Malang Landmarks: Tugu, Ijen Boulevard, Candi
Two Layers of History
Malang’s sights come in two layers. The Dutch layer is the planned town of the 1920s and 1930s, with squares, a boulevard and Art Deco buildings. The older layer is temple country: Candi Badut from the 8th century and the Singhasari temples of the 13th. Most sights are free or cheap, and they are spread across a few kilometres, so a ride-hailing app saves time.
City Squares
Alun-Alun Tugu was planned by Herman Thomas Karsten in the 1920s. A lotus pond and the 1946 Independence Monument fill the middle. The 1927 to 1929 Balai Kota City Hall and Hotel Tugu overlook it. There is no fee, it never closes, and fountains and lights come on in the evening.
Alun-Alun Merdeka is the older Javanese square, with banyan shade, pigeon coops, playgrounds and fountains. Masjid Jami’ Malang, founded in 1890, borders it on the west, and the neo-Gothic Church of the Sacred Heart from 1905 sits on the south. The square is free and open daily.
Jalan Ijen Heritage Corridor
Karsten drew up this elite 1930s district. Royal palms line the central parkway, which is flanked by Art Deco and Indische villas. Look for Katedral Ijen at Jl. Ijen No. 2, built in 1934. Museum Brawijaya, at Jl. Ijen No. 25A, shows military history, and its yard holds the Gerbong Maut, a wagon from 1947, one of three that carried prisoners. Opening times are about 08:00 to 14:00 or 15:00 and entry is about Rp 10,000 to 25,000 (detik ). Sunday Car Free Day, from 05:30 to 09:00, turns the street into a walking and exercise zone with breakfast stalls.
Kayutangan
Jl. Jenderal Basuki Rahmat has been restored with cobblestone paving and heritage markers. Behind it, Kampung Kayutangan keeps 1920s Dutch houses, among them Rumah 1870, Rumah Jam and Rumah Namsin. The area is free and always open.
Temples
| Temple | Location | Date and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Candi Badut | Karangbesuki, 5 km west | 760 AD, oldest surviving stone temple in East Java, donation, 08:00 to 17:00 |
| Candi Singosari | Candirenggo, about 10 km north | Built about 1300 for King Kertanegara, two giant Dwarapala guardians 300 m west |
| Candi Jago | Tumpang, 20 to 22 km east | 13th century, narrative reliefs, restoration under way until 2027 |
| Candi Kidal | Rejokidal, Tumpang | 13th century, Garuda reliefs |
For Singosari, Jago and Kidal, expect small entry fees or donations. Check access to Candi Jago before you travel, since works may restrict visits.
Kanjuruhan
Kanjuruhan Stadium in Kepanjen is the site of the 1 October 2022 disaster that killed 135 people. The Jakarta Post reported in January 2025 that a memorial museum had been built at Gate 13, with a pillar bearing the victims’ names, paintings and the dented gate (report ). Families have contested the fate of the gate. Visit only as a mark of respect, and not as a casual attraction.
Read more: Walking tours in Malang for routes through these neighbourhoods.
For organised city tours, search Viator listings for Malang .