The Horseshoe Travel Guide

Planning a trip to The Horseshoe in East Java, Indonesia? Check out our comprehensive travel guide, featuring top tourist attractions, outdoor adventures, food and drink, accommodations, cultural insights, safety tips, and more!


Introduction to The Horseshoe

Nestled in the eastern part of Java Island, Indonesia, The Horseshoe boasts a paradise for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, history buffs, and adventure seekers. This horseshoe-shaped region is home to stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, waterfalls, beaches, and rice fields. Apart from the natural wonders, The Horseshoe also has a rich cultural heritage, reflected in its museums, temples, and traditional ceremonies. In this travel guide to The Horseshoe, we will show you the best places to visit, things to do, where to eat, stay, and how to get here and around safely.

List of Places to Visit in The Horseshoe

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museum Angkut: Explore an extensive collection of vintage vehicles from around the world, including cars, motorcycles, trains, and planes.
  • Cangar Hot Spring: Relax in natural hot springs surrounded by lush greenery.
  • Batu Secret Zoo: Get up close and personal with nearly 500 animal species, including Komodo dragons, orangutans, and pythons.
  • Tribuana Tunggadewi Museum: Discover the history and culture of the local Tenggerese people through valuable artifacts and traditional clothing.
  • Tumpang Beach: Soak up the sun and take a dip in the clear waters of Tumpang Beach.

Natural Attractions of The Horseshoe: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Bromo: Hike up to the famous volcanic crater and watch the sunrise over the misty landscape.
  • Madakaripura Waterfall: Trek through a canyon to reach this spectacular 200-meter waterfall.
  • Sempu Island: Take a unique trek through a tropical forest to reach a pristine lagoon, surrounded by cliffs and hills.
  • B29 Peak: Hike up to one of the highest peaks in East Java and enjoy breathtaking views of nearby mountains and valleys.
  • Pantai Sendangbiru: Visit a fishing village, bask in the sun, and taste freshly caught seafood.

Hiking/Biking Routes of The Horseshoe

  • Mount Bromo Sunrise Hike: This is one of the most popular trekking routes in The Horseshoe. The hike usually starts at midnight, and you’ll reach the volcano’s top just in time to watch the sunrise.
  • Madakaripura Waterfall Trek: The waterfall trek is a must-do for any adventure lover. The route takes you through a dramatic canyon with a mix of waterfalls and misty walls.
  • Sempu Island Trek: Take a challenging 4-kilometer trek through a dense tropical jungle to reach Sempu Island’s pristine lagoon.
  • B29 Peak Trek: This trek is recommended for experienced hikers only. The route offers stunning views but is quite challenging due to its steep inclines and rocky terrain.
  • Mount Arjuna Trek: Mount Arjuna offers a scenic trek through a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trek is not as challenging as some of the others, but it is still worth taking your time and enjoying your surroundings.

Best Things to Do in The Horseshoe: Activities and Tours

  • Horse Riding at Mount Bromo: Take a guided tour of Mount Bromo on horseback and experience the incredible scenery in a unique way.
  • Rafting at Pekalen River: Enjoy the thrill of white-water rafting along Pekalen River’s rapids.
  • Surfing at Watu Karung Beach: Surfers and water lovers can catch some of the best waves in East Java at Watu Karung Beach.
  • Riding a Jeep to Mount Bromo: Hire a jeep and ride up to Mount Bromo for a more relaxed way to explore the volcano’s scenic landscapes.
  • Attending Cultural Ceremonies: Learn about the rich history and culture of Tenggerese people by joining their traditional ceremonies such as Kasodo ceremony, Yadnya Kasada, and Ngunduh Mantu.

Week-Long Itinerary for The Horseshoe

Day Activity
1 Arrive in Malang and transfer to the hotel
2 Visit Museum Angkut, Tumpang Beach, and dinner at Toko Oen
3 Trek to Madakaripura Waterfall, lunch at a local warung, and spa session
4 Jeep tour to Mount Bromo for a sunrise hike, breakfast at local warung, and transfer to Cemara Lawang for lunch
5 Hike up to B29 Peak, visit tea plantation and Pangalengan Local Market
6 Take a trip to Batu Secret Zoo, explore Batu Night Spectacular, and dinner at Warungboto Lamongan
7 Visit Tribuana Tunggadewi Museum, Cangar Hot Spring, and transfer to the airport for departure

Food and Drink Scene of The Horseshoe

Must-Try Dishes

  • Rawon: A traditional beef soup made with black nuts and spices.
  • Bakso: A meatball soup made from beef, pork, or fish.
  • Sate: Grilled meat skewers served with peanut sauce.
  • Nasi Goreng: A fried rice dish with mixed vegetables, eggs, and your choice of meat or shrimp.
  • Soto Ayam: A chicken soup made with turmeric and spices.

