Malang Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts

Essential Preparations

A chronological guide to ensure a seamless journey to Malang.

Planning Timeline

actions to take at several stages before your departure.

3M

Months Before

Passport Validity

Ensure passport is valid for at least 6 months.

Flight Bookings

Book international and major domestic flights.

Travel Insurance

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance.

1M

Month Before

Visa Application

Request your visa if necessary.

Accommodation

Book all accommodations in Malang and other destinations.

Bank Notification

Notify your bank about your trip dates.

1W

Week Before

Document Copies

Make digital and physical copies of all documents.

Packing List

Finalize your Packing list with essentials.

Home Preparations

Handle your post, pet care, and make a reservation for your home.

Required Advance Bookings

Secure these important elements of your trip well ahead of time.

Reservations

International and domestic flights to/from Malang or Surabaya.
Hotels, guesthouses, or villas for your entire stay.
Major tours (Mount Bromo, Ijen Crater) or private transfers.
Train tickets for travel between cities within Java.

Pre-Trip Research Topics

Gain a understanding of your destination before you arrive.

Knowledge to Acquire

Indonesian and Javanese cultural norms for respectful interactions.
Malang's must-try dishes and local food sanitary practices.
Attractions, including opening hours, entry fees, and precise requirements.
Your government's advice for travel to Indonesia.

Home Preparation Before Departure

Practical steps to ensure peace of mind while you're away.

Security

Make sure doors and windows are locked.
Set up security systems when accessible.
Consider smart lighting or timers.
Notify a trusted neighbor.

Utilities & Services

Turn off unnecessary appliances.
Adjust thermostat settings.
Arrange for mail collection or stop deliveries.
Pause newspaper subscriptions.

Pet Care & Contacts

Organize pet-sitting or boarding.
Leave itinerary and contacts with a trusted person.
Ensure emergency contacts are accessible.
Provide spare access to a trusted individual.

Health Preparations

Consult your doctor for recommended vaccinations and schedule appointments well in advance. Gather an adequate supply of prescription medications plus have a doctor's letter for controlled substances.

Arrival Checklist

Immediate steps upon arrival to Malang for a comfortable start to your trip.

First Steps & Connectivity

1
Immigration & Customs
Clear immigration (VoA if required), collect luggage, and clear customs.
2
Currency & SIM Card
Withdraw local currency from an ATM and purchase a local SIM card at the airport.
3
Transportation to Accommodation
Book transport via pre-booked service, taxi, or ride-sharing apps.

Orientation & Initial Purchases

Hotel Check-in
Check into your accommodation and inquire about a local map and recommendations.
Neighborhood Walk
Take a short walk to familiarize yourself with local amenities (stores, eateries, ATMs).
Initial Purchases
Purchase bottled water immediately; tap water is not safe to drink.

Apps & Offline Resources

Download Essential Apps

Download Gojek, Grab, Google Maps, Google Translate prior to your departure.

Set up accounts and familiarize yourself with their functions.

Offline Maps & Language

Download offline maps for Malang and East Java on Google Maps.

Download the offline Indonesian language pack for Google Translate.

Local Information Access

Visit a tourist information center upon arrival for current events or additional maps.

Ask hotel staff for local insights and recommendations.

Ride-Sharing Pick-Up

Be aware of certain ride-sharing pick-up points at air terminals or train stations. These spots are sometimes designated to manage traffic flow.

Departure Preparation

Arranging your leaving prevents last-minute stress, ensuring a smooth exit from Malang and Indonesia.

Souvenirs & Luggage

Purchase souvenirs a few days before departure.
Inquire about shipping options at a local post office for large items.
Weigh your luggage to comply with airline weight limits.
Repack or adjust luggage as required.

Timing & Return Trip

Arrive at Malang (MLG) for domestic flights 1.5 - 2 hours before departure.
For International flights from Surabaya (SUB), arrive 2.5 - 3 hours before.
Arrive for train departures 30-45 minutes before.
Reconfirm return flights or train tickets 24-48 hours prior to leaving.

VAT Refunds

Indonesia does not offer a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund scheme for tourists.

Not Applicable

VAT refunds are not available for travelers.
Therefore, this step is not applicable to your departure.
Focus on alternative departure preparations.
No action is needed regarding VAT.

Final Departure Steps

Arrange your transport from accommodation to the airport or bus a station in advance.
Plan to expend any remaining local currency or exchange it before leaving.
Complete web check-in-in where possible to save time at the airport.
Ensure passport, boarding passes, and travel documents are easily accessible.

Customs Regulations

Be aware of customs regulations for your home country regarding items you bring back.

This stops issues upon re-entry.

Malang Travel Checklist

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