What to eat, where to stay, and things to do in Batu
Lying on the slopes of the twin mountains of Arjuno-Welirang, Batu’s yearly average temperature of 20 degrees Celsius makes it a popular destination among heatstroked Indonesians. Historically known for its fruit plantations with apples as the region’s specialty, recent developments have turned Batu into a sort of a theme park nirvana in the country.
From the three Jatim Park recreational complexes to the hedge maze of Coban Rondo waterfall, both natural and man-made attractions share equal spotlight in Batu. To help you navigate around the city’s many interesting spots, this guide on what to eat, where to stay, and things to do in Batu should help you get the most out of your stay.
– Things to do in Batu –
1. Take a family outing to the Jatim Park 1 amusement park
The entrance gate to Jatim Park 1 features the likeness of Punokawan, the four most prominent characters in wayang.
Image credit: @rembulandsy
Whenever you’re in Batu, there’s simply no escaping the draw of the Jawa Timur Park Group. This property development company is the mastermind behind Batu’s development as a tourism hotspot, spearheaded by their three main entertainment complexes.
Sky Swinger is one of the many rides you can get on at Jatim Park 1
Image credit: @jatimparksatu
The first of these is the Jatim Park 1 amusement park, filled to the brim with all of the roller coasters and rides your kids won’t be able to stay away from. It’s not all mindless fun and games though as the huge complex houses several educational attractions that might actually teach parents a thing or two as well.
Inside the park’s heritage museum, you can spot the numerous masks used in wayang
Image credit: @syahrulpratama
For parents looking to gently nudge their kids towards a career in STEM, a visit to the park’s science center might be in order. Taking the appearance of an oversized school laboratory, the numerous science displays and experiments in the building welcome families to see and even partake in them, and we especially love seeing the Tesla coil and its colorful electrical discharges.
The Anatomy Museum’s exhibits showcase the various human organs, the liver being one of them
Image credit: @museumtubuh
Still, our pick for the best attraction goes to the Anatomy Museum, modeled after one of Javanese puppet’s most famous characters, Bagong. Teens interested in becoming surgeons will no doubt find much to love from the interactive exhibits on what’s going on inside our bodies although note that the cadavers might be a little too much for toddlers to stomach.
Address: Jl. Kartika No. 2, Kota Wisata Batu, Jawa Timur, Indonesia, 65314
Opening hours: Mon—Thu, Sat—Sun 8.30AM-4.30PM, Closed on Fridays
Admission fee: Rp. 120,000 (~USD8.35)
2. Explore the animal kingdom of Jatim Park 2
You don’t have to be extra tall to feed the baby giraffes in Batu Secret Zoo
Image credit: @anthyabemz
Each Jatim Park complex has its own defining theme and for Jatim Park 2, animals are the centerpiece.
The main attraction here is the 14 hectare Batu Secret Zoo, roughly the size of 20 football fields, that houses around 300 different species of animals, mostly from Asia and Africa. We especially like the Savannah section, where you get to walk along a glass tunnel while a replica of the grassland and its inhabitants freely roam around you.
The glass tunnel is sandwiched by two savanna replicas on either side of the glass
Image credit: @whereayougoing
If you’re looking for some action, make sure to arrive around noon as that’s when feeding time for some of the zoo’s rowdier population begins. Walk over to the tiger exhibit and you might get to witness firsthand how the endangered white Bengal tigers devour their meal.
This diorama greets visitors at the main lobby of the Wildlife Museum
Image credit: @fennypusparani
Aside from the living, preserved animals also get to bask in the spotlight inside the Wildlife Museum right next door. The fossils and lifelike dioramas tend to draw the biggest gasps but somehow, we can’t draw our eyes away from the museum’s collection of preserved insects, featuring some of the most colorful butterflies we’ve seen in this part of the world.
Address: Jl. Oro-Oro Ombo No.9, Temas, Kec. Batu, Kota Batu, Jawa Timur 65314
Opening hours: 8.30AM-4.30PM, Daily
Admission fee: Rp. 120,000 (~USD8.35)
3. Bask in the eclectic entertainment offerings of Jatim Park 3
We’re getting Night at the Museum vibes from the fossil replica at the Dino Park
Image credit: @jawatimurpark
If there’s any common theme running through all the exhibits in Jatim Park 3, it has to be their idiosyncrasies. When one corner of the park houses a dinosaur exhibit while the other allows you to reenact the Abbey Road cover with wax figures of all four Beatles members, perhaps there’s no better way to put it.
