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10 Reasons Why Malang Should Be Your Next Go-To Vacation Spot

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Azira Mohamed •  May 11, 2017

Located in East Java with its chilly highland temperatures and rich cultural history, this city is not to be missed on your next trip to Indonesia! Often lesser known to the popular Bandung and Jakarta as a tourist destination, Malang is an undiscovered gem not to be missed. Thrilling theme parks, museums, and natural sites... Malang has something to offer for everyone?

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If you need some convincing to visit Malang, we've rounded up 10 best reasons for you! Ready? Let’s go?

1. Wake up to a gorgeous sunrise at Omah Kayu

Does waking up to a sunrise with birds chirping and cool fresh air sound good to you? If yes, then the treetop-house stay at Omah Kayu is the perfect place to stay! Newly opened in February 2014, the Omah Kayu offers an up-close-and-personal retreat in nature on a hilltop 1,340 metres above sea level at Batu district. The treehouse balcony is the ideal spot to lounge and bask in the serene sights and sounds of nature. Besides star-gazing spots, the balcony provides a breathtaking viewpoint of Batu town at night?

Credit: asriyandioey96 on Instagram

Each treehouse can comfortably house a group of three, and there are a total of six treehouses. Each house is equipped with one bed, blanket, and tableware for your use. Bathrooms are located outdoors and hot water is provided. Omah Kayu also provides a simple breakfast for its guests!

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#HHWT Tip: Remember to bring a jacket as it can get quite cold, especially at night!

Address: Omah Kayu Paralayang, Songgokerto, Batu Sub-District, Batu City.

Rates: From RP 350 000 (Rp 450 000 during peak periods)

2. Get lost in the labyrinths of Taman Labirin Coban Rondo!

Fancy getting lost in maze of shrubs? Race your buddies and give the Coban Rondo labyrinth a go! Though it may look easy from the outside, the maze is indeed daunting from the inside and will certainly require some brain-cracking!

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If you’re not one for a challenge, you can always get a friend to guide from the watchtower which provides a bird’s eye view of the puzzle. (But hey, that’s cheating!) The 2-metres-high hedge walls also make a perfect Instagram backdrop for your OOTD! If you want to get a good shot though, do come early before 10am to avoid the crowds.

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The maze is also located within the same premises as the Coban Rondo waterfall! After sweating it out in the maze, you and your buddies can cool off and chill to the relaxing sounds of the gushing waterfalls?

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Address: Jl. Coban Rondo, Batu, East Java 65391

Opening hours: 9am to 5pm

Entrance: Rp 7,5000

3. Automotives Galore at Angkut Museum!

The Angkut Museum or transportation museum is yet another unique attraction in Malang! At a massive 3.8ha, this museum is also the biggest museum in Southeast Asia with a massive collection of over 300 vehicles of different time periods and places?

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The whole area is set like a theme park with different themes with eight exhibition zones such as Gangster Town and Broadway, Europe, Buckingham Palace and even the local Sunda Kelapa and Batavia Warehouse Zone!

Credit: Museum Angkut on Facebook

Just outside the museum area is the “Pasar Apung” or replica of the traditional floating markets of Indonesia where local treats such as ‘Sate Madura’ and ‘Soto’ are sold. Take a trip on a miniature gondola while enjoying these local delights?

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Address: Museum Angkut, Jl. Terusan Sultan Agung No. 2, Kota Batu, Jl. Sultan Agung, Kec. Batu, Jawa Timur

Opening Hours: 12pm to 8pm

Entrance: Weekdays Rp 60,000/Weekends Rp 80,000

Website

4. Jawa Timur Park 1 for family-fun!

Jawa Timur Park 1 or Jatim Park 1 is a popular theme park combining education with recreation! True to its mission, all the attractions in the park are related to either culture, the sciences, or history.

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Among these is an ethnic gallery showcasing the diverse ethnic groups in Indonesia, a Science Centre, a mythological creatures showcase, and an organs museum! With up to 55 attractions including thrilling roller coasters, go-karts and other amusement rides, there’s definitely something for everyone in the family. The park is huge and includes a huge swimming pool, so make sure you bring your swimsuits and have a full day to spend exploring!

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Address: Jl. Kartika No. 2 Kota Wisata Batu – East Java Indonesia 65314

Opening hours: 8.30am to 4.30pm

Entrance: Weekdays (Monday – Thursday) Rp 70,000, Weekends Rp 100,000 *Children under 85cm free

5. Wildlife Exploration at Jawa Timur Park 2

If Jatim Park 1 is focused on the sciences, history, and culture, Jatim Park 2 is its counterpart in ecology and wildlife preservation! The park has two main parts – Museum Satwa (Wildlife Museum) and the Batu Secret Zoo. The Museum Satwa hosts many exhibits of preserved wildlife in their native environments including one of a life-sized T-Rex and other pre-historical creatures! With so many exhibits available, ake sure you don’t miss your photo-opp!

