EmWondering what to do in Malang? Malang may not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a trip to Java, but this underrated city has plenty to offer beyond its role as a gateway to Mount Bromo. With its vibrant street art, hidden heritage villages, and stunning natural landscapes, Malang is a destination that deserves a closer look. Whether you’re wandering through the colorful alleys of the Rainbow Village, sipping coffee at one of Indonesia’s oldest cafés, or chasing waterfalls in the surrounding countryside, Malang has something to surprise and delight every kind of traveler.
Key Takeaways
- The most famous tourist attractions in Malang are the incredibly picturesque Rainbow and Blue Villages
- Most people will stay in the city for a day before or after their Mount Bromo adventure, and this gives plenty of time to enjoy the city’s other sights including Kajoetangan Heritage Village and All About Koffie
- If you have time for a second day in Malang, consider going waterfall hunting to the famous Tumpak Sewu waterfall, or one of the many others around the city
Is Malang worth visiting?
Best known as a starting point for tours of Mount Bromo, it’s still worth spending a day in the of Malang around your bucket-list Bromo trip. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for your next adrenaline rush or simply seeking a relaxing getaway, Malang has it all. So grab your sense of adventure and get ready to experience the best that Java has to offer!
The top things to do in Malang include exploring stunning waterfalls, hiking through lush jungles, and immersing yourself in the rich culture of East Java. in this travel guide I’ll talk you through what to do in Malang, including the best tourist attractions and hidden recommendations.
How many days should you spend in Malang
Most people will pass through Malang on their way to or from Mount Bromo. While there are some amazing things to do in Malang, my view is that one full day is enough if you plan to see the main Malang tourist attractions. Add a second day if you plan to visit the waterfalls.
When is the best time to visit Malang
Like neighbouring Mount Bromo, the best time to visit Malang is during the dry season from May to October. Peak season is considered to be July and August, which means higher prices and more visitors.
Rainy season, from November-March/April, will mean lower prices but the risk of disruption from rain.
What is the history of Malang
Malang is believed to date to around the 8th century, although historical work is ongoing to understand this period of the city’ history. It became a popular and thriving city during the period of Dutch colonisation, partly because it has a cooler and more temperate climate than the rest of Java.
After the Second World War, Indonesia became independent and Malang became a part of the new country. There was a brief period where the city was reoccupied by the Dutch before being reuinted with Indonesia.
What to do in Malang?
Visit Jodipan, the Rainbow Village
Cost: $0.60 for each side of the village
This is the most popular tourist attraction in Malang, and for good reason. The Rainbow Village is in the centre of the city, nestled into a small valley alongside a river. One of the most picturesque places I’ve seen on my travels, the story is that local university students painted the houses in rainbow colours to encourage tourism.
The Rainbow Village is actually split into two villages, on either side of the river. You pay separately to enter both, and get a small gift for your entry fee on each side. This money goes directly to the local people.
The most famous site in the Rainbow Village Malang is the glass bridge crossing the small river. This gives beautiful views of both sides of the river, allowing you to capture truly insta-worthy pictures. There’s also a small Instagram-picture spot one one side, offering a few picture spots like a giant clam and a throne for fun pics.
History of the Rainbow Village
Formally known as Jodipan Village, the Rainbow Village also provides an astonishing insight into the lives of ordinary people in Malang. As you walk past, you’re peering into houses where people obviously still live. If this were in a more touristy city, like Bali or any destination in Europe, these houses would have long since become little tourist shops and cafes. It’s also a direct contrast to some of the huge mansion-style houses I saw in other parts of the city.
I was surprised (and pleased) to find that while the houses in the Rainbow Village Malang have been painted, often with street art as well, relatively little else has changed other than bringing some much needed prosperity to the local people.
Visit the Blue village, Malang
Cost: $0.60
Just across the (slightly terrifying) road from the Rainbow Village Malang is the newer and less well known Blue Village. It’s a less famous tourist attraction in Malang, and therefore a little less busy.
As the name suggests, this village has been entirely painted in shades of blue. It also has a lion theme throughout in honour of local football club Arema FC, with many street art lions gracing the walls. As a lover of all things blue (everything I own that can possibly be blue is blue), I loved this little village.
