About Balekambang Beach
Balekambang Beach is one of the most popular tourist spots in Malang. People often call it the Tanah Lot of East Java. This is because it looks a lot like Tanah Lot in Bali, where there is a temple on an island made of coral. The island is located across from the beach. Although many beaches in southern Malang are similar, this beach is the most popular. It has a long coastline, white sand, and the majestic waves of the Indian Ocean. The temple here (Pura Amerta Jati) is also a place where there are regular ceremonies. This adds to the cultural and religious atmosphere.
Location & How To Get There
This beach is in Srigonco Village in Bantur District, Malang Regency, at the southern tip of Malang. The distance from the city center is about 40 miles, or about a 2-hour drive, depending on traffic.
It’s not easy to get to this beach. It’s far away, and you have to drive through rural areas to get there. There is no large access road yet. The beaches in Malang are different from the beaches in Bali or Yogyakarta. If you want to visit them, you will need to plan and be more adventurous.
Balekambang Beach is the most difficult of the two other tourist icons (Mount Bromo and Tumpak Sewu Waterfall) to reach.
Here are some options:
- Rental car: You can rent a car in the city center. Any type of car will work because the road is relatively flat. You can choose to hire a driver or rent without one. If you hire a driver, it’s better to look for a private trip.
- Rental motorbike: For people who love to explore, renting a motorbike is the most exciting option. There are many motorcycle rental services in the city center (near the train station), and the rates are relatively cheap, depending on the type of motorcycle rented. When you rent a motorcycle, they usually include raincoats and helmets, with two of each.
- Local tours: Many tour companies offer trips to southern Malang, which include Balekambang Beach.
Operational Hours & Admission Fee
This beach is open to the public 24 hours a day. The entrance fee is around IDR 15,000 to IDR 20,000 per person. If you bring a vehicle, there will be an additional fee. You can also visit the temple across the beach for free, unless there is a special ceremony. In that case, you will need to pay extra.
Interesting Things About Balekambang Beach
Pura Luhur Amerta Jati is a temple on a coral island. It looks a lot like Tanah Lot in Bali. However, this one is accessed by a bridge. You can visit this temple at any time, even when the tide is high.
The sunset is amazing. Watching the sunset on Balekambang Beach is one of the best things you can do.
Small coral islands. Three small coral islands make this beach even more beautiful. They are Ismoyo Island (where Amerta Jati Temple is located), Anoman Island, and Wisanggeni Island.
The beach is still natural, with white sand, big waves, and fresh air. These are the things that are similar about the southern beaches of Malang.
Activities You Can Do at Balekambang Beach
Photo hunting. Balekambang Beach offers beautiful and photogenic scenery, whether at the beachfront, in the middle of the bridge leading to the temple, or elsewhere.
They are going to the temple. Everyone is welcome at Luhur Jati Temple. You can visit it for worship or just to see the sights. Remember that the temple is not open to the public during ceremonies.
Enjoy the beauty of the beach. You can walk around the beach, play in the water, go beachcombing, or just sit and gaze at the sea.
Surfing. The waves here are great for surfing, but you can’t rent surfboards.
Enjoy the local food. Many food stalls around the beach serve seafood specialties from the south coast. Try them out.
Camping. Want to enjoy the tropical beach outdoor atmosphere? Try camping. If you don’t have camping gear, don’t worry. You can rent camping equipment like tents, mattresses, and stoves at many places. There is a designated camping area, so you won’t be disturbed by parked vehicles.
Useful Tips
- For safety reasons, it is best not to swim too far out. The waves are big.
- The best time to go is at sunset, when you can enjoy the beauty of the sunset on the beach.
- Bring your own personal items, like a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.
- Respect the local culture. Don’t go into temples or sacred areas during religious ceremonies.
- Make sure you have a way to get back, because public transportation is hard to use here. It’s best to rent from the city center.
Additional Facilities
Balekambang Beach is one of the most popular beaches in southern Malang. It has the most complete tourism facilities. The facilities here are varied:
- Spacious parking lot.
- There are food stalls that serve seafood and local cuisine.
- Accommodation (homestays and guesthouses)
- Public bathrooms require a fee.
- Rent camping and tent equipment.
- This is a camping ground.
