Once the regal seat of the Kanjuruhan and Singhasari kings, Malang in East Java remains one of Indonesia’s most intriguing historical centres; a place where the more modern images of Dutch colonialism still linger on in the shadow of centuries-old temples.
The city of today has an energetic vibe lurking about its leafy boulevards. Perhaps it’s the students who come here from right across the country, or the rising visitor population in search of the much-photographed Balekambang Beach, the strong coffee, breath-taking jungle surroundings, sprawling night markets and altogether enthralling ambience Malang cannot help but exude.
But beaches, temples and local life aside, Malang tourist guides will also be quick to tout the city’s culinary prowess; the succulent ayam goreng kampong chicken; the ubiquitous street-side jagung bakar; the meaty bakso malang soup. Then there are the museums, or the possible excursions to Sempu Island—one of the most beautiful off all of Java as a whole.