With a mellow climate and even mellower vibe, East Java’s second city is one of Indonesia’s most walkable cities and a great alternative to Surabaya as a base for exploring Mt. Bromo. Signature things to do in Malang include seeing the city’s rainbow villages, featuring colorfully painted clusters of houses clinging to the side of a river gorge and linked by a glass bridge, or you can tour markets, monuments, and the Tugu Hotel’s impressive antique collection. The highlands offer farms, temples, tea plantations, and the spectacular Tumpak Sewu Waterfall.
Malang’s climate is cooler and wetter than the Java standard, and your best chance of avoiding rain is June through September. You can explore the city at any time of year, but if you are focused on Mt. Bromo, visiting during the dry season (roughly mid-May to mid-October) will improve your chances of catching great sunrise views, plus the climb down to Tumpak Sewu Waterfall can be difficult and dangerous at the peak of the rainy season. July and August are tourist peak times for tourists.
Malang has good rail connections across Java, including a commuter service to Surabaya, but the city’s minibus public transit system is not set up for travelers. If you don’t fancy walking, your easiest way around the city is by rideshare services. Tours or private vehicle charters are the easiest options for traveling to out-of-town sights, including Mt. Bromo and Tumpak Sewu Waterfall.
Founded by a collector to showcase his spectacular array of Indonesian fine art, Hotel Tugu has offerings nationwide—but Hotel Tugu Malang, the original Tugu, is well worth a visit. Even if a room is beyond your budget, you can take a tour of the antiques, pop in for a drink at the wine bar, or enjoy a meal in the spectacular Royal Angkor restaurant, which is styled like a ruined Cambodian temple.
