5 Epic Destinations In and Around Malang For Your Family Trip

It's only two months away from the long semester break and families are starting to think about where to spend their next vacation. A family trip is an excellent occasion for bonding and every single family would want a memorable one to reminisce. Should you go for a breathtaking scenic panorama? Adrenaline-pumping adventure? Or exciting theme park? If you can’t decide, why not go to a place that provides them all; Head over to Malang and get the best family-bonding experience in your life!

Located between four mountain ranges, Malang is blessed with cool climate and wide varieties of cuisine as well as tourist destination. The city has it all! There are just so many things to see and do in Malang and we figure that this can be quite confusing to choose which destination to go, especially if you are a complete stranger to the city. To pull you out of the confusion and inspire you, we have listed 5 epic family trip destinations in and around Malang that you can add to your bucket list.

1. Explore the Magical World of Harry Potter and Many More in Jatim Park 3

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Location: Jl. Ir. Soekarno No.144, Beji, Kec. Junrejo, Batu, East Java
Opening Hours: 12 p.m - 9 p.m

Who doesn’t know the legendary Harry Potter franchise? As one of the most popular recreational and learning parks in Batu, Jatim Park 3 brings the wizarding world closer to the local Potterheads. It offers a special attraction featuring Diagon Alley, where you can dress up as witch or wizard and stroll down the cobbled wizarding alley surrounded with magical supply stores. How exciting that is!

Besides the Diagon Alley, Jatim Park 3 also offers some other fantastic attractions that also worth a visit. For instance, the Dino Park which displays humongous dinosaur figures that will bring you travel back into the pre-historic era, the Legend Star Park where you can take pictures among traditional building replicas from various cultures from all over the world, and The Infinite World where you will enter spaces filled with mirrors and beautifully arranged colorful lights. The entry ticket is on the pricey side but the satisfaction of your family is guaranteed!

2. Have A Taste of the Legendary Oen Ice Cream

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Location: Jl. Jendral Basuki Rahmat No. 5, Kauman, Klojen, Malang, East Java
Opening Hours: 9 a.m - 9.30 p.m

If you are a fan of classic decor and your family loves ice cream or desserts, this place is a must-visit! Oen is an ancient restaurant in Malang which has been operating for over 83 years since the Dutch colonial era. At the front door, you will be welcomed with a huge antique signage in Dutch saying “Welkom in Malang. Toko “Oen” Die Sinds 1930 Aan De Gasten Gezelligheid Geeft” which means “Welcome in Malang. Toko Oen has been a place to gather and socialize since 1930”.

Recommended: A Classic Malang Dine In That Will Bring You Travel Back in Time!

The place has a simple yet classic interior design with plain broken white wall, red and white checkered table clothes, wooden tables and rattan chairs, old piano at the corner of the room, and white lacy see-through curtains. Many have said that Toko Oen is the specialist when it comes to ice cream. In other words, it offers the best ice cream in the city! Another great things about the restaurant beside its décor and various desserts menu is the fact that the ice cream they sell is homemade and free of preservatives.

3.  Fall in Awe with the Beauty of San Terra De Lafonte

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Location: Jl. Truno Joyo, Jurangrejo, Pandansari, Pujon, Malang, East Java
Opening Hours: 9 a.m - 6 p.m

Yes, you read it correctly. The name of the destination is San Terra De Lafonte and it is located in Pujon Sub-District, Malang, not in Italy nor France. San Terra De Lafonte, also known as Florawisata San Terra by the locals, is also one of the latest tourist destinations in Malang. It was officially opened for public in 2019 and is still in progress to be developed further. The entry ticket ranges from Rp 20,000 to Rp 25,000.

San Terra features an expansive flower garden as its main attraction. The place is said to be a heaven for anthophiles (flower lovers) as it displays up to 700 species of flowers. Besides strolling around the garden, you can also learn about flower nursery and propagation. In addition, the place also offers some Instagenic selfie spots with vibrant Korean and Dutch architectural style buildings as the background.
 

4.  Wander Through the Peaceful Boon Pring Andeman

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Location: Jl. Andeman, Dusun Kpn. Anyar, Sanankerto, Turen, Malang, East Java
Opening Hours: 8 a.m - 4 p.m

Looking for a Zen-like spot to relax your mind while the kids are having fun? This place can be a great option for you! Boon Pring Andeman is an ecotourism spot located in Turen, Malang. The place is basically a huge water reservoir surrounded by dense bamboo forest. Some even say that the forest offers the same beauty as the iconic Sagano Bamboo Forest in Japan!
 
There are some fun attractions that you can try out here such as water balloon ride, water cycle boats, and bamboo raft boat. The place also provides a spot for outbound activities such as flying fox, hiking, and trekking. Just like any other places, Boon Pring also offers some great selfie spots that provide you with the best angles of the location. Some people even choose this place as their pre-wedding photoshoot destination for it offers a peaceful, romantic vibe.

5.  Visit the Instagram-Worthy Gunung Banyak Sky Garden

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Location: Jl. Gunung Banyak, Gunungsari, Kec. Bumiaji, Batu, East Java
Opening Hours: 7 a.m - 12 a.m

The name might spark your curiosity of what the garden looks like. Does the garden floats in the sky? And if it does, how can we reach it? Well, sorry to disappoint but the sky does not float in the sky, despite the name. However, it does offer a fantastic panorama of the city and its surrounding from above the hill and plenty of fantasy-like attractions. It is accessible both my motorbike and car.

The Sky Garden's entry ticket costs around Rp 10,000 (might change due to certain circumstances). It is best to visit the location during the dry season which falls between June to October as the terrain can get quite slippery during the rainy season. At the entrance, you will see gorgeous root sculptures of fairies on each side of the gate. Some attractions which the place offers include flower garden, giant sculptures of mythical creatures, and tree houses for visitors to stay in.