Why Malang Should Be on Your Java Travel Itinerary
- Margaux Delang
- 27 sep 2024
- 4 minuten om te lezen
Malang: Java’s Charming Getaway
Nestled between lush mountains and cool highlands, Malang offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Known for its colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and proximity to breathtaking landscapes like Mount Bromo and Coban Rondo Waterfall, Malang is an ideal destination for travelers seeking a peaceful yet enriching experience. Whether you're strolling through the city's historic streets or exploring nearby tea plantations, Malang promises a refreshing escape from the bustling cities of Java.
How to get there?
By Train
Perhaps the easiest option is to take the train from Yogyakarta to Malang. You can depart either early in the morning around 8 am from Tugu Station or at 9 pm for an 8-hour journey to Malang. In Malang, there are two stations to disembark, but make sure to get off at the final stop, Jodipan. Depending on the type of ticket, prices range between €10 and €18. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or even at the Alfamart supermarket.
By Bus
On this route, only night buses are available, and there are no beds on board. If you're willing to sacrifice a bit of comfort for budget-friendly travel, then the Wijaya Baru bus departing from the center of Yogyakarta at 6:00 pm is the best choice. A ticket costs €9, and the journey takes seven hours and thirty minutes. There are other options, but they usually take longer or involve cramped minivans. Tickets for buses can also be purchased online.
We planned to take the train and had already purchased tickets, but due to a train accident, all trains for the rest of the day and night were canceled. Many people opted for the bus, but we were fortunate enough to have our driver for the day, A-G, who was extremely kind and drove us to Malang in his spacious car in 6 hours, allowing us to travel comfortably overnight and arrive in Malang very early in the morning.
What to do in Malang?
Jodipan
Jodipan isn't just your average neighborhood—it's a vibrant collection of colorful villages nestled in the heart of Malang. Among them are three distinct areas: Kampung Warna-Warni (The Rainbow Village), Kampung Tridi (3D Arts Village), and Kampung Biru Arema (The Blue Village). Prior to 2016, Jodipan faced the threat of demolition due to its status as a slum, with residents facing eviction due to the area's poor living conditions.
Fortunately, a group of visionary students from a local university in Malang stepped in to breathe new life into the community. Armed with cans of paint and boundless creativity, they transformed the landscape. Teaming up with a generous paint supplier who donated 3 tons of paint, along with support from the government and local artists, they set out to paint the town in a kaleidoscope of colors. Murals and unique installations adorned every corner, turning Jodipan into a true masterpiece.
This revitalization effort was a testament to the power of community collaboration, with residents, artists, and volunteers all pitching in to give Jodipan a fresh start.
To explore each village, visitors are asked to pay a nominal entrance fee of just 5,000 IDR, roughly equivalent to 29 cents. While tourism remains relatively low-key, every visitor contributes to the ongoing prosperity of this vibrant community.
Madakaripura Waterfall
The Madakaripura Waterfalls are located just an hour's drive from the famous Bromo volcano, yet they are rarely visited by foreign tourists. It's not exactly on the route to or from Bromo, and public transportation to get there can be quite challenging. Fortunately, taxis in Java are very affordable, and believe me, the small detour is absolutely worth it.
Having a local taxi driver with you is highly recommended. Since the waterfalls are mostly visited by locals, they may see a foreigner as an opportunity for extra income. If you're not careful, you could end up paying much more than you should.
Here are some tips to avoid this:
The entrance fee for the waterfalls is only 5,000 Rupiah (about €0.30) for foreign tourists, as indicated on a small sign at the entrance. However, they may try to charge tourists up to 10 euros since many may not know the official entrance fee. It's best to have your taxi driver pay the entrance fee for you.
Upon arrival at the parking lot, you'll likely be approached by dozens of vendors. While slippers and a poncho may come in handy if you don't have them with you, the vendors can be quite persistent. However, they are usually friendly, and the price is very reasonable. You can get both slippers and a poncho for only 10,000 Rupiah (about €0.60). We wore slippers but didn't have a poncho. If you don't mind getting completely wet, a poncho isn't necessarily needed.
When you arrive, you'll also encounter several guides offering to accompany you to the waterfall. Initially, you might wonder why you need a guide as you walk along the paved path. However, once the path ends, you'll find yourself wading through knee-deep water. To reach the waterfalls, you'll need to traverse small rivers with strong currents and climb over rocks while passing under various waterfalls before reaching the largest one. Having a guide with you who knows the safest routes and how to navigate the rocks can be invaluable. A guide will cost you approximately 50,000 to 100,000 Rupiah, (€2,78 - €5.75) and I personally found it to be well worth it. Plus, they often provide transportation on a scooter to the entrance, saving you from having to walk.
As long as you keep the above points in mind, you can relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings without any worries.
We visited these waterfalls on the recommendation of the driver who picked us up in Malang and took us to Jodipan in the morning. This allowed us to stop at these waterfalls in the afternoon on our way to Bromo.