Local Beverages

  • Es Dawet: A sweet drink made with coconut milk, pandan jelly, and palm sugar syrup.
  • Teh Poci: A type of tea served in a clay pot, usually accompanied by a plate of local snacks.
  • Jamu: A traditional herbal drink made with local herbs and spices.

Where to Stay in The Horseshoe: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Jawa Timur Park Hotel & Convention: Located in Batu, near several tourist attractions, this hotel offers great value for money and has fantastic facilities, including a water park and kids’ club.
  • Kalyana Resort: Situated in a quiet area in Malang, Kalyana Resort is perfect for those looking for a more tranquil setting. The rooms are spacious, and the service is top-notch.
  • Stay Awesome Hostel: Located in the heart of Malang, Stay Awesome Hostel is a great option for budget travelers. The hostel has fantastic facilities and a friendly atmosphere.
  • Tugu Malang Hotel: Tugu Malang Hotel is a unique hotel that combines traditional Indonesian architecture and modern amenities. The hotel is located in the center of Malang and has excellent restaurant choices.

What to Buy in The Horseshoe: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Batu Malang Apples: Batu Malang is a famous apple-producing region in East Java. You can buy locally grown apples and apple-based products such as jam and juice.
  • Traditional Textile: The Tenggerese people have their style of textiles, locally known as Tenun Ikat, and Batik has its style in the area.
  • Jajanan Pasar: Traditional snacks and sweets, including Lapis Legit, Wingko Babat, and Lupis.

Local Culture and Customs of The Horseshoe

The Horseshoe is home to the Tenggerese people, who have their unique culture and customs. Visitors should respect their beliefs and way of life. One of the most important cultural practices of Tenggerese people is the annual Kasodo ceremony, where they give offerings to the gods at the crater of Mount Bromo.

Best Time to Visit The Horseshoe

The best time to visit The Horseshoe is between May and September when the weather is dry and sunny. Expect less rainfall, comfortable temperatures, and less misty mornings, especially if you’re planning to hike up to Mount Bromo.

Do’s and Don’ts of The Horseshoe

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Take your trash with you and leave no trace behind.
  • Sample the local cuisine and try new foods.
  • Learn some Indonesian phrases and communicate with the locals.
  • Dress appropriately, especially when visiting temples and mosques.

Don’t:

  • Disrupt local religious ceremonies or cultural events.
  • Take anything from the natural environment, such as rocks or plants.
  • Disrespect local customs or people’s beliefs.
  • Be loud and obnoxious in public.

Safety and Health

Safety in The Horseshoe

Like any other tourist destination, The Horseshoe has its safety concerns. Visitors are advised to be cautious when using public transportation, especially at night. Also, be wary of people who approach you in the street and try to sell you something.

Health in The Horseshoe

Make sure you have all the necessary vaccinations and immunizations before visiting The Horseshoe. Drink bottled water and avoid drinking tap water, especially in more rural areas. Also, wear insect repellent and protective clothing against mosquito bites, especially if you’re visiting during the rainy season.

Getting to The Horseshoe: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near The Horseshoe

  • Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport: Located in Malang, approximately 60 kilometers from the center of The Horseshoe.

Bus Stations Near The Horseshoe

  • Arjosari Bus Terminal: Located in Malang, this is the main bus terminal for domestic and intercity transportation in East Java.

Other Options

  • Private Car Hire: This is one of the most convenient ways to explore The Horseshoe. However, be careful when hiring drivers, and negotiate prices upfront.
  • Motorbike Rentals: Renting a motorbike is a great way to explore the area at your own pace, although some of the roads outside main towns can be quite challenging.

How to Get Around in The Horseshoe

The Horseshoe has a reasonably well-connected transportation network, and visitors can get around using the following options:

  • Taxis: Taxis are available in some towns for short distances.
  • Buses: Buses run regularly between towns are the cheapest transportation option.
  • Private Cars: Private cars are available for hire for traveling between attractions and towns.
  • Motorbike Rentals: Renting a motorbike is a great option for exploring the area at your own pace.

Where to Go Next from The Horseshoe: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Mount Ijen: Located in Banyuwangi, Mount Ijen is famous for its blue fire, sulfur cloud, and milky-blue acid crater lake.
  • Tumpak Sewu Waterfall: Visit East Java’s most beautiful waterfall, with a height of 120 meters and a wide semicircle form.
  • Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park: Explore a vast National Park that includes Mount Bromo, Mount Tengger, and Mount Semeru, the highest mountain in Java.
  • Malang City: Explore the city’s rich artistic, cultural, and culinary heritage, including the Chinatown, Jodipan Colorful Village, and Singosari Temple.

Conclusion

The Horseshoe is one of East Java’s most picturesque regions, with a variety of natural and cultural attractions. This comprehensive travel guide offers an overview of the must-visit places, favorite activities, best time to visit, transportation options, health and safety tips, food and drink recommendations, and more. We hope this guide helps you plan your ultimate trip to this amazing destination!

The caldera of Mount Raung The caldera of Mount Raung


    Banyuwangi
    Jember
    Tretes