14 Natural attractions in and around Malang you never knew existed

Versi Bahasa Indonesia: https://indonesia.tripcanvas.co/id/malang/tempat-wisata-alam-unik/

Written by Yan Lam Liang
Co-written by Matin Firas Harahap
Assisted by Imron Ramadhan

If you love nature, Malang is the ideal place for you.

Known as the second largest city in East Java, Malang (and its surroundings) is home to countless of natural attractions, including the highest mountain in Java, Mount Semeru.

Getting there

And just imagine bathing in waterfalls with numerous streams, Instagramming exotic beaches, being awed by the faraway view atop volcanoes and witnessing the wonderful natural formations in caves – these are what Malang has to offer.

So are you ready for the adventure?

Also read:

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1. Get in touch with the diverse anatomies of an active volcano: Mount Kelud

Mount Kelud is a volcano located in the regions of Kediri, Blitar, Malang. Towering at a height of 1731 metres, you will be blown away by its panoramic view, with its layers of green, brown and yellow looming in the grey, misty clouds.

Photo via adithdito

Photo via novis5, lindha gdm

The pool of cool blue in the caldron of Mount Kelud is one of its highlights. The caldron, believed to bring peace and prosperity, is a popular photo-taking spot among tourists.

Photo via ady elcotrex

Photo via pengeja.rindu

Check out the Mystery Road in Mount Kelud, where potentially moving objects, including cars, motorcycles and even your water bottles, are said to be able to move on its own.

Photo via irza.b, enyung andrianto

The ‘Child of Kelud Mountain’ is a lava dome which rose in the crater when the volcano was active in November 2007. There is also a tunnel in Mount Kelud, and 3 main hiking routes for trekkers.

Photo via watashiwaeunike wordpress

You can also challenge your rock-climbing skills at Mount Sumbing, where the rock structures are 90% declining.

Photo via madawirna uny blogspot

2. Be awed by the innumerable streams: Coban Sewu waterfall

Coban Sewu Waterfall is truly one of a kind.

The waterfall towers at a majestic 180 metres, and endless streams flows from the green cliff.

Photo via ajibgan, meyz

There is a trekking path nearby, where you can get a panoramic view of the falls. But if you want to draw closer and are up for the thrill, there is a steep, narrow path with bamboo fence from which you can descend to the base of the waterfall.

Photo via panduwirok

There, you can tread on the wet soil and stones, touch the water, and feel the cool air all around. With cliffs so high that block the view of the skies, you are literally surrounded by nature.

Photo via rifqi fananni

There is also a cave, Goa Tetes, by the cliff if you would like to explore.

Photo via my seeworld

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3. Get close and physical with unique rock structures: Supit Urang Waterfall

Super Urang Waterfall consists of 3 different features – Supit Urang 1, Supit Urang 2, and Watu Talang, a river gutter.

Photo via wahyu sbp

Witness the unique rock structure of the waterfall, where the cliff is formed by large blocks of angular boulders stacking on top of one another.

Photo via dikysugandiputra

Supit Urang 1 is the waterfall below, while Supit Urang 2 is the one above. To get to Supit Urang 2, you can take a steep 100-metre-long path up the cliff.

Photo via emyx.core17, arieppippo

Alternatively, there is a bamboo ladder of 12 metres that you can climb directly from Supit Urang 1.

Photo via narta.dewi.sasongko

4. Witness the explosion of a coral crater: Mbehi Beach

Mention exotic beaches, and most of us will think of Bali.

But there are also many beautiful and unique beaches in Java that are not inferior to those in Bali. And one of them can be found in the southern coastal district of Malang, named Mbehi Beach.

Photo via vio shena

This beach is a hidden paradise in Malang, as not many people are aware of its existence. Although its distance from the town center is about 66km, it is definitely worth exploring.

