Your Full-Day Guide to a Sustainable Trip in Malang

It might be far-reaching to have a sustainable trip without mentioning the carbon footprints we leave behind. The air quality that grew worse in Jakarta and other cities in Indonesia might drive us to book a trip somewhere where the sky is clear, where we could be closer to nature.

It’s very normal to want to escape, but being a responsible traveler wherever you go would never hurt! This could be solved by traveling locally, especially to the cities that don’t require you to fly to get there. For this, one of Bob’s favorite destinations would be Malang, East Java.

With lush tea plantations, reinvigorating waterfalls, and tasty organic delicacies in every nook and cranny of the city, Malang is a green thumb’s paradise. Aside from that, Malang is a host to Pujon Kidul, one of Indonesia’s sustainable tourism villages, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.

The village refers to sustainable tourism as the concept of tourism that prioritizes long-term impact. This includes the environmental, social, cultural, and economic impact, both for the present and the future, for all local people and tourists alike.

So without further ado, let us take you on a full-day guide to a sustainable trip in Malang!

Also Read: Top 14 Things to Do in Malang for Couples & Families

A Full-Day Guide to a Sustainable Trip in Malang

06.00–07.30: Catch the Sunrise in Bukit Nirwana

Let’s start your sustainable trip in Malang by catching the sunrise. With a comfy coat and steaming cup of tea, the sight in Bukit Nirwana is a wonder to see—particularly because you don’t need to trek too far to enjoy the view.

Located in Pujon Kidul, a village known for its agriculture-turned-sustainable tourism destination, Bukit Nirwana is pretty quiet early in the morning. It’s the best spot to start your day.

If you’re staying in Bobocabin Coban Rondo, we can arrange a bike rental if you’re up for a little hill challenge here. There are plenty of bamboo-based shacks to lounge around, although the cafe might open later in the day, around 8 am.

Selfie spot? Worry not! The rolling hills, rice paddies, and stunning landscape offer a perfect backdrop for every picture, especially if you’re standing on the edge of the hill.

08.00–09.30: Affordable Breakfast with a View

Nestled in the downhill Pujon Kidul near the entrance is the renowned Cafe Sawah.

With a picturesque landscape of rice paddies and colorful vegetation from their own garden, it would shake you to the core knowing that meals here don’t even cost more than Rp30,000!

Though the place is fairly new, Cafe Sawah is a tourist favorite in Pujon Kidul, mainly due to its unique wood and bamboo-based interiors, grounding everyone closer to the earth. 

Remember Gardens by the Bay’s Supertrees? Cafe Sawah crafts bamboo miniatures of them in some of their tables instead of using plastic umbrellas, adding an organic finishing touch to shelter you from the warm morning sun.

Their flowers are pretty too, especially when they’re blooming. Just remember to be a respectful traveler and hold back the urge to pick them!

10.00–11.00: Get Lost (Literally) in Nature

The green maze that changes every few months or so is the place you can’t miss while you’re in Malang. Taman Labirin Coban Rondo could be the perfect activity for a date or even a family outing, as good teamwork would be the key to successfully finding your way out.

The instructions are pretty simple: try to find the water fountain in the middle of the maze, and get back outside. For an easy way out, you could ask one of your friends to have a lookout from the tower and guide you.

Though there’s nothing much to do inside the maze, you can take The Shining-esque pictures on every corner. They also offer other fun and nature-friendly activities with an extra charge, like archery.

12.00–13.30: A Cup of Joe, or Two

From crafty manual brew to artisan pick of tisane, Greenrock Cafe is the perfect shelter during your sustainable trip in Malang when the sun’s at its highest.

Located just a few minutes walk from both Taman Labirin Coban Rondo and Bobocabin Coban Rondo, you’re invited to nurse a light lunch and engage in warm conversation with your loved ones, all the while indulging in the serene breeze of the forest.

Bob’s personal favorite? Their “Sweet Temptation”, an ensemble of green tea, pineapple, lavender, lime, and chrysanthemum tisane. What a way to refresh and rejuvenate your body after solving the maze earlier!

