Sleepy lil town

Staying for a few days in a small town that sleeps at around 9 PM can be a challenge sometimes. Not if you're in Malang, a lively small town that's growing to be a small city. Experiencing a couple of rides using small transportation called "bemo" aka a 1,000 cc van can be fun if you know where to go despite the chilling wind of summer evening.

If you're staying at Santika Hotel, cross the road and hop in to a bemo with "AG" code. The first drop off is "Bakso President" by a small mall called "Mitra", take a walk into a small alley nearby the mall and just before a railway you'll find a small eatery called "Bakso President". It's a classic place to unwind your evening with a bowl of steamy meatball soup. Then go back to the alley's entrance and take "ADL"-coded bemo.

Ask the driver to drop you off at "Hotel Tugu". Smile and chat a bit with the friendly receptionists and ask for a quick tour de hotel. I'd recommend you to go with Alberto, a guy who's usually taking the helm at the reception. He speaks fluent English and a great guide. He would take you into the "Alley of Love", "L'amour Fou", "La Chambre de Romeo et Juliette", "Warung Shanghai" and end up at "Kafe Und". Grab a home-made gelato at Kafe Melati or Kafe Tugu before leaving the hotel. "Soy bean Crackers" finish fast, while "Lemon Cheese", a buttery and cheesy cornflakes cookies with subtle lemony flavor will surely tickle your taste buds.



Cross the hotel and walk around the "Tugu Monument" surrounded with lotus pool. When you're done circling the monument roundabout, go across and you'll find Malang's town hall. It's showered with downlights during the evening. Forget the chilling wind and head down the road, leaving the town hall behind you for another 200 meters towards the direction of "Kayu Tangan District" until you find a huge catholic church and "Toko Oen", an ancient ice cream parlor dated back to Dutch era. You'll meet "Alun-alun Malang" aka "Malang Plaza" (plaza refers to a public space in the heart of a town/city, not a mall). Take "AG"-coded bemo and head back to the hotel.

If you prefer to unwind you evening at Hotel Tugu, it is also recommended. Stay until late night by the pool and enjoy intimate talks with friends and your significant other at the main restaurant, the "Warung Shanghai" (a cafe basically) or "Kafe Und".