Kathie; If you are using Wiedy the most interesting batik and least commercial we saw on our 2 visits was inSolo 45 minutes from Jogja. BBesides the patterns being different in Solo the place he took us to uses the genuine wax process that we found most interesting. The others were ink or printed. We found only a few other sites in Solo worth visiting so we were able to make it a 4 our RT.

Kuluk, thank you for your kind offer to call your travel agent. I think our current plan to fly to Surabaya will work out fine. I've asked the Tugu Malang about flight and about a car and driver. And thanks for all the great shopping recommendations!

Thanks, Stan, Solo is renowned for having the best batik in the area. BTW, all batik is made via a wax process. The printed batik dips the wood or metal block into wax to print on the fabric, and what you are calling the genuine wax process is the "tulis" (by hand) process. I look back on what I saw as outrageous prices for the very intricate batik in Solo last trip and I expect those prices will look like bargains now! We will want more time for Solo, as we plan to visit at least Candy Sukuh, and perhaps Candy Cetho outside of Solo.

Interesting article on preservation of the batik process in Solo
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2...-industry.html

(They have a website too. They translate "tulis" as "writed batik" which I find charming because of the bi-lingual pun.)

Can't tell from the photos if Laweyan is an authentic or touristy experience, but it seems to be a step in the right direction.

Thanks for the link to the interesting article, marmot. And "writed batik" I love it!