Batu

Batu sits at around eight hundred metres above Malang in a bowl of volcanoes - Arjuno, Welirang, Panderman - and the Dutch used it as a hill retreat for the same reason later Indonesians did: it is cold at night and grows apples, which are the town's crop and its identity, with orchards open for picking. Since the 2000s it has taken a particular direction, becoming a cluster of built attractions: Jatim Park in several numbered instalments with museums and rides, Museum Angkut with a large vehicle collection in staged streetscapes, Batu Night Spectacular, an eco green park and several selfie-oriented sites, alongside the older hot springs at Songgoriti and Cangar. It is one of the busiest domestic destinations in East Java and the weekend traffic reflects it.

History

Since the 10th century the area has been known as a resting place for royalty: under King Sindok of the Mataram kingdom the official Mpu Supo was sent to find a royal retreat in the mountains near water springs, found the area now called Songgoriti and built the Supo temple there. Local leaders trace the name Batu to Abu Ghonaim, a follower of Prince Diponegoro known as Mbah Wastu, shortened to Mbah Tu; the town was later a recreation place for Dutch colonial officers, and in June 2001 it became a city in its own right (Wikipedia, Batu, Indonesia).

What to look for

• Apple orchards - the crop the highland town is known for, open for picking.
• A cluster of theme parks - Jatim Park, Museum Angkut and the rest.
• Volcanic hot springs - Cangar and Songgoriti on the slopes above.
• A cold hill climate - genuinely chilly at night at eight hundred metres.

When to go

May to September; weekdays without fail. Two days.

What to expect

Weekend and holiday traffic into Batu is severe and parks are packed. Every attraction charges separately and the totals add up fast. The town is developed to the point of sprawl.

Nearby

Malang is south-east; Bromo is further east; Arjuno rises above.

Key facts