Sightseeing in Malang: Culture & Must‑See Spots
Located on Java's eastern part, this city is known for its mild climate, historical sites, and proximity to Mount Bromo, an active volcano. It's a hub for educational institutions and a gateway to the surrounding natural landscapes.
- Size
- 110 square km
- Airport
- Abdul Rachman Saleh – domestic
- Train Station
- Malang Station
- Est. Visit Days
- 3 days
Overview
Malang, a city in East Java, Indonesia, is known for its cool climate and beautiful landscapes, including the active volcano Mount Semeru and the remarkable Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. The city also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with historical sites like the Singosari Temple and Jago Temple. However, Malang can be quite crowded, especially during the holiday seasons, which might detract from the experience. Additionally, the city's infrastructure, particularly public transportation, is still developing, which could pose challenges for travelers. Despite these issues, Malang offers a charming blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions.
Traffic & Transport
The city experiences moderate traffic, with peak congestion during rush hours, especially in the central areas. For tourists, the best means to explore the city are by using angkot (public minivans), becak (pedicabs), or ojek (motorcycle taxis) for shorter distances, as they are more maneuverable in traffic. Renting a car or hiring a private car with a driver is recommended for more comfort and flexibility, especially for visiting attractions outside the city center. Bicycles are also a popular and eco-friendly option for navigating certain parts of the city. For reliable taxi services, Blue Bird and Express are the most trusted companies, known for their professionalism and use of meters. Additionally, the Gojek app offers both motorcycle taxi (Gojek) and car-hailing (GoCar) services, providing a convenient option with upfront pricing and the ability to track your route.
History
Historically, the city was part of the Kanjuruhan and Singhasari Kingdoms before coming under the rule of the Majapahit Empire in the 13th century. This period saw significant developments in art, culture, and architecture. The city later became a key center for the Dutch during their colonial rule in the 17th century, leading to the establishment of plantations and the growth of the city as a center for trade in coffee, tea, and sugar. It was also a site of resistance during the Indonesian National Revolution in the 1940s. Today, the city is known for its historical architecture, strong agricultural heritage, and as a center for higher education and research.
Itinerary Sample
Explore Malang over three days to experience its natural beauty, cultural sites, and culinary delights.
– First day: Visit Malang's historical center, explore the City Square (Alun-Alun), and see the Malang Cathedral. End your day at the colorful Jodipan Village.
– Second day: Travel to Batu, visit Jatim Park 3 to enjoy the Dino Park and the Ice Cream World. Have lunch at Batu Secret Zoo.
– Third day: Hike to Coban Rondo Waterfall in the morning. Spend the afternoon at Malang's traditional markets like Pasar Besar Malang.
Near Excursion
This city offers several interesting day trips within a short distance. Here are some suggestions:
– Mount Bromo at 50 km: Famous for its beautiful sunrise views and volcanic landscape.
– Coban Rondo Waterfall at 30 km: A beautiful waterfall surrounded by luxurious greenery, ideal for nature lovers.
– Jatim Park at 20 km: A popular theme park with educational exhibits and fun rides.
– Taman Safari Prigen at 70 km: A large safari park where you can see a variety of animals up close.
– Balekambang Beach at 60 km: Known for its scenic beauty and a temple on a small island.
Attraction
The city is known for its cool climate, colonial architecture, and natural attractions.
– Mount Bromo: A famous volcano offering gorgeous sunrise views and a unique landscape.
– Jodipan Village: A colorful village with attractive murals and street art.
– Coban Rondo Waterfall: A scenic waterfall surrounded by abundant greenery, ideal for nature lovers.
– Batu Secret Zoo: A modern zoo with diverse animal exhibits and family-friendly attractions.
– Taman Safari Prigen: A large safari park where you can see animals in their natural habitats.
– Museum Angkut: A transportation museum showcasing vintage cars, planes, and other vehicles.
Activity
In Malang, travelers can explore unique volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and traditional Javanese culture.
– Mount Bromo sunrise tour: Witness a lovely sunrise over the iconic Mount Bromo and its surrounding volcanic landscape.
– Coban Rondo Waterfall visit: Enjoy a refreshing hike to a beautiful waterfall surrounded by luxuriant greenery.
– Jatim Park 2 visit: Experience a mix of educational and fun attractions including a zoo, museum, and various rides.
– Paragliding at Gunung Banyak: Enjoy a thrilling paragliding experience with panoramic views of Malang and its surroundings.
– Rafting on Brantas River: Experience an adventurous rafting trip on the Brantas River with varying levels of difficulty.
Cuisine
The city offers a rich culinary experience with a mix of traditional Javanese and modern Indonesian dishes. Street food and local markets are popular spots to explore diverse flavors.
– Bakso Malang: Meatball soup with tofu, noodles, and crispy wontons.
– Rawon: Dark beef soup made with keluak nuts, served with rice.
– Pecel: Mixed vegetables with spicy peanut sauce.
– Rujak Cingur: Fruit and vegetable salad with fermented shrimp paste sauce.
– Tahu Campur: Tofu, beef, and vegetables in a savory broth.
– Putu Lanang: Steamed rice cakes filled with palm sugar and coconut.
Shopping
For a unique shopping experience, visit the Batu Night Spectacular (BNS) for local crafts and souvenirs. Alun-Alun Kota is a great spot to find traditional snacks like Malang apples and keripik tempe. The Sarinah Mall offers a variety of Indonesian brands and products. A popular gift to purchase is the colorful batik fabric, which reflects the local culture. Another good choice is handcrafted wooden puppets, known as wayang, which are significant in Indonesian heritage.
Arts & Culture
The city hosts the Malang Tempo Doeloe Festival, an annual event that showcases historical and cultural exhibitions, celebrating the rich history and heritage of the region. It is also known for its vibrant street art and murals, particularly in the villages of Jodipan and Tridi, which have transformed into popular tourist attractions. The city's cultural scene is further enriched by traditional dance performances, including the iconic Topeng or mask dance. Additionally, it is home to several museums, such as the Brawijaya Museum, which offers insights into the military history of Indonesia.