It was painted to mimic Chefchaouen, a city in Morocco, and definitely has a Mediterranean vibe. It’s definitely worth adding to your trip to the Rainbow Village in Malang, especially because it’s just across the road. Having visited both Penang and Ipoh, street art has become one of my favourite things to explore in Asia. If possible, the Blue Village has even more street art than the Rainbow Village!
Both of these villages used to be slum housing, which were slated to be destroyed by the local government due to their unsanitary conditions. The painting projects have given them a new lease of life, including income for residents. Make sure you lean into this by buying a drink or small souvenir as you’re walking around – there are plenty of people selling bottled soft drinks.
Visit the Kajoetangan Heritage Village for a more off the beaten track experience
Cost: $0.60
This was a recommendation from one of the staff members at my accommodation, and I haven’t seen it on any other lists of what to do in Malang. While I was there, it was busy with local tourists, but I saw very few international tourists.
This heritage village is in central Malang, but hidden behind the bigger, more modern roads and buildings. Head inside and you’ll find a maze of small backstreets representing a much older Malang. The area was primarily built by Dutch colonisers and gives an insight into what Malang would have looked like during the 19th century.
There are a number of pretty cafes throughout the village, a few antique shops and some Instagram spots as well. There is a small charge to enter – again, you receive a small souvenir in return for your entry fee. This is a great Malang tourist attraction if you want to find somewhere a little more off the beaten track.
Go for coffee at one of the oldest coffee shops in Malang
Near the Heritage Village is All about Koffie by Kawisari Coffee, one of the oldest coffee shops in Malang. Established in 1870, this coffee shop has been a part of Malang’s coffee scene ever since.
It’s a great place to head before or after your trip to the Heritage Village. The huge figures standing around the sign make it easy to spot as well! The inside is beautiful, with some lovely vintage vibes. The coffee comes from the Kawisari plantation on the slopes of Mount Kawi, and there are some really unusual varieties on offer – I tried the wine coffee.
The cafe also offers food, making it a good lunch spot if needed.
Go to Retawu Deli for pastries
This was another recommendation from my accommodation. This beautiful cafe is located near Enny’s Guest House, and was extremely busy with locals when I went on a Sunday morning! It has some of the best pastries I’ve had on my trip so far, with a huge variety offered. A great place to start your day.
Spend a day visiting one of the many waterfalls around Malang
If you have a bit more time, there are a number of waterfalls around Malang to visit. The most famous of these is Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, which has a number of different waterfall streams in one half-moon location.
I didn’t end up getting to visit Tumpak Sewu, as it’s a long day trip from Malang – from around 8am – 5pm, given driving times. This gets longer if you want to add one of the other local waterfalls to the site. However, the pictures of Tumpak Sewu are absolutely stunning and it’s worth doing if you have the time and stamina.
Waterfall chasing is also one of the most popular things to do in Malang. There are a number of slightly less spectacular waterfalls around Malang, including Coban Putri, but none are particularly near to each other. If you want to spend a day waterfall chasing, you’ll need to hire a driver or your own mopeds.
Frequently asked questions
How to visit Mount Bromo from Malang
Many tourists will stay in Malang to visit nearby Mount Bromo, one of Indonesia’s bucket-list destinations. Malang is the nearest major city to Mount Bromo, and a popular starting point for tours.
The easiest way to visit Mount Bromo is via an organised tour. It’s a long drive from Malang, and if you want to see the sunrise, you need to do that drive in the dark. The last part of the drive to the sunrise spot is across the famous Sea of Sands, where there is no light – for this reason, I wouldn’t personally recommend visiting Mount Bromo independently.
You can organise a tour through your hotel/guest house, or choose one via an online provider such as Get Your Guide. Many people also combine a trip to Mount Bromo with a Mount Ijen, another nearby(ish) volcano.
I’ve written a full post on my experience of visiting Mount Bromo, which goes into detail on any questions you might have.
How to get to Malang
Malang is in east Java, east of Yogyakarta and south of Surabaya. It’s well connected via Indonesia’s excellent train network, but doesn’t have an airport of it’s own (or at least not one offering useful international and inter-island flights). Java also has a network of good value buses, but I would recommend using the train if this is availble from your destination.
