Tucked between the volcanic peaks of Mount Bromo and Mount Semeru, Malang is a city with #11-ranked Nature & Parks cooled by fresh mountain air (#28), rich Javanese culture and colonial-era architecture. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors the island of Bali and the city of Surabaya, Malang is quietly carving out its place as a destination in East Java.
Malang’s Kampung Warna-Warni Jodipan, a once-neglected riverside neighborhood transformed into a vibrant, Instagrammable kaleidoscope of colors (hence the #23 Instagram Hashtags ranking), is a testament to the city’s creative spirit. Nearby, the Ijen Boulevard, with its Dutch colonial houses and shaded boulevards, offers a glimpse into Malang’s colonial past. Yet it’s not all nostalgia. Economically, Malang thrives as East Java’s hub for education and agriculture. Home to prestigious institutes of higher education like Brawijaya University, it draws young talent from across Indonesia, while its fertile lands support thriving coffee plantations producing some of the country’s best brews, attracting a growing number of agro-tourists eager to experience its famed kopi robusta. The Malang-Pandaan Toll Road, completed in 2024, has significantly improved access to Surabaya and beyond, enhancing connectivity for both residents and tourists. Plans for a new integrated transport hub, set to open by 2026, promise to make Malang an even more accessible destination in East Java.