Things To Do
in Batu
Batu is a cool, scenic hill town in East Java known for apple orchards, flower farms, and family-friendly attractions. Set on the slopes of the Tengger massif, it offers panoramic views, waterfalls, and well-maintained parks. The town blends agricultural life with a growing tourist infrastructure — theme parks, night markets, and cozy cafes.
Batu is a convenient base for outdoor activities and for visiting nearby Mount Bromo and Malang city.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Jatim Park 2, where you can stroll through vibrant flower gardens and take in the fresh morning air. The colorful blooms provide a perfect backdrop for photographs, making it a great spot for nature lovers. Don't forget to enjoy a local breakfast at one of the nearby cafes, where you can taste traditional Indonesian dishes.
After lunch, head over to the Batu Secret Zoo, which is adjacent to Jatim Park 2, to explore various animal exhibits and learn about the region's wildlife. The zoo features interactive experiences, making it a fun outing for families and animal enthusiasts alike. Spend the afternoon enjoying the various attractions, including animal shows and a petting zoo.
As the sun sets, visit the Batu Night Spectacular, a vibrant theme park that comes alive with lights and entertainment. Spend your evening wandering through the park, enjoying various rides, games, and food stalls. End your day by watching the colorful light show that truly captures the essence of Batu's nightlife.
Start your day with a traditional Indonesian breakfast at a local warung, where you can try dishes like Nasi Goreng or Bubur Ayam. Afterward, embark on a guided food tour through Batu, sampling local delicacies and learning about the culinary culture. The morning is perfect for exploring the bustling markets, where you can find fresh produce and unique snacks.
After indulging in local flavors, take a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional dishes using fresh ingredients sourced from the market. Engage with friendly chefs who will guide you through the process, from chopping vegetables to perfecting spices. Enjoy your homemade meal for lunch, savoring the fruits of your labor.
In the evening, visit a local restaurant known for its seafood, where you can enjoy a variety of dishes prepared with fresh ingredients from the nearby ocean. As you dine, soak in the lively atmosphere and perhaps even catch a live traditional dance performance. Conclude your culinary adventure with a sweet treat from a local dessert shop.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-5 |
| 🍱Mid-range restaurant meal for two | $12-25 |
| 🚕Short taxi/ojek ride | $1-3 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel / guesthouse (per night) | $15-40 |
| 💧Bottled water / local coffee | $0.30-1.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Cool highland climate and scenic landscapes
- Family-friendly attractions and well-maintained parks
- Fresh local produce (notably apples) and affordable food
- Good base for outdoor activities and visiting Mount Bromo/Malang
- Limited late-night nightlife and upscale services compared with major cities
- Can be crowded on holiday weekends and during peak season
- Some hiking trails can be slippery in the wet season
- Specialized medical facilities may require travel to Malang or Surabaya
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Permisi" - Excuse me / sorry (to get past someone)
- "Berapa harganya?" - How much does it cost?
- "Tidak apa-apa" - It's okay / no problem
- "Di mana ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Saya alergi ..." - I am allergic to ...
- "Apakah ini halal?" - Is this halal?
Places to Visit in Batu
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful night park with illuminated sculptures, rides and fountains — great for long-exposure night shots and vibrant scenes.
A popular waterfall surrounded by forest; use slower shutter speeds for silky water and wide-angle shots for the pool and greenery.
Well-maintained flower beds, classical pools and European-style landscaping offering bright, floral compositions especially in the morning light.
Hiking trails and ridgelines provide sweeping views over Batu valley and orchards — ideal at sunrise or late afternoon for golden light.
Seasonal fruit trees and rustic farm scenes make for charming lifestyle and still-life photography, particularly during harvest season.
The town square is lively in mornings and evenings with local life, street vendors, and views of municipal landmarks.
Food in Batu
Batu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A local fruit-and-vegetable salad with spicy sweet-sour peanut sauce; try it at street carts near markets.
Must-Try!
Meatball soup popular across East Java; Malang has its own bakso vendors — hearty, affordable and available at warungs and specialty shops.
Grilled skewers served with peanut sauce or kecap manis; commonly found in evening hawker stalls and small restaurants.
Locally grown apples sold fresh or as jams, pies and juices — a must-try and widely available at orchards and markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively traditional market where you’ll find fresh produce (apples, vegetables), snacks, and local vendors selling rujak, fried treats and beverages.