Photo via dhandy wahyu

Located behind protected forests, the surrounds are beautifully graced with clean white sand beaches. The water is clear with shades of turquoise. So any fatigue from trekking will vanish instantly.

On the side of the beach, there are two natural phenomena that will certainly make you wonder!

First, there is a hole in a large coral that breaks directly into the sea, resembling a crater. When big waves come, water will spurt up the ‘crater’ with a roaring sound like a rampaging dragon. And there’s no fence, so you need to be careful and keep your distance from the hole!

And not far from the ‘crater’, you’ll find another unique attraction called the Gulf of Angels. This phenomenon is a formation of a shallow natural pool from sea water.

Photo by Andy bv

Here, you can soak while enjoying the natural beauty all around, with the Indian Ocean as your epic backdrop.

5. Behold the union of a waterfall and a beach: Banyu Anjlok Beach

The beach is adjacent to a rocky cliff, from which a waterfall flows through and splashes directly onto the beach itself.

Photo via bowwdat

The best part? There is a ladder from which you can climb up to the springs of the waterfall. There, you get to bathe in the springwater while admiring the vast sea.

Photo via ardeeanza

Photo via david.dlee

Phoot via habibi.coach

It’s located next to Lenggoksono Beach, Bolu-Bolu Beach and Kletakan Beach, so if you are thirsting to explore more beaches, this is the direction to head towards!

6. Abode of the Gods – Mount Bromo

The epicenter of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Mount Bromo is certainly one of the best sights mother nature has produced in this part of the world.

Mount Bromo stands at 2,392 meters in the middle of a vast sea of sand, nowhere close to Indonesia’s highest peak – but definitely a majestic spectacle for the tens of thousands who flock from far away just to witness its beauty.

Drivers will warm up their Jeeps by 3am, ready to scale the narrow winding trails of the nearby Mount Penanjakan, the favoured spot to catch the sunrise over Mount Bromo.

Photo via vandy putra

Be wary of the freezing mountain air that will instantly chill you to the bone, right as you hop out of your jeep at the final checkpoint. (One interesting way to counter the cold, is with a glass of Bandrek – a traditional herbal brew best served with a plate of fritters!)

Make your way up the set of stairs to the vantage point at Mount Penanjakan right at the brink of dawn, just when that first break of violet lights up the horizon.

Gaze into spellbinding beauty, as the sun rises behind Mount Bromo with Mount Semeru towering gloriously in the background.

Roam around the barren sands below and wander through the landmarks of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. The savannah grassland east of Bromo, often called ‘Teletubbies Hill’ due to its resemblance – is a popular spot that reminds you of the diverse ecology of the Bromo Tengger National Park.

Photo via mafambayu

Photo via ayepsyarif

Lastly, visit Pura Luhur Poten, temple of the local Tenggerese people, or get on a horseback and climb the Bromo Crater, and make an offering to the guardians of the mountains.

Photo via dwumr

7. Lose yourself in one of the largest and most exotic waterfalls – Sumber Pitu Waterfall, Pujon

Hidden deep in the rainforest of the Pujon district, is a collection of 14 waterfalls, including the Sumber Pitu waterfall, or Grojogan Pitu waterfall, as some would call it.

Photo via annsadp

(Not to be mistaken with the Sumber Pitu waterfall in the Tumpang District, East of the city)

Known to be one of the largest and the most exotic in the area – getting to Sumber Pitu waterfall is no easy task. It involves some heavy trekking through a slippery jungle floor, with trenches right beside the trail in some places!

It isn’t all bad though; before getting to Sumber Pitu waterfall, visitors will come across Tunggal waterfall. A great place to catch their breaths after an hour’s hike, and a lovely preview of what’s coming ahead.

Photo via erisarendita

Once you reach Sumber Pitu Waterfall, you’ll see a layer of moss and fern coating an entire rock wall of the waterfall, perfectly complementing the blue waters and the brownish-red clay soil.

