Many people look forward to holidays. It is not only a time to relax, but also a time to explore new places and make wonderful memories. The city of Malang in East Java, a tourist destination rich in natural beauty and alluring cultural heritage, is one such place that has left unforgettable memories.
Located at the foot of Mount Semeru, Malang offers beautiful scenery and cool air. Our visit to Coban Rondo Waterfall was the first memory of my holiday in Malang.
At the sight of the towering waterfall and the rushing water it emitted, I was mesmerised by the unspoilt beauty of nature. The drops of water that refreshed my face brought a feeling of serenity and happiness that was hard to put into words. At the waterfall, I played in the water and didn’t forget to take pictures to cherish in my memory.
My next trip took us to Bromo-Tengger-Semeru Tourism, which offers a beautiful view of Mount Bromo. The initially dark sky turned into a stunning gradation of colours as the sun rose over the horizon. The sun’s rays gradually illuminate the sea of mist that shrouds the valley, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene. I savoured the unforgettable wonders of nature as we rode the horse to the top of Mount Bromo. The breeze from the mountains and the distinctive smell of sulphur added to the excitement of the moment.
Malang city not only has incredible natural beauty, but also has a rich cultural heritage. We had the opportunity to visit Jodipan, a colourful village famous for its beautiful artwork. Strolling through the alleyways decorated with artwork, I felt the vibrancy and life radiating from every corner of the village due to the colours. The atmosphere is warmer because the locals are friendly and they are fun to chat with, I stopped by a coffee shop where the locals invited me to chat. He told me about the origin of this colourful village, and I always captured the moment with a photo.
Malang has a lot of interesting historical and cultural heritage in addition to its natural beauty. We visited several historical buildings and temples that tell the history of the city. One of them is Singosari Temple, which mesmerises with its classical architectural style. I was mesmerised by the craftsmanship of the builders when I saw the reliefs and carvings that still exist on the temple walls.
We also visit Ijen Street, which consists of many magnificent Dutch colonial buildings. As I walked on this street, I felt a unique atmosphere where the past and present intermingled. In addition, we took the time to savour Malang specialities, such as Malang meatballs, rujak cingur and rawon. Each dish had an appetising, unique flavour and the taste of each food still sticks to my tongue.
Holidays in Malang are made more memorable because we can interact with the local people there. Malang people are known to be friendly and fun, and they are happy to offer information and assistance to travellers like us. Some local people volunteered to show us the way when we got lost without asking for anything in return. At a coffee shop in Malang one day, I was introduced to a local, and it turned out to be a fun and humble conversation that lasted almost an hour.
I had the opportunity to visit several tourist villages around Malang which still maintain the traditions and culture of East Java. I learned about traditional dance, folk games and handicrafts typical of the area. Every interaction with the local people opened my eyes to the rich culture and heritage that they so well preserve.
Next we went to the traditional market, it would not be complete if we did not taste traditional snacks, we also had the opportunity to mingle with local people. It was a very rewarding experience to see their daily activities, talk to vendors, and taste authentic and classic local food. By knowing more about the daily lives of Malang residents, we appreciate the diversity of Indonesian culture even more.I not only enjoyed my holiday in Malang, but also gained new knowledge and opportunities for personal growth.
Through this trip, I learnt to appreciate Indonesia’s cultural heritage and natural beauty as well as the importance of tolerance and hospitality in interpersonal relationships, many of my experiences were memorable here. For example, one of the most memorable moments was when I participated in a traditional ceremony in one of the tourist villages. I was warmly welcomed by the locals and invited to participate in the ceremony procession by wearing traditional clothes. Feeling the warmth of the local people’s hospitality and being part of their traditions was a very valuable experience for me.
This trip also taught me about the importance of planning well and being flexible when facing difficulties. Many unexpected events happened outside my holiday plan such as rain, tourist attractions were closed, what route to take to get to the tourist attractions, and many things. Sometimes plans don’t go as expected. However, with a positive attitude and willingness to adapt, we can beat any obstacle.
My holiday in Malang was an unforgettable and extraordinary experience. Malang has everything to entice travellers to visit, from stunning natural beauty to rich historical and cultural heritage. The trip also had an added value as we learnt a lot about the values and daily lives of Malang residents while interacting with them. And also I learnt the culture of the East Javanese people, I was taught the East Javanese language by the local people there. Not to be forgotten is the food which is very typical of East Java such as bakso malang, rujak cingur, and rawon.
I think everyone should enjoy a holiday like this because it’s really important to get away from the fatigue of the capital city’s traffic jams, fast-paced, so we should be able to make ourselves happy too by taking a holiday to see the natural scenery, typical food, and other cultures in Indonesia.
A holiday is not just visiting beautiful places; it is also a way to gain new experiences, learn about other people’s history and culture, and become better as a person. Malang has given me all that and more, and this holiday will stick in my memory forever.
By: Muhamad Rizky FathurRahman Subekti
Write and Win: Participate in Creative writing Contest & International Essay Contest and win fabulous prizes.
