Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Malang?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Malang?
Most visitors spend one to three days in Malang when visiting. The authentic city offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the food, the museums and landmarks, the hiking, and the nightlife.
Malang is located in East Java, Indonesia. Visitors appreciate the slightly cooler climate and the surrounding natural beauty. Some visitors use the city as a base for visiting nearby Mount Bromo but also nearby you'll find the impressive Tumpak Sewu Waterfall. In town you'll find cultural museums and religious sites.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Malang? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Malang?
Three days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Malang, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. The food, the museums and landmarks, the hiking, and the nightlife on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Malang as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding areas.
How to spend 3 days in Malang
Perhaps the most famous spot in Malang is the Rainbow Village, so make sure you set aside some time to check it out. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.
The culinary scene in Malang is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. This is a top foodie destination and you'll find plenty of amazing street food. It's also the credited with being the birthplace of bakso (meatballs). Many of the dishes around town are sweet, spicy, and served with peanut sauce. It's been influenced by many different cuisines such as Chinese, Javanese, Madurese, Arabic, Dutch, and Indian.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Malang Cooking Class by Mam Warti ($25)
You'll find a few good museums and historic landmarks here, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. There are a handful of museums around town that provide information on the city's culture and history. There are also mosques, temples, and the famous Rainbow Village.
You'll want to have around 2 hours for Museum Angkut. It's a nice activity for backpackers and is known for its extensive collection of vehicles. It's 100,000 Rp (around $6) per person, and if you want to take photos there is an extra fee. Combination tickets are available with other nearby amusement parks which can provide package a discount.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The universities around town mean that there's a youthful vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll also find a mix of cultural activities as well as modern and trendy venues. There are dance clubs, upscale lounges, and everything in between.
Known for it's hiking, Malang sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. Many visitors use this city as a base for hiking Mount Bromo. It's popular to hire a jeep tour from town, or you can hire a private driver or motorbike. Near town you'll also find one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Indonesia - Tumpak Sewu Waterfall. It's possible to hike to the base of the waterfall, but it's a very challenging route.
Make sure to set aside around 6 hours for Mount Bromo, which is $40. It's great for couples and is known for its stunning volcano and sunrise views.
A few tour suggestions include:
- 1Day - Tumpak Sewu Waterfall and Goa Tetes Cave Trekking ($62)
- MOUNT BROMO SUNRISE TREKKING ( Open Trip ) ($76)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Malang.
Is 4 days enough time in Malang?
Four days is more than enough time to see everything that Malang has to offer. After all, it's not such a huge city. Many visitors prefer to spend one to three days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the food, the museums and landmarks, the hiking, and the nightlife at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.
Malang, Indonesia
How to spend 4 days in Malang
If you have more than 4 days in Malang, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
Shopping in Malang is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. You'll find places to pick up many local items. The region is known for its ceramics, wood, and rattan (palms).
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Malang.
Is 5 days enough time in Malang?
Five days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Malang, as it's not as large as some other cities. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. Taste delicious cuisine, browse through museums, discover the nearby hiking trails, and take advantage of the local nightlife. You could also use Malang as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.
How to spend 5 days in Malang
Having 5 days in Malang will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.
After you've explored most of Malang, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Tumpak Sewu Waterfall: An Epic Day Trip from Malang or Surabaya ($58)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Malang.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Malang, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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