Take a moment to soak in the views, or better yet, literally soak in Sumber Pitu’s refreshing water. It certainly looks and feels like a scene right out of Jurassic Park!

8. Play among the the ‘crocodiles’: Bajul Mati Beach

Bajul Mati Beach, which is located in the South of Malang near Goa Cina and Sendang Biru Beach, is translated as ‘Dead Crocodile Beach’.

Indeed, the green rocky gulfs resemble a patient crocodile lying quietly in the waters.

Before entering, you will see its iconic structure – a semi-circular 90-metre-long bridge that crosses over a wide river, where you can see hills and sea corals.

Photo via bayonsutansyah

Pantai Bajul boasts of pure white sand and crystal clear waters. The waves are huge, so we don’t advise you to swim!

Photo via maisyarr

But if you would like a dip in the waters, you can head down to the river estuary, characterised by its calm and greenish waters.

Photo via janiarwizanti

You can also explore Goa Wil, a cave at Pantai Bajul Mati.

9. Explore the natural formations: Lo Bangi Cave

Always interested to explore caves and take a clearer look at rock formations? Here, you can. Lo Bangi Cave consists of two underground caves, Cave Lo and Cave Bangi.

Greeting you at the mouth of the cave is a karst valley with some surface vegetation and broad-leaved plants. Limestone is used to build a wall to hold the soil at the entrance, preventing it from entering the cave.

The aisle in the cave consists of a muddy cave floor and some puddles, and it gets progressively smaller.

You will also see a small underground cave, with a short and narrow passage and a small river flowing through.

You will also encounter stalactites, stalagmites, stone ruins, gourdam and limestone columns. Some parts of the cave have a height of less than one metre, so be prepared to crawl.

The cave is full of life as well, and explorers can always hear the catfish, crickets, and bats that live in the cave.

10. Prove it for yourself: Pantai Tiga Warna (Three Colour Beach)

Opened to the public only recently, Pantai Tiga Warna (Three Colour Beach) has created a major buzz across travel communities all over the country.

Photo via roni inst

Located in a nature conservation, reservations have to be made at least a week before (a month if you are planning a weekend trip) to ensure not too many visitors crowd the area.

The clear gradation of the water’s blue, green and white colours from the sandy beaches is not the only fascinating sight in this part of Malang. The journey is a pleasure of its own.

Start at Clungup Mangrove Conservation, a mangrove forest located right at the mouth of a river. Apart from protecting waves from eroding the beaches, they also provide welcome protection against the sun.

Photo via saseart

After a short walk southwards, visitors can choose to rest their legs, grab a snack from the canteen, or even set up camp. Don’t get too caught up though – there is still an hour’s trek to the main attraction, but that won’t be too much trouble since the stroll along the coastline will keep you in great spirits with the sand and sea on the right and lush greenery on the left.

After an uphill climb, you will finally set eyes on the tricoloured beach. The irresistible shade of mermaid turquoise (bluish green) waters will make you want to jump right in!

But before that, do take a moment to soak in this bizarre phenomenon of nature. With crystal clear waters, the coral reefs can be seen more vividly if you decide to snorkel. (You may rent a snorkel mask with optional life vest at only IDR$ 15,000 IDR / USD$ 1!)

11. Feel the rumbling of the Earth beneath your feet! – Mount Semeru, Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park

Soaring 3,676 meters above sea level, Mount Semeru, (also known as ‘Mahameru’ to locals)  meaning ‘The Great Mountain’, is the highest peak on the island of Java.

Popularised by the 2012 blockbuster 5cm, Mount Semeru is considered the benchmark for intermediate hikers, requiring at least three days to climb up and back down on average, as well as proper physical conditions.

Photo via Mansyur Hasan W

The hike begins at Ranupane Village, where visitors can stack up on supplies and rest before taking on the ‘Great Mountain’ the next day. The first leg of the journey ends at Ranukumbolo, a mesmerizing lake 2400 meters above sea level, and surrounded by hills of green. Most hikers will set up camp for the day, and those brave enough to challenge the cold are welcome to take a dip in its refreshing waters.