Given the family’s recent loss, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge look oddly joyous
Image credit: @iman.journey
The first and the biggest attraction is the Dino Park, where you can have your own Night at the Museum moment with the park’s fossil replicas. We’re particularly a fan of the Through the 5 Ages ride, where you get to travel through a condensed recreation of the five geological periods when dinosaurs ruled the land.
We respect the Dalai Lama too much to sully his reputation with some witty remarks
Image credit: @akettjung
Meanwhile, the Legends Star Park brings the Madame Tussauds experience to local shores where you can pose with the wax version of some of the world’s most important figures. As is customary with wax museums, the resemblance to the real-life figures range from uncannily similar to questionable at best, but that’s part of what makes it fun.
This tunnel of light is one of the many Instagram-worthy installations at the Millennial Glow Garden
Image credit: @kevin.forester
If that’s still not enough, drop by the Millennial Glow Garden located by the Dino Park complex. We like to think there’s more to millennials than their love for Instagram-worthy spots, but we admit, the garden’s stunning lighting installations will no doubt glam up your social media feed.
Do note that because of the attraction’s rather eclectic nature, tickets to the attractions inside Jatim Park 3 are somewhat fragmented. If you’re looking to hit all of the interesting spots within the complex, be prepared to cough up additional money on top of the basic entrance ticket fee.
Address: Jl. Ir Sukarno No.144, Beji, Kec. Junrejo, Kota Batu, Jawa Timur 65236
Opening hours: 11AM-8PM, Daily
Admission fee: Rp. 80,000 (~USD5.57)
4. See pristine classic cars in Museum Angkut’s Instagram-worthy setting
The first zone is modeled after Chinatown
Image credit: @airinsetiawann
While it has the word museum in its name, Museum Angkut, or the Vehicle Museum, doesn’t really feel like one. With zones modeled around various places and time periods, Prohibition-era United States and the Buckingham Palace to name a few, walking through the museum is more akin to traveling from one film set to another.
The Gangster Town is meant to evoke a time in the United States when Al Capone ruled the streets
Image credit: @yunie_swy
This is by no means a knock to the car collection though, which at 300 and counting, is one of the biggest of its kind in Southeast Asia. From the Nissan 280Z, part of the Japan manufacturer’s legendary Z models, to the quirky and lovable Citroen 2CV, there’s enough here to make even the most ardent petrolheads salivate.
These cars aren’t just for show either as the museum holds regular shows and parades on weekends where drivers take the cars for a spin inside the complex.
The quirky Citroen 2CV on the left sits amidst French-inspired facades
Image credit: @ribkahiskia
Even if you know next to nothing about cars, the museum’s recreation of various bygone eras provide plenty of Instagram fodder. As the complex boasts a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, visiting later in the day tends to net better photos but that’s also when the crowds peak so choose at your own discretion.
This pristine Nissan 280Z still runs well and is often used for parades by the museum
Image credit: @museumangkut
As to be expected of museums, Museum Angkut’s exit leads you through the gift shop, which in this case is a floating market and restaurant hybrid. As walking through the entire complex is sure to give your legs a workout, you’ll likely appreciate the opportunity to rest among the market’s picturesque setting.
Address: Jl. Terusan Sultan Agung No.2, Ngaglik, Kec. Batu, Kota Batu, Jawa Timur 65314
Opening hours: 11AM-7PM, Daily
Admission fee: Rp. 80,000 (~USD5.57)
5. Hike to the Waterfall of the Widow, Coban Rondo
Even during the dry season, the waters of Coban Rondo have pretty strong currents
Image credit: @indrifitriana_
Despite the ominous name, the story behind Coban Rondo, or the Waterfall of the Widow, is actually a pretty sad one. It is said that the waterfall is the resting place of the Goddess Dewi Anjarwati, who’s left to mourn after her husband, Raden Baron Kusumo, perished in a battle with the envious Joko Lelono.
Legends say that couples visiting the waterfall will suffer the same tragic end as the widow although that seems to have little effect on the visitors number. Coban Rondo continues to be a popular spot among tourists and locals, partly because of its beauty and partly because of how easy it is to reach.
