KA Bima by PT KAI is an executive class train departing from Jakarta’s Gambir Station with a final stop at Malang’s Kota Baru Station. The train boasts extensive facilities for your traveling comfort: nice seats, blankets, travel pillows and electric outlets for passengers to stay connected.

Interestingly, from KA Bima's stop in Surabaya’s Gubeng, passengers are able to reach Bali. They can continue the journey using the Mutiara Timur train to Banyuwangi, followed with a ride in a state-owned DAMRI bus to Denpasar, Bali.

Apart from Bali and Yogyakarta, Malang has made it into the list of top domestic destinations as an affordable gateway to East Java’s most iconic attractions. From the magnificent Bromo Mountain to the savannah of Baluran and the pristine beach of Banyuwangi, it is not hard to see why the area has become so popular.

Family-friendly destination

A sleepy old town surrounded by volcanoes, mountains and a glorious national park, the historic city of Malang is a popular choice for family getaways. This picturesque city in the shadow of Batu Mountain offers cooler temperatures and many child-friendly destinations. 

One of the popular activities in Malang for children includes spending a day in the Museum Angkut (Transportation Museum). The Museum Angkut showcases transportation history and development, not only in Indonesia but around the world. It emphasizes how transportation has become an important aspect of the nation's economic and trade development.

The museum is 3.8 hectares in size and divided into different exhibitions based on different regions or countries.  It is a museum-cum-theme park with performances like the Gangster Town or American Cowboy shows. The education zone provides information on the history and backgrounds of different transportation modes.

Another child-friendly attraction that has just recently become popular is the Jodipan Colorful village, a riverfront slum that was transformed into a bright and cheery village. The colorfully painted houses in this village are a result of the efforts of eight university students, who worked together with a paint company as a part of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) program. The Jodipan village is often considered to be the Indonesian version of Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan, South Korea.

For the adventurous soul

Ultimately, though, it will be the mountains and volcanoes that draw one’s attention, as the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park makes for a perfect nature escape. A protected nature reserve since 1919, the mountain sits in a sea of sand. The national park is a one-of-a-kind beauty where a black sand desert is surrounded by lush greenery watered by rivers from the top. From Cemoro Lawang village, visitors can easily hike up and walk for about 50 minutes. Although beginner-friendly, the hike is not necessarily an easy task, but the view from the top is worth every pant and ache in your legs.

For a relaxing day on the beach, head to Malang’s Pantai Tiga Warna, about 150 kilometers from the city. The name is literally translated as the “three-colored beach”, which refers to the beautiful layers of pink, green, and blue hues caused by the different water depths. Pantai Tiga Warna is protected by the local government as an important conservation area for mangroves and coral reefs.

These are just a few of many attractions to explore in Malang and East Java. If you have not made your mind up for where to go this Christmas just yet, why not take a scenic train ride on KA Bima to the east? A KA Bima ticket costs from Rp 265,000 to Rp 570,000 depending on the distance of travel, sitting arrangements and class of choice. Passengers are able to book tickets from 90-days prior to departure. Book your ticket easily on the go by using the Traveloka App or the official website.

Popular

Java airports grounded by low demand, poor planning

Japan to export used destroyers to Philippines to deter China

Indonesia gains approval to build haj village near Grand Mosque in Mecca