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Where to Stay in Malang

Where to Stay in Malang

Malang East Java, Indonesia Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Full spectrum of lodging options from hostels to luxury hotels

  • Hostels

    Budget-friendly hostels feature dorm beds and sometimes private rooms. They usually have communal spaces, fostering a social atmosphere. Hostels are popular with backpackers and solo travelers looking to meet others and save money.

  • Guesthouses (Penginapan/Homestay)

    These affordable, often family-run establishments have basic to comfortable rooms. They have a more local feel and individual service, often including breakfast. B&bs are a good choice for travelers seeking authenticity and value.

  • Budget Hotels (Hotel Melati)

    Simple, no-frills hotels have basic amenities like a private bathroom and sometimes air-conditioning. They have a comfortable place to sleep without many luxuries.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    These hotels have more amenities like air-conditioning, private bathrooms, sometimes a swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant. They have a good balance of comfort, services, and price.

Unique local accommodation types

  • Villas

    Especially popular in the cooler Batu area, villas are often rented by families or groups. They have privacy, space, and sometimes private pools or gardens, making them ideal for longer stays or larger parties.

  • Boutique Hotels

    Many boutique hotels in Malang and Batu incorporate local Javanese design elements, art, and cultural themes, with an unique and aesthetically pleasing stay experience.

  • Vacation rentals and apartment options - Platforms

    Vacation rentals and apartment options are available through platforms such as Vrbo. These are notably good for extended stays, families, or groups who prefer self-catering facilities and greater spaciousness.

  • Vacation rentals and apartment options - Benefits

    They have more privacy and a "home away from home" feel. You can find options ranging from simple apartments to spaciouthe residence ofs.

Neighborhood Guide

Each area has a distinct character, amenities, and proximity to attractions. Think about your priorities when selecting a neighborhood.

Malang City Center

Pros
  • Central location, close to major landmarks (Alun-alun Tugu, Grand Mosque).
  • Shopping, a range of places to eat.
  • Excellent access to transportation (train station, Angkot routes).
Cons
  • Can be busy and noisy, notably at busy times.
  • Some it's possible that some areas have heavy traffic.

Ijen Boulevard Area

Pros
  • Scenic, peaceful, ideal for leisurely walks.
  • Features some boutique cafes and restaurants.
  • Close to Museum Brawijaya.
Cons
  • Limited budget accommodation options.
  • Slightly further from some main city landmarks, needing a short ride.

Batu Highland Resort

Pros
  • Cooler weather has a refreshing escape.
  • Home to many major tourist attractions like Museum Angkut and Jatim Park.
  • Has beautiful vistas and a more relaxed, resort-like atmosphere.
Cons
  • Needs travel to reach Malang city center attractions.
  • Can become very crowded during weekends and public holidays, leading to traffic.
  • Accommodation prices can be more than in Malang city.

Proximity to Attractions and Transportation

City Center

Excellent proximity to urban sights like Alun-alun Tugu, Pasar Besar, and historical buildings. It additionally has easy access to Malang Kota Baru train station and various Angkot routes.

Batu

Ideal for visiting Batu’s numerous theme parks and natural attractions. However, reaching Malang city’s attractions needs a 30-60 minute drive, which can extend to 90 minutes or more in heavy traffic.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking strategies secure the best accommodation for your trip, especially during peak travel times.

Advance booking recommendations by season

  • High Season (June-August, December-January) & Public Holidays: Book well in advance (1-3 months). Prices rise significantly.
  • Shoulder Season (April-May, September-November): Book about a month ahead for best choices and prices.
  • Low Season (February-March): Booking a week or two in advance is usually sufficient. Prices are generally at their lowest.
  • Deposit and cancellation policies vary by property and platform. Always check before confirming your booking.

Trusted booking platforms and local reservation systems

  • International Platforms: Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia are widely used.
  • Local Platforms: Traveloka and Tiket.com are popular in Indonesia, often with competitive prices.
  • Direct Bookings: Contacting smaller guesthouses directly might sometimes possess better rates or special offers.
  • Negotiation for walk-in rates might be possible in smaller guesthouses during low season.