The small size of Coban Rondo’s hedge maze doesn’t make wandering around any less fun
Image credit: @_lubab73
This well-developed tourist spot has, in the past few years, grown into an outdoor recreational area, with a hedge maze and an archery field available at the entrance. From there, you can either continue driving uphill to the actual waterfall or take a scenic hike through a paved forest path that should take no more than an hour.
With this kind of greenery, you won’t mind the walk up to Coban Rondo
Image credit: @yoedha82
Whichever way you choose, you know you’re close because at a height of 84 m, the crashing waters of Coban Rondo are distinctly audible even from a distance. As one of the most popular waterfalls in Indonesia, it can get pretty crowded but the sound of the water obscures everything to a point that it will still bring calm to the mind.
Address: Jl. Coban Rondo, Krajan, Pandesari, Kec. Pujon, Malang, Jawa Timur 65391
Opening hours: 8AM-5PM, Daily
Admission fee: Rp. 35,000 (~USD2.44) on weekdays and Rp. 40,000 (~USD2.79) on weekends
6. Paraglide over the city from Taman Langit Gunung Banyak
This winged lion is one of the many unique sculptures you’ll see in the park
Image credit: @ratniangga
The name Taman Langit Gunung Banyak roughly translates to the “Sky Garden of the Mountain Range”. As a sculpture park located high above a city surrounded by no fewer than three mountains, it’s a rather apt name as well and its altitude has since turned the park into a jump-off point for paragliding enthusiasts.
Batu is at its best when you’re gliding way above the city
Image credit: @sunjayaliem
Thankfully, inclusivity is the guiding philosophy here and with tandem service available, even paragliding virgins can still soar above the skies of Batu with the help of an experienced pilot. Still, even if you prefer to stay on solid ground, the view of the city from the park itself is enough to take your breath away.
The view from solid ground is just as exhilarating
Image credit: @boyuakatsuki
The sculpture scattered around the park is more kitschy than artistic but they do make for rather interesting selfie companions. The park is at its best when it lights up for the night though and with the park opening until 11PM, we recommend staying up late and seeing how Batu sparkles from up above.
The park and its neighbour Omah Kayu also houses several lovely cottages and treehouses that doubles as accommodation. But do note that as they’re located inside the park, you should look further if you prefer a quiet place to stay in the mountains.
Address: Jl. Gn. Banyak, Gunungsari, Kec. Bumiaji, Kota Batu, Jawa Timur 65312
Opening hours: 7AM-11PM, Daily
Admission fee: Rp. 10,000 (~USD0.70)
7. Have a picnic through the colorful flower gardens of Batu
The wisteria greenhouse is one of our favorite spots in San Terra
Image credit: @florawisata.santerra
Thanks to its cooler weather, it’s little wonder why locals and tourists alike consider Batu to be an excellent picnic spot. Case in point, you can actually find about half a dozen flower gardens spread around the small city but for the crème de la crème, we recommend checking out either the San Terra de Laponte or the newer Batu Love Garden.
San Terra’s Korean-themed attraction is modeled after Myeongdong’s shopping street
Image credit: @musyarrfh
As the name suggests, San Terra de Laponte tries to evoke the feel of Europe through its surroundings. The result is more kitsch than authentic but the flower garden’s wide-open spaces, greenhouses, and campy architecture are ideal for relaxing family strolls and picnics.
Batu Love Garden’s grasshopper greenhouse hosts plenty of gigantic succulents
Image credit: @oliviameivida
If you’re looking for a more well-rounded experience, Jawa Timur Park Group’s Batu Love Garden is where you should go. Like the developer’s many theme parks, this flower garden offers a lot more than just a sight for sore eyes and visitors can learn the ins and outs of gardening through the on-site horticultural center and facilities.
Of course, if pretty flowers are what you’re mainly here for, the museum-worthy flower sculptures and installations do make for some lovely eye candy.
