Singosari Travel Guide
City City in East Java, Indonesia
Ancient temple stones anchor Singosari, where the 13th-century Candi Singosari recalls the Singhasari kingdom; tourists combine visits to the ruins with Malang’s coffee shops, nearby plantations and mountain access toward Bromo.
Why Visit Singosari? #
Set in East Java’s highlands, this town is a gateway to Javanese history and volcanic landscapes. Candi Singosari (Singosari Temple) and other archaeological remains recall the Singhasari kingdom, while nearby Mount Arjuno and Malang’s cool farms offer scenic drives. Traditional wayang kulit performances and local Javanese cuisine add cultural flavor. Visitors often combine archaeological visits with hikes and visits to nearby coffee plantations.
Who's Singosari For?
Singosari is a convenient base for exploring East Java’s volcano country and the Malang area. Historic Singosari Temple and nearby trails lead toward higher terrain; many travelers use the area as a springboard for sunrise treks to Mount Bromo and nearby craters.
The district’s countryside has rolling farmland, small forested hills and cooler air than the coast, with easy access to Malang’s gardens and rural viewpoints. Short drives reveal waterfalls and coffee plantations, making it pleasant for relaxed outdoor days away from big-city crowds.
Local Javanese warungs and Malang-style street stalls serve spicy soto, rawon and sweet local snacks at low prices. Dining is honest and homey rather than upscale; exploring nearby Malang gives the best range of cafés and bakeries for food-focused visitors.
Couples can enjoy quiet temple ruins at Singosari and scenic drives through the agricultural valleys. Combine a peaceful stay here with excursions to evening markets and nearby guesthouses that offer javanese breakfasts and views of the surrounding hills.
Top Things to Do in Singosari
All Attractions ›
- Candi Singosari (Singosari Temple) - 12th-century Singhasari temple with reliefs and an evocative stone lion statue.
- Candi Jago (Jago Temple) - Majapahit-era temple famous for extensive stone reliefs and solitary guardian statues.
- Kebun Teh Wonosari (Wonosari Tea Plantation) - Rolling tea terraces near Lawang offering scenic walks and local tea tastings.
- Singosari Market (Pasar Singosari) - Bustling local market where you can sample regional produce and everyday life.
- Pemandian Air Panas Cangar (Cangar Hot Springs) - Forest-fringed hot springs popular with locals, good for post-hike relaxation.
- Coban Rondo Waterfall - Wide waterfall with easy trails and a nearby maze garden for families.
- Candi Sumberawan - Small hilltop Buddhist shrine surrounded by rice paddies, quiet and seldom crowded.
- Wukir Sumbersari viewpoint - Low-key hill viewpoint overlooking rice terraces and distant volcano silhouettes at sunset.
- Alun-Alun Malang (Malang city square) - Lively city square near colonial architecture, street food, and evening local life.
- Jatim Park 2 (Batu) - Family-oriented park with wildlife museum, animal encounters, and botanical gardens.
- Mount Bromo (Tengger Caldera) - Iconic volcanic crater offering sunrise viewpoints and lunar-like Tengger caldera hikes.
- Selecta Recreational Park (Kebun Raya Selecta) - Historic flower gardens and pools with cool mountain air and panoramic views.
Plan Your Visit to Singosari #
Best Time to Visit Singosari #
The best time to visit Singosari is the dry season (May-October), when lower humidity and clearer skies make temple visits and mountain hikes pleasant. June-August are the coolest, driest months; November-April brings heavy rains that can limit outdoor activities.
Best Time to Visit Singosari #
Singosari's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 18°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (2331 mm/year), wettest in January with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (378 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Heavy rain (352 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Heavy rain (332 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Heavy rain (209 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).
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July
July is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (229 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Heavy rain (344 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Singosari
Singosari is easiest reached via Malang - the closest airport is Abdul Rachman Saleh (MLG) and the nearest major rail/bus hub is Malang (Stasiun Malang and Terminal Arjosari). For international or many domestic flights you may arrive at Juanda International Airport (SUB) in Surabaya and continue by bus, train or car to Malang and then on to Singosari. Expect the last leg into Singosari to be by taxi, ride-hail or local angkot rather than scheduled airport buses.
Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport (MLG): The closest airport to Singosari, about 10-20 km from the town depending on your exact destination. The quickest option is a taxi or app-based car (Gojek/Grab car) - typically around IDR 40,000-120,000 and 20-35 minutes in normal traffic. There is no frequent scheduled public bus from the airport to Singosari, so taxis or ride-hailing are the usual choice.
