Photo Credit: Koalatravelstheworld
Indonesia is one of my dream destinations.
It is a dream of mine to travel to Indonesia, and I’ve decided to highlight one place that I’d love to visit: Malang. As a part time traveler who enjoys traveling slowly, I only really visit a few new countries a year. My list of dreamy travel destinations is always growing, and I’m constantly creating travel itineraries for the day I get to go there. Perhaps Malang, Indonesia isn’t on your radar. After reading my reasons to travel there, you might add it to your bucket list, too. Here’s why I’d love to travel there:
THE BEACHES
South of the city of Malang, there’s a lengthy shoreline of brilliant beaches. Balekambang, Ngliyep and Sendang Biru are all relatively close to one another – the locals even refer to them all as “Balekambang”. These beaches can be pretty popular and get crowded, especially on the weekends. Of course, they are popular for a great reason: the scenery is stunning. I’d definitely take a day trip from Melang to check out these gorgeous turquoise waters.
Photo Credit: Agni Minardi
SEMPU ISLAND
Another day trip to enjoy the magnificent natural beauty of Indonesia is a visit to Sempu Island. It’s just off the southern coast of East Java, about 70km from Malang. The island features lush, rolling hills, contrasted by the jutted limestone cliffs along the shoreline. It is a nature reserve, protecting the indigenous species of animals and plants that live there. I would love to check out Segara Anak Lagoon, with its sparkling waters and white sand beaches. To reach the lagoon, you must hike through the jungle; however, the trek is totally worthwhile when the final destination is paradise.
WALKING AROUND MALANG
When I travel to a city, one of my favorite things to do is walk around to get a true feel for a place. I like to experience what it would be like to live there, even if for a short time. I like to people-watch. It’s also a lot of fun to take pictures of local landmarks. In Malang, there are a few places to reach on foot. Ijen Boulevard is a pretty street in the city, lined with colonial buildings and bougainvillea. The Alun-Alun is the bustling central town square. Ideally, I’d love to stay at the Swiss Belinn Malang with Traveloka.com, a modern hotel in the middle of this historic city.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
SINGHASARI TEMPLE
Also known as Candi Singhasari, it’s a well-preserved Hindu-Buddhist temple from the 13th century. It is the funerary temple of King Kertanagara, the final king of the Singhasari Dynasty. Though the temple is technically unfinished, there are some stunning features: an intricately carved Kala, a large statue of Shiva, and a pair of giant Dvarapalas, the guardian of Singhasari royal cemeteries.
MOUNT BROMO
Mount Bromo is part of the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park, named after two high mountains in the region (Mount Bromo and Mount Seremu). Mount Bromo features a rugged landscape, surrounded by volcanic sand. There is a gigantic crater at the top of the mountain, constantly emitting sulfurous smoke. There’s the option of arranging a sunrise tour with a tour company, or being more adventurous and arriving by motorbike.
Malang and its nearby attractions are very tempting! I know that I’ll get out to Indonesia at some point on my travels, it’s just a matter of when. Whether it’s relaxing beaches with picturesque views, a bustling city center, a historic temple, or an unearthly volcanic region, there are so many reasons why I’m drawn to visit Malang.
Have you traveled to Malang or anywhere in Indonesia before? Tell me all about it!
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