San Terra de Laponte
Address: Jalan Raya Madya, Jurangrejo, Pandesari, Kec. Pujon, Malang, Jawa Timur 65391
Opening hours: 8AM-5PM, Daily
Admission fee: Rp. 25,000 (~USD1.75) on weekdays and Rp. 30,000 (~USD2.19) on weekends
Batu Love Garden
Address: Jl. Raya Pandanrejo No.91, Pandanrejo, Kec. Bumiaji, Kota Batu, Jawa Timur 65332
Opening hours: 8.30AM-4.30PM, Daily
Admission fee: Rp. 60,000 (~USD4.14) on weekdays and Rp. 80,000 (~USD5.52) on weekends
8. Shop for apples and other fruit snacks as souvenirs
Aside from the fruits, there’s also a pretty bustling flower market at Dewi Sri
Image credit: @prillyshabrina
Hoarding up local specialties as souvenirs, or oleh-oleh in local parlance, for families and friends back home is a treasured tradition among Indonesians. And with apples being synonymous with Batu and the greater Malang region, it’s almost customary for visitors to bring home some actual apples or apple snacks after visiting the small town.
One of the best places to do so is in the Pasar Wisata Dewi Sri, or Dewi Sri Tourist Market, where you can participate in the tried-and-true tradition of haggling. Fruits, vegetables, and flowers are the market’s bread and butter and the local specialty green Manalagi Apples is what you’d want to mainly look out for here.
Brawijaya’s shelves are always stocked to the brim with various fruit chips
Image credit: Juanda
If you don’t speak the language or prefer someplace more straightforward, we recommend the Brawijaya Istana Oleh-Oleh. The name roughly translates as Brawijaya Souvenir Palace and as implied, this souvenir superstore has almost everything the city of Batu produces.
While it’s a new creation here, apple strudel is now among Batu’s favorite souvenirs
Image credit: @myjavastrudel
The amount of options can be overwhelming but the consensus is that the city’s various fruit pastries, especially the apple strudels, are at the top of the list. We’re also a fan of the fruit chips as they have all the things we love about chips while saving us from having to feel guilty about our sodium intake.
Pasar Wisata Dewi Sri
Address: Lebaksari, Ngabab, Pujon, Lebaksari, Ngabab, Kec. Pujon, Malang, Jawa Timur 65391
Opening hours: 6AM-9PM, Daily
Admission fee: Free
Brawijaya Istana Oleh-Oleh
Address: Jl. Diponegoro No.86, Sisir, Kec. Batu, Kota Batu, Jawa Timur 65314
Opening hours: 7AM-7PM, Daily
Admission fee: Free
– What to eat in Batu –
1. Bakwan Malang – various meatballs served with fried wontons
The various meatballs and other side dishes offered in De Stadion
Image credit: @elsafooddiary
With the Malang region being located way above sea level, devouring a piping hot bowl of Bakwan Malang is pretty much mandatory during the colder nights. While the word bakwan typically refers to a type of vegetable fritters, in Malang the word refers to a meatball soup similar to bakso served with fried wontons on the side.
If there’re any lobster meatballs left when you visit, we recommend trying it at least once
Image credit: @muhammad_hasan_asnawi
You can find Bakwan Malang stalls in almost every corner of Batu but if you want evidence on how much locals love their meatballs, De Stadion is a shining example. The meatball options here are as varied as they are weird, ranging from meatballs with meat floss fillings to the sparingly limited lobster meatballs.
The system here works a bit like nasi padang, where you’re free to mix and match all the meatballs on offer and you’ll be charged only on the ones you’ve picked. If you’re looking for a more fulfilling meal, try also ordering a bowl of Cwie Mie (Rp. 11,000, ~USD0.77), a local variant of mie ayam known for its soft and flat noodles.
Address: Jalan Stadion Utara No.12, Sisir, Batu, Sisir, Kec. Batu, Kota Batu, Jawa Timur 65314
Opening hours: 10AM-9PM, Daily
Price range: Rp. 20,000-Rp. 50,000 (~USD1.40-USD3.49)
2. Sate Kelinci – succulent skewered rabbit dressed in peanut sauce
The Rabbit Satay is mouth-wateringly tender
Image credit: @khansa_sabia_putri
Yeah, it’s a bit awkward to think of adorable rabbits as a delicacy but in Java’s mountainous regions, rabbits are often bred for their meat. In Batu for example, they’re mostly served skewered with peanut sauce dressing as the Sate Kelinci, or rabbit satay.
If you’re interested, we recommend dropping by Warung Sate Kelinci, which specializes in that very same dish. Their Sate Kelinci (Rp. 50,000, ~USD3.49) is pleasantly succulent, which tastes like a slightly gamier version of chicken.
