Things To Do
in Singosari
Singosari is a historic town just north of Malang in East Java, Indonesia. It hosts the ancient Candi Singosari ruins and sits among lush rice fields and rolling hills. The area blends traditional Javanese hospitality with easy access to the hill towns of Batu and Malang.
Visitors can glimpse temple ruins, rural life, and quiet cultural sights within reach of scenic highland landscapes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Singosari Temple, an ancient relic that showcases the grandeur of the Singhasari Kingdom. As the sun rises, the temple's intricate carvings come alive, providing a perfect backdrop for photography enthusiasts. Enjoy a traditional Indonesian breakfast at a nearby warung, savoring local flavors like nasi goreng or bubur ayam.
Stroll through the local market where you can browse handmade crafts and local produce, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture. Engage with local artisans to learn about their crafts and perhaps pick up a unique souvenir. Afterward, visit the Singosari Museum to gain insights into the rich history and archaeological findings of the region.
As dusk falls, enjoy a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant, sampling dishes such as ayam penyet and sate. The ambiance of the restaurant, often accompanied by traditional music, enhances the dining experience. Wind down the evening with a walk through the nearby park, where you can relax and reflect on your day.
Begin your day with a visit to the local art gallery that showcases traditional Javanese paintings and crafts. Engage with the artists, who often share the stories behind their works, deepening your appreciation for the local culture. Enjoy a light breakfast at a café nearby, featuring local pastries and fresh fruit.
Attend a Batik-making workshop where you can try your hand at this intricate art form, guided by skilled artisans. Creating your own batik piece allows you to connect with the culture on a personal level. After the workshop, enjoy a lunch of traditional Javanese dishes at a restaurant that prides itself on using organic ingredients.
In the evening, visit a traditional dance performance that brings to life the folklore and history of Singosari. The vibrant costumes and rhythmic movements provide a captivating insight into the local traditions. After the show, enjoy dessert at a nearby café, sampling local sweets like klepon or pisang goreng.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Local coffee or tea | $1-3 |
| 🚗Short taxi ride within town | $2-5 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $15-25 |
| 🛒Groceries for a week | $20-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Proximity to Malang and Batu for day trips and dining variety
- Rich history with Candi Singosari and temple ruins
- Reasonably affordable food and accommodation
- Friendly local hospitality and easy to navigate for first-time visitors
- Limited nightlife and public transport within Singosari itself
- English not as widely spoken as in bigger cities
- Some attractions require short drives to Batu or Malang
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Berapa harganya?" - How much is this?
- "Di mana kamar mandi?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Tolong" - Please
- "Apakah Anda bisa bahasa Inggris?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Singosari
Visit one of these nice places.
13th-century temple ruins set among gardens, offering dramatic stone formations and sunrise silhouettes.
Golden fields and canal networks provide expansive landscape compositions, especially at dawn or dusk.
Lookouts on the outskirts of Singosari offer sweeping sunset views over the city and surrounding plains.
Food in Singosari
Singosari Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant beef soup colored with keluak, usually served with rice or noodles and sambal.
Must-Try!
A signature meatball soup with springy meatballs and clear broth; best enjoyed with rice cake and fried shallots.
Rice with blanched vegetables, peanut sauce, and usually tempeh or protein.
Javanese fried noodles with vegetables and often a fried egg on top.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Traditional market offering fresh produce, snacks, and prepared street foods; mornings are best for tasting.
Portable snacks like fried foods, rice dishes, and sweet treats; great for a quick bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a smile and a handshake; use Pak or Bu with the person’s name as a sign of respect; avoid physical contact across genders in conservative spaces.
Dress modestly in public spaces, especially temples and during temple visits; shoulders and knees should be covered.
Safety
Tipping in Singosari
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; leave a small amount at cafés or for good service in restaurants; markets and street stalls usually do not expect tips.
Cash (Indonesian rupiah) is widely accepted; many places accept debit/credit cards and mobile wallets like GoPay and OVO; some rural stalls are cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Sunny days with mild to warm temperatures; ideal for outdoor exploring but bring sun protection and hydration.
Frequent showers and higher humidity; expect lush greenery, plan for rain gear and flexible outdoor plans.
Singosari at Night
Hiking in Singosari
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short and scenic hike to viewpoints around the Coban Rondo waterfall near Batu.
Forest-clad trails offering moderate climbs and sweeping views over the surrounding valleys.
Airports
How to reach Singosari by plane.
Malang’s primary airport; roughly a 45–90 minute drive from Singosari depending on traffic; offers domestic flights and connections to major Indonesian cities.
Surabaya's airport, about 80–100 km away; a major hub for domestic and international flights; onward road transfer to Singosari is via car or train to Malang then a short drive.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant in the area with rich cultural traditions and the Indonesian language style characteristic of Central Java and East Java.
Growing presence due to proximity to Malang’s universities and regional industries, contributing to a lively urban vibe nearby.
Small but present communities contributing to local commerce and diverse cuisine.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played in schools and community centers; easy to join a casual game with locals.
Seasonal local matches and informal play; a staple of community recreation.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Singosari.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
As a vegetarian, look for vegetable-centric nasi pecel or gado-gado options; request no meat stock and ask for peanut sauce on the side; many warungs offer tempe or tahu-based dishes.