Malang in Indonesia is a city in the higher part of East Java. With a fresh mountain breeze, the climate is much more comfortable than in Yogyakarta. Malang is mainly used as a perfect stopover before heading to the Bromo Volcano. However, the city has so much more to offer, home to one of Indonesia’s most jaw-dropping waterfalls, a rainbow and blue village, and an enormous tea plantation. We recommend spending 2/3 days enjoying all the top things to do in Malang.
1. Tumpak Sewu Waterfall
One of the most spectacular waterfalls in Indonesia is Tumpak Sewu (located not far from Malang). 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.
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.
3. The Blue Village (Kampung Biru Arema)
An entirely new project (on the opposite side of the train track bridge) is the Blue Village. In April 2018, they started to paint Kampung Biru Arema blue to bring a little extra color and attention to the village.
4. Visit Mount Bromo from Malang
The Bromo Volcano is one of the highlights of everyoneโs Java Route. Watch the sunrise on Bromo and visit the crater. From Malang, you could arrange a day tour to Bromo. A better option is to stay near Bromo and follow your way to the IJen crater.
Read about: Bromo Tour
Tip: On your way to Bromo, make sure to stop at the beautiful waterfall Coban Pelangi.
5. Bukit Kuneer Tea Plantations
A long time ago, during the Dutch colonization, they introduced products like coffee, tea, tobacco, and rubber in the 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 it 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.
6. 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. Go on the weekdays to avoid many tourists.
Must Read:ย 8-day Java Route Guide
7. Coban Rondo Waterfall
Another beautiful waterfall in the area is Coban Rondo. The powerful waterfall is around 80 meters high and can be visited from the foot. The whole area around Coban Rondo is a beautiful park.
8. Coban Rondo Labrinth
In the same park is a small Labrinth. If you are in to have a little fun with the Indonesian people. Head over to this place and try to get to the center as quickly as possible.
The Coban Rondo park is open from 8 AM to 5 PM and a single ticket costs 36.000 IDR (2.5 USD). This is valid for the full Coban Rondo park.
9. Museum Angkut
Something you wouldn’t 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 although we wouldnโt recommend it if you arenโt really into โtheme park styleโ places.
Getting around Malang
You could plan a 2-day trip in and around Malang. On your first day, combine numbers 1, 2, and 3. On your second day, combine numbers 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 of this list of things to do in Malang. We recommend doing Bromo (number 4) on a separate day.
Tip: It is best to rent a driver for a day. This would cost you between 450K โ 650K for 12 hours.
Get a driver
Contact our great driver Azhar on Whatsapp (+6281336042045). Make sure to tell him you came via ‘Salt in our Hair’ so you’ll get the best price.
Restaurants in Malang
The best restaurants are spread all over the city. A great option is to head out to one of the local Warungs and get a simply delicious dish like Nasi Pecel. Other great options are:
- SaigonSanย โฅ๏ธโฅ๏ธโฅ๏ธโฅ๏ธ
- Inggil Museum Restoย โฅ๏ธโฅ๏ธโฅ๏ธ
- Java Dancer Restaurantย โฅ๏ธโฅ๏ธ
How to get to Malang, Indonesia
Malang has a good train station and domestic airport. Direct flights are available from Bali or Jakarta.
By Train
You can take the train to Malang from Yogyakarta. The Malioboro Express train from Yogyakarta to Malang is very comfortable. Driving from Yogyakarta takes up more time. There are two stations in Malang; get off at the last station so you will see Jodipan village.
Where to Stay
Malang offers hotels and guesthouses in any kind of price category. Base yourself in the center to be close to the main sites.
Staying anywhere near the main train station is a great idea, as you’ll be located just a few minutes walk from the colored village.
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I have been looking through your blogs for Malang and Bali – great information, thank you – where did you stay in Malang – I thought I saw somewhere where you recommended a guest house – was this is Malang or where….so much information and so good!
Thanks in advance
Thanks Madeleine! Yes we stayed at Griyo Sultan Agung Guesthouse โค๏ธ