For the best of both worlds, you can order a mixed plate of Turkey and Rabbit Satay
Image credit: @wisatakuliner.rionizar
Notably, they also serve Sate Kalkun (Rp. 50,000, ~USD3.49), or turkey satay, which is pretty hard to find on this side of the world. We still prefer the tender Sate Kelinci but if you prefer more fat in your meat, the Sate Kalkun might be more to your liking.
Address: Jalan Stadion Utara No.12, Sisir, Batu, Sisir, Kec. Batu, Kota Batu, Jawa Timur 65314
Opening hours: 10AM-9PM, Daily
Price range: Rp. 50,000-Rp. 70,000 (~USD3.49-USD4.89)
3. Pos Ketan Legenda – serving sticky rice with various toppings since 1967
Directly facing the town square, Pos Ketan Legenda is often packed well into the night
Image credit: @neti_einhard
With over 50 years of experience serving warm desserts to freezing locals, Pos Ketan Legenda’s sticky rice dishes are a must-try when you’re in the area. While the toppings used have grown more and more eclectic over the years, it’s the consistency and quality of the ketan itself that has made them a crowd favorite.
For those unfamiliar, ketan is Indonesia’s answer to Thailand’s famed mango sticky rice, and its name refers to both the dessert made from glutinous rice and the rice itself. It’s a highly versatile ingredient, with ketan rice being used in a variety of dishes from the ketupat served during Eid or with milk and a variety of sweet toppings as a dessert.
The ketan sticky rice is served with various toppings from chocolate sprinkles to durian
Image credit: @rizkarachma_
In Ketan Legenda, said toppings range from cheese, chocolate sprinkles, to even durian. For a truly authentic experience, try ordering a warm glass of Susu Telur Madu Jahe (STMJ) on the side, a hearty mix of milk (susu), egg yolk (telur), honey (madu), and ginger (jahe), that locals believe act and regularly drink as a natural viagra.
Do note that thanks to its location just in front of the town square, Pos Ketan Legenda can get fairly packed at night. We recommend getting some of their sticky rice to-go and eat them back at your hotel just before retiring for the night.
Address: Jalan Kartini No. 6, Ngaglik, Batu, Sisir, Kec. Batu, Malang, Jawa Timur 65311
Opening hours: 9AM-12PM, Daily
Price range: Rp. 15,000-Rp. 25,000 (~USD1.05-USD1.75)
4. Rumah Susu Ganesha – sip fresh milk while strolling through the city square
All of Ganesha’s milks are sourced from farms around Batu
Image credit: @fahrulr0zi
The Dutch used to refer to Batu as the Little Switzerland so it’s little surprise that the region’s highlands house plenty of local dairy farms. Originally started as a venue to support these small businesses, Rumah Susu Ganesha has since turned into a tourist hotspot where visitors can have a sip of Batu’s very own fresh milk.
Aside from strawberry and chocolate, the milk also comes in melon and vanilla flavors
Image credit: @elsafooddiary
Sitting right next to Alun-Alun Kota Batu, or the Batu Town Square, Ganesha’s fresh and flavored milk provides plenty of refreshments for your stroll around the square. We’re more partial to the yoghurt drink though, especially the jelly-infused Yoghurt Jelly, as having something to chew on while we drink helps stave our boba withdrawal.
Do note that if you’re thinking of bringing home several bottles as souvenirs, you’re out of luck. Ganesha’s fresh milk is all made with no preservatives and are meant to be consumed straight after purchase.
Address: Ganesa, Komplek GOR Ganesa Jl. Kartini No.1, Sisir, Kec. Batu, Kota Batu, Jawa Timur 65314
Opening hours: 8AM-8PM, Daily
Price range: Rp. 6,000-Rp. 45,000 (~USD0.42-USD3.14)
5. Lok-lok – nighttime skewered meats around the city square
With hundreds of skewered seafood on display, we dare you to walk past without buying any satays
Image credit: @rajaloklok_
While there are plenty of attractions around Alun-Alun Kota Batu in the daytime, the town square doesn’t really come alive until sunset. This is when the night market opens and where, in the span of mere minutes, dozens of street food stalls pop up and appetizing aromas begin to waft in the air.