From Yogyakarta
Ticket cost: c.$28 for Executive or $16 for Economy
If you are coming from Yogyakarta, the easiest way by far is the train. This takes about 6 hours and if you buy an Executif class ticket (not particularly expensive) is extremely comfortable.
Java has excellent train services across the island. There are two main classes, Executive, with bigger and more comfortable seats, and Economy. There is one day train, which leaves at about 9.30am, and multiple night trains. I didn’t find the night trains to have great timings (they arrive about 4am), so went for the day train. This also meant I got to soak up Java’s beautiful countryside.
While the trains are modern and user friendly, they are not super straightforward to book if you have a foreign bank account. After a lot of research, I booked my ticket via Tiket and had no problems.
There are also buses available via 12goasia. However, the train is quicker and more comfortable, with the option to walk about. I recommend taking the train unless it’s sold out or you are on a very strict budget.
From Surabaya
The easiest way to travel from Surabaya airport is probably a private car or shared taxi. While there are buses available, these seem to depart from random spots across the city, rather than the airport.
There is a train link from Surabaya city centre to Malang, so if you are staying in the city centre, this is your best option. But if you are coming from the airport, it’s difficult to get into the city and then onto the train – requiring multiple transfers and walks in between stops.
Ask your hotel if they can arrange a shared taxi if you don’t want to pay for a private car.
From Jakarta
Cost: c.$17 for economy or $43 for Executif
If you are coming straight from Jakarta, this is likely to be a long journey, and it’s worth considering a stop in Yogyakarta first. However, if time doesn’t allow, you can take the train from Jakarta to Surabaya and then from Surabaya to Malang. The shortest journey time is about 13 hours.
From Bali
You can also get to and from Malang from Bali (though again, this is a long journey). It’s most likely you will be doing this if you are also heading to Mount Ijen before or after Mount Bromo. Many tour companies will offer a 2 or 3 night version which takes you to both mountains and then drops you off near Ketapang Harbour in Banyuwangi.
Ferries to Bali then operate 24 hours a day and take about 45 minutes, with regular crossings (every 15-20 minutes if weather permits).
Depending on your onward destination, You can also buy tickets from Banyuwangi with onward bus to various destinations in Bali, including Denpasar, the main city in Bali, and Nusa Dua, one of the beach resorts, from 12goasia.
There is also a direct bus from Malang that will take you across to Bali, which takes at least 14 hours depending on the time of day.
How to get around in Malang?
I found Malang to be one of the least pedestrian friendly cities I’ve visited in Asia – a big statement to make given how unfriendly to pedestrians most cities are on the continent.
There is no central tourist/hotel area that I could find and pavements are in even worse condition (if they exist) than I’ve seen across the rest of Indonesia. Coupled with bigger, busier roads with faster cars, this meant that I struggled to walk around in Malang.
Luckily though, Grab and Gojek are everywhere, and cheap. Make sure you have these apps downloaded before you arrive. While Malang is a busy city, it’s not huge and it didn’t take long to get to the key sites via car.
Where to stay in Malang?
As I said above, I didn’t find a central tourist area or street in Malang (unlike Yogya, which has a very clear area that’s easy for tourists to navigate). There didn’t appear to be a clear focus area for hotels in Malang.
I stayed at Enny’s Guest House, one of the top rated budget hotels on Booking.com. It thoroughly deserved this – it was spotlessly clean, had great areas to relax, and incredibly friendly and helpful staff. There are three room types – I stayed in the cheapest. The better room types had more modern bathrooms (not soak the entire room showers), blackout curtains and some had nice seating facing the garden. They’re not much more expensive, so worth an upgrade if you fancy.
Other options in Malang include Snooze Hostel, which is at the higher end of hostel accommodation. If you are looking for a more traditional hotel, the 101 Hotel OJ has good reviews.
Malang might not yet be a household name among travelers, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. It offers an authentic slice of Java—where history, culture, and adventure blend seamlessly. Whether you stay for a quick day trip or extend your visit to explore its natural wonders, Malang is sure to leave a lasting impression. So, if you’re heading to East Java, don’t just pass through—take the time to experience this fascinating city for yourself.
How did I not know about the rainbow village?! I actively seek “rainbow destinations” so this just got added to the list. Pinning for later!
Oh its definitely worth it! Plan your trip now 😊