Right after Ranukumbolo, hikers will come across ‘Tanjakan Cinta’ hill, where it is believed that climbing the hill in one go (without stopping to rest) will bring eternal love.

Photo via khamis balasad

At the end of the tiring climb, hikers will be instantly rewarded by the Oro-oro Ombo meadow, decorated with Edelweiss flowers – the symbol for eternity, as well as the Verbana Barisliensis Vell, a Lavender look-alike only found here in Indonesia.

Photo via arditafanisa

Since Mount Semeru is currently an active volcano, camping around the summit is prohibited as its gaseous fumes are proven to be lethal. To conquer the Mahameru, Hikers will have to camp at Kalimati and start climbing at 2am in total darkness. And if this isn’t intimidating enough, on the final leg of the ‘summit attack’, large falling boulders are known to injure many hikers.

Photo via weenlin19

Is the danger of conquering the ‘Great Mountain’ worth the achievement? You decide!

Note: Unless you are familiar with mountain climbing, it is advisable to hire a guide since hiking Mount Semeru is serious business and requires preparation – from transportation, to permits, and of course supplies and physical health.

12. Find calm in the serenity of the mountains: Wonosari Tea Plantations, Singosari

Situated on the slopes of Mount Arjuna and half an hour north of Malang, lies the peaceful hills where tea plantations sprawl, owned and run by PT Perkebunan Nusantara.

Opened to the public as an ‘Agrotourism Park’, the Wonosari Tea Plantation is not only where the world-renowned beverages are produced, but is also a great place to take the family to, for some private quality time.

Photo via ciaririn.purwanti

Activities available range from outbound obstacle courses to wall-climbing, ziplines (flying fox) and paintball.

Photo via ardiardiyannc 740×555

And if you’re looking for something that’s both entertaining and educational at the same time, you can also go for a complete tour of tea production – from leaf selection at the plantation to the process of turning them into dry packaged tea in the factories!

Photo via venyclaudia

Not ready to leave the serenity of the mountains just yet? Why not stay at the recently renovated accommodations at the Wonosari Tea Plantations! Choose from Rollaas Hotel, or the many choices of cottages (from $16 per night).

After spending the day roaming around tea plantations, another spot where you can enjoy the panorama of Malang’s countryside is Sumber Krabyakan lagoon. This natural swimming pool offers the best ‘seat’ to view Mount Arjuno and Arjuna from a distance.

Photo via ikaqodriya

Truly a splendid way to end your day.

13. Feel the touch of soft white sand against your feet: Ngliyep Beach

Ngliyep beach is named because of its soft white sand.

Photo via virgiawanrico

There is a small island, Mount Kombang, which can be accessed via a wooden bridge. It is also a spectacular spot where you can watch the sunrise and sunset.

Photo via yokisigit

Photo via ragilwira

You can also head over to Bukit Cinta Kasih, translated as “Hill of Love”. There are myths that young people who come to this place would become a couple.

Photo via prima jabbar09

From the beach, you can also walk up a small hill to get to Teluk Putri, translated as Princess Bay. Its name is inspired by the silky soft smooth skin of the princess.

Photo via dennisdiharjaya

14. Witness the merger of dozens of waterfalls: Ciblungan Waterfall

Ciblungan Waterfall is made up of one main waterfall joined by more than 10 smaller falls midway, which pours into a shallow river.

Photo via ibent89

The river forms a natural shallow pool beneath the falling waters, and visitors are allowed to bathe and play in the water.

The waterfall is situated in the middle of dense greenery. You can also enjoy the natural scenery from a small wooden platform and a treehouse at the edge of the waters.

Are there any more hidden natural attractions in Malang we missed? Do comment and share with us today!

PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you! Tell us

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