The amount of options can be overwhelming but we recommend making a beeline for Lok-Lok Malaysian Satay and grabbing all that catches your eye. As the name suggests, lok-lok is a type of street food popular in Malaysia where skewered meats and veggies are served on roadside carts and dipped inside a hotpot before eaten.
After being grilled, the satays are then served with a choice of mayonnaise, ketchup, and cheese sauce
Image credit: @luftiyahhnw
This local variant sadly does away with the dipping as the skewered meat, mostly seafood, is grilled like most satays are. But don’t let that dissuade you from trying them out, as with hands on our heart, they’re so good you’ll be reaching for seconds, and thirds, and so on, in record time, especially if you’ve picked the octopus.
Now, there are several lok-lok stalls in the night market but the one you’re looking for is over on the west side of the city square. You can’t miss it, as it’s the one with the flashy signage and the biggest crowd usually forming around it.
Address: Sisir, Batu, Kota Batu, Jawa Timur 65311
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 10AM-11PM | Sat–Sun 12PM-1AM, 10AM-12PM
Price range: Rp. 10,000-Rp. 15,000 (~USD0.70-USD1.05)
– Where to stay in Batu –
1. Kampung Lumbung Eco Boutique – eco-friendly, rustic Javanese cottages
Kampung Lumbung’s rural ambiance fits the bill of a modern-day village retreat
Image credit: @shakila_raffanda
The concept behind Kampung Lumbung harkens back to a time when we shared a peaceful coexistence with nature. In lieu of bulldozing the natural scenery, the hotel’s rustic Javanese cottages, swimming pools, and facilities are built according to the natural, hilly contours of the land.
The infinity pool up by the hill offers a great view of the surrounding greenery
Image credit: @yusufwewe
The resulting landscape ends up being what we imagine the name, which translates to ‘Village of Granary’, would physically look like. If you’re the type who’d love a serene walk through a rural village first thing in the morning, Kampung Lumbung is the kind of place you’d want to wake up in.
Even the standard Superior Cottage has plenty of breathing space
Image credit: @kampunglumbung
The standard Superior Room (Rp. 500,000, ~USD35.02) sits at the hotel’s main building and has a lovely view of the rustic surroundings. If you want the authentic village experience though, the 1-bedroom Superior Cottage (Rp. 750,000, ~USD52.52) is worth the price of entry.
Do note that as part of the eco-friendly initiative, Kampung Lumbung’s rooms and cottages are all passively cooled with no fans and air conditioners provided inside. Given Batu’s mild climate though, you’d hardly be sweating during the day and will still end up freezing, all the same, come nightfall – so bundle up.
Address: Jl. Ir Sukarno, Puskesmas No.1, Beji, Kec. Junrejo, Kota Batu, Jawa Timur 63236
Telephone: 0851 04444142
2. Amartahills Hotel and Resort – panoramic sky lounge at the foot of Mount Kawi
Image credit: @lina.suciati
We consider a hotel’s ambiance to be just as important as its facilities and on the former, we dare you to do better than Amartahills Hotel and Resort. Located at the foot of Mount Kawi, the hotel towers over most of Batu, giving guests a lovely view of the small, yet charming mountainside cityscape.
You’d have to be a cold-hearted cynic to not swoon over Amartahills’ rooftop chapel
Image credit: @amartahills
For the best seat in the house, head up to the Fifteen Celsius Skylounge where you can sip an evening cocktail while admiring the city’s lights for a nightcap. If you’re on a romantic getaway and would love to gently nudge your significant other to take the next step, a visit to the lovely rooftop chapel might be in order.
It’s blocked by the curtain in this picture, but the Deluxe Room comes with a small balcony
Image credit: Amartahills Hotel and Resort
If you prefer to enjoy the view privately, the Deluxe Room (Rp. 570,000, ~USD39.92) comes with a private balcony. For a more luxurious experience, we recommend the Executive Suite (Rp. 2,100,000, ~USD147.06) as we’re not going to say no to a private jacuzzi session under the mountain stars.
Address: Jl. Abdul Gani Atas, Ngaglik, Kec. Batu, Kota Batu, Jawa Timur 65311
Telephone: 0341 525777
3. The Batu Hotel & Villas – affordable shared dorm rooms with hotel amenities
The hotel’s Dorm Room comes with personal curtains on each bed
Image credit: @thebatuvillas
For hikers looking for a cheap place to stay before trying to conquer the mountains around Batu, The Batu Hotel & Villas should be at the top of your list.