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The Batu Secret Zoo is where the animals come to life! At the zoo, visitors get to interact with many species of animals – from rare birds, to the big cats, reptiles, and many more. Do check the website for specific feeding times, and remember to follow the rules and regulations of the park when up close with the animals.

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Address: Jl. Raya Oro-Oro Ombo No.9, Temas, Kec. Batu, Kota Batu, Jawa Timur 65315, Indonesia

Opening hours: 10am to 6pm

Entrance: Weekdays Rp 84,000 / Weekends Rp. 120,000

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6. Go Rafting at Kaliwatu!

Here’s an adventure fit for the whole family! The river rafting at Kaliwatu is suited for beginners with little experience rafting. Experienced guides will help steer the raft over the 7km route while you enjoy the thrilling ride with its twists and turns over rushing freshwater. Hold on tight and get ready for a bumpy ride, guys!

Credit: Kaliwatu Rafting Facebook

While you’re busy enjoying the thrill, do make sure you enjoy the lush greenery surrounding the river-scape as well! The whole experience lasts about one and a half hours starting from 9 in the morning, and includes a welcome drink, snack and lunch.

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Address: Jl. Pandanrejo No. 4, Bumiaji District, Batu City, East Java Indonesia

Rates: Rp 180,000 per person inclusive of safety gear, snacks, and lunch

Website | Facebook

7. Meditate at the serene Wonosari Tea Plantations, Singosari

A half-hour’s drive north of Malang brings you to the Wonosari Tea Plantations on the slopes of Mount Arjuno where you can breathe in the clean, fresh air of acres and acres of tea shrubs! At the agro-tourism park, you can go for a tour underlining the whole process of tea production from tea-picking to the drying of leaves for consumption. The relaxed tour within the picturesque mountainside range is a really special experience?

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Other activities are also available within the plantation area, such as outbound obstacle courses, flying fox, and paintball!

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Address: Wonosari Tea Plantation, Lawang, Malang

Opening hours: 7am to 5pm

Entrance: Rp 10,000

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8. Get a taste of history at Inggil Restaurant!

Inggil restaurant is a sight to behold as it is packed from floor to ceiling with antiques and artefacts belonging to the rich heritage of Java! From old musical instruments, tapestries of Batik, antique sewing machines and carved wood, Inggil is a feast not only for the tummy but for the eyes?

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The food served is authentically Javanese, so don’t expect any Western food fare! There’s also a nightly Javanese performance of music and dance at around 7pm, but do make reservations in case there’s a crowd. If you want the full experience, you can also opt to sit on the floor (lesehan-style) as per the traditional dining setting of the Javanese!

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Address: Jl. Gajah Mada No. 4, Kiduldalem, Klojen, Kiduldalem, Klojen, Kota Malang, Jawa Timur 65119

Opening hours: 10am to 10pm daily

9. Batu Night Spectacular

In Malang, adventure continues into the night! Batu Night Spectacular is a carnival-style amusement park with rides, live shows, games and a night market!

Credit: Batu Night Spectacular on Facebook

You can have a go at their Go-Kart Trek, go on countless bumper car rides, get your heart racing at the haunted house and break a sweat at the trampoline playground, among other attractions?

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If you’re famished at the end of a long day, check out the two food courts in the premises offering delicious local and international fare. You can also wind down by taking in the sights of the floating lanterns and brightly-lit bicycles in the area!

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Address: Jl. Hayam Wuruk No. 1, Oro-Oro Ombo, Kec. Batu, Kota Batu, Jawa Timur 65316

Opening hours: 3pm to 11pm

Entrance: Weekdays: Rp 30,000 (Mondays to Thursdays), Weekends: Rp 40,000 (Friday to Sunday)

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10. Go Paragliding at Gunung Banyak!

Feeling adventurous enough? Soar like a bird and feel the rush of free-falling when you paraglide down Gunung Banyak and take in the scenery of green farmland, hills, and mountain-ranges!?

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Whether you’re a newbie at paragliding who just wants to get a feel of the thrill, or a true adrenaline-junkie seeking your next heart-stopping activity, the good folks at Ayokitakemon have got you sorted!

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It definitely has the perfect views to see Malang from atop, if you ask us!?

Address: Ayokitakemon, Jl. Arumdalu, No. 20, 65312 Songgoriti

Rate: Rp 350,000 onwards depending on package

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There you have it! We've just rounded up the top ten reasons for you to visit Malang. So, what are you waiting for? Start packing and book your flight tickets! It’s time to go ahead and fill your life with adventures☺️