Important Booking Notes

Seasonal Price Fluctuations
  • Prices for accommodation can significantly rise (20-50% or more) during high season, weekends, plus national holidays.
  • This surge reflects higher demand, specifically in popular areas like Batu.
  • Booking early during these times is advisable to avoid restricted selections.
Cancellation Policies
  • Always check the specific deposit and cancellation policies before confirming your booking.
  • These terms differ significantly between properties and booking platforms.
  • Many platforms have cancellable for free until a specific point, which has flexibility if your plans change.

Tips for Budgeting

Off-peak Travel

Traveling during the low season (February-March) generally has the cheapest rates and more availability.

Group Stays

For groups, villas and larger guesthouses can be a cost-effective option, especially in the Batu area.

Local Deals

Check local Indonesian booking platforms like Traveloka for deals that might not appear on international sites.

Accommodation Recommendations

Malang has a range of excellent properties. These examples give a starting point for different budgets and travel styles, demonstrating the variety available.

Top picks for different budget levels

Budget

The Lampion Hotel Malang, Kampung Warna-Warni Jodipan Homestays, Helios Hotel Malang

  • Clean, modern hostels/homestays with welcoming vibe and good facilities.
  • Directly supports local community and has an unique cultural experience.
  • Clean rooms and good service by the railway station.
Mid-range

MaxOneHotels at Malang, Harris Hotel and Conventions Malang, Kertanegara Premium Guest House, Grand Mercure Malang Mirama

  • Modern and comfortable hotels with good facilities.
  • Reliable hotel chains with good amenities and conference facilities.
  • Charming guesthouses with colonial feel and good service.
  • Newer, upscale mid-range options with modern design and full services.

Family-friendly options

General Family Facilities

Many mid-range and luxury hotels have family rooms, connecting rooms, and facilities like swimming pools, which appeal to families.

Batu Area & Jatim Park Hotels

The Batu area is especially family-friendly. Many villas and hotels here welcome families, often with more spacious rooms, multiple bedrooms, or kid-friendly amenities. Hotels near Jatim Park attractions are popular for their convenience.

  • Pohon Inn (at Jatim Park 2)
  • The Singhasari Resort (Batu)

Solo traveler recommendations

  • Hostels and Guesthouses

    These are excellent for solo travelers to meet other adventurers. Hostels often organize social events.

  • City Center Hotels

    Hotels in the city center have convenience, safety, and easy access to transportation and attractions, making them a practical choice for solo explorers.

  • Ease of Access

    Easy access to public transport and ride-sharing apps supports independent exploration.

  • Exploration

    The city's walkability in some areas and abundance of cafes for solo dining are additional plus points.

Long-stay accommodations

  • Vacation Rentals (Airbnb)

    Suitable for long stays, having more space, kitchen facilities, and a home-like environment.

  • Serviced Apartments

    Some properties have serviced apartments, which include amenities like cleaning and sometimes breakfast, ideal for long stays.

  • Guesthouses

    Some guesthouses have attractive monthly rates, especially during the low season.

  • Home Away From Home

    These options provide comforts for those looking for an extended stay in the city.

Properties with exceptional cultural or historical significance

Hotel Tugu Malang

An iconic, colonial-era boutique hotel known for its exquisite Javanese art collection, historical ambiance, and elegant dining. It has an unique, luxurious cultural immersion.

  • Features impressive antique collection
  • Regular cultural performances for guests
  • Immersion in Javanese art and heritage
Splendid Inn

Another historical hotel near Alun-alun Tugu, housed in a charming colonial-era building, having a glimpse into Malang's past.

  • Colonial-era architecture
  • Proximity to Alun-alun Tugu
  • Historical ambiance

Luxury Accommodation

Hotel Tugu Malang

Features exquisite Javanese art, historical ambiance, and refined dining. An unique, luxurious cultural immersion.

Aston Malang Hotel & Conference Center

A modern hotel with comprehensive facilities, including a large pool, spa, and multiple dining options.

The Singhasari Resort Batu

A top-tier resort in Batu with exceptional facilities for families and luxury travelers.