The shared Dorm Room (Rp. 100,000, ~USD7.00) is actually pretty spacious for its kind while the Junior Room (Rp. 250,000, ~USD17.50) with shared bathrooms gives you additional privacy on the budget.
We’d normally like to eat out on holidays but Rempah’s lovely ambiance convinces us otherwise
Image credit: @thebatuvillas
As it is an actual hotel though, the property’s amenities are a step higher than you’d normally see from a backpacker hostel, with a swimming pool inside the premises. We especially like the outdoor Rempah restaurant and there’s no better way to rest after your hike than to have a lovely dinner under the venue’s hanging tree lights.
Address: Jl. Sultan Agung No.29, Sisir, Kec. Batu, Kota Batu, Jawa Timur 65314
Telephone: 0341 592955
4. Kontena Hotel – chic container hotel with a minimalist Japanese touch
We very much love Kontena’s industrial zen aesthetics
Image credit: @kontenahotel
With its modernized zen garden, futon beds, and miniature torii red gates, Kontena Hotel’s Japanese-inspired designs shine true. This isn’t just surface-level appropriation though as Kontena’s starkly furnished rooms, which are all designed from refurbished containers, feel very much like an exercise in Zen Buddhism.
Kontena’s picturesque all-white exteriors are the only time we approve of whitewashing
Image credit: @kontenahotel
Instead of coming off as bland, Kontena’s stark minimalism results in a pleasant ambiance with plenty of Instagram-worthy corners around the property. Just a tip, if you’re thinking of staying, make sure to pack a white ensemble and have your very own, impromptu all-white photoshoot in Kontena.
The basic and minimally furnished Kontena Room
Image credit: @kontenahotel
The basic Kontena Room (Rp. 370,000, ~USD25.94) comes only with a twin bed but as they’re basically futons, you can pretty much just push them together. For the less hardcore minimalists, the Kontena Suite (Rp. 870,000, ~USD60.99) comes with extra furnishings and a set of low Japanese table chabudai but sadly does away with the futon bed.
Address: Jln. KH, Jl. Agus Salim No.106, Temas, Batu, Kota Batu, Jawa Timur 65315
Telephone: 0341 5107888
5. The Singhasari Resort – plenty of sporting facilities and pool access rooms
Yes, there actually is a minigolf course on the premises
Image credit: @thesinghasari
Named after the ancient Javanese kingdom based in Malang, The Singhasari Resort blends centuries-old Javanese history with modern luxury. When they arrive, guests are presented with a glass of the traditional Indonesian herbal drink jamu and during breakfast, there’s even a dedicated jamu station available at the corner.
At the lobby, a Javanese gamelan percussion set sits by a grand piano
Image credit: @thesinghasari
Don’t take this to mean the hotel is old and rundown though as there’re more than enough distractions here to keep you occupied for a whole day. Other than the standard swimming pool and gym, there’s a basketball court and a pretty expansive jogging track that circles the main hotel building.
Singhasari’s Pool Access Room is for those that love a couple of laps in the pool first thing in the morning
Image credit: @thesinghasari
While there’s a cheaper option, we still recommend the Premier Room (Rp. 1,400,000, ~USD98.31) as you can’t have luxury accommodation without bathtubs. If you’re the type to prefer swimming over frolicking in the water, however, the Pool Access Room (Rp. 2,150,000, ~USD150.98) has a balcony that opens up directly to the hotel’s pool.
Address: Jl. Ir Sukarno No.120, Beji, Kec. Batu, Kota Batu, Jawa Timur 65236
Telephone: 0341 513333
What to eat, where to stay, and things to do in Batu
The mountain town of Batu might be small but it packs in a lot of interesting spots inside its diminutive size.
If you’re running out of things to do in Batu though, there’s always the burgeoning college town of Malang further downhill boasting plenty of distractions on its own.
For more tourist guides in Indonesia, check out these stories:
- Things to do in Banyuwangi, on the east coast of Java island
- 8 things to do in Surabaya when you don’t feel like mall-hopping
- Things to do in Jalan Malioboro, the beating heart of Yogyakarta
Cover image adapted from @muhammad_hasan_asnawi, @diniiayuu, and @ribkahiskia
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