Best things to do in Malang

Malang Essentials

Malang’s heritage is defined by its Dutch colonial architecture, specialized traditional markets, and community-led art projects. This selection highlights the city's cultural depth, featuring the transformed riverside houses of Jodipan and the archaeological treasures of the Singhasari and Majapahit eras at Museum Mpu Purwa. The list covers essential landmarks from the historic Kotalama railway station to modern creative hubs and unique natural history collections.

StMaei / CC BY-SA 4.0

Jodipan colorful village

A former riverside slum transformed into a vibrant art installation. The neighborhood features houses painted in bright hues and is connected to the neighboring Tridi Village by a glass bridge spanning the Brantas River.

Malang Kotalama

A historic railway station established in 1879 during the Dutch colonial period. It remains a primary transit point for the city, retaining elements of early 20th-century Indonesian rail infrastructure.

Flower Market

Locally known as Pasar Bunga Splendid, this market specializes in tropical plants, orchids, and ornamental seeds. It is situated in a central valley near the Brantas River.

Birds Market

Adjacent to the flower market, this traditional bazaar features a wide variety of exotic birds, songbirds, and handcrafted wooden cages.

Museum Mpu Purwa

An archaeological repository housing a collection of statues, inscriptions, and artifacts from ancient East Javanese kingdoms, including Singhasari and Majapahit.

Hawai Waterpark

A large-scale aquatic park featuring themed attractions, including the Waikiki Beach wave pool, Jet Coaster slides, and a lazy river.

Malang Creative Center

A multi-story creative hub designed for local industries. It contains exhibition halls, co-working spaces, a library, and facilities for film, fashion, and digital arts.

Monumen Pesawat Terbang

A public monument featuring a MiG-17 Fresco fighter jet, serving as a landmark at the intersection of Jalan Soekarno-Hatta to honor Indonesia’s aviation history.

Gajayana Art Center

A cultural venue dedicated to the preservation of Javanese heritage through traditional dance performances, wayang kulit shows, and local art exhibitions.

Museum Zoologi Frater Vianney

A specialized natural history museum containing thousands of preserved animal specimens, with a significant collection of mollusks and reptiles curated by the Frater Vianney foundation.