Malang is one of the most visited cities in Indonesia, bustling with tourist attractions and popular food spots. As one of East Java's largest cities, it’s often referred to as a "tourist paradise."
Plus, Malang is home to several top universities, including Universitas Brawijaya, Universitas Negeri Malang, and Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang, drawing students from all over the world.
Here are fun facts about Malang:
1. Switzerland van Java
Malang shares a nickname with Bandung, known as the Paris van Oost Java (Paris of East Java), but it’s also dubbed the Switzerland van Java (Switzerland of Java) like Garut, West Java.
This is due to its stunning mountainous surroundings, including Mount Arjuno, Mount Kawi, Mount Semeru, and Mount Bromo. The city's beautiful landscape and thoughtful city planning give it a resemblance to the picturesque Swiss scenery.
2. One of the Educational Hub in Indonesia
Malang is well-known for its many universities. With over 45 higher education institutions, including well-regarded ones like Universitas Brawijaya, Malang has earned a reputation as a major educational center.
This impressive number and the quality of its universities attract students from around the globe,
making it a prominent destination for academic pursuits.
3. Unique Dialects
When you're in Malang, you'll notice a variety of languages and dialects spoken by the locals, such as Indonesian, Javanese, Madurese, and others.
However, one distinct dialect you'll encounter is called Walik-an or Reversed Dialect. This playful dialect involves reversing the order of letters or consonants in words.
For example, Ayas Kera Ngalam translates to "Saya Arek Malang," meaning "I am from Malang" in Indonesian. Walik-an isn’t limited to just Javanese; it also appears in Indonesian phrases like Umak (means You) and Ayas (means I).
4. A Must-Visit Tourist Spot
Malang is like a playground for travelers, with its cool weather and beautiful surroundings.
Imagine being surrounded by amazing mountains and natural wonders like Mount Bromo, Mount Semeru, Coban Pelangi Waterfall, etc.
With so many stunning places to explore, Malang truly earns its title as a "tourist paradise." It’s a perfect spot for anyone looking to soak in nature and adventure.
Read more: List of Tourist Attraction in Malang
5. A Food Lover’s Dream
A Must-Visit Tourist Spot In addition to being a tourist hotspot, Malang is famous for its culinary diversity. The city boasts a range of eateries offering delicious local dishes such as soto, sate, rawon, rujak, bakso and many more.
Many of these dishes come from people who’ve moved to Malang from other places and brought their special recipes with them.
So, when you visit, be sure to try some of these delicious regional foods.
6. Dive into History
Malang has a rich history waiting for you to discover. While Jakarta might have its museums, Malang’s Brawijaya Museum holds fascinating artifacts from Indonesia’s past.
Plus, Malang was once home to several ancient kingdoms, including Kanjuruhan, Singosari, and Majapahit. Exploring these historical sites is a great way to learn more about Indonesia’s heritage and the role Malang played in it.
