Malang is famously known by its nickname, the City of Flowers. It’s all thanks to Malang’s wonderful nature that gives off a sense of soothing calmness once you set your feet on the city.
From the grand mountain ranges to blooming flowers on the street, Malang’s nature is a sight for sore eyes. Among them, lies a great selection of fun activities that await you and your loved ones.
Now that we’ve got your attention, let’s find out more about Malang, all the amazing things you can do in Malang, and a little travel guide so you won’t lose your way!
Malang in a Nutshell
Photo: Aldrin Rachman Pradana via Unsplash
Located in the province of East Java, the beautiful nature of Malang offers a great duality—it offers a calming sight for your eyes, but it also offers an unforgettable adventure.
Beyond the gorgeous landscapes, there’s a whole bunch of cool history to explore here, be it the ancient ruins dating back to the Kanjuruhan Kingdom or buildings that still show off that old Dutch style. History nerds, you’re going to like it.
On top of that, Malang is a city that holds a great deal of cultural heritage. Every year, you can participate in at least one cultural festival, such as the Tempo Doeloe Festival that takes you back to the past to appreciate traditional artistry.
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10 Awesome Things to Do in Malang
1. Catching the Sunrise at Mount Bromo
Photo: Raissa Lara Lütolf (-Fasel) via Unsplash
You haven’t really been to Malang if you haven’t visited Mount Bromo. To reach Mount Bromo before the sun rises, you can rent an exciting jeep ride to the mountain. Afterwards, you’d have to hike the mountain for a bit to get to the perfect lookout point.
Once you get there, you’ll be greeted by the magnificent sight of the sun rising above the clouds, complete with the sight of the mountain ranges as the backdrop.
2. Trekking to Coban Sewu Waterfall
Coban Sewu Waterfall is a waterfall located in the highlands of Malang, approximately a two-hour drive from the city center. The sight of the grand waterfall and the greeneries surrounding it will make your trekking trip much more serene.
The water is flowing down from different spots of the cliff, reaching about 180 meters in height. Though the trip can be rather challenging, the majestic view is definitely worth all the effort.
3. Beach Hopping
Aside from beautiful mountain ranges and waterfalls, Malang is home to various spectacular beaches as well. Each beach offers different things to explore.
If you want to see the unique sight of a three-colored beach, be sure to visit Tiga Warna Beach. You can also have a relaxing picnic with your loved ones at Gatra Beach. Or, you can visit Balekambang Beach and its water-bound temple.
4. Enjoy Fun Rides & Learn Something New at Jatim Park 1, 2, and 3
Photo via wonderful.kemenparekraf.go.id
If you’re visiting Malang with your family, Jatim Park is a perfect destination. Jatim Park 1 offers classic fun rides such as rollercoasters or Ferris wheel, whereas Jatim Park 2 is more of an educational facility in which you can visit the zoo and learn more about various animals.
Alternatively, the newest Jatim Park 3 combines both aspects and offers a Dino Park where you can find rides and learn about dinosaurs.
5. Take Pictures at the Angkut Museum
Angkut Museum is dedicated to showcasing the many types of old and new transportation. The extensive collection is spread across 3.8 hectares of land, making it the first largest transportation museum in Asia.
What’s more, the transportation is showcased along with photo spots and intricate miniatures. You’ll surely get to take Instagrammable pictures during your visit!
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6. Enjoy the Vibrant Light Show at Malang Night Paradise
If you still want to explore Malang at night, be sure to stop by Malang Night Paradise. Here, you’ll be able to marvel at stunning shimmering lanterns and intricate LED designs.
You can also enjoy amazing rides such as Magic Journey 2. You’ll be taken on a 30-minute boat ride through a gorgeous cave, a haunted house called Roemah 145, and a VR experience called Adventure Land.
7. Explore Batu City Square
Batu City Square is yet another vibrant place to visit at night. You’ll be able to explore the area in cars decorated with neon lights. Don’t forget to stop by the street food stalls to taste the authentic Malang cuisine, especially Malang’s signature dish ketan susu.
8. Have Fun at Batu Night Spectacular
Batu Night Spectacular opens at 3–11 PM every day, making it the perfect night destination. There are various challenging rides to try, such as Flying Swinger, Drop’ n Twist Tower, and the Rodeo Rides, a cowboy-style game where you’ll have to stay on the ride for one minute.
9. Learn More About History at Kajoetangan Heritage Village
Step back into the past by visiting Kajoetangan Heritage Village. You can stroll through some authentic Dutch-style buildings where even the interior—walls, ceilings, floorings—still maintains its original vibe.
To make your trip much more interesting, be sure to get a local guide to take you on a tour explaining the history behind every building.
10. Try Out Local Dishes
A trip won’t be complete unless you’ve tried out some local cuisines. At Malang, you can easily find local foods served by street vendors, known as warungs.
Be sure to try out rawon! Don’t be intimidated by the black broth, as the taste is heavenly. Or, let yourself savor the warm taste of wedang ronde, a beverage made of ginger, peanuts, bread, and small balls made of flour.
Read Also: 5 Indonesian Cultural Activities that Make You Feel Like a Local Citizen
Malang Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit Malang
The best time to visit Malang would be during the dry season, which starts in August and ends in October. However, if you want to beat the crowd, you’d want to avoid visiting in August. This is when the peak season starts and you’ll have to queue alongside many other tourists.
How to Get to Malang
There are a few ways to reach Malang. Here are some options to consider:
- By plane: Major airlines provide a route to Malang from Jakarta, Surabaya, Balikpapan, or Bali.
- By train: If you prefer to relish the journey, then taking the train might be a better option. You can catch a train to Malang from various major cities such as Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Solo, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, and many others.
- By bus: Malang’s main intercity bus terminal Arjosari is located around 6 km north of the city center. It’s the cheapest option among the transport options, with routes from major cities such as Bali, Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Solo, and many others.
Nature-sy Accommodation in Malang
Close off your day with the perfect accommodation. The best way to rest is to relax and unwind among nature, inhaling the cool mountain breeze and spoiling your eyes with greenery at Bobocabin Coban Rondo.
Powered by the Internet of Things, give yourself some privacy with the smart window, adjust the lighting for a more relaxing mood, and put on some music for a great ambience—all within your fingertips.
You can also rent a bike to explore Coban Tengah Waterfall’s scenic route—which is easily accessible from your cabin—or even challenge yourself by partaking in Kaliwatu Rafting nearby!
Download the Bobobox app on Play Store or App Store for booking and more information.
Writer: Sheila Lalita
Header image by: Aldrin Rachman Pradana via Unsplash