14.00–17.00: Harvesting Memories with Agro Rakyat

A sustainable trip in Malang wouldn’t be complete without picking your own apples. One of the efforts in traveling sustainably is to support local businesses, and Agro Rakyat Apple Picking might be the best example of it.

All the local farmers grow around 4 to 5 different strains of apples that you can pick. The best time to harvest these apples is around January–March, when Malang’s climate is at its coldest. You still can visit and apple-pick all year round, but the quality of the apples might vary. 

Climate change indeed plays a role in the ever-shrinking amount of apple production in Malang. Over the past 10 years, Malang has warmed by 0.5°C each year and currently reaches 32°C on its warmest days.

This poses a problem since the ideal conditions for growing apples require temperatures between 16 to 27°C. So, even if the apples here aren’t as big and bountiful as they were in the 90s, they’re still fresher and more sustainable than the ones you’ll get at a supermarket. 

All the apples you picked will be weighed on your way out, so make sure to harvest them mindfully to avoid any waste!

Also Read: 24-Hour Family Vacation in Baturraden

17.30–19.30: Plateful of Blast from the Past

In a sustainable trip in Malang, the culinary scene of Batu grew even more diverse with the introduction of Omah Madhang Saridjoyo.

This restaurant specializes in serving authentic Javanese dishes from the golden eras, and is conveniently located within the village of Sumberejo. 

The concept of preserving tradition is deeply rooted in the owner’s hometown of Pacitan, where Javanese customs remain strong and alive. This influence can be felt in every aspect of the place, from its architectural design to the cuisine. 

The owner’s sentimentality didn’t just stop there. The word sari in Saridjoyo is derived from the name of the owner’s wife, signifying longevity and sustainability.

Meanwhile, the word djoyo conveys the essence of success. Combined, they symbolize sustainable blessings and prosperity. 

Speaking of prosperity, the food in their buffet is one to die for. From the rich flavors of botok to a comforting sego bakar, you’ll find yourselves transported to a Javanese mbah’s warm and nostalgic home.

20.00–End of Day: Rest Amidst Pine Forest in Bobocabin Coban Rondo

Traveling sustainably means making sure your accommodations are eco-friendly. In Bobocabin, we take our environmental responsibilities seriously. We’re committed to supporting sustainable tourism in every way possible by implementing initiatives such as: 

1. Wooden toiletries: A small step, yet we hope it can grow into an impactful choice to reduce the use of single-use plastics.
2. Greener future: We take full responsibility for the use of natural resources and the reduction in GHG emissions.
3. Waste management: A drinkable water filter unit is available to reduce the need for single-use water bottles, minimizing plastic waste.

The choices we make while exploring new places can have a lasting impact on the environment and the communities we visit.

When you’re staying at Bobocabin Coban Rondo as part of your sustainable trip in Malang, you can rest at ease amidst the serene nature without worrying about leaving a heavy carbon footprint.

After all, small steps like being a responsible traveler wherever you go lead to bigger efforts, taking us into a more sustainable and greener future.

Bob’s Budget Check!

• See updated prices of Bobocabin Coban Rondo, including the bike rental services
• Pujon Kidul entrance ticket: Rp13,000/pax
• Bukit Nirwana: Rp10,000/pax
• Cafe Sawah: around Rp30,000/pax (a la carte ranging from Rp1,000 to Rp8,000)
• Taman Labirin Coban Rondo: Rp35,000/pax on weekdays, and Rp40,000 on weekends for domestic tourists. International tourists are charged Rp75,000/pax.
• Greenrock Cafe: drinks and snacks range from Rp10,000 to Rp30,000
• Agro Rakyat Apple Picking: entrance fee Rp25,000/pax, apple-picking starts from Rp20,000/kg
• Omah Madhang Saridjoyo: starts from Rp50,000/pax for a complete meal

Also Read: Family-Friendly Lombok: Creating Lasting Memories with Kids in Lombok Island

Sustainable Destinations in Malang

While exploring Malang, elevate your time by making a positive impact on the places you visit. Here are Bob’s top 7 sustainable destinations in Malang that offer beautiful scenery while prioritizing nature conservation and local community welfare!

Pujon Kidul Village

Location: Pujon District, Malang Regency.

