There are a lot of things to do and see in Malang. If you’re already hyped up and ready to go but still thinking on the things that you can do there, take a look at these amazing places that can guide you into one of the most spectacular holiday you will ever have the pleasure to take!
1. Visit Tumpak Sewu Waterfall
One of the most spectacular waterfalls in Indonesia is Tumpak Sewu. The name means a thousand waterfalls and that name is totally fair. The 120-meter high waterfall comes from all sides for a full 180 degrees. The waterfall can be visited easily from the top and quite a challenging hike down to the foot. You have the option to admire the waterfall from 7 AM for the best light.
Visiting the foot of the Tumpak Sewu waterfall is a must-do experience. It is not dangerous but you do have to watch your steps and be careful. Do not wear flip-flops and wear sandals instead. Although you can’t swim at the foot, it is incredible to feel all that water force on the ground. Once at the foot of the waterfall, feel that incredible power, take a rest and of course a lot of photos. Take a few lens clean clothes because your lens will get wet. If there is one place in the world we can go back to, it would be this best waterfall in Indonesia.
2. The Rainbow Village: Jodipan
The most interesting place in Malang is Jodipan. The entire village was a slum area and was basically given up. Students came up with the idea to paint everything in bright rainbow colors to attract tourists. In June 2016, the air force troops painted the entire village and directly after, tourists started to notice this rainbow village since it is along the train track bridge. Most tourists come to Malang, Indonesia via train because of its great connection.
Right before you enter the final stop in Malang, you will drive over a bridge which is directly next to the rainbow village Jodipan. And that is the reason how tourists found out about this village and became popular so quickly. An absolute must-see during your trip. Every single house in Jodipan has a different color. After each new corner is a mural which can change from a simple minion to a full 3D tiger. There is a great arty vibe going on with many decorations like colorful umbrellas. There is a bridge over the river that connects one rainbow part to the other.
3. The Blue Village
An entirely new project, on the opposite side of the train track bridge, is the blue village named Kampung Biru Arema in Malang. In April 2018 they started to paint Kampung Biru Arema blue to bring a little extra color and attention to the village. If you are familiar with the blue city Chefchaouen in Morocco, this is the smaller version of it. Expect a wonderful time with loads of photos with the locals and chatting with them using Google Translate since you will be one of the first tourists they have seen. Like Jodipan, the area is full of small recycled artwork and beautiful murals. Expect to spend about 1 hour in the blue village. We couldn’t find an entrance fee so just buy something from the locals if you would like to help them. These villages are an absolute must-visit in Malang.
4. Catch Bromo’s Sunrise
The Bromo Vulcano is one of the highlights on everyone’s Java Route. Watch the sunrise on Bromo and visit the crater. From Malang, you could arrange a day tour to Bromo. A better option to stay near Bromo and follow your way to the IJen crater.
The view of Mount Bromo surrounded by mist as the first rays of sun climb over the horizon is breathtaking. It is freezing cold in the morning at Bromo. The temperature will be between 0-10 degrees with a cold strong wind. The small fires at the food stalls are therefore super comfortable. Be prepared to wear long trousers, socks, closed shoes, a shirt, and a jacket or multiple sweaters. Well if you’re up to this, you are up for an unforgettable ride to see an unforgettable view. Definitely worth trip!
5. Coban Rondo Labyrinth
Test your ingenuity in the labyrinth park! Among the many interesting activities in Coban Rondo, the labyrinth park is one that attracts a lot of visitors’ attention. Having a wall about 2 meters high that is covered with leaves, you can enter this labyrinth park with friends or maybe just yourself.
If you want to see the shape of the labyrinth, you can climb the tower at the entrance to see the whole maze. But, believe us, you won’t even remember the way. Just get lost and find the exit, it’s gonna be fun! The purpose of this labyrinth park is to find a fountain in the center of the maze. To find it, it’s necessary to walk down labyrinth lanes filled with confusing twists and turns. Don’t give up! Because in the end, everything will be paid off!
6. Museum Angkut
Something you would expect in Indonesia is a transport museum. At Museum Angkut, they have a huge collection of airplanes, classic cars, traditional transportations and so much more. It was a fun place to walk around. The Angkut Museum (Transport Museum) is quite famous among travelers in Indonesia. Standing in the area of 3.8 hectares, it has a fairly complete collection.
As the name implies, the museum collection are vehicles from various eras and various countries. Angkot Museum has a collection of 300 vehicles and has been confirmed that it is the largest museum in Southeast Asia. To accommodate of those hundred vehicles, the museum building is divided into 8 exhibition zones and each zone has its own unique characteristics.
7. Balekambang Beach
One of beach destination in Malang you must visit is the Balekambang Beach. This beach has similar contour to the one in Bali, which is the Tanah Lot where there is a temple on a small island adjacent to the coast. The temple in Balekambang is called Amerta Jati Temple and stands on an island called Ismoyo Island. This temple is still actively used as a place of worship for Hindus, both regular worship ceremonies and large ceremonies such as ‘Suroan’.
On this beach you can enjoy the beauty of the sunset with the silhouette of the temple. When the water at the beach is receding, you will see quite exotic rocks on the beach.
8. Bukit Kuneer Tea Plantation
A long time ago, during the Dutch colonization, they introduced products like coffee, tea, tobacco, and rubber in the Malang region. This was possible because of its cooler climate. This was one of the biggest surprises of things to do in Malang. The tea plantations at Bukit Kuneer are in Batu, near Malang. There is a short walking bridge through the fields and is just a beautiful area to enjoy the scenery. The entrance for the area is 12.000 IDR per person. From the parking area, you can either walk to the top for 30 minutes or jump on the back of a motorbike.
9. Coban Putri
A small waterfall and two cool viewpoints. Coban Putri is a small natural water park where locals hang out at the weekend and relax. Although it is not as high as Coban Rondo, but the view it offers has a different feeling. The beauty is something deserved to be admired. Go on the weekdays to avoid many tourists.