bandung is a great place to shop for stylish, high-quality clothes at factory outlets. Again, ask help from an Indonesian friend to sort out quality items for you--these places can be quite crowded.

As for Solo, go hunting for fine Javanese handicrafts and material (cloth, e.g. batik) and visit the royal palace (Keraton) and other historical places. Better to read a book on Javanese history before your visit for maximum enjoyment.

I just went to Bandung. There are many great outlets and places to eat. I dont know much about solo but bandung seems like a little jakarta to me.

Geographically speaking, Bandung (2 hrs from Jakarta) is in East Java and Solo or Surakata, is the cradle of Javanese culture in West Java. Distance in hours by overland is roughly around 12-15 hours drive, if not mistaken.

Better for you to take one of the budget carriers from Bandung or Jakarta to either Solo or Yogyakarta (1 hour or so away from Solo.) Solo is a a bit slow save for its beautiful batek industry, compared to happening Yogya with its Borobodur, Kraton (palace) and Parambanan World Heritage Sites. Don't forget to check out Malioboro Street for shopping.