11 Best Things to do in Malang (Java, Indonesia)
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Malang was one of my favorite places that I visited in Indonesia. I feel like there are just so many things to do in Malang that it should be on every Indonesia itinerary.
I actually got tears of joy while sitting at a coffee shop there because of how welcomed I felt here.
I really think it came down to the people. There is just this feeling of kindness in the air.
Malang is an easy train ride from Yogykarta. There are also tons of adventure activities nearby, making Malang an easy starting point for some of East Java’s hot spots.
I personally used Malang as the starting point for an East Java Tour.
But even if you’re just passing through for a tour, make sure you give yourself at least an extra day to explore Malang itself and experience the people.
Things to do in Malang
East Java Tour
Malang is a great starting point for an East Java Tour.
These tours often start really early in the morning, so getting there at least the day before is ideal.
I went on an East Java Tour starting in Malang visiting: Mount Bromo, Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, and Mount Ijen.
This tour was such a highlight for me during my time in Indonesia. I still talk about these spots every other day.
Visit Mount Bromo
Mount Bromo is one of those places that almost doesn’t look real. I actually felt like I was on a different planet here.
I will say that I think the sunrise made the views even better, so I totally recommend doing sunrise even if you aren’t on a tour.
But heads up, it does get crowded in some of the viewpoints. A guide could take you to a lesser known spot.
I visited Mount Bromo as part of my East Java Tour, but you can also take a day trip from Malang, either with a tour or by arranging your own transportation.
If you don’t have time for a full East Java Tour, I would still highly recommend making time for Mount Bromo!
Tumpak Sewu Waterfall
Tumpak Sewu is easily one of my favorite waterfalls I’ve ever seen. It’s just absolutely massive.
This is one of those places that makes you realize just how cool Mother Nature is.
Crazy that we get to experience places like this that are just a part of the Earth, my brain can never get over it.
This is another spot that you can do as a day trip from Malang by yourself or whether a tour from Malang.
Jodipan (Rainbow Village)
This village is so incredibly special.
It used to be a rundown part of town, considered a “slum,” until university students came up with the idea to paint the village and turn it into a tourist attraction.
It’s such a beautiful place to walk through, I wish more cities would use this as an example of how to support the community.
You pay a small donation (cash only) to enter the village, and the money goes toward the local community.
It’s just special to see an idea for tourism that actually benefits the people who live there.
Honestly, I was shocked because I had the place almost entirely to myself!
Which was so special for me, but I was also surprised that more people weren’t exploring this part of Indonesia.
Blue Village
The Blue Village is right across the road from Rainbow Village, and it’s free to visit!
You can explore the village or even just admire it from the bridge between the two villages.
It’s a similar concept to Rainbow Village, but all the buildings and houses are painted blue.
Kampoeng Heritage Kajoetangan
You could walk around Heritage Village for hours. The streets are beautiful, and there are tons of places to stop for food, fresh juice, and coffee.
I personally think you have to stop at Kopi Wojo Malang for a cup of coffee and some people-watching. There’s also a popular photo spot right in front!
Kantine Nyi Aisyah has some great soft cookies, but heads up, there was a line every time I passed by. Worth it, though!
You pay a small cash fee to enter the streets, but you get a postcard in return which makes for a great souvenir.
Jalan Ijen
Taking a walk down Jalan Ijen is a perfect way to spend some time in Malang.
This street is known for its Dutch colonial architecture, historic homes, and all the beautiful trees.
It’s a completely different feel from some of other parts of Malang, or even Indonesia at that rate.
I always love seeing different architecture in countries, because it explains so much of the history just seeing all the different influences that have shaped the area.
I’m also just a sucker for a cool building.
Visit Mount Semeru
One of my biggest regrets from my time in East Java was not making it to Mount Semeru.
Mount Semeru is one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes and the tallest mountain on Java. And yes, it’s actually active!
A lot of tours offer Jeep Tours of the area, but you can go when it’s dark to see the lava.
Heads up: Check ahead of time because well, it is an active volcano. Meaning, that sometimes it will be closed if it is looking safe to be in the area.
Srengenge Waterfall
If one waterfall isn’t enough (because why would it be??), this is another spot you should check out!
Srengenge Waterfall is another epic waterfall spot, but here you can go canyoning and rappel down the waterfall.
A lot of tours combine this waterfall with visiting Mt. Semeru, so you could essentially see both easily.
If you’re itching for an adventure activity, this would be your one.
Eat Delicious Food
Malang is special in the way that it has Dutch, Chinese, and obviously Indonesian influences.
On top of being a larger city which naturally brings different food styles, the variety of food here is just different from other parts of Indonesia.
Try something a little different here: maybe Bakso Malang or Nasi Pecel (my favorite).
Coffee Shop Hop
I’m never not going to find a coffee shop and the coffee culture in Malang is top notch.
One of my favorites outside of the Heritage streets was Amari.
Tip: Coffee shops are a perfect way to cool down from the Indonesian heat, because that is no joke.
Fun fact: “Kopi” is the Indonesian word for coffee, so if you see that on a sign, check out the coffee!
Where to Stay in Malang
Malang is a pretty bustling city. But, as long as you have the grab app you can get around easily. There are a ton of great hostel options too! I stayed in Semeru Hostel because that is who I went on the East Java Tour with, so it was just easiest. I loved it though, the people were so friendly and it was clean!
Budget:
Mid:
Luxury:
Final Thoughts on Visiting Malang
Malang really is one of those places that has it all. From all the adventure hotspots nearby like Mount Bromo and Tumpak Sewu Waterfall to colorful villages, beautiful streets, and amazing coffee shops, there are so many things to do in Malang.
But what made this place so special to me was the people. I still think about sitting at a little coffee shop, getting tears in my eyes because I was so overwhelmed by the kindness I had experienced from the people.
Malang just felt like one of those cities that reminds me of why I love traveling so much.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Indonesia, don’t just use Malang as a starting point for your East Java adventures. Give yourself some extra time to explore the city, meet the people, and experience what makes it so special. You might just fall in love with it too!