Pujon Kidul is a shining example of a community-based sustainable tourism village. Managed directly by the local residents, this destination integrates agriculture, livestock farming, and tourism.

The village is famous for its Cafe Sawah, which offers dining amidst rice paddies, but its sustainability efforts go deeper. They utilize biogas from livestock waste for energy and have robust waste management systems in place. By visiting, you directly support the local economy and their eco-friendly initiatives, Bob’s Besties!

Tiga Warna Beach

Location: Sendang Biru Area, Sitiarjo, Sumbermanjing Wetan.

If you are looking for a beach that strictly enforces conservation, Tiga Warna Beach is the place!

As a part of the Clungup Mangrove Conservation (CMC), this beach limits the number of daily visitors to protect the coral reefs and marine life. Visitors are required to check their items (especially plastics) before entering and are checked again upon leaving to ensure no trash is left behind. And guess what? You can also participate in mangrove planting and coral reef conservation programs here!

Sanankerto

Location: Sanankerto Village, Turen District.

Known locally as Boon Pring, this eco-tourism destination is a bamboo arboretum that is home to over 100 species of bamboo. The site centers around a pristine spring (Andeman), which serves as a vital water source for the surrounding community.

The management focuses on preserving the bamboo forest ecosystem, which protects the water catchment area. It’s a perfect spot for educational tours about bamboo diversity and water conservation!

Coban Rondo

Location: Pandesari Village, Pujon District.

Famous for its majestic 84-meter waterfall, Coban Rondo is more than just a photo spot. The area is managed with a focus on forest preservation under Perhutani. The destination supports the local ecosystem by maintaining the natural habitat of the local monkey population and preserving the dense pine forest. It also partners with eco-friendly accommodation providers (like Bobocabin!) to offer low-impact tourism experiences that blend seamlessly with nature!

Also Read: 3D2N in Malang: Top Attractions You Can’t Miss

Coban Glotak

Location: Bedalisodo Village, Wagir District.

For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Coban Glotak offers a raw, untouched nature experience. Unlike more commercialized waterfalls, Coban Glotak remains relatively quiet, minimizing the mass-tourism carbon footprint.

The trek to the falls encourages a “leave no trace” philosophy, allowing you to connect with the pure sounds of nature—including the falling stones that give the waterfall its name (“glotak”). It is truly a sanctuary for biodiversity and a testament to letting nature thrive undisturbed!

Kusuma Agrowisata

Location: Ngaglik, Batu City.

As a pioneer of agro-tourism in Indonesia, Kusuma Agrowisata allows you to experience the farm-to-table concept firsthand!

The estate practices eco-friendly farming for its apples, oranges, guavas, and dragon fruits, minimizing the use of harmful pesticides. By opening their orchards to tourists, they educate the public on the effort behind food production and the importance of sustainable agriculture, all while offering fresh, locally grown produce that doesn’t need to be shipped across the country.

Agro Krisan Poncokusumo

Location: Poncokusumo Village, Malang Regency.

Run by the local Pokdarwis (Tourism Awareness Group), this destination focuses on the cultivation of Chrysanthemum flowers. This site empowers local farmers by diversifying their income beyond traditional crops. The greenhouses here utilize efficient irrigation and farming methods to grow stunning flowers. A visit here is an educational journey into floriculture that directly supports the livelihoods of the Poncokusumo villagers and promotes the sustainability of the local rural economy.

Make Your Impact Count at Bobocabin Coban Rondo!

Choosing where to rest your head is the final piece of your sustainable travel puzzle. At Bobocabin Coban Rondo, we turn the concept of “green travel” into a reality you can feel!

We invite you to be part of our bigger mission. By choosing to stay with us, you are supporting a hospitality model that transparently measures and improves its footprint. Want to see the bigger picture of how we are changing the hospitality landscape? Discover our full commitment and progress in our Bobobox Impact Report.

Ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of Malang without the carbon anxiety? Download the Bobobox app and secure your cabin at Coban Rondo now. Let’s make every trip a step towards a better world with Bobobox!

 

Writer: Ratna Asih
Featured photo: Azhar Galih via Unsplash