Juanda International Airport (SUB): Located near Surabaya, Juanda is the major international gateway for East Java and is about 70-90 km from Singosari. You can take a DAMRI airport bus to Malang (Terminal Arjosari) - tickets are commonly around IDR 40,000-55,000 and the trip takes about 1.5-2 hours; from Arjosari you then take an angkot or taxi to Singosari (see local connections). Alternatively, intercity trains or long-distance taxis/ride-hailing from Surabaya to Malang take roughly 1.5-2.5 hours and are more expensive (car fares typically several hundred thousand IDR).
Train: The nearest major rail hub is Malang Station (Stasiun Malang). Intercity trains run from Surabaya (Surabaya Gubeng and Surabaya Pasar Turi) to Malang; travel time from Surabaya is about 1.5-2.5 hours depending on the service. Train fares vary by class - cheaper economy/long-distance services are the lowest-cost option while executive/AC classes cost more; from Malang Station you can take a short taxi or angkot to Singosari (10-30 minutes).
Bus: Long-distance and airport buses serve Terminal Arjosari in Malang (the main intercity bus terminal). DAMRI runs scheduled airport buses from Juanda to Arjosari; other intercity buses connect Surabaya, Banyuwangi and other cities to Arjosari. From Arjosari or Malang city centre you can catch local angkot routes or a short taxi/ojek ride to reach Singosari.
How to Get Around Singosari
Singosari is best navigated by a mix of ride-hailing/taxis and local angkot for short hops - ride-hailing apps give the most predictable door-to-door options. For longer legs into the area use Malang's rail and bus hubs (Stasiun Malang and Terminal Arjosari) and then switch to local transport; walking is pleasant for short distances around town.
- Angkot (local minibus) (5,000-15,000 IDR) - Small shared minibuses (angkot) are the cheapest way to move around the Malang-Singosari area for short trips. Routes are informal - pay on board (usually cash) and trips are short (often under 30 minutes to neighbouring districts). Services can be crowded and signage limited, so ask locals or your accommodation which angkot to take.
- Ride-hailing (Gojek / Grab) (10,000-120,000 IDR) - Gojek and Grab operate motorcycles and cars across Malang and are the most convenient option for door-to-door trips to/from Singosari. Motorcycle rides start very cheap for short hops; car rides are comparable to taxis but often cheaper and bookable via the apps. Expect variable surge pricing during peak hours or holidays.
- Local taxis (Blue Bird and others) (50,000-150,000 IDR) - Metered taxis (Blue Bird and local companies) provide reliable, air-conditioned rides; they are a good choice if you have luggage or prefer not to use a motorbike taxi. Taxis are more expensive than angkot but more comfortable and straightforward for newcomers. Always confirm the meter is used or agree a fare before you start if the driver requests a cash fare.
- Car rental / self-drive (300,000-700,000 IDR/day (vehicle rental)) - Renting a car is practical if you plan to explore East Java beyond Singosari - roads around Malang and Singosari are generally in good condition but can be busy during rush hours. International drivers should ensure they have the correct Indonesian driving permit; parking in town is usually available but can be limited at peak times. Fuel and toll costs should be factored into your plans for longer day trips.
- Intercity trains & buses (Train: varies by class (from low tens of thousands IDR); Bus/DAMRI: ~40,000-60,000 IDR) - Intercity trains from Surabaya (Gubeng/Pasar Turi) to Malang are frequent and comfortable; from Malang Station it's a short taxi/angkot ride to Singosari. Long-distance buses and DAMRI airport buses terminate at Terminal Arjosari (Malang), from where local connections run to Singosari. Trains and scheduled buses are best for longer-distance travel into Malang before switching to local transport for the final leg.
- Walking - Singosari and surrounding villages are compact enough for short walks; walking is the best way to explore local temples, markets and neighbourhood streets at a relaxed pace. Pavements may be uneven in places and shade limited during midday, so bring sun protection and water. Walking is also useful for short transfers between angkot stops and local landmarks.
Where to Stay in Singosari #
Where to Eat in Singosari #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Singosari's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Singosari #
Singosari is a small town just north of Malang, so most evening entertainment happens in nearby Malang and Batu. Expect quiet local warungs and modest bars in Singosari itself; for bigger nights, head to Malang’s Jalan Ijen area or Batu’s tourist attractions that have evening shows and night markets. Practical tip: motorbike taxis and short drives make getting to Malang easy after dark.
Best Bets
- Singosari local warungs and cafés - Low-key night options, friendly local atmosphere.
- Jalan Ijen (Malang) - Main city street with bars, cafés and student crowds.
- Alun‑alun Tugu Malang (city square) - Evening street food and local hangouts.
- Batu Night Spectacular (Batu) - Family-friendly night attractions and food stalls.
- Malang cafés and live-music spots - Small live venues near universities and hotels.
- Evening transport to Malang - Motorbike taxis and short drives get you to the action.
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