Dating back to the Singhasari Kingdom, Malang is an ancient city with a modern attitude. It’s managed to retain much of its historic character, which makes it a great place to experience East Java. The historic centre is compact and walkable, with spacious boulevards and plenty of colonial architecture to admire. A handful of major universities fuel an upbeat student scene, which means there’s no shortage of trendy cafes, bars and restaurants to explore.
Things to do in Malang
Most of the action is centred along Ijen Boulevard, an elegant street lined with Dutch mansions and fuchsia bougainvillea vines. While you’re there don’t miss the Brawijaya Military Museum, which offers a glimpse at Indonesia’s turbulent past.
The Mangun Dharma Art Center celebrates East Javanese artforms, including dance, shadow puppetry and wood carving. For a breath of fresh air, escape to the Purwodadi Botanical Gardens or catch a cultural show in Senaputra Park.
If you enjoy hiking, Mount Semeru has some scenic trails, as does nearby Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park. The picturesque countryside is dotted with plenty of things to see, such as Hindu temples like Singosari, which dates back to 1300 AD.
Every morning, the PasarBunga flower market explodes in a sea of colour with a bustling atmosphere. Don’t leave without sampling the local cuisine, as the best nasi goreng in town is found at the Pasar Besar public market or the Agus Salim night market.
Getting around Malang
Downtown Malang is compact and walkable, which makes it easy to navigate on foot. Becak pedicabs are a fun and eco-friendly way to get from A to B, while metered taxis also operate throughout the city. Overnight trains run to Jakarta and Bandung, with Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport an easy 20-minute drive to the north-east. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a motorbike or scooter to access off-the-beaten-path attractions like lush rice paddies, tumbling waterfalls and hidden temples.