Things you never knew you could do in Malang

Malang has got it all with lush tea plantations, colonial heritage sites, dramatic waterfalls and majestic mountains. With its lovely cool climate for a city in Indonesia, delicious Javanese food and lots of things to see and do in and around this sprawling city of east Java, Malang is well worth a visit and not just to see the famous Mount Bromo. Malang is famous for its beautiful parks, bird markets, apple plantations (it is the country's biggest producer of apples) and its signature Soto Ayam (chicken soup) which is the best here in all of Indonesia. Every local would agree! Visitors can walk around the lush green parks of this charming city, see the colonial heritage sites and take a trip to the nearby iconic town of Batu, following in the footsteps of many happy tourists. However, for those who like to wander off the beaten track, here are some things you never knew you could do in Malang;

Discover desolate white-sand beaches to take your breath away

When thinking of pristine Robinson Crusoe-like tropical island beaches, with shimmering white sand and azure blue waters, you won't think of Malang and probably not even Java, but actually, you will be amazed by the stunning beaches found in a driving distance of Malang city. Take a motorbike trip, driving through the jaw-dropping countryside of Malang with the wind in your hair to get to the coastline where you will discover deserted beaches where paradise awaits.
It's a 61-kilometer drive through Java’s raw tropical landscape and it is well worth the trip! In Balekambang, there are three beaches to be found: Ngliyep beach, Balekambang beach, and Sendang Biru beach, all different yet equally beautiful. The sights are breathtaking but keep in mind that the sea here is not safe for swimming.
It takes a bit more effort to get there, but on Sempu island, you cán go swimming and snorkeling. Don’t miss out!

Sleep in a tree hut
The dream of every kid: sleeping in a tree hut. Most kids, when growing up, never actually get to see this wish fulfilled, well, this is your chance! At Omah Kayu Paralayang, located in Batu, you can stay and sleep over in a charming tree hut, tucked 1,340 meters above sea level. The view is breathtaking and waking up to the sound of singing birds and soft wind breezes will allow you to connect with yourself and with nature at once.

Go temple hopping
That’s right, Yogyakarta is not the only city from where you can take a trip to see some ancient Hindu temples. Around Malang, there are quite a few temples to be spotted and you can expect a whole lot less tourists. Singosari Temple is located just 12 km north of central Malang and it dates back to 1300 AD. From here, drive 6 km north to reach the Stupa at Sumberawan, another enchanting Buddhist temple. Another one, the Jago Temple, is believed to be the place where King Wisnuwardhana’s ashes are buried, the fourth king of the ancient Singosari Kingdom.