Evening food stalls offering satay, fried noodles, sweet pancakes, corn on the cob and local desserts — perfect for sampling many items affordably.
Roadside stalls around orchards sell fresh fruit, juices, pies and preserves — great for tasting local produce and buying gifts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use a polite 'selamat pagi/sore' (good morning/afternoon) and a friendly handshake. Slight bowing/head nodding shows respect, especially to elders.
Wear modest clothing at religious sites and when visiting local villages. Swimwear is fine at pools but avoid revealing clothing in public streets and markets.
Use the right hand for giving, receiving and eating; avoid using the left hand for these actions in formal contexts.
Remove shoes when entering homes and some modest establishments; watch for cues or ask if unsure.
Ask permission before photographing individuals, especially at markets, religious sites and in rural villages.
Safety
Tipping in Batu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Small tips or rounding up at restaurants and for bellhops/porters are common; in taxis and ojeks drivers won’t expect large tips.
Cash (Indonesian Rupiah, IDR) is widely used, especially at markets and small warungs. Credit/debit cards are accepted at hotels, malls and many restaurants. Mobile e-wallets (GoPay, OVO, Dana) and QR payments are increasingly common in tourist areas.
ATMs are available in Batu but may be limited outside central tourist areas; withdraw cash in Malang or at major ATMs. Smaller vendors may not accept cards, so carry smaller notes for change.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Drier, sunnier days with cooler mornings and evenings; ideal for hiking, outdoor parks and paragliding. Daytime temperatures are pleasant but bring a light jacket for nights.
Frequent rain showers, higher humidity and muddy trails — waterfalls look fuller and the countryside is lush, but some outdoor activities may be limited or slippery.
Coolest period with crisp mornings and chilly nights — comfortable for trekking but bring warm layers for early mornings and after sunset.
Apple harvesting peaks and local events can increase crowds on weekends and public holidays; book accommodations in advance during holiday weekends.
Batu at Night
Hiking in Batu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular and accessible hike offering panoramic views of Batu and Malang; trails vary from easy to moderate and are commonly done as a half-day trek.
Short forested paths around the waterfall suitable for photography and gentle walks; some routes lead to viewpoints and secondary cascades.
Hillside trails around the paragliding launch sites provide shorter hikes and vantage points over the town and valleys below.
For experienced hikers looking for multi-day or strenuous climbs; higher elevation and more challenging terrain, best undertaken with preparation and guides.
Cooler forested trails in the Bumiaji district with shaded paths, birdlife and small streams — good for relaxed nature walks.
Airports
How to reach Batu by plane.
Closest airport (about 45–60 minutes by car depending on traffic) offering regional flights. Good option if connections suit your travel plans and you want quick access to Malang and Batu.
Major international airport about 2–3 hours’ drive from Batu. Offers many domestic and international connections; many visitors fly into Surabaya then take a car or bus to Batu.
For travelers preferring overland options, trains to Malang or Surabaya followed by a short drive to Batu are reliable and scenic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority population with Javanese culture, language and traditions shaping daily life.
Farmers and orchard workers who manage apple, vegetable and flower production around Batu.
Vendors, shop owners and hospitality workers who cater to tourists and local residents.
Seasonal influx of domestic tourists from Java and beyond, especially families and school groups.
Small but present business community involved in trade and services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region; local matches and youth leagues are active and widely followed.
Common recreational and competitive sport in East Java with local courts and clubs.
A niche but popular adventure sport around Gunung Banyak (Paralayang) attracting adrenaline-seekers and photographers.
Road cycling and mountain biking are increasingly popular due to scenic routes and hilly terrain.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Batu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but may be limited at smaller warungs. Ask for 'tanpa daging' (without meat) and be cautious of fish sauce, shrimp paste and chicken broth in soups. Larger cafes and restaurants in tourist areas usually offer vegetable dishes, tempeh, tofu and rice-based meals.
Vegan choices are more limited; communicate clearly (use phrases like 'tidak pakai telur, susu, ikan' — no egg, milk, fish) and choose vegetable stir-fries, gado-gado (check peanut sauce for shrimp paste) and fruit-based options.
Most food in Batu follows halal standards; look for halal signage in restaurants and ask staff if unsure. Pork is uncommon in mainstream eateries.
Carry allergy cards in Indonesian for common allergens and remind vendors about cross-contamination — many small kitchens use shared oil and equipment.