BATU CITY

Fresh green apples, cool mountain air, stunning natural beauty, and a whole lot of fun, are among the many appealing features associated with the pleasant town of Batu in East Java. Located about 15 Km west of the city of Malang or approximately 100 Km from Surabaya, capital of East Java, the town of Batu was dubbed by the Dutch during the colonial era as Klein Switzerland, or little Switzerland in Java for its sheer beauty. Nowadays, adding to the fascinating natural features of Batu, a number of exciting theme parks have been added, making it truly a vacation city for the entire family. Until 2001, Batu was administratively part of the regency of Malang, but since then it has become a municipal town in its own right.

Surrounded by three mountains :  Mount Panderman, Mount Arjuna, and Mount Welirang, the town of Batu sits on a hill between 680 to 1,200 meters above sea level  and has plenty to offer as a perfect  holiday destination.

Selecta , a tourist resort specifially constructed in 1928, sits on the slopes of Mount Welirang and Mount Arjuna, and is a favorite laid back resort since the Dutch colonial era. Here visitors can enjoy the lush green landscape, flower gardens, and a large lido. For those wishing to feel the refreshing hot springs, the nearby Songgoriti Hot Springs and Cangar Hot Spring will not only refresh the body but also relaxes the mind. Cuban Rondo, Cuban Rais, and Cuban Talun are some of the beautiful waterfalls around here that add to the natural splendors of Batu.

The  sweet green apple is the icon of this pleasant town, and with good reason,  since Batu together with Malang are known as the nation’s major apple producing centres. The apple plantations around the city have also grown as tourist attractions where visitors can experience the sensation of picking fresh apples right from the trees. Punten Village, Bumiaji Village, and Kusuma Agro are the places where apple is the main attraction.

Batu is also sprawling with exciting theme parks perfect for the whole family.
Jatim Park or East java Park combines recreation and education activities, making it a perfect destination for children. The park comes with a science stadium that can house approximately 300 persons and  comes  complete with indoor and outdoor science collections. The Water Park, Midi Skater, Airborne Shoot, are among some of the rides that will please visitors of any age.

 As addition to the first park, Jatim Park 2 was officially opened in 2010. With the same theme of recreation and education, Jatim Park 2 focuses more on the wildlife kingdom in its two main attractions: the Animal Museum and Batu Secret Zoo. With its Roman Architecture, the Animal Museum presents a collection of over 1000 pieces ranging from fossils, life scale animal diorama, and many more all in a modern style museum. The Batu Secret Zoo offers more than just a regular zoo. Aside from presenting some of the most unique collection of animals, the emphasis on “Secret” is implemented in the many revealing facts presented to visitors through various interesting media. Jatim Park 2 also features a tree style hotel called Pohon Inn (literally meaning Tree Inn).

Another sensation of Batu’s Theme Park is the Batu Night Spectacular located not too far from Jatim Park 2 complex. Opened in 2008, the collection of rides and other features are specifically designed for night recreation. Opening from 03.00pm local time in the afternoon to 02.00am, visitors will be thrilled to take on the gallery of ghosts, Rocking boat, Bumper cars, Vertical Spinning Bike, High air Bike, Go Cart, and other rides under the bright Batu moonlight.

Declaring itself as a vacation city (Kota Wisata Batu), Batu truly offers a complete experience for those who wish to get away from the bustling city life.